Don’t Be Stubborn! Meet the Mules at the University of Montana

An annual event lets you get up close and personal with a hard-working pack train free of charge.

UM News Service tells us that the U.S. Forest Service Northern Region Pack Train of mules will make their way around the University of Montana Oval this Tuesday, April 2, for one hour starting at noon. It's an annual awareness event for summer courses offered,  part of the fourth annual UM Summer Kickoff. But you don't need to be a student looking to go to class this summer to enjoy meeting the mules. The public is welcome to attend this free event.

PACKING AND PRIZES

Based at the Ninemile Ranger Station near Missoula, the mules do education events, help with community service and work for the Forest Service in Montana, Idaho and North Dakota. The pack string will circle the Oval and stop for a packing demonstration. This will be a hands-on experience where you have the opportunity to try your hand at packing.

Attendees can grab some from free snacks, promotional information and swag. You can also can try your hand at BINGO for a chance to win some summer prizes, including a YETI cooler.

HEAD MULE HONCHOS

The mules are led by Robin Connell, the regional pack train manager; Smoke Elser, a local outfitter and conservationist; packers from Back Country Horsemen of Missoula; and UM students. UM administrators will also be on hand to welcome the pack string back to campus.

With the promise of a mostly sunny sky and a high in the low 60s in Missoula Tuesday, it sounds like it could be a pretty good day to Meet the Mules. For more info on this event and other UM Summer Kickoff activities, go here.