Today the mule team had a very long day. Lots of movement, scouting, tracking of addresses and locations of need. Due to FEMA’s arrival at the location they were supposed to stage and go out of this morning, they had to leave the planned homes and locations to go to a new area.
Due to your generosity, we were able to share valuable resources and supplies with other organizations doing good work, as well as supporting the mule team with an abundance of supplies to bring out. They are moving further in, and have multiple places of need to assist. Tomorrow will be another big day out on the trail.
So far, we have not said much about the packers and mule team because they are not wanting the attention. But, I’m pretty proud of each of them and what they have done this past week and wanted to tell you at least a little bit about them. They have truly been selfless this week! Please keep them, and the mules in your prayers! We will update as we know more tomorrow!
Michele Toberer
Meet Our Mules —> We are blessed to have each of our mules – Amigo, Apache, Buzzkill, Jeb, Kev, Lil’ Wayne, Max, Smokie – and Vader, our draft cross horse, aka “Short-ear.”
Amanda Schumacher is one of the main mule wranglers. When she saw what we were doing, she was one of the first to offer and just jump in to help in whatever way she could. She helps take excellent care of the mules and knows all their favorite things! We appreciate her!!
Karen Rufty, owner of Five 11’s Livestock Hauling, has been an exceptional asset to the team, willing to help haul the stock to whatever location needed, and help take care of the staging camp and especially the camp dog, Elke! We are so grateful to her! Remember her if you need livestock hauled!!
Bob Howitz is Mike’s right-hand mule packer, they have been packing mules together for over 25 years! Mike and Bob were both members of the Mid-Valley Backcountry Horsemen in California years ago, and were also teammates on a Reserve World Champion pack team in Bishop, CA. Fun fact, Bob is riding Smokie, who he sold to us when she was just 3 years old!
Zack Toberer is our oldest son, and it meant a lot to us that he put off other responsibilities at his fencing company, T & M Fencing Company, to come help his dad this past week. Most people don’t realize, but Zack started packing at 4 years old and has won multiple world champion youth packer titles. He has also rodeoed his whole life and competes regularly as a team roper. We are so proud of him!
Slim Milan has been another great asset to the team, helping feed and saddle stock and always ready to help with any needs on the trail. We definitely have been grateful to have him along this past week.
Elke is Mike’s camp dog. She is a Wirehaired German Pointer, and a complete sweetheart! We all love that they have the same beard.
Mike Toberer is the owner of Mountain Mule Packers – and packing mules in the high country is what he loves. He has trained many groups to pack mules over the years, but his work with military special forces groups the past 13 years has been a highlight. He is an expert in his field and we are so grateful that he is using those skills to help others during this most devastating time.
