What Happens to the Easter Bunny?

Nugget, Aspen, Dangerous, Nibbles and Ashley

People really confuse me. Once a year, they make a big fuss over something called the "Easter Bunny." Well, I am very familiar with the black-tailed jackrabbit also known as Lepus californicus or Sylvilagus nuttallii more commonly called the mountain cottontail. I have spent hours trying to catch one or the other while trailing Dangerous as he rides his horse on the High Plateau and surrounding desert country. For the squeamish, don't worry I have never caught one. I actually prefer the taste of caramel filled chocolate rabbits. I suspect the furry ones squeal when caught and probably stick to the roof of your mouth.

Rosie Searching for the "Easter Bunny"

I thought you might want to hear my theory about what happens to the "Easter Bunny" after the holiday is forgotten until next year. Actually, there are so many bunnies that it isn't just one thing that can happen, but they face many possible fates. The few lucky ones end up nibbling grass and alfalfa at Walking Horse Bill's barn. I have already told Aspen and Ashley that their bunnies have a home with these two former "Easter Bunnies" who munch grass and weeds relatively undisturbed.

Two Lucky Bunnies

You notice that I said "...relatively undisturbed..." in describing their somewhat tranquil existence. Even at Bill's "Easter Bunny" rehabilitation center a long-lived bunny keeps a wary eye to the sky. At one time, there were a lot more bunnies wandering the yard than there are today, and you can't blame the population decline on me. A long lived rabbit keeps one eye on me and the other watching for swooping shadows along the ground.

I Have "Easter Bunnies" On My Mind

I have another theory that some "Easter Bunnies" live to participate in even bigger, more important holiday celebrations. After seven months of fattening up, an unlucky bunny might find himself the center of attention at the Thanksgiving table. I understand that turkeys are starting a new campaign that includes the slogan "Eat more rabbit!" Or, was that "Rabbit the other white meat?" I will support either one as long as the selected species isn't canine.

A Thanksgiving Bunny

Once all those "Easter Bunnies" are turned lose, they can have a serious impact on the environment. To make room for the next holiday, humans sometimes take an active hand in determining my furry friend's fate. You might not want your children to see this next picture, but I had to include it to further explain what I think happens after Easter Sunday. It isn't pretty, but I suspect that even mom and dad who bought the rabbits in the first place soon get tired of cleaning up after them. You ever try to house train a real "Easter Bunny?" That's why I am not too worried about a rabbit soon replacing me as the family pet.

After Easter Clean Up on the High Plateau

Finally, I believe a select few, the really good bunnies, end up living the rest of their lives wandering the High Plateau. Over the years selective breeding has produced a super bunny that has incredible size and stamina. In fact, some people who don't ride horses have captured a few and put them to use as pack stock. While these evolved "Easter Bunnies" can't pack as much as a horse, they are cuter and more agreeable by nature than llamas. For you doubters, I have included irrefutable photographic evidence that these pack bunnies actually exist. I saw them with my own eyes and had Dangerous photograph them tied to a horse trailer at the Deer Creek Lake Trail head. Since I am reporting their existence on the Internet, my theory about what happens to "Easter Bunnies" has got to be true. Love to hear from you!

High Plateau Highly Evolved "Easter Bunnies"

Packed and Ready to Go

Spring Equinox

Dangerous and Rosie

As you can see, spring is a bit late in coming to the High Plateau. We had dreams of spending at least one night in Grover last week, but it will take another three weeks of sunshine before I can walk down the driveway. Dangerous did climb the gate with his show shoes on and got to the cabin, but the snow was too deep for this sheep dog. When he got to the porch, he had to step down from the snow drift to reach the front door. I waited in the truck with Utah Jack.

Snowed In

The Spring Equinox is a high religious holiday around our place because it brings the promise of warm weather. Ol' Dangerous has dusted off his hiking boots, brushed the horses, filled the propane tanks on the sheep camp, put wood shavings in the horse trailer, and oiled his saddle; but I think he is kidding himself. The season will start late this year. He tells me that in the 24 seasons riding the High Plateau this is only the second time snow has stopped him from spending the night in Grover. You can imagine Utah Jack's mood after riding 200 miles to see snow blocking the driveway. What does he have to complain about? He got to sit up front while I spent over six hours riding in the back of the truck.

Civic Beautification Award Avoided Again

There are some hopeful signs that spring isn't too far off. Dangerous can't use cold weather any longer to delay cleaning up the place. Trea won't listen to that excuse, and will have him out there cleaning up the backyard soon. With the snow receding rapidly, he has been outside policing up four months of "dog bombs" that Max and I dropped this past winter. Before he can even think about using the lawnmower he recently had serviced, he has to shovel off the lawns and pick up all the junk that has blown into the yard. If things go as usual, he will hit the yard work a hard lick until May and then start disappearing regularly. As you can tell from the picture, a spiffy yard and fancy house aren't high priorities.

The Coop

Utah Jack likes to make fun of Dangerous' yard care standards, but a guy who lives in a coop shouldn't cast stones. He might sweep the porch more frequently than Dangerous, but Dangerous does have indoor plumbing and a phone that works. Utah does have more cable TV channels which he needs to get through winter.

Yard Boy Wanted

I sometimes think Dangerous picks his friends based on their lack of interest in uptown living. As you can see, Bronze-Age-Man, one of Dangerous' good friends, reflects this attitude nicely. It might not look like much, but you can find about anything you need around Mike's place. If he doesn't have it, you don't need it! After living five long winter months in a drafty trailer, Mike will be the first to let us know when spring actually arrives on the High Plateau.

Spring Nymph

I always know when spring has actually arrived. For some of you, the Easter Bunny announces it, but not for us. When the spring nymph shows up in our backyard, I know it is time to head to Grover and really start the riding and hiking season.

I am interested in knowing how all of you wintered out. Drop me a comment or two about how you got through this long winter, and what you plan to do this summer. Love to hear from you!

By the way, I thought I should bring you up-to-date on two things. First, I am sorry that I haven't been writing as often as usual. With the cold weather, I haven't had many adventures to share, but with the start of warm weather, you should hear from me more often. Second I thought you should know that we found Frankie Lane dead in the backyard this morning. I want you to know that I had nothing to do with his death. Even I feel the loss!

New Year Resolutions

Every morning, Ol' Dangerous disappears around 6:30 AM. He sticks me outside in the dog pen; scrapes the snow and ice off the windshield of his truck; and heads to the American Fork Recreation Center. I wait patiently for him to show up a few hours later to let me out and to feed his horses. He tells me that this time of year the recreation center is crowded with people working on their "New Year Resolutions." For a few weeks, Dangerous has to share the track and pool with those resolved to get more exercise and lose weight. According to Dangerous, the crowds are usually gone by February 1 because exercising and losing weight isn't much fun. Don't get the wrong idea! Dangerous isn't all that virtuous. He is pretty thick around the middle, and he really likes to eat. Exercise is the price he pays so he can ride and hike in the spring.

I am not sure I understand all this resolution stuff. Dangerous tells me that I ought to give it a try. He has suggested that I resolve to stop barking, darting, and snapping at Dottie while he is trying to mount up to ride. He has also encouraged me to refrain from eating hot, steamy ones dropped by Dottie or LG in the trail. Dangerous doesn't mind me eating them. What he doesn't like is the big, wet lick I usually give him after.

Well, after some lengthy discussion, we came up with our 2010 "New Year Resolutions." Most of them involve me directly, but there are a few that Dangerous has to pursue on his own. For example, the Forest Service doesn't welcome me into their offices while Dangerous crusades to protect our favorite trails. So, working together, this is what we plan to do during 2010. Why don't you share your resolutions with me, and we can hold each other accountable during the year?

Continue the Fight

For years, Dangerous has spent a lot of time attending Dixie National Forest planning meetings. Unlike many of those engaged in the forest planning process, he pays all his own expenses. I guess he considers it a small price to pay to try and protect the few remaining non-motorized trails we love so much. This year he agreed to serve on the Dixie's Motorized Task Force charged to help implement the new Motorized Travel Plan. I don't get to attend, but I do hear about all the meetings afterward. I will keep you informed about what goes on during the year.

At Least One Long Backpacking Trip

Age is creeping up on Dangerous and his buddies, but he is still committed to hiking regularly. He might not backpack as often as a few years ago, but during 2010, we plan to make at least one long, wilderness trek. Sometime in February or March, I am sure you will see the notice about when and where we plan to go. If you are up to it, watch for the announcement, and plan to join us.

More "Sheep Dawg Kamp" Adventures

Keep your eyes peeled while driving Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, and Montana byways. You never know where we will show up. If you see the "Sheep Dawg Kamp" cruising down the road or parked in a meadow somewhere, stop for a cold beer and a snack. We are even more recognizable this year. Dangerous' son made him signs for the side of his truck. There might be other sheep camps on the mountain, but none of them will have a sign on the tow truck advertising "Parasite Ranch: Grover, Utah." If you see the sign, you will know for sure it's us. I will fill you in about the sign in my next blog.

Fly Fishing

Dangerous has invested a lot of time and money learning to fly fish. Actually, he has bought all the equipment, read numerous books, and attended classes; but so far, he hasn't wetted a line. Well, this year he plans to actually put all his book knowledge and equipment to use. Again, you are invited to join us. Look for us on one of the numerous lakes and streams on the Dixie or Fish Lake National Forests, and if you have time, join us the second week in July at Green River Lakes, Wyoming.

More Porch Time

After a long day in the saddle, we always retire to the porch in Grover for food, conversation, and sometimes music. Since we have resolved to ride more this year, you will probably find us, May-November, sitting on the porch listening to Fremont Bob spin yarns or make music. Fremont has had all winter to practice his music and refine his yarns, so drop by most any night if you want to be entertained. With a larger audience and more practice, we think we can get Fremont a Nashville gig next winter. Come by and help us out!

Promote Utah Jack's Career

If you stop by to visit, you will probably have to listen to Utah Jack's sales pitch. He is a bit short on cash, so he is trying to increase business. His LLC, "Lil' Buddy Budget Burials," didn't take off as planned during 2009. When you join us, humor him by stretching out on the porch after dinner, so he can take your measurements. At a low, low price, he can put you into one of his hand made coffins, and we will store your purchase in Grover for a nominal fee until you need it. Hopefully, Utah will see a huge increase in sales during 2010. Dinner is free, but you have to listen to Utah's sales pitch!

Another "Grover Boyz" Picnic

We plan to do it again this year, so pencil in the "Grover Boyz" picnic on your new 2010 calendar. Kay is helping again with a fund raiser. We only hope the Wayne County Sheriff doesn't shut her down before she earns enough to pay for the food, drinks, and supplies. Contact me directly, and I will tell you where to make your contribution. Make sure you keep Labor Day weekend open so you can attend!

Southeastern Utah Canyon Hiking

What would spring and fall be without our regular hiking trips to southeastern Utah? Dangerous and I are resolved to make at least two trips again this year to hike our favorite canyons and visit Anasazi Ruins. Get in touch with me if you are interested in joining us. Dangerous isn't the best guide on the Colorado Plateau, but hanging out with him and his buddies can be highly entertaining and occasionally, educational. You can help us continue our search for Evertt Ruess.

More Riding!

Don't forget that the horse riding season usually starts May 1. This year Little Guy and Dottie will travel in style to Grover. Dangerous bought them a new aluminum horse trailer, and we plan to use it a lot. I am sure you will find us riding all our old, familiar trials along Highway 12, but this year, I plan to get Dangerous back to some old favorites like the Fish Lake Hightop and Thousand Lake Mountain Flat Top that we haven't visited in years. So, load up your horse, and come join us!

Well, that's our list for 2010. If you think it sounds like more of the same from 2009, you are absolutely right. I always say go with your strengths and stay with what you know. Some people probably think we are really good at wasting time, but remember you are only wasting time if you would rather be doing something else. We try really hard to always follow the High Plateau motto, "it's always Saturday in Grover!" Love to hear from you!

Happy Solstice!

The High Holiday is Finally Here!

While most of you are scurrying around buying and wrapping those last minute Christmas gifts, Dangerous and I are outside closely watching the sun on the horizon. Starting today, December 21, the sun reaches its southern most point, and starts north again. From now until the Spring Equinox, we get an additional minute of daylight until late June. For us, the Winter Solstice is probably the most important holiday we celebrate all year. In three to four short months, we will be back on the trail again. So, to celebrate the High Holiday I thought we would share some memorable pictures from 2009. Season's Greetings to everyone who follows my High Plateau adventures!

January Snow Shoeing

Spring Brings New Life to the High Plateau

Camping in the Uintas

Escalante River Hiking

Summer in the High Country

August in Wyoming

Labor Day Picnic

Mississippi Max Visits in September

October Walking Horse Ride

Fall Trip to Southeastern Utah

November Birthday in Grover

Year End

Well, I hope you have enjoyed following my adventures this year. With a little encouragement, I think I can get Ol' Dangerous to keep typing for me, but I need to hear from you occasionally. Your comments and observations are important to us and all our High Plateau friends. Happy holidays!

The Miracle of the Christmas Tree

Merry Christmas Everyone!

To say that Ol' Dangerous doesn't like the holiday season is a bit of an understatement. He will tell you without asking that "Christmas is people spending money they don't have on gifts that other people don't want!" Rest assured that Dangerous had little to do with the four Christmas trees decorating our living room, or the sad set of lights in the front yard.

While he will tell you that he hates Christmas, I am not sure I believe him. He may not like all the gift buying, but he does love a good Christmas story. If you press him, he will tell you about the Lionel electric train he got for Christmas in 1956. Press him a bit further, and he will show it to you. He still has all the tracks, locomotive, cars, and whistle house stored away in their original boxes.

Since he won't own up to liking the holidays, I guess it is up to me to wish you a Merry Christmas. Because Dangerous is so cheap, I don't have any money to buy gifts, but I can share a Christmas story with you. I wasn't around when it happened, but I have heard Dangerous and Utah repeat it often enough that I know it by heart.

Years back, Utah and Dangerous used to load all seven kids into Utah's '77 Suburban and head to Grover to sleigh ride. Unlike other kids, they didn't get to slide down neatly groomed sledding or tubing hills. Their dads would hook their sleighs to the back of the truck and drag them at break neck speeds over all the snow packed roads. Maybe the miracle in this story is that no one was ever seriously injured or killed.

Well, one year, a week or two before Christmas, Dangerous and Utah were bouncing the kids along behind the truck when the Forest Service stopped them. You'd think a federal officer would be interested in protecting seven vulnerable children, but he wasn't. He thought Dangerous and Utah were on the mountain poaching Christmas trees. After a long conversation, they agreed to buy a Christmas tree permit to avoid any further suspicion. Even though neither one of them wanted a fresh cut tree, Utah wasn't going to waste the ten bucks he paid for the permit. So, the hunt for the perfect tree was on.

After a lengthy search, the two of them came up empty. Neither one was able to find a tree that met their exacting specifications. As you can probably guess, the Dixie National Forest is covered with millions of trees, but as usual, these two guys couldn't agree on one to cut and take home.

After a long argument, they decided to continue the hunt. They decided to split up so they could broaden their search, but I suspect it was to avoid further disagreement. Utah dropped Dangerous off on a snow covered dirt road, while he continued with the kids on the main track. They met back at the junction a short time later each with great news. They both had found the perfect tree.

Dangerous jumped in the truck, so they could quickly check Utah's find. Utah quickly drove back to the spot where he had parked, and they followed his tracks back to his perfect tree. Utah had located a beautifully shaped pinion pine just the right height. Well you are right to think the search was over, but the argument hadn't ended. Dangerous immediately wanted to know what kind of scam Utah was trying to pull, because he claimed they were looking at exactly the same tree he found on his own earlier. Needless to say, Utah thought Dangerous was trying to take credit for his find and pointed out to him that they had followed his tracks to the tree from where he had parked the truck. Without hesitation, Dangerous pointed out his own boot prints on the other side of the tree. Call it divine intervention or whatever you want, but the two of them had finally agreed on a tree even though they both found it while searching alone.

One of Four Miracle Trees

How about sharing a Christmas story with me? After hanging out with Dangerous or should I say Scrooge all the time I need something uplifting. Merry Christmas, and I always love to hear from you!