in the hush of the evening, as shadows lengthened across uncharted lands, we found ourselves amidst a group of mules, whose resilience could never be downplayed. our prearrival research had not prepared us for the sight; these creatures followed implicit commands, understanding our needs before we even voiced them. we made camp, planning to recommence from the start at dawn, our journals brimming with off-the-record details of our journey, a testament to the unexpected allies found in these silent, sturdy companions.