Monday, September 28, 2009

Return Visit

Mississippi Max Holds Up the World

Dangerous tells me Ol' Mississippi is one well educated, bright Southern boy. Well, if that's true, why does he come to Utah every year to ride a short horse that only turns right or left when he drags the toe of his cowboy boot in the dirt? Since Little Guy doesn't understand "Southern" and doesn't know any pressure cues, you can wear out a new pair of boots in a hurry. Check the toes of Max's boots carefully and you will see serious signs of wear.

Icons of the West

Actually, Max and Little Guy present dashing figures of the Old West. They were convincing enough to stop traffic on Highway 12. A pair of German tourists thought they had discovered the last living icons of the American West. Little did they know they were photographing a PhD from Mississippi riding a carousel pony recently escaped from a carnival. I suspect both Max and Little Guy will be famous when their pictures appear on You Tube. Let me know as soon as you see them!

The Right Way to Explore a Slot

I don't believe it's the company that brings Max back to Utah each year. It might be the different topography. Even a sheep dog knows that Mississippi is flat, green, wet, and humid. Where else can a Mississippi boy ride a horse into a slot canyon for lunch. Visit this spot with Fremont Bob, and he will tell you the story about Dangerous getting his horse stuck. Fremont reminds Dangerous every time we stop here to never ride his horse up a slot canyon without knowing if there is a place to turn around or a way out the other end. It's a lesson Dangerous learned the hard way years back. He was real lucky his horse could stand and spin on his back legs. Max and I decided to see the spot where Dangerous got stuck, but on foot.

Cowboy Skills

Max tells me that he returns each year to learn some new cowboy skills. He figures an old cowboy like Fremont will share his riding, roping, and shooting secrets with him. I think the only thing Max learned from Fremont Bob this trip was the art of cowboy reclining. Fremont spent a lot of time demonstrating the cowboy motto which goes something like this. "Never stand when you can sit, and never sit when you can lie down!" As you can see, Bob is an expert at what he preaches. The only thing he needs to complete the picture is another sandwich.

High Plateau Autumn Views

When you live at sea level, views like these are few and far between. We only wish the autumn colors on Boulder Rim had been a bit further along to impress our Southern guest. Come back a week later next year, Max! Max didn't complain about the horse, food, or views, so I suspect he will be back again. Love to hear from you!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Mississippi Max Makes a Return Visit

On Sunday, we will experience a rare event. A previous guest is coming back for a second visit. What Mississippi Max lacks in judgment, he makes up in southern charm. If you follow my blog, you probably look forward to reading his cowboy poetry that he frequently leaves as comments.

After riding Little Guy for a week and hanging out with the High Plateau bunch, we will see how his experience last year compares with his return visit. As a guest blogger, Max shares his 2008 visit with us.

Prone

I’ll begin with the following public service announcement…

“Officials in southern Utah have noted a tremendous increase in the
incidence of ‘Prone Disease’ in the immediate vicinity of the
Parasite Ranch just outside Grover. The symptoms are lethargy,
followed by temporary long muscle paralysis, deep REM sleep, and high-
volume, atonal snoring lasting for several hours. Though frightening
to little children and local wildlife, the sufferer is not in mortal
danger and will recover to near normal with time. It is not now known
how the disease spreads, but it appears to be confined to the
immediate vicinity of Parasite Ranch and may be related to the eating
habits of its denizens. Those not wishing to be exposed to ‘Prone
Disease’ are advised to avoid the area around Parasite Ranch,
especially at suppertime. Additional advisories will be issued if it
is determined that the condition is beginning to spread or is moving
toward urban areas.”

A Day At the Office

“A Day at the Office” is a picture from a ride I took with the Grover
Boys in June of 2008. I’ve had it framed for my office with the
following caption: “I’ve already had to deal with three today… don’t
make it four.” Dangerous says the caption is flawed and that it
should read, “I’ve already had to deal with four today… don’t make it
five.” I feel pretty sure I know what he’s alluding to, but I’ve
decided that’s between him and Utah Jack.


Reclining

Doesn’t this remind you of one of those Renaissance paintings you can
see in the Louvre? Of course Fremont and Utah Jack aren’t naked (for
which we can all be grateful) like those nymphs in the paintings
usually are, but they’ve got that “reclining in a field of
wildflowers” look down pat.

By the way, if you ever want to have a unique travel experience,
you’ve got to make arrangements to ride with Fremont Bob when he’s
hauling horses to a trail head. Not only is the conversation
stimulating, but the ride itself also promises to be memorable. First
of all, you’ll likely be sitting in the seat usually reserved for
Blue, Bob’s Catahoula Cur (and the only Southern boy on that trail
ride other than me). Blue won’t mind you sitting there, but be
forewarned that, when he gets good and ready, he’ll make himself at
home in your lap. When he does, don’t expect to nudge him to the
side. He’ll just look at you with an expression that clearly
communicates exactly who the interloper is in that truck cab. You
have two choices -- settle in and scratch Blue’s back or move to the
trailer with the horses. It’s your choice, and while he doesn’t care
much which choice you make, he does have a slight preference for the
back scratch. The other thing that makes the trip exciting is Bob’s
penchant for off-the-cuff comments at critical points during the trip,
like when you’re topping a long, high grade with several thousand
pounds of horse flesh following you and Bob might say something out of
the blue like, “You know, I’ve been meaning to get these ol’ truck
brakes checked. I’m pretty sure the trailer’ll hold; that should get
us by. Stay light in the seat just in case.” At that point Blue will
probably turn to you and grin. It seems that he knows all of Bob’s
jokes by heart.


Landscapes

In the right hands, this scene could inspire a work to rival those of
the great painters of the west. Even more revealing is that it’s not,
in my opinion, the most beautiful landscape I saw on this ride. I
hate to spoil that thought with comment, but Boulder Mountain and its
surrounds are truly areas to be treasured. I can see why Doug gets so
“heated up” when talking about the things that threaten its pristine
existence. Personally, I hope there will always be a resident
curmudgeon like him tramping around the Boulder who loves the place
dearly and will gladly share it, but who will fight to his last breath
for its natural beauty and wildness.

Snow?

Now here’s a fun thing to try sometime. You’ll probably get a good
laugh out of it. Take one good ol’ boy from south Mississippi, put
him on a mountain in Utah in June, and watch him grin like a goat
eatin’ briers. “Did ya’ll know there’s snow up there?!! I don’t see
much snow in January, much less June!” I’m pretty sure the Grover
Boys got a real kick out of watching me that day. I know Rosie
enjoyed the snow about as much as I did, but for a different reason.
By this time on the trail ride, her paws were a bit tender. She stood
in that snow as long as we were still in sight, just coolin’ ‘em
down. Smart dog.

Bear Country

This is a picture of Ole Dangerous, Dottie, Fremont, Hemingway, and
Blue making good time though bear country. They had been showing me
all the scratch marks on the aspen for the last several miles and I
think may have gotten themselves a little spooked. Of course they’d
deny it, both being noted bear wrestlers in the Boulder Mountain
area. At least that’s what they told me…

Mississippi and Chief

“His day of playing cowboy

Is like a healing hand

Of things that draw the hourglass

This one is worth the sand”

‘Nuff said. Thanks, Rosie.

Well, Max gets here Sunday, and we head south as soon as his airplane lands. Wish him luck, and I am sure you will here about his next adventure riding the High Plateau. Love to hear from you!

Friday, September 11, 2009

"Grover Boyz" Picnic 2009

Utah and Dangerous

Fifty-five brave souls ignored threatening weather to eat and socialize at Wildcat Guard Station. Snug and dry in my dog pen I watched Utah and Dangerous serve up hamburgers, hot dogs, corn-on-the-cob, watermelon, and homemade cookies to friends and family. Ignoring the cold, rainy weather most everyone stayed until dark enjoying food, conversation, and music. If you missed this year's Labor Day picnic, mark your calendar because the "Grover Boyz" plan to do it again next year. It may become the High Plateau social event of the year!

Shucking Corn

An odd collection of kids, family, friends, and dogs camped for three nights to help the "Grover Boyz" prepare the picnic. Seven dogs and five kids discouraged others from camping next to us. Other hopeful campers looking for a quiet spot stopped but didn't stay long after seeing all the kids and dogs roaming about. Frequent dog poop patrols were required to keep the kids from tracking it into the trailers and sheep camp.

Dogs and Kids Welcome

As usual, Utah and Dangerous were in rare form. They started the program with their usual stand-up comedy routine. Fortunately, their comments were brief, and focused only on two riding buddies who constantly give them grief. Dangerous' musical performance is probably why his wife Trea chose to go rafting with her brother in Wyoming rather than attend the picnic. She knows her husband can't sing a lick, and didn't want to suffer further embarrassment. Even 500 miles away, I am sure she felt a tinge of shame as Dangerous made a fool of himself.


Utah and Dangerous Recite and Sing

Those who braved the weather and stayed got to hear local talent perform. After eating their fill, out came the guitars, banjo, and concertina. While the conversation continued in the background, music filled the mountain air.


Wildcat Singers

At dark, the party broke up with most everyone driving back down the mountain to their homes. But, a few lucky ones chose to stay and moved across Highway 12 where the fun continued. Sunday night found Utah's and Dangerous' families and a few hardy friends gathered around a roaring camp fire roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over an open fire. The kids and dogs rolled in the dirt while the adults sat around the fire sharing stories and trading their usual, good natured insults.

The Fun Continues

To thank everyone individually who helped or attended isn't possible in the space available. Many family members and friends volunteered time and prepared food to make the picnic a success. I have included a few pictures of those who helped.

John, Lindsay, Theo and Assorted Dogs
(Thanks Lindsay for the Video)

Dangerous, Chris, Lisa, Bryan, Aspen Too, and Ashley

Utah, Aspen Too, Theo, Kay, Preston, and Powder
(Great Cookies Kay!)

Remember, pencil in the "Grover Boyz" Labor Day picnic for next year. We plan to repeat the event at the same location. Hopefully, the weather will be better. I would love to hear about your experiences visiting with family and friends. I will pass your comments along to Dangerous and Utah so they can make next year's gathering even more fun and entertaining. Love to hear from you!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

There is A Lot to be Said About Walking

While Dangerous and I are wandering all over the West, Teri and her dog Lefty step out their back door into a wild, beautiful world. They don't have to look far to find adventure. Ever adventuresome Lefty may find more than he bargained for at the bottom of a badger hole. You won't find me sticking my nose into a place it doesn't belong. I plan to keep my nose attached to my face.
Walking with Lefty

Up to His Shoulders in Trouble


Teri shares:

"I’ve done my share of hiking, camping, fishing, riding and one 3 day backpack in the Grand Gulch. I’ve hiked the Southern Colorado Mountains, near Trinidad, the Rockies, my favorite being Rocky Mountain National Park, Lake of the Ozarks State Park, loop trails near Wilmington, Delaware, beach trails in Rehoboth beach, all up and down the California Coast, my favorite, Fort Bragg, Lake Tahoe area, a couple jungle hikes in Panama and all the trails in Capitol Reef.

Master Lefty says, well that all changed when I came into the picture, because even well mannered dogs, such as myself, are not allowed to hike in National Parks, even with leash on. My entire back yard is dog friendly, and an abundance of wildlife. I snagged my first bunny, chased down bucks, though never caught up with them, lizards galore, dens in the big black rocks, some day I’ll know what lives in them, getting close to the pit on one special dig, nesting birds, butterflies, crickets, one snake, my mistress save me from that one! I insist we walk every day, sometimes twice a day. Most of the time I even come when my mistress whistles, only if I’m not preoccupied, she has had to drag me away from interesting things in the past, probably in the future. There is so much to explore, the mornings are different than the evenings, the lighting changes everything, sometimes, a camera in hand is useful. Although I do get to go in the car and pickup Maynard, my best buddy for a swim at my favorite pond, mostly we just walk in our backyard. The scenery is awesome, and there are miles and miles begging to be explored. She hasn’t worn me out yet, I love to take walks with her, and the bonus is she is getting in shape, can almost keep up with me!

I agree, why drive miles to take a hike when I can just look out from my back porch and decide which way are we going today, and no roads or leashes allowed.

Thanks to Rosie for inviting me to be a guest blogger!"

Here are a few pictures from Teri and Lefty's backyard. As you can see, they don't have to travel far to enjoy the great outdoors.



Dangerous tells me that Teri and Clark are the two best cooks he knows on the High Plateau. Since I have to wait in the truck while they dine, I have to take his word for it. Maybe one of these days Dangerous will sneak me a helping of smoked pork ribs or oven roasted leg of lamb. I will let you know if their cooking stacks up with the left-overs I get to sample on occasion. Teri, Clark, and Lefty live in Teasdale; and Dangerous, Utah, Fremont Bob, Bronze-Age-Man, and many others are regular dinner guests.

Remember, the "Grover Boyz" picnic is Saturday. Hope to see you there!