Sandal Wearing Adventurist

The Small Town Loss

2012-01-17T20:33:00.000-08:00

I grew up in what I consider a small town. Well, at least it was when I was growing up. I moved from a midwest state into a small, but growing town.  I moved there in 1974 when I was one and the town did not become incorporated until 1978. We can battle back and forth, but the population at that time was between 5000 and 15,000. Yep a big difference, but all in all it was small.

The community technically started as a Army Air Corps rest camp during WWII, but the real start in my eyes was when Mr. McCulloch brought over his manufacturing plant and began to start the growing town. There was already the lake there dammed up by the Parker Dam, but other than that it was primarily a piece of desert next to some water. Mr. McCulloch had to bring in people in order to start this wonderful community.

McCulloch had purchased 11 Lockheed Electras, and formed McCulloch International Airlines, to fly in prospective buyers from all over the country. Splashy magazine ads enticed snow-weary would be customers to take a free flight to Paradise. When they arrived, they were greeted by one of the Holly salesmen, who taxied them around in the trademark white Jeep. In all, there were approximately 40 identical vehicles in the fleet, said to be the largest contingent of white Jeeps in the world.--Havasu Magazine

Many of my friends' parents arrived in Lake Havasu that way. Now, I'm not exactly sure if my father came way of the Electras, but I have to assume he did. He came out to look at a redi-mix plant since that's what he was doing back in the midwest. Bet he kicks himself all the time for not purchasing it. Well, if you know me, then you know what he ended up buying. Gotta say I enjoyed that rather than I would have a redi-mix plant.

For the most part, I went to school from kindergarten to 12th grade with the same bunch of people. Granted some of them went to those other lame elementary schools, but we were all together from 8-12th. I know some people moved away, but to be honest, we really did not feel your loss. What I mean by that is that today with facebook, it seems you were always with us. There were those of you that entered our lives between those 12 years and after putting you in your place, we welcomed you.

But we have had our share of losses. And to me being from what I consider a small town, I feel we have had too many. We have had too many that have died before their prime. There are too many that have died prior to their 40th birthday. Crap there were too many that died before their 30th. And a few before their 20th.

My question of why will never be answered. But for a city that supposedly grew by 1,000 each year from 1964-ish,  that is too many for a town of roughly 30,000 by the time I graduated. And may be other towns have the same number, but I guess when it is your hometown, it hits home.

The first classmate's funeral I attended was for Nikki. I remember sitting at that funeral surrounding by friends and enemies (enemies is not the right word, rather people I clearly didn't care for). I remember that day perfectly like I was sitting there right now.   I remember realizing that I needed to make those enemies my friends because there was only a few thousand of us. My graduating class was 221/222, which means roughly the entire school during my four years was probably no more than 1200. Crap some high schools today have that in one graduating class.

I'm not saying I knew everyone in my high school. I definitely wasn't friends with all of them. Because like most schools, there were the clicks, chicks, and jocks. But in some weird sense, I did know them. And what I have found over the years is that I've become to know more and more of them because we keep meeting at these memorials.

I have 364 friends. Almost one for each day of the year. Seems like after each one of these memorials, I add a few more. It isn't that I don't like adding new friends, even though only 120 wished me a happy birthday, but I am sick of doing it after memorials.

Those that have gone before us watch over us constantly and I am somewhat grateful for that, but I sure in the hell wish they were watching over me standing next to me in person. Jeff's brother recently wrote-don't forget him. We won't and we won't ever forget the others as well.

Am I the only who thinks for a small town, we've lost way too many?

Stay safe my fellow classmates, stay safe.

The Big Chill

2012-01-05T19:12:00.000-08:00

I believe one of the greatest movies ever made is the Big Chill. I realize some people don't think so, but I love the movie. One of those I could watch over and over. Do you know Kevin Costner is in that movie. He is Alex. In the beginning of the movie, the group of friends receive telephone calls and then start preparing to go to a funeral.

As many if not all of you know that I wear the green and grey to work every day. I will admit that during the winter, I rarely change my shirt, and hell in the summer I just spray febreze on it. It is called laziness. Otherwise I have to take off the name tag, badge, and all the stuff in the pockets and move it all to another shirt. Um, yea like a 2 minute project, but as I said laziness.

Every time I prepare my uniform shirt for my Monday after my weekend or a vacation, the beginning of the Big Chill always rolls through my mind. I do not know why but it always has.

As you know on January 1, 2012 the National Park Service lost another fine Park Ranger, Margaret Anderson. I did not go back to work until January 4th, which if you are still a friend of mine on fb, you know it is the greatest day in the world or my birthday.

As I dressed that day for work and slipped the black elastic band over my badge, I thought back to the beginning of the Big Chill. I stood there getting dressed looking out the the window to the most beautiful scenery. The words that flashed through my mind at that moment were not what I expected...

"This might be my last"

It wasn't really a mordid thought, it was just a truth. However, I do not think Margaret woke up January 1st and thought that.

I have decided for my birthday and for the rest of my life, I will celebrate every morning that I wake up. Life is a celebration so CELEBRATE while you have it.

Peace

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFSBNkpa0os - The grey and green

Envy My Job?

2012-01-01T19:13:00.000-08:00

I agree that I have worked in some of the greatest and beautiful locations in the United States. I can see why you envy my job at times. Most of the time I post the bonuses of my job...the hikes, the beauty, the quietness, the peace...well technically the good side. And most other rangers will post the same thing.

What we don't normally post is the law enforcement side of our job. We don't talk about getting yelled at by irate visitors because we pulled them over for traveling 60 mph in a 35. We don't talk about the high speed chases and taking out individuals at gunpoint. We don't talk about going into the marijuana grow and having shots fired at us. We don't talk about protecting the park, but in reality protecting the U.S. border (www.nps.gov/orpi) We don't talk about having to handcuff, search, and take people to jail. We don't talk about having to search some of the most disgusting vehicles. We don't talk about having to do CPR on a person for 40 minutes knowing damn well that person is going to die.We don't talk about the 12 hour hike to attempt to find a lost person. We don't talk about the pucker factor. Those things aren't beautiful and peaceful to me or you.

United States Park Rangers handle calls just like the city officers. Some will say we don't deal with murders, but unfortunately we do....

- Rest in Peace Margaret

- Rest in Peace Kris

- Rest in Peace Joe

- Rest in Peace Steve

- Rest in Peace Kenneth

- Rest in Peace Robert

- Rest in Peace James

- Rest in Peace Karl

Please read each one and remember. They all hit a cord within me, but Steve's is always on the front of my mind when dealing with visitors for non-violent incidents.

I only listed the ones I could find in the NPS, but there are many more in the land management field (Forest Service, BLM, State Park Rangers) and honestly any other agencies. When Brody was shot one year ago, it was amazing how many agencies and individuals who had never met Brody sent him well wishes, prayers, and thoughts. Even today on Brody's facebook page, there is people who stop by to say a kind word. The law enforcement world, whether protecting a city or a park, is a family. The quote below says it all....

"When a police officer is killed, it's not an agency that loses an officer, it's an entire nation." -Chris Cosgriff, ODMP Founder

So I guess I ask again....do you envy my job?

December 17, 2001

2011-12-05T08:56:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting at NH well aware of ME. Aware I'm sitting here ocassionally watching the game, catching a glimpse of a layup. Heads up when the rim snaps. Just aware. So aware of all the sounds and noise. Aware. Yea, just aware. That's what life must be. Aware and that equals being mindful. Today-that's what life has been. Just completely mindful of everything. From waking up to the quiet sun to doing my laundry to watching the movie. Tomorrow, not too far away, will I remember it all? A little, but why because it is yesterday and I'm only living todays now. Smile. Today, and what a day today has been. It has been all me. And so mindful. The weather was just perfect. Spending time with friends. Just quality time-talking life but mindful of that life. Just smiles of the day.

December 12, 2001

2011-12-02T17:04:00.000-08:00

What is life? I need to know to live it, achieve it, be it. Guess I'm living it and somehow achieving it. Yea, I'm being it. Weird how your mind questions such trivial things. Life is breathing-waking up each morning, falling asleep each night, and going onto the next day-tomorrow.

A great philosopher once told me to just keep waking up and everything works out eventually. Funny how it worked. Think I even argued his point. But I did keep waking up even though quite difficult and one day everything hit, clicked. I'm not saying life is 100% on the up and up, but it is going up.

Sometimes I feel like I got life all figured out. And I'm living it right, properly. I'm living today. However I am dying as well. Each morning I wake up, a piece of me was left with yesterday. As I strive to live today, yesterday is just a diminishing memory. For the memory might ride with me to my death, but that is all it is.

Anyway, I realized waking up is a great thing even if quite difficult at times. Waking up is a key ingredient in my purpose. Kind of I guess. Because if I did not wake up then I would have ultimately achieved my purpose.

Always hear "you learned something new everyday". Yes, but don't you find the smallest things you learned, the most important? Well may not the most important, but you always say "I've learned something new today". And that might be something as simple as blocking your # on your cell phone. However all through the day you were learning and gathering, calculating, remembering, and storing. More or less, living and as more important information was stored, others were discarded to the grave-dead so to speak. Life and living it is a marvelous entity.

My Purpose

2011-12-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

Between 2001-2002, my writings were off the wall. I often consider self-publishing a book them. They were some of my best I believe. Of course that is my opinion and personally don't give a crap about your opinion. But nonetheless, I throw them onto this site.

So why were they off the wall...many reasons I believe. In 2000, I gave up a ton of stuff and lifted a nonexistent elephant off my chest. I was exploring my spirituality, sexuality (click and read the ...has three stages), and life-ality. Primarily I was exploring life. During the next several posts, I am going to throw out those words I wrote.

December 3, 2001
I question what my purpose in life is. And as I sit here at NH I come to think life doesn't really have a purpose. Our, my purpose is to simple live and die. And through those two stages, I must learn and experience all I can. I must feel all I can-pain, sorrow, love, etc. And of course learn from the feelings. I will make mistakes and learn from it. And when I die if there is an afterlife, I will have these to learn and experience more. In yesterdays I was constantly searching for the purpose of my life. Constantly wanting the answer, but sitting here tonight the answer just blew through my mind. My purpose in life is to live. And I realize this must be fully. It must be lived to potential of tomorrow's lessons but living only in this exact time, this moment. Not 5 seconds from now, right now. I must get back to being mindful. I'm sitting here writing, smiling. I'm sitting here living my purpose.

The smile that was once shining so brightly and often and disappeared...its here tonight. Why? I think may be because I found my purpose but may be because life just seems right. Calm, peaceful, and quiet even thought I live in the noise-filled busy city. Just feels right!

What is your purpose in life?

I'm Searching....or may be wandering

2011-03-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

The year was 2000 and a conversation with a friend about an old school chum made me give away or sell off most of my life for a simpler life. And when I did so, I felt a huge weight lifted off my chest. The funny thing is that my life at the time was great so it is interesting that the elephant was lifted. I got rid of my cable, sold off over 500 cds, quit wearing a watch, and some how enjoyed life so much more. I got a tattoo of a symbol that stood for Simplicity. I started listening to Christian music which is very surprising because I am not religious at all.

About this time I started exploring different churches. I was born into a Catholic family and had actually started going to the exercise session every Sunday. Then I decided I would try some other churches. I cruised over to the Black Baptist with my friend. I was not the only white person there, but I did crack a joke and asked if the white people did sit up in the balcony. I attempted to go to the Church of Scientology, but they were never open. I also dropped in at a Mormon church while working in Utah. That was interesting. I However what I found in all the visits was that they were primarily the same.

But then the same person who I had a conversation about the school chum turned me onto Buddhism and the likes. And I started reading The Miracle of Mindfulness, books on Tao, and the Buddhist bible. That is when my spirit started to really soar. I even went out to a temple in Arizona, but I couldn't get myself into the lotus position. Shortly afterward I moved to Utah.

And then I started hiking to some amazing places and walking with the spirits of the ancients ones. And my spirit soared even more and I felt I was one with myself. And for me it was truly a religious experience.

And then somehow I backed away from it all. Not that my life spiraled downward or anything like that, but I guess my spiritualness was lost. Left hanging out in the wings for me to find it. And so I'm starting to search for it. One of the reasons I am starting to delve into the religious realm again is because in the last several months I have listened to some people talk about theirs lives. Two of those people were officers that were shot during stops and in both incidents they credited their belief in their faith for getting them through it all.

So in the last couple of months, I've been talking to my guru about it all. He is a wonderful friend who is religious in all senses, but can also hold a conversation without the mention of God once. Obviously, in our discussions lately we've been discussing what people call God and faith. Not once has he ever slammed his religious beliefs down my throat, but he questions, challenges, and throws out some ideas that make me think um, well, may be, or definitely not. So thanks Pastor or Reverend.

Today on the all famous FB, I posted the question to friends about God. Of the 16 comments so far, 12 of you went with God or some form of it. To me, it was the seat belt, but thanks for your honesty. What I am curious about is why you believe so highly in God or a higher being? Comment on here or drop me a note either at FB or if you have my email.

On with my search.

29 Days In

2011-01-30T17:34:00.000-08:00

My cellphone rang exactly at 8pm yesterday. I looked at the caller ID and wondered why she would be calling at this time of night. I answered with hello. I could tell she was hesitant. Her first words were "are you at home". My answer was yes. Her second statement was "are you alone". I answered with no. She asked "the dog". I said no Murray. She said "ok, I'll just come out an say it. Chris N passed away today. I said FUCK in my mind and then asked how. She went on to say he was hiking at his park and some visitors found him. In one sense you think, well at least he was out there doing what he loved. In the other sense, you just ask WHY. And unfortunately the WHY can never really be answered. I mean I suppose an autopsy will tell us something, but to me it still does not answer the question WHY.

He was a great guy. He was a young guy. He was a great park ranger. He loved to golf, but I am not sure he was great. HAHA. He loved his wife, family, and friends. He loved fine dining and a great bottle of wine. But I am pretty sure he could rough it on the range as well.

And in a blink of an eye he is gone from our lives forever. Yes, his memory will forever be with us, but his physical presence is gone.

I made it through the entire phone call strong until the very end when I let the tears fall. I handed the phone to Murray, told him Chris had died, and walked away. And then I started my phone calls. The park service is very small and if you know someone, they probably know someone. When I talked to Mel, she well I'm going over my list of people I need to call.

The worst call I made last night was to Pheebs. About a month ago, Pheebs lost some friends to murder. And I felt that she needed to hear this tragic news from a person and not facebook. Luckily the call went better than I expected. But nonetheless, making those calls are terrible.

The park service has had a terrible last couple of months if not last terrible 12 months. Park rangers throughout the nation have taken their last heartbeat. And the crazy thing is that most of them are dying from normal day occurrences, heart attacks, diseases, and in the case Chris the unknown.

Rest in peace Chris, give Gar-bear a huge hug for me, and enjoy the afterlife with him.

What We Remember

2011-01-19T21:54:00.000-08:00

I find that it is amazing what we remember as we grow older. What is the earliest memory you have? What age? If you read this blog, you have to comment. You should be able to do it anonymously.

Anyway, my earliest memory was when I was three years old. This is what I remember...I went in to show my mom something I drew or colored or something and she was crying. Then I remember my brother Mike and sister Lisa taking her outside to a car. And then I remember my dad, who was wearing blue tennis shorts and a tennis shirt, telling me on the golf course by the oleanders that god had taken my mom and she wasn't coming back. The one thing that I don't remember was that in between the hospital and death, my mom came home.

Ok, that isn't a great memory, but I have a lot more random memories that I wonder why I remember them...I guess in some ways some made a mark on me, but others I find that were just odd to remember. Why do we remember so much information that isn't at all important to our lives...

I remember in first grade Michael giving me a thumb monster. I remember exactly what it looked like. In third grade I remember finding the missing snail under the table lip only because I grabbed it in the hopes that I wouldn't fall as I was tipping in my chair. I remember, gagging, Mrs. Crews sneezing into her hand and then sucking it back into her mouth. I happened to be sitting in the first row for that one. In junior high, I remember Mrs. McCormick and Mrs. Monteen calling me into the library in the hopes of straightening me up. I think the next week Mr. Olmstead called me into his office and called us Motley Crue. I remember Mrs. Ball actually calling us that when they called him in the teacher's lounge. I remember when Jill was being pushed in the wheelchair a little too fast and ate shit. I remember Mr. Wilson talking about his father for some reason and crying during class. I also remember him throwing an eraser at the kid behind me, but hitting my desk instead. I remember people hiring a belly dancer for Mr. Mullaly's summer school class. And there are many other random school memories. But for the life of me I can't remember that kid in my home-ec class that should crack an egg with one hand. I can see his face, but can't remember his name---anyone? But why. I mean some are life changing, but no offense Jill--why the hell do I remember when you ate it in the wheelchair?

And the reason I am writing this post is because when I was young, my sister Amy and I traveled back to Iowa. That is where we were born and we still relatives back there. Since Amy lived until her teenage years there, she also kept in touch with friends who still lived there. We went and stayed or at least visited her friend Liz. It was summer time and Liz was living in this dorm at the University of Iowa. My sister Amy said that it was possibly a fraternity. But I remember the place so perfectly. I mean I can see how the first floor was. But what I remember most is the coke machine. May be this is where my addiction to coke cola came from. The machine dispensed bottles. As Amy and Liz went out that night I think I might have conned whoever they left me with into purchasing me one after another. I thought they were so cool. But I remember it so perfectly like it was yesterday. this is liz: http://thatskinnychickcanbake.blogspot.com//

I remember weird things that should have no bearing on me living my life to any extent. For instance, why is it that I remember the time Amy's friend Wayne babysat me. Is it because I remember that his dog had puppies. Did one bite me? I just don't know why that one memory would stick in my mind so perfectly. I remember the time that Michelle and I were having a rock fight with the neighbors and they hit her in the head. They thought we had poured ketchup on her head. I remember the time that Michelle, Joe, and I destroyed the fort at Rocky Ridge in Tahoe. Some of the growing up things especially with the Stamm family will always stick with me since I've known them since I was three.

I understand why some memories are there---the moments I remember about teachers make perfect sense to me. Because they were some how shaping my life. And surprisingly somehow for the better I think. But sometimes when I remember a random memory, I think why in the heck do I remember that moment in my life so damn well. Why do I remember that dorm in Iowa like it was just last summer?

The Recovery Process

2010-12-13T20:28:00.000-08:00

Almost a month ago, I opened my web browser to read that a Utah Park Ranger had been shot. Within moments, I knew who the ranger was and I knew that my former coworkers and friends were out searching for the suspect. Each day I have checked in via a friend receiving updates and on facebook on how Brody Young was doing. Each day there have been ups and downs. When it first happened, I wrote this: It Is A Family. When I wrote it I did not realize how big that family was.

Each day I check into the website, I receive some kind of update. But most importantly I get to read the comments that individuals have wrote on the facebook page. Of course there were family, friends, and church members comments encouraging Brody in the recovery process, but also sending their prayers and thoughts. Then there were others such as visitors who had contact with Brody during his course of work or people who love parks and have never met Brody before. And then there was the Ranger family: National Wildlife Refuge Officers Association, The Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association, Minneapolis Park Police and the Park Law Enforcement Association, Blue Ridge Parkway brothers and sisters, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Rangers from the ND State Parks, Rangers from Tennessee State Parks, and so forth. I would bet with a certainty of 99% that not one of those Rangers knows Brody. And most likely never will, but as I said IT IS A FAMILY and Rangers are Rangers no matter where we are working.

Besides the weekly updates, individuals in Brody's life coordinated auctions, music benefits, blood drives, and a donation account at Wells Fargo (Brody Young Benefit Fund). The goal for the benefit fund was $5,000, which was achieved. The auction brought in roughly $22,000. And 42 people came out to donate blood (Hey Brody - They had the blood drive here in Moab today. My husband and I donated blood for the very first time for the both of us!)

And all that is great...but what I think is great is on December 9th:

Latest update: still in ICU-critical, but progressing. Now has a trach to help breathe more on his own. Trach is too big to allow him to speak, but they will slowly decrease the size over next few weeks. With him covered from neck down, the kids got to see him-they were very happy! Brody still mostly sedated, but has been alert enough to nod head to questions. Nurses say he is more relaxed when his wife is there.

And then today I log on to find this:

Brody is doing really good today. Today he was sitting up in a lazy boy type chair most of the day. He had two cups of ice today that he ate with a spoon. You would have thought it was Thanksgiving dinner, judging by how happy he looked when they told him he could have it.
He wants to talk so bad and can't at this point with the tubes. Hopefully by the end of the week he will be chatting up a storm.

I know that in the coming month(s) that there will be ups and downs, but it is part of the process. And with Brody's desire and will to fight, he will make a quick recovery.

My thoughts are with you every day Brody. Be strong.

I realize that Christmas is coming up and you are probably spending $$ on gifts, but if you each of you that read this can spare $10 and donate to the Brody Young Benefit Fund, it would be great. The first post I wrote I had over 100 reads which would equate to $1000 to the fund which will help in the recovery process. Thanks all who read my posts and happy holidays!

IT IS A FAMILY

2010-11-22T16:28:00.000-08:00

One often hears that it is a brotherhood. What? The law enforcement world. I mean there is the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). A brotherhood.

However, in the world of Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, and state agency Park entities, we are a family. The reason? There are few of us. We usually work solo with backup often being more than 30 minutes away and that is usually close.

I remember once when I made contact with a vehicle that visitors had been reporting as graffiti on Delicate Arch. After I ran the driver, the Dispatcher called a code to me indicating 'trouble'. I was still talking to the offender so I told Dispatch to standby. The Dispatch knowing the seriousness of the offender said 'I need any available unit to start towards Arches." The responding officers were National Park Service officers, Bureau Land Management officer, and a sheriff deputy.

When one works in a rural location, everyone backs up everyone else. Why am I writing all this? On Saturday morning I opened my browser to read: Park Ranger shot in Utah. Utah is a large state with 7 National Park units so the chance of me knowing the individual seemed unlikely. However, with park rangers, we are a very small family. You always know someone or at least a friend knows the individual. Anyway, the park ranger shot on Friday at 9pm worked in Moab. The shooting was too close to home.

I read further into the article and found out it was Brody Young. The name rang a familiar bell, but it wasn't until they posted his photo that it became even more personal than it already was. I had went on a river raft trip once and we met up with Brody during the trip. He made the dutch oven cake that night. (The title IT IS FAMILY is the link to an article, as you look at photos realize the boat is park service, Brody works for Utah State-primarily, we are family).

I check the website over and over in the hopes that they caught the suspect. I hope they catch the suspect without another shot fired because as I said we are family. The rangers I have worked with in the past are out there helping to track down the suspect. They are now in the line of fire, however; I know they did not hesitate when the call for help went out. Every officer working was heading Brody's way. That is how it works in our family. Besides the other park rangers in the area, 140 officers in total are searching for the suspect.

If Brody wasn't laying in a hospital, he would be out there as well. He was shot in the arm, leg, and stomach. The important thing is that he is alive and that even being shot he was able to make a radio call, talk to medics, and get out important information. He is in critical but stable condition.

I leave you with this comment that was posted on one of the articles...as you will notice this person did not know Brody, but read what he puts in the last line.

As a 30 year veteren former law enforcement officer my respect and admiration for these Rangers and rural Peace Officers is very deep and I am very proud of them. Doing a peace officers job with back up seconds away or even just a few minutes away is still extremely trying and risky. That they work alone and miles from help is more than those without experience in the field will ever know. My prayers are with my brother and his family. God holds a these men and women who serve so valiantly below the threshhold of most peoples awareness as very precious. My brother in arms and his family needs your prayers.

NOTE: A fund has been set up at any Wells Fargo branch in honor of Brody Young. He has a wife and several children. Please help out if you can!!!! Happy Holidays.

Grand Canyon

2010-11-16T18:07:00.000-08:00

I stand out on the edge of a point. And I think...what would it be like to jump? Don't panic! I am not suicidal, but I have often wondered what it would feel like to just jump and soar. With no worry about the pain that would ensue when I hit the bottom. What would it be like to jump? Well as you can tell by reading this, I didn't answer my question this time.

I have been to the canyon numerous times as a child, college student, and now as an adult (really am I?). I might joke about it being a really big hole, but each time I have peered over the edge and into the abyss this time I around I have been awed. I have tried to look over at different points, but even when I was looking from the same location I saw something new. But still always just amazed me. As with many National Parks, I find it interesting, disheartening, and foolish that people that live in the state have never been to the Grand Canyon. Hello, it is one of the 7 wonders of the world. And you live a short ways away. Pack up the family and get your ass up here so you can ask yourself as you peer over---what would it be like to jump?

I've brought two things of importance to the canyon almost every time I went to peer over. First, as many of you have looked, I brought my camera. And I have taken photo after photo of the same geological formations. But you know what? Well before you answer I am going to tell you....no matter how much you comment on my photo and say how beautiful they are...those photos do not do justice to what I saw with my own eyes. The photos doesn't capture what I am seeing. Honestly, I don't even look back at the photos because I do not what them to taint my view.

Second, I brought a journal I call 'My Book of Law'. It is from a book by Miguel Ruiz (The 4 Agreements Companion Book). As I opened it recently I noticed my last entry was 04/09 and now it is 11/10. WOW. So I figured what a better place to get reacquainted with the book. Guess what? Again the answer...I have barely opened it. Because when I get out on the rim which I think is going to bring me inspiration to write in it, the beauty surrounding me takes my breath away. This is all I could come up with....

I sit out on a point watching the sunset. Quiet. The raven calls out. Peace. The chill warms my body. Silence. The canyon howls as the rocks explode with fire.

And with that I leave you with the challenge. Go to www.nps.gov and look up what parks are in your area. Heck search out your state parks as well. And then go there and sit in the quietness and find peace from that hectic Monday everyone is always complaining about on facebook.

Uncourageous Murderer

2010-09-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

I have never understood murder because in all sense it does not accomplish a damn thing. In most cases, the killer gets caught and ends up spending time in jail. Another lost cause along the road of life. And no one grieves for the killer. I mean when the killer shoots the quiet victim and solves whatever conflict there was, the killer didn't only shoot the victim, but every person in the victim's life will forever be changed. And in all actuality, the killer also affects every person in the killer's life.

I grew up in a small town where you always say, shit like murder doesn't happen in our town. But it did. Back when I was in high school or may be a freshman in college, Kevin S. was murdered in our small little town. I am sure there might have been others before Kevin, but I remember it as my first 'real life murder victim' that I knew.

In 2009, I returned home from a wonderful weekend on the coast to find posting after posting of "I'll miss you Matt". And then I was told Matt who. I remember saying to my boyfriend that a friend of mine was murdered. He immediately offered up his free ticket and I made arrangements to go to the service. I have a picture in my head how it went down. I can see Matt standing at the door with the guy. And then BLAM. I do not remember the dickhead who shot him, but he is the most uncourageous, ball-less man in my book. Because after shooting Matt over a trivial matter he should have cleared up by other means, he went home and put a bullet to his own head. Leaving behind a wife and child. However, Matt left behind not only his daughter, brother, parents, and other family, but 100s of people from all walks of life who loved him with all their hearts because that is how he loved them. Matt still has his FB page and we still drop by to say hi to him, tell him we miss him, and ask for him to look down upon us and make us save. We still love him, cry for him, and wish every day he was here.

I was laying in a hotel room watching the news when a flash of Lake Havasu hit the screen: Six dead in shooting. WHAT THE FUCK! The worst tragedy in Lake Havasu history. Well, unfortunately Havasu is not the small town it once was. I didn't know any of the victims, but it doesn't matter to me. This is more about the murderer. See what Brian Diez did was walk into a home where six adults and two children were celebrating a birthday and shot all six adults. One survived and was able to make the phone call to police. She is in the hospital in critical condition. Brian then kidnapped the kids and drove to California. Where he then put a bullet in his head. WHAT THE FUCK! Did you solve by killing the children's mother and then killing yourself, the father? So not only did you affect the entire lives of an entire community let alone the family and friends of who you murdered, but you've left two innocent young children without parents. And I hope that neither child had to witness what took place in that house because if they did, they will remember for the rest of their lives. Two children who will grow up not fully knowing their parents.

And all this out of jealously. None of these murders solved a damn thing in life, but to cause more tragic in the lives of so many.

Rest in Peace all and please look down upon us as if we knew you forever!

Good-bye PINN, Hello LARO

2010-07-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

HUH? Good-bye where, Hello where. The NPS has developed a system of acronyms for everything. Each park has a four letter cord. Primarily it is either the first 4 letters of the name or the first 2 if the park has two words. For example, Arches National Park is ARCH and Grand Canyon National Park is GRCA. Of course there are funny ones like LAME-Lake Mead National Recreation Area. All confusing, but once in the system actually pretty easy.

So I am heading up to LARO to start a new job. Technically I started on Sunday, but I was still on vacation and then I had two days off and the movers don't come until tomorrow, Friday. To answer your question...No, I did not get transferred. In this case, I am making a lateral move. Primarily, LARO had an opening and my boyfriend wanted me a little closer so he told them I worked in law enforcement. I sent up my resume and they hired me. So I am moving up to a new job and to participate in more bedsport with my boyfriend. I'm excited, nervous, and overjoyed. I'm going to freeze my ass off and hopefully some other fat portions of my body.

But I am leaving a park that has grown on my in several ways. There are definitely things I am going to miss and definitely things I won't miss. And most likely the things I won't miss will be present at my other job so I won't discuss them. What is it I'll miss....

Well those times when the new intern/SCA shows up and I get to welcome them with my attitude and scare the shit out of them. Every intern that I've come in contact with has some story about their first meeting of them. Wimps! I know Jenna is going to miss them as well because it was them that always would watch her while I was away or take her for walks when I had to work the late shift. Sometimes I think they are going to miss Jenna more than me. But I am sure my new park will have some SCAs I can welcome.

Over the years I have made friends with visitors that have come back year after year. And I am going to miss their Thanksgiving dinners, cocktails, and good spirits. But again I am sure I might have the chance to meet some new (types) of visitors at LARO. I am going to miss stopping to show visitors a California condor fly overhead or to give my 10 minute informal Interpretation program on them. I am going to miss those good Mexican BBQs each weekend at the Moses Springs day use area. The carne asada always makes my mouth water.

I am definitely going to miss the people I have come to work with and gotten to know in the community. The housing area I lived in was a little community in itself. We were always having potlucks, or I was always cooking for the housing family, parties (too many damned themed ones), and just nights of fun. I am definitely going to miss the people of the community--the ranchers/homesteaders around the corners who allowed Jenna and I to run freely on their property, to swim in their ponds, and allow me to assist with eating the food at the brandings. Oh yea, I'll be back for the brandings for sure.

Yep, I am going to miss PINN in many ways. But I'm on to my next adventure in life. The vehicle is packed to the ground, the movers come tomorrow, and I'll be on the open road by Saturday.

Until the next park....

Yiayia

2010-06-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

Yiayia is the Greek word for Grandma. I just recently learned how to spell it, but for years I've been saying it in my non-greek accent. Yiayia is the grandma of my friend Margaret. Margaret lived up the road from us growing up and since my grandparents lived in the midwest, Yiayia became a surrogate grandma for me through the years.

Just recently after many years, too many damn years, I was able to see Yiayia while visiting Margaret. It was so great to see Yiayia and to give her a hug. She was a little different...a little skinnier, a little older, but still the Yiayia that I knew.

She was in the process of making sweet bread. I asked for the recipe, but I was told it was a secret. Margaret was supposed to fedex me some, but that never happened. I am going to have to search the recipe for it. But like my Grandma's cinnamon rolls, I doubt I will ever be able to make the sweet bread as Yiayia did. I think that Grandma's put in something special-love-that sometimes a typical person just doesn't add to their baking.

As Yiayia and I talked through her broken English and Margaret's translations, it took me back to the days of my childhood. I found it funny that Yiayia only thought it was my father and I and did not know I had 6 siblings. That was probably because most of the siblings had taken flight. But I think Yiayia took pity on that it was my father and I. She was always sending down sweet bread, baklava, and other sweets to our house. And of course it was all homemade, from scratch, with Yiayia love in the middle of it.

I remember Yiayia and Margaret would come down and pick the olives off of our tree. We would help her pick the olives and the dates from the palm trees. I never knew why she was picking them until one Easter, it was the Easter after Margaret shot the golfer, my father and I were invited to their house for a traditional Greek Easter. I found out Margaret's grandfather made ouzo in the basement and it was a pretty amazing system. That Easter was one of my greatest memories of an Easter celebration. Everyone speaking in Greek, the goat/lamb (can't remember) on the spit out back, but everyone welcoming us like family. And I am sure that Yiayia sent us home with baked goods.

When I visited in March, Yiayia and I discussed my bread making issues. I was having the hardest time getting my dough to rise. And Yiayia took me into the kitchen where she was preparing to make the sweet bread. She had a large, and I am talking the kind you store your winter clothes in, full of dough that was overflowing the sides. Why, why can't my dough rise like that. She went to the freezer and returned with some yeast and put it in a bag for me. (I was hoping TSA wouldn't wonder why I was carrying around yeast) Yiayia put some on a spoon and said use this much. I am Type A and everything has to be measured. She just shook her head, this much. Then back into the kitchen with me and through a little English, sign language (kind of) and Margaret's translations, I got my lesson on bread making. But still the recipe was not divulged to me. The most important thing I took away from that lesson was to always, always sift my flour. When I returned to my state, I immediately bought a sifter. My bread and all my baking (cinnamon rolls lately) have been coming out beautifully.

I was pained the other day to see that Margaret had posted that Yiayia had a mini-stroke. Damn I thought...I had missed so many years of seeing her and learning her secrets. It is because of her and Margaret's family that I've always wanted to travel to Greece. Well and the fact that Margaret still has family over there to shower me with hospitality. I am so glad that I got to see Yiayia this past year. Although a little older than the last time I saw her, she was still Yiayia through and through. I hope for a speedy recovery because I am hoping to hang with her at the Greek Festival in September if I can get the time off?

I love you Yiayia....

True Friendship

2010-05-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

True friends can go long periods of time without speaking and never question their friendship.....and pick up like they just spoke yesterday, regardless of how long it has been....(ganked from someone on FB)

However, I find this statement so true. And so I will talk about my best friend....We've been best friends for over 33-34 years. Our friendship and our family's friendship is the only good thing I feel that came out of my dad's second marriage. Well, and Buckwheat, but unfortunately he passed on long ago.

We were around 3 or 4 years old when we met each other. I don't really remember this, but Michelle says the first day I met her I flipped her off. Yep, all my siblings are older and I learned things as a child that I probably shouldn't have known at that age. Oh well, that finger gesture sealed our friendship. HAHA.

Our families spent our summers in Tahoe and later in Brianhead. Her brother, Joe, a little older than us, Michelle, and I would wreak havoc on that condo project. I remember the time we demolished some other kid's fort. HAHA. Ok, it was mean, but fun.

Michelle and I went to different elementary schools, but she was always invited to all my birthday parties and my sleepovers. We went to the same junior high only because it was the only junior high. Although we had a lot of the same classes and we hung out together, we truly had different cliches. May be that is why we have survived all this time.

We entered high school and definitely went our separate ways with regard to friends and hanging out. We really didn't have too many classes together, but when we did we had a blast. I remember having Michelle in Mrs. Biekman's science class. Chad was in the class with us and man did we cause problems. On the weekends and when we found time, we hung out.

Our college years happened upon us and initially I went to another state, but returned to Arizona and spent the rest of my college days hanging out with Michelle almost daily on the benches of NAU. She was the one who was with me when I decided upon piercing my belly button. She was the one who attempted to put the new ring in, she was the one who attempted to repierce it, and was there years later when I almost passed out when I had it done a third time. During our college years, we probably were the closest in all aspects of our friendship.

We graduated from college and went on our ways both ending up in the Phoenix area. Michelle was the one who found me my first apartment, which I sometimes still wish I lived in. I was there on the mountain when she married Hector. I was there when her children were born. And vise versa, but I've been smart and haven't gotten married and pushed out children...but she's been there for me whenever I needed her.

And then I got the job of a life time and left Arizona. But since my family was still all there, I would often come back. And when I did, we always went out to lunch or spent time together. Usually with me handling her kids and giving her a break. And like the statement above says, it was like we had just seen or spoken yesterday.

When I received the telephone call her brother had passed away, there was no doubt in my mind that I was flying to be with the family. And so I did.

We've lived apart for many years now. Only seeing each other about once a year. I live in a no zone for cell phones, but she somehow talked me into getting text messaging. And every week when I head into town for errands, we either text back and forth or give a quick call. Occasionally we will send each other a card that we find that fits our friendship.

The last couple of weeks, we've missed each other. When we finally talked yesterday, she jokingly said 'Am I still your friend?". I said NO. And we both laughed. In the 33 years we have known each other, we have never had a fight of any kind. We've never stopped being friends like so many teenagers do over the course of school years. Her friends are so different from mine, but we all get along just fine when we hang out together. Michelle and I are quite bossy with each other and during a particular outing with her friends, Michelle was bossing me around as she usually does. (Which is funny because I am 10 days older to the hour). I can't remember the exact words, but one of her friends said something with reference how we berate each other. And Michelle just laughed knowing full well that this was just part of our strong friendship.

She is the truest of friends and I know in the coming months as I travel even farther away from Arizona that our friendship will not suffer and end in anyway. If anything it will just grow stronger as I think I might be in a cell zone.

So give your true friend a call today or drop a note just to say I'm still here and how are you....

RELAY FOR LIFE

2010-05-08T09:40:00.008-07:00

In 2005, I participated in my first Relay For Life event in H-town in California. I came in second place in raising the most money for our team. But it wasn't about me. The money I raised went for cancer research. Check out this link for more information regarding Relay For Life. The Relay monies help in the following ways:

Helping people stay well

Helping people get well

Finding cures

Fighting back

So far the Relay I am participating in has raised over $1500.00 and we still have 83 days to raise money. I think my donate page gives a good indication as to why I do this year after year after my first one in 2005, but nonetheless I'll tell you more....

Kevin Ross was a classmate of mine in high school. Nope, he wasn't someone I hung out with and would even call a friend. Hell, to be honest I didn't realize he was missing from half of my classes until he returned to school after his treatment. I remember like it was yesterday (not 20 years ago) how when he stepped on stage at graduation, the entire class stood and clapped. It was a very emotional graduation to say the least. He is doing well last time I heard.

I have three sisters who have beaten the cancer bug. Supposedly my father was a carrier of a 'cancer' gene. My oldest sister who recently beat breast cancer went through some genetic testing and that is how we found out. I like to think I am going to be the black sheep of the family and not get any form of cancer. I could go get tested to see if I have the gene, but I refuse. Primarily because I already wonder constantly if I am going to get cancer. If I went and got the test and I came back positive for that gene, I think every time I sneezed I would almost have a heart attack thinking I have cancer. Some people would want to know, but I want to live my life not worrying more than I already do.

My dad's companion (AKA: Girlfriend) of over 10 years, battled a form of cancer that would go into remission and then return. I do not know how she endured the treatments every several years. But she was a strong lady. I know because she used to kick my ass in tennis year after year.

In 2007, a coworker, Gary, was diagnosed with Cancer. He under went surgery in April and upon opening him up, realized the cancer was far worse than they thought. Immediately, I organized a Relay For Life team called Gary's Condors. Since we had so many people they made us split into two teams, but in realty we were one. We raised the most money for the cause because they made us split into two teams. I think we raised almost 4,000 dollars. But to me that night was not about the money.

The first lap of every Relay starts out with survivors walking the lap. Gary, fresh out of the hospital, may be a week, walked that lap and he led the lap. He walked many more after that before heading home. Most of our team stayed all night, taking turns walking, chatting, crying, laughing, and making a difference. Tim Graham walked the entire time we were there. And half the time it was raining, but no one went home. We had tents set up but no one used them to sleep. The energy of Relays is amazing. I can't remember what time the final lap was, but Gary's Condors had an amazing turn out including Gary leading us once again around the track. As you can tell by his webpage he lost the battle.

I walk and raise money for many reasons. But I ask you to donate because I know you know someone that has either beaten the hell out of the disease or unfortunately has gotten beaten by the disease. And the more we raise, the less people CANCER beats.

If you have made it this far in the reading, you might as well go to the site and donate. Thanks.

UPDATE:

I reached my third goal of $700 so I bumped it up to $800. Now I am 88% away from reaching that goal.

The Flight of the Condor

2010-05-06T08:19:00.004-07:00

On a good given day I can witness this magnificent bird flying over where I live. It is a California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus)with a wing span of roughly 9 1/2 feet. Usually they are so far up in the sky that sometimes you aren't sure if you are looking at a small plane or a condor. Usually, capturing a photo this close isn't feasible, but I have contacts.

This is the start of the spring trap-up. The program captures all the birds (or attempts to) for medical checkups. Yep, just like you are supposed to go to the doctor once a year for your annual physical, the condors must go through the same.

Once they are trapped into a facility, they are captured with a net and then a serious of tests are conducted. The condors have blood drawn and a sample of that is tested for lead. Condors can die if they have a thumbnail size of lead in their system. If they have lead in their system then they are given a treatment to remove it. If their lead levels are extremely high, they are put into a dog kennel and whisked away to the zoo for more intense treatment. Besides the blood work, the entire body is check over and the feathers are measured and counted.

Do I need to give you a history? In the 80s, there were 22 condors left in the United States. Depending on who you talk to the number will vary, but I'll go with 22. They decided to save the bird by having a captive breeding program. Today, in the wild and captivity there are roughly 350. And more wild condors are starting to produce offspring. Matter of fact, where I work has a nest for the first time in 100 years. Progress is slow, but it is progress nonetheless.

So on Tuesday, I heard the radio call that a couple of birds had been trapped. Knowing that most of the crew was in SAR training, I volunteered my time to help out with their physicals.

And that is where photo above came from. As we approached the facility, there was a bird on the roof and it took off flying. The condor was about 20 feet above me when I snapped this photo. But it isn't so much the size of the bird that awes you. When a 9 1/2 foot wing span flies over you, the sound that is whistling through its wings is amazing and breathtaking. At that moment in time, every thing else in the world ceases and you hold your breath. Peace.

They are vultures. They eat dead things. And they aren't really handsome or beautiful. But after working with them for years they still take my breath away. People will often say they are ugly. The videographer said "they are so cute" and I had to chuckle because they do tend to be cute at times.

After we were able to get one adult male trapped up, he was held by one person as I head the feet and tail. He was beautiful. Yes, beautiful. His head was various colors--some red, some orange, flecks of black. Really it is hard to explain fully. Just as we were finishing up, he decided it would be a good thing to poop on my hand. Lets just say thank goodness for gloves.

But not many people can say that they have had an endangered species poop on their hand. Both birds came back with high lead levels and one was whisked to the zoo for further treatments.

So where are they getting the lead? Well since they are vultures, they eat dead things. And around here, we have hunters and ranchers galore. There is a ban on using lead ammunition for hunting in the area, but as always there have to be a couple of bad apples in the group. And when they leave their kill for the vultures (coyotes, turkey vultures, etc), the condors find it and ingest it. The program has had numerous condors die from lead poisoning. The ammunition battle is just one of many the condors face in becoming a population not regulated by humans.

I think this bird flying above was 375. They are all numbered and radio tagged so crew members can find them usually. Some of the birds even have GPS units on them which allows crew members to pinpoint their locations from downloaded data. In 2005, I had the great opportunity to work on the project for an entire year. But during that entire time, I never had a condor poop on my hand.

The part of the job I love

2010-04-28T12:16:00.008-07:00

Monday was a day on the job that I love. It is a day to recoup from the weekend visitors and get paperwork done. But I decided against all that because I knew on Tuesday it would rain. I put on the light weight uniform and heading out on the SW Trail. Lately the adjacent landowners have informed me they have been picking up our visitors on their property. The last pair picked up was in bad shape---out of water, dehydrated, and absolutely lost. So I figured I would head out and see where exactly visitors are going wrong. I was granted the permission of the landowners to drop into their property if need be.

I radioed Dispatch and called into service indicating I would be on foot patrol. Dispatch came back and asked if I wanted 1 hour status checks. I said no, but then I realized why they were asking. JC, a park ranger at Rocky, lost his life while on foot patrol. Ever since then there has been changes made while rangers are on foot patrol.

My task list of the day was two fold---check archaeological sites and figure out what visitors are doing wrong. I parked the vehicle at the carcass dumpster and started walking through the brush where I thought I knew a shortcut to the trail. Um, status checks huh. I bumped my head on a motion camera and so as I walked away I gave DFR the finger. I'm sure that'll show up at a going away party. I stumbled through poison oak about three times before jumping the creek, landing in the creek, and getting to the other side. I've always said I didn't get poison oak so this would be the test.

Alas, the trail. I started down the trail with GPS in hand looking for sites. I found 4 of them, one that required bush whacking and the other 3 I found by learning to walk past the site then coming back to it a different way. Bush whacking here sucks.

As I finished with the first site and was taking notes, I looked up to see a coopers hawk. Then another hawk, a sharp shin, entered the field of view and dropped down to tap the coopers on the back. I watched this for 10 minutes while I took notes for the Field Observation Card, which always gets me a mention on Raptor Man's email updates. And then I trudged on.

I came to the fence where I believe visitors make their near fatal mistake and took some pictures so things could change and visitors wouldn't be picked up by the landowners trespassing. Then I did what the visitors do and hopped the fence.

I immediately came upon a beautifully new bulldozed road and started following it. Within a half mile I came upon a second road, but decided against taking it and continued on. I am so glad I did. I crossed the creek at least 15 times with one being knee deep. I was enjoying the solitude, the quietness, and the new views. I was watching for tracks to see how far people had gone on the road when I came upon what I believed to be a mountain lion track. I continued to see them for sometime and then started looking behind me every so often just to be certain I wasn't being followed.

I had decided as the heat of the day was approaching that if I did not come upon another road to my east by 12pm, I would turn around. I suppose one issue visitors have is they probably don't know which direction is which so when they get lost they can't determine the best way to go. The second pair the landowners picked up were traveling in the opposite direction of the park. At 1125 I noticed a road on the ridge line and by 1139 I found the road. I hiked up the road and I mean UP. I used the bulldozer tracks as steps because it was so steep. I saw two horny toads on the way up.

Upon reaching the top, I noticed that the road ended right there at the top. And then I heard it...the yelp of the coyotes. They were right over that grassy knoll. I slipped my gun out of my holster and started up the rise. Calm down folks, the gun was just in case they were right over the edge and I spooked them enough for them to come at me. As I got to the top, they stopped yelping and I noticed movement in the bushes across the way. I dropped my pack and sat down. I watched an adult come out of the bushes, look my direction, and then head up the hill. Shortly there after two pups came out heading up the hill. I got up and headed where I thought a road might be. )I was thinking to myself at this time...wow I am exhausted and most visitors are unprepared so we could have some issues here. The landowners don't live in the valley, it is just where they put their cattle so they aren't always there.)

I turned on the GPS and did a quick calculation of my distance straight line from the park... 5.5 miles. OUCH. I walked over to the earthquake equipment figuring a road had to be there and jumped the fence to find about 5 different roads. Again, knew where I was so there wasn't a chance of me getting lost. I headed towards the HV house. A house I had always looked at from OP and wished I could see it up close and personal. Today I would.

I found a gate that led nowhere and snapped a photo so I could explain to the landowners were exactly I ended up. I could see the corral down the valley where I branded cattle last year and saw the vehicle moving away from it. Most likely I was going to come upon the landowners today. I continued on the gravel road between the green hills enjoying the beauty around me. To be able to own property like this would be wonderful. I dropped down unto the main road and headed towards the house.

I came upon 4 cows standing on the left side of the road and they quickly crossed over to this area near the trees. And then all of the sudden the entire herd started coming at me. Almost like they were surrounding me as some were in front and some were behind. They ran up on the hill and I dropped over the other side just as I heard the vehicle coming behind me. Not sure which owner I was about to meet, I turned to face the vehicle and held up my hands. It was J&K and I had just talked to K earlier in the day. They gave me a ride to the HV house. J really wanted to drive me back to the park, but I was determined to hike the entire thing. He offered me a coke, water, or a beer. As I look back upon it, I wish I would have taken the beer.

I started up the pasture past the horses and through the two gates. As I was climbing yet another hill I thought if this doesn't flatten out soon, I'm going to have to call 501 to pick me up. I was exhausted, overheated, and ready for bed. I was pretty sure I would lose a toenail or two because my feet had been wet for a while now. Finally it flattened out and I reentered the park.

I drove to the campground store, bought some ice cream and some vitamin water and called it a day. Can't complain that I just got paid to hike 12 miles without seeing another sole for 11 miles of that. I called Dispatch and called out of service...Good evening.

Photos

A Blast from the Past

2010-04-22T10:11:00.002-07:00

The year 2000. A statement was made to me about a person we knew that came from a well off family who lived a life of simplicity. One or two pairs of jeans, a few shirts, and slept on the floor. I got rid of all my cds (500+), turned off my cable, threw out some of materialist things, was getting ready to sale my vehicle for a moped, but decided against it and started sleeping on the floor. In doing so I felt a huge weight lifted off my chest that I didn't realize was there and some how my life turned very spiritual. No, I didn't find God. However in this same time, I tried to go to every church-Mormon, Black Baptist, Catholic, Christian Bible Thumpers, and even Scientology (they were never open). I started reading Tao and Buddhism and the book that changed everything was the Miracle of Mindfulness. I was writing a lot of journal entries and so I share one from December 3, 2001:

I question what my purpose in life is. And as I sit here at NH I come to think life doesn't really have a purpose. Our, my purpose is to simply live and die. And through those two stages I must learn and experience all I can. I must feel all I can-pain, sorrow, love, etc. And of course learn from the feelings. I will make mistakes and learn from them. I will have a job and learn from it. And I when I die if there is an afterlife, I will have these to learn and experience more. In yesterdays I was constantly searching for the purpose of my life. Constantly wanting the answer, but sitting here tonight the answer just blew through my mind. My purpose in life is to live and I realize this must be fully. It must be on the edge, risky, adventurous. Must be lived to potential of tomorrow' lessons but living only in this exact time, this moment. Not 5 seconds from now, right now. I must get back to being mindful. I'm sitting here writing, smiling. I'm sitting here living my purpose.

The smile that was once shining so brightly and often and disappeared...it's here tonight. Why? I think may be because I found my purpose but may be because life just seems right. Calm, peaceful, and quiet even though I live in the noise-filled busy city. Just feels right!

My Religion

2010-04-19T08:05:00.002-07:00

Since I probably didn't explain myself about my religion, I will attempt to a little more....No, I still don't believe in God. I believe in the Moment. I believe I will be reincarnated into something greater in my next life. I am pretty sure I was Joan of Arc or a witch in a previous life because I hate fire. I wish I could live along the lines of Buddha and Taoism, but I fail often.

During a very spiritual time in my life while living in the beauty of Utah, I wrote this....

My religion isn’t to a deity

There are no sacrifices except myself

I don’t bow to an alter

I don’t pray on my knees

However each day I breathe

I feel the air on my skin

Smell the Earth and water

Sense the spirits of unknown

Earth is my religion

Waking up to see the beauty

Hearing the crickets in the night

Or the lizard’s scales on the leaves

Seeing the rabbits feeding on the grass

Or the bobcat on the slick rock

Those are my religion

Walking in canyons of grand walls

Seeing the writings of the ancient past

Observing the deer drinking peacefully

Listening to the quietness engulf me

That is what I consider my religion

The peace of complete serenity

I get when I open my eyes at 3am

While sleeping under a million stars

And hear the coyote yelp goodnight

My religion is that sense of peace

Being able to smell the sage bush

Or see the first buds of the Apache Plume

Hearing the ripples in the stream

Watching the fall leaves descend

This is my true religion

I guess in a sense I do pray

Whenever I’m communing with nature

For the one glimpse I haven’t seen

Whenever I climb upon the peaks

And see the most spectacular view

I realize that if I would succumb to death

I would be completely satisfied

Because I am one with the Earth

Which I consider my religion

I was told to REPENT

2010-04-15T22:56:00.003-07:00

And being the non practicing Catholic that I have become, I immediately thought of God. And that is where this post is going. Now really I am not sure why I have to repent to blog again because the meaning of Repentance is a change of thought and action to correct a wrong and gain forgiveness from a person who is wronged...And well I didn't truly wrong someone in stopping my blogging. But nonetheless I am going to give a whirl at it again.

So God...immediately off topic...whenever I am typing either GOD or DOG, I always start off by misspelling it. For instance, if I am writing about a DOG, I will always start typing GO first. I have that problem with my Bs and Ds as well, but it is only when typing never when writing....

Ok, so God. I think the reason I have such a hard time writing about God is because I don't believe in one. Which leads me to something someone wrote recently...."if you don't believe in God.... you might think it is just a part of the goodness in you.... but still.... that goodness is from God and through all of this I know He gets ahold of your heart and shows you His wonders." That is that person's belief and I absolutely respect that belief. However the goodness that I showed that person wasn't because of God. Well to be honest....ok, I have to divulge a little about the person's person....

Here is this 5 year old child that has a rare disease that only 17 people or less have in the world. The disease is PEPD. Look it up if you are interested.

So back to my non Godly help. The reason I helped was in a way because of God. The reason I helped was because I don't understand why GOD would create that much pain for a child. Why her parents' and friend's prayers haven't made the pain go away. I didn't help because they prayed for help, I helped because I am financially able to help when they have needed it. I supposed to them me paying for a lil somethin there and a lil somethin here is answering their prayers.

However, no God called out to me to help. The writing on the wall asked for my help. And so I have repented.

2008-06-21T19:16:00.001-07:00

As some of you know, my boyfriend jumped ship from the park service and landed on an island in the middle of the Pacific with the Fish and Wildlife. The only thing that sucked about that is I didn't get to raft the Grand Canyon. But I did get to go to Midway Atoll (where he is working) and heck the Grand Canyon will probably always be there, whereas a chance for a Midway visit may not.

On June 5th after working nonstop for 8 days, I flew to Hawaii. I never understand that time change thing as it took me 2 hours to fly to Hawaii and an entire night to fly back. Anyway, I spent June 6th exploring the USS Arizona and hanging out at the hotel before heading out to Midway. We left at 4pm-ish from Honolulu and arrived at around 930pm-ish at Midway. The plane can only land at night due to the abundance of birds that live on the island. Due to Murray having some rare sickness, there was a chance we were going to have to fly out the next day, but luckily he got over it.

The first day Murray said lets explore the town today. I'm thinking the island is 1.8 x 1.8 miles so can't we explore the island in one day. But really there is so much to see that each day we saw a different part. There are old buildings from the Battle of Midway and the Pacific Cable Company. And did I mention there are birds on the island? Let me start with "I saw the movie the birds when I was way too young". So on the island are many birds, but the albatross probably are the top bird. There are 500,000 breeding pairs. Now you realize that is 1 million birds. And usually, those birds have chicks...so we are now at 1.5 million. And then there are juvenile birds so we will just say between 1 - 2 million albatross live on the island. There are albatross everywhere!!!!!

You know that loud noise the birds in the movie were making. That sound is sooty terns and on Eastern Island they had an abundance of those. As you will notice in one of the photos, I am crouching down because I just kept remembering that dang movie. I added 20 birds to my geeky life list.

I went snorkeling twice and realized on the second one, I don't like snorkeling under a murky pier and surely don't like Ulua sizing me up. Those are the big fish in the snorkeling photos. I don't like it when I can't see very far under water and what might be lurking down there. I got to see a lot of turtles and some monk seals. Did I mention I got to see birds. I also got to see some dolphins, but never had the chance to see any sting rays.

With Murray being still under the weather this is how our day usually went...breakfast at the restaurant (all meals are eaten at the restaurant with Thai cooks--yes that means each meal there was a thai dish). After breakfast, we would explore the buildings, walk the trails, look at birds, hope the wind would stop blowing for snorkeling. Usually after lunch, it was a nap and then relax until dinner. After dinner we usually went down to the cargo pier for a beer and to look for dolphins/sting rays. With the roads covered with birds, we used bicycles to get around and it was like driving an obstacle course. I came close to crashing once as Murray went on one side of an adult albatross so it started moving my way and I couldn't swerve to avoid it because I would have hit two other birds.

So I leave you with a link to the photos and Murray's quote:

When I get old(er) I'd rather look back and regret some of the things I did rather than some of the things I didn't do

2008-05-18T21:21:00.002-07:00

Wow, it has been a while since I have posted. Been a while since I have dropped by some of my long time blogger friends' sites and dropped a quick note. But I am at it again to milk some money out of everyone.

Once again, I am participating in the Relay For Life in my town of living close to these days. The link below is for the Hollister Relay. As you click on the page, you will notice at the time of this reading that Pinnacles Employees Association is in FIRST place for fundraising right now. That is our team. If you look at the list of Top Participants, you will notice that second place is ME.

So if you want to donate to a great cause, click on the links and get to my page so you can help me reach my goal of $1000.00. And to reach our team goal os $2000.00

Hollister

My Page

Thanks if you donate!

Water Flowin & Greenin

2008-01-27T07:06:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday the raining started coming down at Pinnacles. I spent most of my work days inside primarily because most visitors didn't come. My days off were spent inside as well. I had thought of hiking, but each time I did, the rain would start up again. It has rained off and on since Saturday (as in 1/19). Periods of letups and periods of downpours. On 1/7, I hiked to N. Chalone Peak passing by the reservoir. It was approximately 5-6 feet below the dam. As you will notice with the photos, it is a little higher now.

So today at 4pm when the rain let up just enough, I, already dressed in rain gear, headed up the Moses Spring Trail. There were two other vehicles in the lot and when I stepped out, and I could hear the rushing of water. Would it fill and flow into the parking lot? I headed up the trail and the water left my physical view, but the sound pounded in my ears. It sounded like music and every thing was singing. The trail was slippery at spots and I took my time listening to the pounding of water through my veins. I stopped had tempted to glimpse the water's flow in numerous spots, but never could.

I stopped and smiled at the Side Waterfall. I noticed how everything seemed to be twice a green since the rain started. If I bent down close to the mossy rocks funneling the water, I could hear them rejoicing for the wetness. When I got to the tunnel, the water's roar sounded as if it was coming over the trail, however; it was still far below only echoing its wants. I reached the junction and headed up the trail instead of through the caves. The Large Waterfall was flowing fully instead of the trickle. I paused and smiled up at it as if some deity. It was then I heard the voices of the leaves singing and laughing.

There was flowing water every where. I reached the bottom of the steps to the reservoir. Last time through it was a tiny trickle of water. Today it was at full force. I put the camera away, put my hood up, and climbed the stairs to the reservoir. The reservoir was full and if the rain continues, it may be too full. Remember the 5-6 feet down from the dam. Well here is the dam. The concrete path you see in the photo continues on to the right and up to N. Chalone Peak. As you might notice, you would be swimming if you attempted it now.

After having a moment to myself at the reservoir, I went back down the steps and entered the cave system. The sound of the water was deafening. When I reached the bottom of the stairs inside the caves, I saw what I was about to walk through. When the water reached my calves and my boots filled up, I wondered at what point do we close the caves. And then I was back on the main trail slopping down the trail.

Enjoy.

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/562292428ILsqGD?vhost=outdoors

Ps. On 1/12 I saw a mountain lion. It was beautiful. Unfortunately I didn't have a camera, plus I was screaming I SAW A MOUNTAIN LION to my supervisor

Blast from the Past, Way Past

2008-01-01T20:23:00.000-08:00

The year was either 1984 or 1985. I am betting on 1985 because that is the year I entered junior high and it was in 6th grade that it took place. As I write about this I think about how life was back then. Bucky Covington describes it best in his song "A Different World". It is a video. But the words are so damn true as to how I grew up. It was definitely was a different light.

In 1985, I was 12 years. I had a boyfriend. His name was Sean. His birthday is 22 days after mine. His father, who lived in another state, sent him 200 dollars for his birthday to be used as he pleased. And so he did what any gentleman would do--spent it on his girlfriend.

Sean hired a limo, probably the only one in town, and then took me out to dinner at a fancy restaurant that most 12 year olds would not be going to. The limo picked him up at his house and then his mom followed the vehicle over to my house to take some photos. Sean walked up to the door, walked me to the limo, and put a corsage on my dress. Yes, he pinned it on himself. Then we went to the restaurant. All the people in there including the waitress thought it was so damn cute. The waitress gave us a dessert to share I remember. Probably because she thought it was so damn cute. And then the limo took me back to my house and embarrassed me. As we pulled up the house, he said does the B family still live here. I said yes. He said I've gone to some of the best parties in my life here. I wanted to crawl under the limo. Sean walked me to the door and gave me a kiss good night.

Here is the kicker though...we were 12 years old. Remember how I said his mom followed the limo to my house? Well, as far as we know, she never followed it any further. And my father did not follow us either as far as we know. We were 12 year olds out on a date without a chaperon. As the song says: A different world.

Enjoy the cute photo of me.

The Cell Epidemic

2007-12-28T17:35:00.000-08:00

What in the hell did people do before the cell phone epidemic? I mean how did our parents know where we were 99% of the time? How did we find a place without using our cell phones to ask for directions? What did we do if we were going to be late to a friend's party because of traffic or getting lucky? What did we do before the world of texting?

How the hell did we survive? We did just fine. But today if someone loses their cell phone their world damn near comes to an end.

I am not saying I am not affected by this epidemic. I am. I own a cell phone. I use it when I land into civilization and I make my 900 phone calls because I actually have service. I don't text because I don't have the service. I just chose not to have the service. I hang up usually when I walk into a store. I don't answer it during dinner and if I must, I step outside. Could I live without it? Yes.

And it is the texting that brought me to this blog. April 23, 2007...do you know what happened on that day in history? A 13 year-old girl won $25,000. Not for shooting the most baskets during the national championship hoop shoot contest. They still have those too, but you don't win $25,000 when you win. Winners receive trophies and plaques. What in the hell is this world coming to. That girl said she sends 4,000 texts a month. A month. And um, we can't figure out why we are becoming obese?

Last night I went to Charlie Wilson's War. A true story. I was generous and moved my seat so a couple could sit next to each other in the packed theater. And once again that karma bit me in the ass. The movie hadn't started and the teenage couple sitting next to me were fiddling with their cell phones. I figured turning them off as the damn screen had just asked. Then the movie started. Within seconds the cell phone's lcd lit up and young girl picked it up and texted back. I looked over at the guy a few minutes later and he was texting as well. 10 minutes into the movie when it lit up for about the 20th time, I calmly leaned over and said in my most calm voice...

ARE YOU GOING TO DO THAT THE ENTIRE MOVIE.

I made sure my hands were clasped to the armrests when she answered---probably. I said who in the hell can not wait 2 hours. She said my mom. Then he answered another text. I figure they were actually texting each other. It wasn't the click click click that was bothering me but the damn light from the phone.

I took a deep breath and let her go about lying to her mom about where she was. At one point she got up and left. I figured to use the bathroom. I almost reached over and grabbed the phone and threw it at the back of her head as she walked away and yelled DON'T FORGET TO TEXT WHILE IN THE RESTROOM. After returning, her mom must have decided enough texting because it slowed down.

When the movie ended, I wanted to lean over and quietly ask in my calm voice: I didn't really understand the movie, could you explain it to me? But I didn't want to embarrass her or of course to interrupt her texting.

So people put down the cell phone for a few minutes a day, enjoy the sunshine, the look in another's eyes, a movie, a baseball game, and everything in between. Life isn't always about being in touch and having the phone glued to ear or fingers.

A moment at Starbucks

2007-12-01T09:16:00.000-08:00

I had a rough night last night. I have learned this year that it is ok to cry when things are troubling one. I have learned to shed the machoness some people say I portray. And so last night I thought of friends in low places and wish I could be there to hold them, to catch their tears, and to make sure they are taking care of themselves in addition to taking care of others. That crying carried over to this morning when I had to drive 30 minutes to Starbucks.

Now, please don't think I am addicted to Starbucks or coffee that I would drive 30 minutes for a cup of Joe. No, I went to town for something else, grocery shopping which I did and Starbucks happened to be there so I went inside and order a Grande Eggnog Latte. Well that is what I think I ordered. At least that is what I hope I ordered.

I was about third in line. Waiting near the stirring and sugar table were three ladies of three generations. Great grandma, grandma, and granddaughter. They were dressed up and I want to say almost to the point of the 1800s, but not quite. That is what went through my mind when I saw them. They were talking to a couple. The generation-ers came from money you could tell, but they were talking to common folk. This is just my opinion honestly, but to my observation that is what I came up with.

At the far cash register was a woman in a gray sweatshirt. She was definitely common folk. And in front of me was Danny. He ordered an apple cider something, but I only know this because they were out and said Danny we will give you a refund. It was busy as all get out and the line was starting out the door. I was in a world of my own, but taking in the world around me as well. I watched as Granddaughter came over to the counter to retrieve her pastry. I watched as she attempted to balance one cup on top of the other and reach for her pastry. I almost reached around Danny to grab the pastry because I could see that Granddaughter was going to drop the Raspberry drink. And sure enough she did. I don't think it got on Gray and Danny, but it was going all over the floor. Granddaughter was of course embarrassed at all get out and G-Grandma was asking to make another and she would pay for it.

Danny just stood there and order his not to be had apple cider thing. But Gray took action. She hollered for her dad to go to the bathroom and get papertowels. She said give me a towel and I will clean it up. She realized they were busy and didn't have time for a clean up especially in front of the counter. She kept assuring Granddaughter that things happen and it was no big deal. The employee mopped it up, but Gray still had her Dad go get the papertowels to wipe up the wetness. I had already ordered my Eggnog Latte after helping move something so the employee could mop. As her dad was wiping it up, another man in line said don't do that, they will take care of it. I thought he would probably be the one to complain that his drink was taking too damn long as well. I walked over to the stirring and sugar table to wait.

I was standing next to Gray's dad and she was standing at the pickup counter. Actually she was pretty excited about Granddaughter's drink because it did smell pretty damn good. I love that we pay 5 bucks for a milk mixed with raspberries and heated. Couldn't we do that with Nestle Quick? Anyway, she had a big order as she got out a carrier. I was listening to her and her dad talk. Then I heard Eggnog Latte. Well that is what I thought I heard. She picked it up and started to hand it to me, well honestly her father, but I grabbed it. I said sorry, did you order this as well. They said yes, but take it. I said no. They insisted because they had a few more drinks and they would just take mine. I said thank you and as I turned to leave she said have a great day. As I walked out, I thought did I order the same thing they did? But would it matter because I am pretty sure she would take whatever I ordered.

I was walking to my vehicle and checking for my keys. I couldn't find them, but as I looked towards my vehicle, they were hanging in the door lock. Holy hell, I live in California and I just left my keys out in the open for everyone to steal. Crazy.

But I can't get over Gray. Her attitude this morning gave me renewed hope for life. I shouldn't say life, but it gave me hope for something. I was saying if everyone was like her in the world, we wouldn't have all the violence we have going on and hatred. How hard is it to just give out random acts of kindness. I am not saying every day, but once in a while.

With Christmas around the corner, lets try it. When you see the guy standing on the corner with the sign saying something that might not be true, oh well throw him a buck today. Don't think go get a job. I know I am guilty of it too. While standing in line at Starbucks, reach in front of the person in line who just ordered and tell the cashier you will pay for their order. Take a bag of food and place it on a doorstep that you know could use it more than you. Reach out and touch someone like you would like if you were circling the drain. Just be kind!!!

Happy Holidays.

Life as a Ranger

2007-11-17T20:13:00.000-08:00

The photos in this post are very graphic. If you have a weak stomach or prefer not to see a dead deer who has been gnawed upon STOP. If you are an EMS geek, go forth!

Last night after driving 6 hours with a 30 minute break to pick up two vehicles, I was approached by the intern who said "I guess we are dealing with a dead deer tomorrow". I said I had no idea what you are talking about, but if the boss said so, guess we are heading to check it out. I knew there had been a report of a dead deer near the entrance to the Balconies Cave.

When I went into the office, I told Boss that I thought when I returned to PINN that I would not be having to haul carcasses around like the last time I worked here. Guess I was wrong.

So this morning, Chris and I started out the Old Pinn Trail toward the caves. We had a lot of different reports--it was in the cave, it was on the east side, it was on the west side, etc. We located the little guy right before the cave on the east side. It was laying in some water. It was very obvious that it had recently been eaten upon as there was a fresh mark on its right hind quarter. I immediately looked up the slope expecting to see the mountain lion. Wanting desperately to see the mountain lion. I am not kidding when I looked about every minute to that slope.

I decided to drag him up the slope and place behind some bushes. My thinking had two-fold...1. Visitors would not be able to see it and 2. Visitors would most likely miss the cat chowing on it and not get freaked out. So I told Chris my plan and we started up the slope to check the area out. I heard him say "hi kitty". Now when I think Kitty out in the woods, I am not thinking of Sharon's house cats, I am thinking large mountain lion. My hand quickly went down to my gun. Then I saw the bobcat staring at us. He/she was probably wondering why the heck we were messing with the deer it had just been chowing on. Surprisingly, it did not immediately run away, but stayed and watched us for a while. And of course I had already snapped the dead deer photos so I put my camera away.

We climbed back down, slipped on latex and leather gloves, and I reached into the water and pulled up a leg. It was then we realized that it did actually have 4 legs as initially we thought the front left had been chewed away. We drug him up the slow and placed him nicely behind the bushes and climbed back down. I tried to coaxed Bobby back, but it didn't happen.

Within minutes of finishing our activity visitor upon visitor started to pass us. And to think not one of them knew a dead deer was up there. And when Bobby or Kitty came to eat the rest of it, they probably wouldn't see them either.

And I Regress

2007-10-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

Death #6 welcomed into my world on Monday. My dad's long time companion, Nora, passed away in a hospital in California. She was in her late seventies and was this time battling pneumonia. I say this time because this is a woman who had battled cancer numerous times and beat it each time. She had a type of shitty ass cancer that would go into remission and then reappear several years later.

When I was 12 years old, she became my doubles partner even though there was about 40 + years between us. Obviously, we weren't playing in the juniors, but local tennis tournaments around our area in Havasu. We were a tough team and I have many trophies to show we kicked ass.

She had become a mainstay in our family many years ago. She would be at our holiday activities, reunions, grandkid's activties, and everything in between. And she was still very active with golf, traveling, and enjoying life.

She will be greatly missed in our lives.

Movin' On Over

2007-10-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

Howdy to the few that drop by to say hello and see if I am still kicking. I am definitely still kicking and sometimes screaming as well, but as I have said a few posts down, I attempt to progress. And so I guess in a sense I am progressing...

Sometime, when the government decides to tell me when, I will be moving back to California. The move is unfortunate and fortunate all in the same sentence. It is unfortunate because I leave behind my boyfriend and my dog. She knows something is brewing as I am stacking boxes after boxes in the spare bedroom. She refuses to leave my side and jumps into bed as much as she can. It is unfortunate that one agency can't pull their heads out of their ass and offer me a job even though they have two that were available. But that is the government for you. It is unfortunate because my rent is going to be out of this world. It is fortunate because I will be working at a place where upper management actually supports you and is willing to work with you in every aspect. It is fortunate because this may lead into a permanent job (no guarantees). I just haven't figured out which out weighs the other.

So sometime soon, I will pack up the u-haul, stop at IKEA to purchase some more furniture and head west again. I will keep you posted. May be some new adventures will come of this...

Pronghorns & Owls

2007-08-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

I figured I better put something up a little more enjoyable than death...

I attempt to Progress

2007-07-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

The year is 2007. The Year of the Pig. And for me, the year of Hell, death, regret, and living fuller and stronger.

February 2007---into the hospital for a 7,000 dollar hernia operation. Pain was terrible and continues to be bothersome at times.

April 2007--A co-worker , Gary, is diagnosed with stomach cancer. We will beat it!

April 2007--A friend is killed in a car accident. Ryan was a teacher and his last words were "I love my life".

May 2007--I respond to a rescue at Devils Garden with CPR in progress. Ends up being a teacher with his students. The funeral service of Ryan is returned to my lobe and I break down on the trail out. The week didn't get any better.

May 2007 or may be April 2007--Gary undergoes surgery to remove his stomach. Upon opening him up, the doctor is shocked and removes his stomach and half his pancreas. Gary is given one year to live.

May 2007--A bunch of us participate in the Relay For Life in honor of Gary. We raised 3,500 dollars + for cancer. It was a remarkable event. Gary, a week out of the hospital, did the survivor lap and the last morning lap. His pace was hard to keep up with.

June 2007--Gary has developed additional lumps in his stomach region. Gary is given 3-4 months to live without treatment. Treatment would add 2 weeks. They forgo treatment. Gary returns to his stomping grounds in the East and enjoys days of fishing.

June 2007--Someone, Owen, else I went to school with dies in a car accident.

July 2, 2007--Gary journeys on into his next world looking upon us. His memorial service is a gathering of love, friendship, and his spirit.

And today is July 14, 2007---my tears have slowed, my heart has stopped hurting as much, my hernia pain comes and goes still, but I am feeling better. I have learned to stop and smell the roses more, take that extra moments for me, love the Earth more, and realize I am still alive and must go on.

And so that is what I am doing day by day. Each day I wake up and life gets better. I will always have those memories of those people who have gone before me, but they have all taught me to live life to the fullest and fight until the end.

May your 2007 from now on be a great one as I know mine will.

Visit Me Here

2007-04-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

If you are stopping by, I'm too damn busy right now dealing with life...

If you want stop by here:

http://archesrelayforlife.blogspot.com/

For the Time Being

2007-03-19T10:48:00.000-07:00

Starting April 1, yep no joke, I am going back to work. With school bearing its weight upon me and with the season already in full swing, I feel I won't have time to write or read. And I am sorry for that. Mostly for the reading part.

Plus, I just don't feel loved with only 5 or so comments each post. Sure I am sure others read and don't post a comment, but nonetheless I don't feel Blog Loved.

I will try to pop in when I can. When I need a good laugh. But until then, I can't guarantee anything.

And yes, when I have a really good story of something stupid a Touron did, I will drop by my site and add the verbage.

Until then, wake to the sun each morning, smile in the mirror, tell yourself you look damn good, and walk on.

City Girl Fantasy

2007-02-12T15:33:00.000-08:00

For those of you that read my blog, you may have remembered this. Well, I went back to visit some of those folks. Although we had a get together, it was nothing like that night. But there was a different reason I went back. And I will warn you right now....

CAUTION CAUTION CAUTION

Ever since I saw the Horse Whisper with Robert Redford, I have wanted to brand a calf.

In 2006 I had arranged to brand a calf with Tim. However, I had to go off to Belize to relax instead. I contacted Lisa and asked if she could set it back up with Tim for 2007. And so the plane ticket was purchased, rental vehicle reserved, and the beer bought. I arrived on Thursday, partied with the Tequila gang on Friday, and prepared for the branding on Saturday.

I would say the saddest part for me was in the morning when I watched the mommy cows run to the fence as their babies were loaded onto the trailer. The rest was just fine. A lot of people thought I was going to puke because of the smell, but really it didn't smell that bad. I actually didn't gag until Lisa pulled the oysters out of the can that had been sitting out all day and dumped them in her sink. Then I gagged. NOTE: oysters=cow balls

And so the day began...cows were roped, given antibiotics, brands, and balls clipped if they had them. According to a video I have, once the calf was roped it took approximately 1 minute to complete giving the calf two shots, a brand, and the ball clip.

And then it was my turn...it is important to get that brand just right. I only got to do one, but that was fine with me. I lived out my fantasy.

I also gave one shot. And then I got to hold the bucket that the oysters were placed in and spray antibacterial spray on the area afterwards. Now that is where you should have all expected me to gag and puke, but I did not.

The crew branded 87 head. On a trip back to drop off the calves to their moms, this vehicle was parked on the side of the road. They had seen the herd of moms come running over to the fence before we arrived. After Tim dropped off their babies, the vehicle pulled over and asked me how those moms knew their calves were coming. I said well, we took them this morning, and I am sure they could hear their ballings. As they drove off and Tim pulled up, I said City Folk. My sister reminded me I was no 'country bunkin' when I told her the story, but I admitted I was a city girl living out a fantasy.

When we finished all the duties, we headed back to the ranch house for beers, dinner, and dessert. And I listened to all the stories from the old times before I was even a glimmer in my dad's eyes.

Check out further photos here

Tagged

2007-02-08T09:53:00.000-08:00

Matted Spam over yonder Tagged Me. I have to say it is the first time I have realized that I have been tagged. I don't keep up every day or week with my blog friends so I might have been tagged before and never realized it. And then again, I asked her if she actually meant me.

I'm supposed to list 6 weird things about me then tag 6 other people. I am pretty normal, but what the heck...And you six have been tagged...

Nanner
Ashley
Mary Whines
Rita
Tricia
Jenn

1. Like Matted, I am an organization freak. I would say I am borderline OCD (obessive complusive disorder). I actually wrote that in a job application recently. I once had an anxiety attack over the soap being on the wrong side of the sink.

2. I dip my grilled cheese sandwiches, made only on white bread with sliced Kraft cheese, in ketsup. Where I learned it I don't know because my sister, Amy, who had a strong hand in my upbringing doesn't do it.

3. I have been reincarnated. I truly believe that I was once Joan of Arc because I can't stand fire.

4. I have 10 toes, but only 9 toenails. Which I don't think that is quite that weird, but I am digging here.

5. I am the youngest of 7. And in some ways the blacksheep---5 tattoes, belly button piercing, and work 1/2 a year.

6. I am an overachiever. Which might not sound weird, but I am taking two online course this semester and was primarily finished with them before they even started. I asked my teacher if I was the only one who did that and he said yes.

And those are my stupid 6 weird things.

Hernia

2007-02-08T08:37:00.000-08:00

I've been slacking on my blog readings lately. And I don't know why considering I don't have a job anymore. Of course lately, I have had to move a few people down to MIA section because they are either gone or quit writing. But this week, this day, I have plenty of time since the only time I am getting out of bed is to pee.

I've been having some problems lately in the lower right quadrant of my abdomen. So after seeing the female doctors, the 4 vaginal ultrasounds, the 2 normal ultrasounds, the numerous pelvic exams, I went and saw a surgeon. He determined it was a hernia.

So yesterday I went under the knife and had it repaired. And I hope to hell that it heals quickly because the pain fricking sucks. It isn't that bad if I am laying here or sitting up, but as soon as I have to move it is bad. I've been drinking a ton of water so I have to pee like every 10-20 minutes. Which, yea, means I am hydrated, but also means I about cry trying to get there. Anyway, I will be down and out for a while.

I was going to have it done a couple weeks ago, but I had plans to brand a cow and the doctor didn't think it would be a good idea to get nudged with a nose or hoof. So the branding story will follow. I am working with Se7en to see how to place a video on the blog.

Have a good weekend.

REUNITED

2007-01-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

Arf Folks:

I know I haven't written in a while, but I haven't had anything too exciting to write home about in a while, except today topped everything. I will have to start my story from about 3 years ago...

Approximately 3 years ago, someone dropped me off, abandoned me, well basically did not want me anymore. I was picked up by the dog catcher. Accompanying me when I was picked up was a dog who looked just like me except he had a boy thing and I have a girl thing. Hence, our names. We were called brother and sister and sent to doggie jail. But in our town, dogs don't sit in jail too long. They are either adopted or fostered. One of my mom's friends was heavily involved with the Humane Society and took mom down to see me. Mom fell in love with me so she brought down boyfriend who brought down son. And well the rest of the story is obvious. I was adopted. My brother....well about a week later mom called to see if he had been adopted. He had been. And so the long search begun for me to be reunited with him.

My mom figured with all the walks we did and the town only being approximately 7000 strong that we would run into him. But we never did. However, the other day mom was down at the bakery doing some eating and studying when she looked outside to see the spitting image of me tied to the bike rack. Actually mom likes to call it the dog rack, but anyway, there was this dog. She was positive it was my brother. She immediately asked everyone in the restaurant, but it was no one's. Mom kept watching to see if the owner would come back. Mom got up to go to the restroom and in the backroom on the computers was a guy. She broke away from her shy mold and asked if that was his dog outside. He said yes. She asked all the appropriate questions: did he get it at the humane society, was his name Tigger, etc. All the answers were yes. Mom told him that she had his sister. I'm just going by what mom has told me now, but they talked and exchanged numbers.

Last night I listened as mom talked on the telephone. I heard her say something about the Walking Place and meeting at 9am. I thought "that is the time we go for walks. why is she making plans on my time." Then she hung up and talked to me about it. She said I was going to meet my brother.

We arrived at the walking place and we only walked a little bit. I kept looking at her and wondering why she wasn't going further. And then another car pulled into the parking area. I watched as a dog got out of the vehicle and I got down in my attack position. I slowly walked that way and then I realized. My tail started going 100 mph and I ran up to him. His name is Farley now.

I am still a little cuter, but we look a lot alike. Our parents took us for a good walk. And we pretty much explored on our own, but occasionally crossed paths. It was when we returned to the vehicles that we started to play and wrestle like brother and

sister. We did that for about 20 minutes as our parents laughed and talked about us.

Then it was time to go. First I got in my vehicle and Farley got in with me. Then he went over to his vehicle. And I stood by mine and watched with sad eyes as he climbed into his vehicle. I couldn't handle it anymore and ran over there and crawled in with him. I didn't want to be separated again. Mom got me in our vehicle and I looked out the back window watching once again as he was taken from me.

I have been kind of sad since returning home, letting out big sighs, wondering where he went, will I ever see him again, etc. Mom tells me that I will see him again. Mom wonders if this was the right thing to do since I am now sad, but she thinks as more time is spent with him and then him leaving, we will realize it isn't forever again.

Click on the title to see more photos of us.

How's that New Year

2007-01-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

Well you know for me, it hasn't started out the best. First, just before the new year Jenna took me out playing running in circle at Mach 1. I am still having foot and sometimes knee problems with that.

I remember laying on the ground. I remember certain things, but not all. I remember her laying away from me. I remember my sis, Amy, calling 911. I remember the fire truck pulling up. I remember the drugs. I remember making a u-turn. I remember getting to the hopsital. I remember Johnny Crutch. That's about it.

I don't remember getting to keep the 30 dollar blanket that was used to help support my leg. I don't understand why it cost 600 dollars to be driven 3 miles. I don't understand why it was 1100 dollars for the ER visit. And to think of it, I haven't gotten the doctor's bill or Johnny Crutches. I just have to say THANK GOODNESS for insurance that probably won't cover shit. I wait and wonder: if it doesn't cut it, how am I, the unemployed child going to pay for it.

Since June when I had a cyst burst on my right ovary, I have continued to have pain there. Well, I pretty much have had pain there before that, but the cyst took pain to a new level. Anyway, I have had about 4 vaginal ultrasounds and 3 normal ones. Really the vaginal aren't that bad because they primarily stick a dildo up you and check things out. But they weren't finding anything. And the pain continued. So now the doctor has decided on February 7th, some exploratory surgery will be conducted and if anything, a possible hernia, is found then they will repair. Besides my wisdom teeth, it will be the first time I am put under. Looking forward to it? Hell, if it takes the pain away I am all for it.

Happy Fricking New Year.

End of Road Trip

2007-01-02T14:07:00.000-08:00

We stayed in Phoenix after our last post. I had a family reunion to attend and so I brought along the boyfriend to meet the family. On Friday, we hung out with Rachel and she loved having Jenna around to walk and play with. One of the things we did was to get Jenna running fast in circles and Rachel loved it laughing hysterically. That led to the fiasco on Saturday.

We went to Railroad Park for a picnic and playtime with the family. Jenna was allowed to come along which I think she enjoyed thoroughly to a certain extent. Rachel and I took Jenna over the hill to let her play for a while off her leash. And so I got Jenna running in circles. And she was running about Mach 1 when...

She ran straight into my left knee and lifted me into the air. I am hoping I didn't cuss, but deep down I am sure I was. I yelled for Rachel to go get her mom. When Rachel told her mom, she initially thought we were playing a joke. Somehow I was able to get the leash back on Jenna. I remember Polly coming and then her calling for Murray. I remember him coming and then I remember them calling 911. And then I think the hotties showed up, but I don't remember too much after that. I remember contemplating whether I wanted to go to the hospital and making an effort to move to stand up, but it hurt too damn much. I remember my brand new pair of jeans being split up the side. The next thing I knew the IV was in and we were heading to the hospital. I remember hottie talking to me about hunting in the La Sals which is near Moab. And I remember being wheeled into the ER room.

After x-rays and more drugs, Johnny Crutch came in to size me for a knee brace and crutches. I had to pee terribly and wanted to get down there. He wanted me to take it slow. Once back in the room, he continued to talk and I finally had to lay back down and close my eyes because I kept picturing puking on his head. I opted for the wheel chair to the lobby where I felt I was going to puke.

My sister finally came and we went to her house. Jenna was freaked out in the vehicle and visibly upset, but I was able to get her calmed down. And I even went to the evenings activities. The four beers and hydrocodone made me fall asleep quickly when we finally got home at 3 a.m.

Sunday night I was sick of the crutches and decided I could walk on the leg. My family didn't think it was a good idea and since I was in mass pain by the end of the night, they were right for once. I made it to midnight and then went home for another wonderful night on the couch.

We left Phoenix and the warmth on Monday morning one hour behind our scheduled departure time. That is about all I know because I slept the entire way. Wanted to say sorry to Jeff and Jacob for not being able to see them at the park even though I believe they saw me laying on the ground.

Hope everyone had a great New Year.

Road Trip Day 6

2006-12-25T11:17:00.000-08:00

We awoke early and had some waffles. The one I made wasn't as great as the first one I had in the beginning of this trip. Must have been much more hungry that morning or something. We headed out on the day's adventure.

First stop was a dirt road in the west district of Saguaro NP. Although we had seen primarily the same thing the day before, we concentrated more on birds this morning and taking turns walking Jenna down the dirt road.

But even though we were concentrating on the birds, I still snapped off the cactus photo. I particularly enjoyed this one.

Afterwards, we were going to walk around the Arizona Sonoran Museum, however, there was a sign that said no dog left unattended. We were going to risk it, but the old man security guard had seen the dog. We walked down to the entrance just to look and decided against risking it. The security guy had followed us back to the vehicle, but didn't stop. As we went to leave, I stopped to do something and parked across several parking spaces to fix something. The security guard stopped and watched us. He then paralleled us until we turned to leave. We both wanted to turn again and make circles so he would get nervous, but we didn't. He watched us leave the area.

Defeated there, we headed north towards Phoenix, but decided to find some more ruins. I have to say I have been disappointed with the park units we have visited in Arizona because each one had a city surrounding it. I'm spoiled in Utah. Casa Grande Ruins had a Wal-mart across the street. However, Jenna was pretty excited that she was allowed to go out near the ruin and even walk straight through the visitor center. We were so suprised that I took a photo of her and Murray in the visitor center.

We finally arrived in Phoenix just in time to head over to a sister's house for grub and a game of 20 Questions. If you see one, this one bought in Kohls, pick one up because you will be amazed. It is an electronic game and you think of something, it asks the questions, and then guesses your answer. We stumped it several times, but it did come up with platypus.

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas and enjoy the rest of the year.

More photos here

Road Trip Day 5

2006-12-23T20:09:00.000-08:00

We left the last town and headed west today. Even though this morning the heater ran for a short time, by the end of the day we were using the vent and a/c. I wore only a t-shirt and sweatshirt rather than long underwear, t-shirt, sweatshirt, jacket, and gloves. The other day we were in a town where the high was 30 degrees and today the high where we are was 60+. 30 degree difference. Our original plan was going to take us north back into the cold, but we have decided against that. We are going to keep in the warmth as long as we can.

Today we went to another National Park, which pisses off the dog. We were quite upset that they don't ever have to wear winter uniforms. Those in the park service understand that statement. And I have realized that I have become spoiled during this trip. Yes, yes, I know I already am, but being at Chaco all by ourselves really spoiled me today.

We arrived at Saguaro today to a bus full of people. The visitor center was packed, the sidewalks were packed, and they were walking over everything. I stamped my NPS passport, Murray grabbed a map and guide, and we got the heck out of there. But the bus was not the only people. There was another group in a white SUV. They pulled up and about 10 people piled out of the vehicle. It was like clowns coming out of a VW. They were loud and I was crying CHACO CHACO.

We traveled along the 8 mile road, stopping where people weren't, and driving by other pullouts where people were. There were numerous places I wanted to stop and take a photo, but I didn't want to be like the visitors I constantly yell at or kindly ask to move at the other park.

We attempted to do some birding. But the only types of birds we saw today were Silhouette Birds. You probably won't find those in a typical bird book, but birders will understand what kind of birds those are.

When we stopped to take this photo of this dead cactus, which was a little down from the car, we left Jenna in the vehicle. Sometimes when we leave her in the vehicle, she climbs into the back where luggage is piled to the top of the backseat and waits patiently for us. I often wish I could hear what she is thinking. I know most of it is cuss words and why aren't you taking me. She eventually gets over it I hope!

I asked the nice park ranger what the quickest way would be if we were heading to Phoenix. He told me to go back out to I-10. Of course, he told me to take a certain road, but upon leaving the park, we saw a sign that said I-10 left. So we followed it. As the road wound east, we wanted to head west, we laughed. And heck, if we would have followed the other way, we wouldn't have seen the deer cross the road. We've been in this situation a couple of times as well and since we are on a vacation, we don't give a shit. Actually, we pretend we are in the Amazing Race game and everyone else is behind us. HA HA.

We finally found our hotel, checked in, actually declared Jenna this time, and went to the Texas Roadhouse to eat dinner. Funny thing is they don't have any in Texas. It was one of the best meals I have had in a long time. They had awesome bread with honey butter, great pina coladas, the steak was done right, and the shrimp was delicious. And of course Jenna loved the leftovers.

Tomorrow we head to the big city, but not after visiting some other places. We'll be hanging with family and friends for the Christmas holidays. Every one have a great one!

more photos as always

Road Trip Day 4-Birding

2006-12-22T19:49:00.000-08:00

We left the hotel room sometime this morning after finally pulling ourselves out of bed for the continental breakfast. The other day we had waffles and I was craving them again, but they didn't have the set up for them. Absolutely disappointed. Oh well. Tonight's hotel, the same chain, doesn't have them either. Dang it!

We went to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. We went mostly for the birding, however, we did get to see a deer and then it disappeared. In its place were five coyotes. And they say that coyotes don't hunt in packs anymore. HA!

Jenna kind of enjoyed the park as well because to our surprise the lady at the gate told us the dog could be out, but had to be on a leash. So she was allowed to get out some places. Her first adventure was out on a boardwalk and she was quite intrigued with the coots and other birds in the water. At the places where we did not let her out, she enjoyed pouting.

When we first arrived at the boardwalk, we spooked a coot from under the boardwalk and it flew for a little while. Then it thought it was landing on water, but slid on its ass across the ice. It was one of the funniest things I have seen.

The birding was mostly a vehicle tour with Murray saying stop, back up, etc. He was the spotter and then I would stop, get out, slam the door, and the bird would fly off so I couldn't get the photograph. But I did get some photos...

And more

We drove on to another town today and found our same chain hotel. Tomorrow we head for Arizona. We are still looking for warmth.

Happy Holidays

The wildlife: 5 coyotes, 1 deer, northern shoveler, bufflehead, kestrel, snow geese, merlin, northern harrier, hooded mengauser, northern pintail, sandhill crane, says phoebe, killdeer, northern flicker, gadwall, coopers hawk, golden eagle, bald eagle, ring necked duck, ring-necked pheasant, widgeon, sandpiper, marsh wren, pied bill grebe, green winged teal, and others we didn't identify.

Road Trip Day 3

2006-12-21T19:32:00.000-08:00

We left Santa Fe this morning under iffy road conditions. It was still snow covered which pretty much left icy conditions. But it didn't last long as it was also sunny and somewhat warm today. Of course as soon as the sun disappears, it gets mighty damn cold. We traveled north from Santa Fe to Bandelier. Another Indian ruin area and another stamp on my NPS passport.

In the park service, the crowd is small and you usually know or someone else knows someone else and so on. And of course I knew someone from here who I used to work with. At Aztec, one of the workers knew someone I currently work with. Geez, it is a small work community.
I've seen a lot of ruins, but nothing like these. Each time I raised my camera to take the photo the guy with the walking stick would walk in front of my photo. He did it about 5 times. Unbelievable.
Unlike Chaco where we had the entire park to ourselves because it was so damn cold, we had to share the park today. The snow was so bad there yesterday they had shut down the park. Like at Chaco, my camera fell again and this time instead of the mud got a little damaged (ladder photo). No biggie though. Friends ask why I leave on the plastic cover on the LCD screen. Now you know.

We finally finished up the hike and Jenna was quite excited because she is getting sick of being left in the vehicle. We drove into Los Alamos. We aren't glowing. We went to the Museum so we could learn more about how and why and everything else we did and didn't want to know about the A-Bomb. Then we went to a historical diner. Finally back at the vehicle, Jenna was ready to kill us even more. We found a road off the highway and took her for a much needed walk and run. Plus, part of her dinner was my pork chop so I think we appeased her. Tomorrow we are going to try to find something strictly for her.

Not sure where tomorrow will lead us but it will be down I-25 hopefully to warmth! Happy Holidays!

More photos

Road Trip Day 1&2

2006-12-21T09:03:00.000-08:00

We left Moab on Tuesday and headed southeast. When we woke up Tuesday morning the ground was covered with snow. And the rest of the day was driven in snow and rain.

Our first unscheduled stop was a casino. We only dropped 20 of Murray's money. And I have decided that I couldn't live in a gambling city because I would have a problem with gambling.

We arrived in Farmington NM sometime that day and drove straight to Aztec Ruin National Monument (http://www.nps.gov/azru/) QUIZ: What is the difference between a National Park and National Monument (Parkies can't answer). Of course the lady working there knew people we knew. (Green Hornet-you took her over EH)

We stayed that night in Farmington. While staying in the La Quinta because that is our choice hotel, I received an email from some "old" camp hosts from Arches. (And I don't mean OLD). How about past. That is better. Mike said something about Farmington and I said oh shit, they live in Farmington. So I sent a message in hopes he would get it before we left. Then we went next door and had one of the greatest drinks I have ever had. Raspberry Liqueur, Kahlua, half&half-shaken over the rocks with a splash of Sprite. YUMMIE!!!!!!! The next morning Mike called and we met up for breakfast and coffee. Then we headed onto Chaco.

Driving down 550 the road was ok. Not much snow left over and not slippery. We turned onto a paved county road and then onto the dirt road. About 20 miles of dirt road to reach Chaco. Mike had told me about the washboard, but thought they might be ok because of the snow. NOPE MIKE...they are still there and still crappy. But we made it. And saw two coyotes on the way. We pulled into the parking lot and were the only ones there. It was windy and freezing ass cold, but we endured. We had the entire park to ourselves. Jenna (the dog) didn't like it much because she didn't get to go on a lot of the trails.

But it was really nice to have an entire park to ourselves. And I am sure the area looks completely different without snow. And just a note...it is always important to actually take the trail guide so when you come to the numbers you know what you are looking for or at. At #8, we searched and searched and then when we read the trail guide at the end of the trail, it said nothing was there.

We left Chaco after freezing most of the tour of the park. We stopped at a large pull out to eat lunch in the vehicle and let Jenna run. After about 10 minutes she came back to the vehicle. We aren't sure if it was because she was freezing or could smell the sandwiches. We turned back onto 550 and headed south towards I-25. And here came the snow. The Rocket (my vehicle) made it through without one slip or slide. One vehicle used me the entire time...each time I pulled out to pass, he was right behind me. Little did he know that a female was driving. HAHA.

We found our La Quinta in Santa Fe right near a mall, which was nice so I could get a stocking cap since I can't find mine. Today, the roads are icy, but we are still heading north towards Bandelier. Until then...keep warm...

As always more photos

Road Tripping

2006-12-19T20:40:00.000-08:00

We set out this morning for a road trip to numerous states, parks, and unknowns. Stay tuned for photos and stories I am sure....

The Two Women

2006-11-28T16:42:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen this?

I have about a zillion times. I have looked at it about zillion times. And for the life of me I have never been able to see the two different woman-one young and one old.

The first place I saw this was at my Iowa Grandma's house. I want to say it was in the basement, but I can't remember. May be a relative can verify. And did it make it over to the Overlooking the River House?

I had started visiting Grandma's house on my own probably between the ages of 8 or 9 or may be later, but I am pretty sure I was flying back there when I was a little shit. And I continued to visit well into my college years.

And for all those years, I only saw the younger woman. I could never for the life of me see the older woman. I think I might have told people I saw two because that would make me cool. But for 33 - years I have never seen the second woman.

I have succeeded today. I have finally seen it. Of course, it had to be shown to me in two different photos, but I can easily see the two now. I called my sister and asked if it was in Iowa Grandma's house. I told her I had finally seen it. And she had to rub it in that she has always seen it.

So it has only taken me 33 - years to see it. Oh well. At least I can see the two.

Airport Adventure

2006-11-24T12:19:00.000-08:00

I am currently sitting in the SLC airport. I took a shuttle bus up here from my home and arrived 3 hours early. So like any good alcoholic, I went straight to the bar to have lunch and start my drinking. I also have coupons on for my flight and so by the time I land in Chicago, I will be tanked. Won't I be a joy tonight. But save the day as the world has WIFI for a price.

So I sit in Dick Clark's listening to the tunes, watching football, and enjoying my new addiction of My Space. But I was thinking and may be in some airport there is one...why isn't there a movie theater in this airport. Instead of drinking away my day, I could be watching some sappy love story or violence enriched killings or some humor based stupidity. But instead I am watching Texas A&M and Texas battle their strength and Poker.

But at least I have my blog community and my friends at My Space. Hey, if you are in the airport, I'm sitting at the bar in a yellow shirt flanked by two unknown men---one drinking a martini and one drinking a Sam Adams. Stop by and say hello.

Photo End

2006-11-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

Well my season at the Pillars has come to an end on Thanksgiving. Click the title to check out the last photos.

Everyone have a great Thanksgiving!!!

A Serious Ass Pucker Moment

2006-11-12T18:35:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, which was my Friday, I was leaving the area in my personal vehicle when a blue sports vehicle approached me traveling at a high rate of speed. I used my hand and attempted to get him to slow down. And he did brake, but then accelerated again. I called my partner and informed her about the vehicle. I continued on toward my home with my music cranking.

In about 10 minutes, I heard my call number and answered the radio. She was requesting my assistance back at the park because she couldn't get the vehicle stopped. She said she was doing 70 mph. Now, we don't drive pursuit vehicles, we drive 4wd pickups because normally we are pulling people out of the mud. And the speed limit in the area is anywhere from 15-45 mph. I radioed I was returning. I had my badge and radio. Nothing else, but my vehicle.

I saw them coming and put my vehicle in my lane. I also used an innocent passerby to semi-block the other lane. The blue vehicle came around the corner and was heading in my direction. I was standing in the road holding up my badge and telling him to stop. I saw the look in his eyes as I am sure he saw the fear in my eyes as I felt I was about to get run over by this asshole. I was able to jump out of the way as he drove unto the shoulder on the passenger side of my vehicle. And he disappeared. We never saw him again on the road. I was hoping he would hit a cow or deer like so many innocent people do. We had already called for our backup which consists of about every law enforcement officer in the area.

I heard the radio crackle with "I got him doing 105 mph." The UHP's voice just went up a few octaves. The UHP had taken up pursuit and was requesting spikes and a small town down the road to be shutdown. The speeds of the pursuit reached 120 mph. Come to find out later that the vehicle had nitro in the trunk and would go from 100 to 120 in a second.

The driver missed the first spikes. And I guess the second ones tipped upside down, but he decided it would be best to stop at this point. When we arrived on scene, there was the Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife, Sheriff, and UHP and then us, Park Service. Like I said we all come to help each other. When I walked up to the vehicle, there was a syringe and crack pipe sitting on the trunk. Looking at those made me realize that he had ZERO concern for the life of anyone else including himself.

I looked in the front seat....besides the riff raff in the vehicle, there was the HOLY BIBLE on the passenger seat. Was he reading that while he was driving like a fricking idiot putting everyone's life in jeopardy? Was that BOOK supposed to make me think he was a good soul? That even though he attempted to run me down, I should forgive him because he is reading the BIBLE? Actually, seeing that BOOK made me more and more pissed off.

Dispatch came back with more wonderful news---he was wanted in California for drugs, armed and dangerous. Oh yea, the bitchen souped up vehicle he was driving was also stolen. But hey, all is well he had a HOLY BIBLE on his front seat.

I shook hands with the UHP officer who was able to keep up with the 120 mph speeds and thanked everyone and the Dispatch for their help. I was dropped back off at my vehicle and reflected about life on my drive home. Which I have decided without the BOOK, I am doing just fine.

Week 8-10

2006-10-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

Here are the photos:

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

Nothing to exciting. I had to pull several individuals out of the mud, which required me to get wet and dirty. I had to be pulled out myself from a hole. And we've had a lot of wetness and washouts.

I also participated in a search for Chain Link Fence (not her real name). She luckily realized it would be best to sit her ass down instead of walking in circles. She did spend a night out there alone in the elements, but was smart about it. She flagged down the helicopter the next day. Some days I want to get lost just so I can ride in the helicopter. :)

Hope all is having a wonderful Fall.

Hike of Week 7

2006-10-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

October 7, 2006 at approximate 0815 hours, I pulled into the EH parking lot. One other vehicle. Not suprising since the rain drenched all yesterday. I grabbed my gear and started up a well worn path, however; never appeared to have been walked on thanks to the rain wiping away all existence. My footprints would lead others to the unknown known.

The sun was awake and trying to dry everything. The desert still smelled 'just after the rain'. The sage brush was emitting its fragrance and everyone once in a while the juniper smell would jump off the branches. Everything was silent, but rejoicing after the spa treatment they received in the last 24 hours.

I walked with my nose to the perfumes. I shuffled my feet, scampered over slickrock, and slithered through cervaces. Every so often the trickle of water would stop me and I could feel it cleanse my veins as it cleansed the Earth. At the trail junction, the trickle became a flow and I felt all my sins washed away.

The trail followed the creek bed. There was a lot of rock and sandbar hopping. Of course 95% of the sand was quick and my feet would start sinking. I kept thinking of movies where people disappear. (Does anyone know where I am hiking today? NOPE). Thank goodness rock is just a short distance down.

Another junction...I should have zigged instead of zagged and I missed my orinial destination. But I was still on unchartered trail to me. When I saw my first person 4 hours later, I knew my mass, my holy quest, my religious pilgrimage was finished.

I retraced a trail I'd done before to another new trail to the first trail. The first trail was now in footprint ruins wiping away my start. I returned to the parking lot, where both were overflowing with noise and souls. I threw the car in drive with the windows rolled up tight holding in the silence and continuing to homd my happy heart beat.

Total Distance: 11.4 miles
Total H2O Drank: 100 oz
Food consumed: 1 PB&J, two granola bars
Total people encountered: 20 too many
Enjoying the first 4 hours along: Beyond Priceless

Week 6

Week 7

The Best Worst Trip

2006-09-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, September 19th, I was driven to the bottom of the canyon. Ok, really I was driven to the location of the start or end of the trail system. I was shoved out the door with my 900 pound pack with a beautiful canyon floor awaiting me below. And then I dropped into the canyon and began my four day, three night adventure. I was hiking into old indian country, but I was pretty sure I was not going to get scalped or impaled. But I was wrong. The trail system had not been used in quite some time because of the scorching heat so there was a lot of bush whacking and relocating the trail quite a lot during the trip. Within the first two miles, I was impaled in the lip. It is amazing how much the lip bleeds. I exited the marshy area to find my lip and arms splattered with blood. But then I kept reminding myself I was getting paid to do this and should not complain too much. There was so much to see, but I had a mission and I stuck to it. That first night I hiked approx 5 miles. And fell asleep peacefully under the stars.

The second day I trudged on. As many of you know, I have a slight problem drinking water. And I was about to spend 4 days hiking 22 miles so at some point I was going to have to filter water. I was kind of nervous since I barely can drink tap water, but I have to say that the filter water wasn't that terrible. The second day when I awoke the gray fluffless clouds were forming in the west and by mid-afternoon I would be ducking and hiding from the rain every chance I got. I actually waited out the rain at one point only to get absolutely drenched after bush whacking through the reeds. But then sometimes it was worth it.

The rain always brings out the best in colors in the desert. Of course while I was taking this photo, I am sure this is where I missed the trail for about the third time. The wind and hail were an extra bonus of fun. What is nice is that there are tons of nooks and crannies where I could shelter myself from the torments. On the second night after losing my Nalgeen bottle down a 20 foot cliff, almost falling down the cliff when the sand embankment gave way (well at least I could have gotten the bottle), and bush whacking to hell; I gave up and climbed up the embankment to sleep with a pack rat. Each night I set up the night under an overhang because it had an integrated rain fly and I wasn't too confident in it, but in the end it held true. The pack rat or mountain lion only scratched at my pack once.

The next morning I hiked to my last location. According to the map, I would have 8.5 miles from the canyon head to the end. Due to the rainy time, I was afraid my pickup might not be at the trailhead because of the road being impassable and figured I might have to travel an additional 3.5 miles. So I decided I would hike down 5 miles and be that much closer to the trailhead just in case I had to walk the additional. Well sometimes GPS units or maps lie. Thursday night it rained all night and when I awoke on Friday the creek was running at a good speed and amount. I packed up early and headed down the trail. A fresh pair of socks never felt so damn good. 10 minutes later they were soaked from crossing the creek in numerous places, some places up to my knees. The quick drying pants weren't drying quick enough. Within an hour I was at the trailhead. As I said things lie sometimes. I called for my support vehicles, who said she would be there in 30 minutes. An hour and half later she arrived. I was near hypothermic at that time. But it was well worth it. Like a good condor, when the sun appeared, disappeared, and reappeared, I stretched out my wings and sunned myself to warm up.

As always enjoy the rest of the photos:

Week 4

Week 5

Week 2&3 Aug 22-Sep 9

2006-08-31T06:30:00.000-07:00

I had been hiking for several hours. Checking this canyon, peeking between those rocks, looking for something interesting. I found the Racecar Arch and the Molar. And then I went up the canyon to check a site we monitor. I figured what the heck I would just go further up and find the site on the way back. I found a mining claim from 1957 and some old corn cobs that the Natives ate. And then I happened onto the site. I walked around the other side and looked at an overhand and thought...if I were a native, I would hang here. I noticed a bird laying at the back. First impressions were it was a spirit from the past, a skinwalker. There had to be native stuff around here. I stepped back to see all the handprints they had left behind. They say the handprints represent ceremonial times...was it a skinwalker? I decided to leave the bird to rest in peace. You can see the bird just below the white line at the back of the overhang.

8/30--driving into uncharted canyons by me, I witnessed an abundance of wildlife today. And not one of them was caught on camera. First, we saw what we believed to be two coppers hawks. Then I dropped my coworkers off and traveled beyond. I was driving in a wash bottom when I came upon the red-tail hawk who casually flew it a snag and made it easily identifiable. The next few corners held a badger. First I just saw it moving away from the water in the wash and thought what the hell was that. I mean initially I thought it was a wombat, but those are in Australia. Then it paused on the bank as I scrambled for my camera. It gave me a dirty look and moved into the bushes. Then I went up the wrong canyon and came across a coyote running along the road and off trail. I even had my camera out, but it wouldn't stay still long enough. On my way out, I saw a grey fox. Initially, I thought it was the largest squirrel I had ever seen. Shit, do I need glasses? Anyway, it was a grey fox. And lastly, I saw either another Coopers Hawk or Sharp Shin. I would like to say sharp shin, only because I had already seen a coopers.

9/6--So I was driving back from the town to work this morning at some gosh awful hour. I had planned on being back last night, but the retarded rescue of the girl with a dislocated shoulder, who ended up walking herself out after we put a sling on that her friends could have easily done, required some hiking and by the time I got back to town, for safety reasons I stayed there. So I was driving back this morning to make work at 8am and was dodging all the animals...rabbits, deer, chipmunks, turkey...and I got thinking some serious thoughts.

1. No matter what time I drive that road, animals are darting across in front of my vehicle. ??? Do these animals ever sleep?
2. Do they ever run across the road when I am not driving it or other cars are not there? You always see dead animals. Why don't they dart across when no cars are coming?
3. And is it a game they play like chicken? Are their friends waiting on the other side hoping they make it across? Do they get initiated into some club for making it? And if they don't make it, then they weren't meant to be in the club?
4. What is exactly on the other side for them? Why must they go over there?
5. DO THEY NOT LEARN FROM SEEING THEIR FRIENDS RUN OVER THAT CROSSING THE ROAD WHEN A VEHICLE IS COMING IS PRETTY DAMN STUPID?

9/7--Driving along in the backcountry, I smell it quickly approaching. A rain in the desert is nothing like a rain in the mountains. A rain in the desert smells so damn good. But when it rains in the desert, it pours quickly and leaves a lot of water in minutes. I am driving on another road I had never been on and quickly starting wondering if I was going to have to cross any washes because by looking at the sandstone slabs to my left, they were pouring water into every drainage there was. I paused to take a photo of some water behind me on the road. When I turned back around I found this...

And those three photos were taken within seconds of each other. Not sure how much was coming behind that flow, I jumped in the vehicle and got the hell out of there.

Sorry for the weekly delay, but I haven't had a chance to upload photos until tonight. Enjoy as always.

Week 2

Week 3

Week 1-New Job

2006-08-25T20:35:00.000-07:00

Hey folks:

I will be posting photos of each week I am at my new job. And here is a little tidbit of a visitor encounter....

Man walking toward me.... (italics indicate in mind)
Me: Hello
City: Sure is quiet out here.
Me: City Boy. That is the point of it.
City: Are you sure it is ok for me to be out here alone.
Me: It is much better when no one is around. We will be rescuing him later
City: "Jumps at site of lizard and then pulls out camera"
Me: I just laugh and walk away.

The photos: Week 1

Outta Here

2006-08-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

I believe my blog days are over. One reason is that I don't get that many people reading my stories. However, I love the regulars for stopping by when they could. Second, I am leaving the world of civilization for a time being and blogging won't be a top priority. I will attempt to keep reading everyone else when I can.

Have a great year.

Adventure Day

2006-07-31T08:50:00.000-07:00

I gotta say that I probably have one of the greatest jobs. I mean besides the usually traffic stops on a daily basis; there are days that I can leave the road and explore the unknown and untouched. So on Sunday BF and I did just that. Of course Jenna was not too pleased with us because she thinks she should get to go with us every time we leave the house. But since we were in the park, she had to stay home. Her fun would come later in the day.

We headed up the road and parked the vehicle in a position to slow down the speedy visitors. And we set out to uncharted rocks by us. Jack graced us with his presence almost immediatley. And we saw the occasional lizard, but not much else wildlife except the paw prints left behind. We scrambled over rocks, we crawled under rocks, and we squeezed through rocks. We, or mostly I, searched out cracks and areas for an arch I had not found before. I think we found one. There were many baby arches, but in order to be classified as an adult arch, you have to be three feet and most of the ones we found weren't there yet. We finally made it up one area, skirted around the back side, and then were looking for a way down into the valley. BF finally found what he thought would work just fine. Of course it was going to take some chimneying, but it was doable. Uh, CHIMNEYING? That is where there is a crack and you wedge yourself in there and go up or down. We used the back against one side and feet/knees against the other. Then just work your way down or up. Important information to know when you have a flashflood coming on you and you have to attempt to get above it.

After that we played it easy by following the wash and chasing after the fox prints. We once again came to a dead end. At that point, I was tired and hungry and ready to be finished with the hike. We went up and over the sand and came to another canyon area. And that is when we found the arch for my record. BF thinks it has never been found before which would mean I get to name it. But I believe it has. The photo is a joke for those who have ever been to Arches National Park.

BF went home after lunch and I went back to work cleaning the cache after our flood. I called BF at 3PM and asked if he had the boats loaded. He laughed and said no. Of course when I made the telephone call, I knew he didn't. We were heading up the river to drop in the boats for a short daily trip of paddling. And this is where Jenna got to have some fun. We paddled lazily down the river looking at nothing and the herons.

We were going to make one stop to check out a old mining rock house. It was a short stop as the storm was thundering and lightning. Once we got back in the boat and started down, Jenna decided she was done being in the boat and jumped out. BF put her back in, but within minutes she was out again. We decided to let her swim. After a few minutes and one photo op, she decided being back in the boat was ok. We came around the bend and could see the river bridge. The head wind was so damn strong I was making zero progress and actually moving up stream. We finally made it to the launch ramp and were graced with a sand storm. Oh I love the desert. We loaded up my vehicle and shuttled back to BF's. As we were driving we saw this guy running along the road in sandals. If I had to put a description on him at first glance I would say skinhead. I said we are not picking that guy up. When we got back to BF's vehicle, there was a kid sitting by a bunch of rafting gear. I said on second thought we are. So BF picked him up and shuttled him to his vehicle. Rule of thumb...always carry your lifejacket on that road because any local will pick you up. And if you have the child, hold him or her out there because the pickup will be quicker.

Hope you are having a great summer.

More photos under: Jenna's life, Utah (Wildlife, Adventure Stuff, and Flora)

James A. Haran

2006-07-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

I went over to see Jenn the other day and found her writing about this...2996. So I did what it asked and signed myself up. And it immediately assigned me James A. Haran. And so I did some searching on who James A. Haran was...google is an amazing thing and a scary thing... James was a broker with Cantor Fitzgerald.

This is what I found...
September 11 Victims

9-11 Heroes

Remembering

I know that James photograph and memory will forever be etched into my mind. I am sorry for the loss to his family, especially his wife and children. May they know people every where think of them even though they do not know them.

Higher Ground

2006-07-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

After working six days straight, two of those with overtime, and all those days over 100 degrees, and wearing a ballistic vest makes it 150 degrees, I decided to get the hell out of the heat and head to the LS Mountains. They are just behind the house somewhat. I mean I can see them from the house. All I knew was that is it cooler up there than it is down here. So I loaded up a cooler with one Corona and two cokes, grabbed a bag of grub, and told Jenna to get in the vehicle.

We drove up the mountain to the O Lake. We left the heat of the desert where the lizards were scorching on the rocks. As soon as we left the black top for the dirt road, I could smell the green. The aspens and pine mixed together for a wonderful aroma that floated through the windows. When we arrived at the lake, the fisherpeople were throwing in their lines. I could smell the freshness of the water.

I let Jenna get a little wet and then we started up the trail with no destination in mind and zero time frame. The weather was warm, but it was not hot like the desert. Jenna ran ahead and crisscrossed the trail looking for something. Anything to chase really. I of course was looking for a bear the entire time. We finally came to a stream, crick, brook where Jenna enjoyed the water for a short moment before heading up the slight incline. That is when we ran into Washington. We talked for a while about things. He thought he was heading to W Lake. And I of course didn't know where the hell I was heading so he pulled out his map. I found out that there was a loop trail I could take so that is what I decided. He told me there was another lake up the trail. Looking at the map, I noticed the only way to get there was by hiking so I figured I would be alone when I arrived.

Well I was kind of right. Washington told me the Cow Woman would probably be there when I arrived. And sure enough she was and I asked her about the trail, but she didn't know about it. And although he said it would be signed, it didn't say the loop trail. She had told me that the G Pass Trail was a long ways, but I risked it anyway taking the trail. I figured it would loop eventually.

We kept behind the cows and enjoyed the side stepping of droppings. When we would hear them moo, we would stop to let them get ahead a little more. We finally came to a meadow and saw a trail head off to the right. I kept telling myself if the side trail wasn't around the next corner, I would turn around. Thank goodness that corner finally came. We started down the trail when I heard the 'boing, boing'. Okay, it didn't sound exactly like that, but it got my attention enough. Jenna wasn't sure if she should chase something that big so she just watched from the trail looking between me and the deer. After the deer, we were graced with the presense of numerous birds, but I was only to get a photo of this guy.

We continued on the trail and eventually made it back to the lake when Jenna immediately cooled off. We grabbed our Corona, grub bag, and a book and headed down to an area by the lake where the fisherpeople we not. After Jenna took a swim, we ate cold pizza. I read a chapter in the book and finished my beer. She took a couple of swims and then we headed home to the desert heat.

More photos at http://mtnbkaz.photosite.com/ under Everything Else, Jenna, Flowers

Highly Allergic

2006-07-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

About three weeks ago, I escaped the confines of my yard and went around to the front of the house. Mom isn't sure what I got myself into, but she thinks I ate the dead bird in the front yard. She believes that possibly the bird had an insect on it and I got stung. Whatever it was, when mom kindly grabbed under my chin to say "what are you doing out here" she felt the grapefruit size lump on the left side of my chin.

She laid on the floor with me for quite a while. It was about 11pm. When my eyes started to get glazed over and I was looking like I was in dream land, she called my normal vet. No answer on the emergency number. When my breathing became labored and I stopped several times, she called the other vet. We rushed down there at midnight 20. After two shots, the vet sticking something up my arse, and his finger down my throat, we got to come home. Of course it was now 130am and the vet told mom to monitor me for the next 3 hours. Um, well she wasn't about to sleep on the floor for three hours, so I got to sleep in the bed. Interesting, may be I should have reactions more often. Dad was away so I spent the next three nights in the bed with mom.

On Tuesday, mom, Pheebs, Jake, and I went for another road trip. We had a good day until the last pitstop for a piss break. First, there was the water that mom kept us out of. Then there was a carcass of some sort. And then we started walking down this road. Mom and Pheebs started getting bit by mosquitoes and so that cancelled the walk. We got back in the vehicle and there were bugs in there and one was on my nose, which they slapped at numerous times. We drove on to the next town to get gas. Mom was gassing up when she noticed my face was very bumpy. Pheebs ran into the store and mom bought some benadryl. It was children's liquid and so I drank out of the cap. I wasn't having trouble breathing, but mom was still in a panic. She sped home where I was given another benadryl, which pretty much put my ass out for the rest of the night. Mom snapped photos of me...

Mom also put more photos here under Jenna's life and Utah "Everything else"

New Photos

2006-07-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

Click on the title to see new photos...

they are under Rock Art and Everything Else in the Utah album.

The Indian Country Drive

2006-07-04T16:30:00.000-07:00

Monday seems to have become my day of adventure. I awoke and called Phoebe. Said I was up for an adventure and if she and Jake (her dog) were game. She said sure. Told her I would be there in an hour. I stopped at the Shell upon arriving in her town and bought two cokes and two pieces of beef jerky. I pulled up at her place and stupidly left my door open. Jake loves opens doors so he jumped right into the vehicle. And then I turned around to find Jake sharing my beek jerky with Jenna. Should that have been a sign? This would be an adventure of firsts.

We headed further south. It was now noon and probably 100 degrees. What were we thinking? So we missed the turn I wanted and cruised this dirt road into nowhere except to a blacktop road. It was really weird. So we followed it. And then it ended so we followed it the other way. And it ended, but it ended where it was going to take a 50 point turn to get turned around. I made the turn and started forward to a hole and kind of high centered the vehicle. We missed the opportunity for a photo because we were both in 'oh fuck' mode. This would be the first time I have had the Rocket in four-wheel drive. And she pulled her weight. We got her out eventually. Sorry no photo of that.

We did finally head up the CR Road and found the other side of the blacktop road. The dogs were dying so we were hoping for water. We found a small green probably infectious water and they laid down to cool off. We attempted to find more but as the mud got thicker, we bagged the idea. Actually, we pretty much bagged the entire hiking day. We went down to the San Juan River and spent the next two hours in next deep river water soaking in our bras and underwear. The dogs were loving it. We were getting exercise working against the current.

After the soak, we headed on the backroads to some Indian Ruins. It was mostly driving and short hikes out to the ruins. Jake and Jenna did a lot rabbit chasing. Not sure about Jake, but Jenna has slept most of the day and is walking really slow.

During our tour, we ran into some Texans. They were talkers. Well he was a talker. The female realized we didn't like talking and kept telling him to come on, come on, but he kept talking. We ditched them finally, but only because we missed one of the ruins.

We were heading what we were hoping was towards home, but it just didn't seem right. I mean we were heading west as we should have been, but it was a dirt road. I told Phoebe I would stop this truck coming towards us and ask him. The cowboy on the cell phone said we needed to turn around and head back 6 miles to Pleasant. We finally made it to Pleasant. We were tired and hungry and it was late. The sign to home said 35 miles. It was about 820pm and we needed to make dinner.

We made the diner and had a great meal. We were two of four customers. The waitress asked where we were from and we told her. Then the other customers said my town name wrong as so many visitors do. The waitress asked how to say it properly. Then he said they had been riding ATVs in our town earlier that day. And that ended our conversation somewhat. He later said "I noticed you frowned when I said ATVs". I said "I am about protecting the desert not destroying it." Thankfully they finally left and we had the place to ourselves to eat in peace.

Most of the photos are here, but here are a few....

The Wise One Canyon

2006-06-26T15:27:00.000-07:00

On Sunday about midnight, I decided Jenna and I would embark on a mission on Monday. So Monday morning as the alarm went off for some damn reason, I wrestled with the thought of actually going. Ah, what the heck lets jam. I loaded the vehicle with food, clothing, sleeping bags, and other survival materials. I am always prepared for the unprepared. We jumped in the vehicle about 720 and headed south. I called and woke up Phoebe hoping she was in Cello so she could scrap the looking at grass today and head out with us. However, she was in her other town and couldn't accompany us. I told her I would call her when I reached civilization. Come Tuesday night, send out the troops. I also called upon my coworkers and indiciated if I wasn't at work on Wednesday, well come a looking in the vast area.

I have no idea what time we arrived at the trailhead and could care less because it is my day off. I already had a plan of what I was going to do. There are two canyons...The Pisces and The Wise One...normally this is a loop hike, a two day hike, but with zero water in the canyon, it definitely isn't a summer hike. We opted for the top of the canyon with minor level drops. Well I opted for that way, Jenna didn't have too much say.

We came to our first minor level drop. And she did what she always does even though it was so simple to go down. SHE FREAKED. But eventually she went down, but not without some serious pushing.

After viewing the above site we headed around the other side where I had seen another one. She wouldn't even walk down there and it wasn't even a level drop. So out came the rope so she would be presuaded again. This time knowing darn well she wouldn't be able to get down or up the level, I left her water and tied her to a tree.

Of course, as I was chimneying down the rock I was thinking to myself...would I be able to get up? Oops if not. But there had to be a way since there were ruins down there. As I climbed down into the area, I listened for the wind to speak to me. I listened for the voices of the past. And I spoke into the wind myself. I let them know I was here visiting not disturbing. I was here to listen to them tell their story and show me their life. I would leave when I felt I wasn't welcome anymore.

There were these ruins...I would say probably several rooms. Look closely at the photo of the small wall as you can see the fingermarks of them making the wall.

And then farther down the level was these two places...And I can't tell you how much I wanted to be able to peer inside those windows. To be able to peek into their world and souls. To be able to see how they spent their nights and days. How they made due in the harsh environments. And how in the heck they dropped the 200 feet into the canyon below for water?

But without a partner I wasn't going to risk it. Heck Jenna was above tied to a tree and I couldn't leave her like that.

After finally making it back to Jenna, we trudged on, but not without major difficulty as she was freaking about the edges. After checking out this one from above and lifting her up and up and up, I finally gave up looking down the levels.

We walked some more and finally Jenna sat down in the shade by a tree. She was done. I gave her some water and found some shade myself eating my PB&J. At 1215 PM, we started back towards the trailhead. It was getting hot and shade was pretty much nil. The rocks, sand, and crypto were hot on her paws. As she was pausing to see if the lizard was worth chasing, I paused to snap this...

We were almost to the vehicle and much closer than I realized as she turned left between some trees. I said ok, you want to stop in some shade and then I looked up to see we were at the trailhead. The sand was burning her paws, but she is smart and ran to the shade while I ran to the car to open it. She immediately jumped in and I immediately filled her dish with ICE water. We headed out shortly after she stopped panting at 90 MPH.

We stopped here so she could really cool off and I would wake up. Then we called Phoebe to say we were alive.

As always check out the other PHOTOS. Plus I have added some albums and chapters

Colorado River Trip

2006-06-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

Boss lady came to me recently and asked if I would like to go on a river trip. Well, let me think about 2 damn seconds...um, well, I guess. She said I would have to eat my days off. Oh shucky darn. I figured it wasn't a bad way to eat my days off. I contacted my toe doctor and he said it would be just fine. So on Sunday, June 11, I set out around 8am with T-Berry, Doc, and Telluride. The raft trip would be three days two nights. My biggest concern was having to use the groover.

This wasn't your typical raft trip with oars. We had two Mercury motors on the back. Which seemed to helped quite a bit in the head wind flat water. We started down the river and I would say about 30 minutes to an hour into the trip, I was taking a nap. The sound of the water and the vibration of the boat was soothing.

We did some sight seeing along the way. We went to some ruins and petroglyph/pictographs and to a site of petrified logs. When we went to the first archaeological site, I forgot my camera. At the second one, my battery went dead. But I had a backup camera.

That night as we pulled into Spanish Bottom and T-Berry stopped at several camps to check names for permits, we met Toby and family. Toby had never run the rapids that were below us and asked T-Berry for support. Being a good park ranger, T-Berry said sure and that we were leaving about noon tomorrow. Keep that in mind. We camped right below them and had a wonderful dinner and hung out with the State Park crew. We all tried to stay up for the full moon, but most of us got a glimpse of it as we rolled over and opened our eyes for a moment. The river and sun suck the life out of you.

Monday morning, we arose early and hiked past Toby's camp saying good morning to them and headed up the hill to the Dolls House. The hike was primarily straight uphill, but it was worth every moment of it. It was even worth the pain I was enduring with my toe, which was now uncovered and covered in dirt.

Coming down the trail was brutal on my toe and I watched as blood oozed out of it. Thank goodness we had a doctor along as he kept saying it was ok. We passed by Toby's camp and it was filled with other boaters. Keep in mind that Toby had to pass our camp before heading into the rapids. We loaded our gear and headed down river. T-Berry had told Toby to meet at the top of Mile Long Rapids. When we arrived, Toby was not there.

We checked the banks again and then continued on. After Big Drop 1, we stopped for lunch. I was freezing and had changed shirts and went to sit on the hot rocks to warm myself up. After finishing my sandwich, I was daydreaming when I heard a pop and then watched as a flare floated back down toward the river below us. We quickly gathered our lunch stuff throwing it every where and untied the boat. We went through Big Drop 2 to find Toby on river right with his boat upside down, his belongings all along shore, and only him. He was throwing up hand signals that we had no idea what they meant and shouting directions on how we should proceeded. I was the lucky one to get off with Schmuch (aka: Toby) with a radio. There were two females in the water, a woman and a 16 year old. We were concerned. I helped Schmuch flipped his boat. In the meantime, T-Berry and crew had found the females. We helped him re-rig his boat and T-Berry went over how he should proceed down Big Drop 3, the only rapid I did not get to run. Then we walked back to our boat and waited for Schmuck to scout it and run it. I look up to see him already going. T-Berry took one look at him and said get ready because he is going to flip again.

Now let me back up a bit...the first flip was probably at Rapid 15-17 and the young female was found at Rapid 26 I believe. So she had swam a long ways before hitting shore. Sure enough they flipped again. So she got to swim Big Drop 3 twice. But this time she was over to the shore quickly. As T-Berry drove, Doc, Telluride, and myself picked up Schmuck. This story surely isn't as funny reading it as being a part of it. We rigged a system again to turn over his boat. At one point, he attempted to tell T-Berry how to do something and the look T-Berry shot Schmuch pretty much said...well you can only imagine. We got the boat turned over and T-Berry suggested the girls ride with us through the last two rapids. He agreed. We had already rescued him twice, would there be a third or fourth?

Finally rid of Schmuch we continued on our peaceful way, but without making fun of Schmuch the entire time. We did a hike where I took a short nap with my Nalgene bottle as a pillow. We finished out the night with an unbelievable pasta dish. And I finally used the groover, but not without gagging and nearly puking.

The next morning, we finished the trip in Hite.

For more photos see: Photos

I head to the Doctor tomorrow because I believe my toe is now infected with a lot of sand and wonderful clean river water.

The Boys Left

2006-06-09T08:28:00.000-07:00

My cousins have left and gone back to cool weather of the mountains. And I have pretty much been sad and moping around. But I still get my mom up early to take me for walks. It is not as much fun without the others, but now I can spend more time chasing lizards.

Mom goes on a raft trip on Sunday and hopefully by July she will be able to walk longer and her toe will be all healed up, but this little 30 minute walk sucks.

Have a good summer all.

Jenna

Cousin's Visitation by Jenna

2006-05-31T08:38:00.000-07:00

My cousins have come to visit me while their dad is in Washington DC visiting the president. Their names are Hershey and Snickers. They are two chocolate labs.

Hershey is the oldest of our group at about 8 years old. But he is much older because he was a working hunting dog and it makes dogs older. He walks slower and doesn't run as much as Snickers and I do. He usually hangs out with the people and makes sure they are making it. With Mom having a hurt toe right now she is a lot slower so Hershey is her keeper right now.

Snickers is what mom calls a little shit. Of course she should know because that is what everyone still calls her. Anyway, the dog's dad gets up early every morning so they figure it should be the same while they are staying with us. Mom isn't a morning person and to be honest neither am I. So we've elected Snickers to be the one to jump in her face between 530-6AM. It gets her moving quicker so we can go for a morning swim. Snickers is more my age so we have been having a blast.

We have been getting two swims a day. One really early in the morning thanks to Snickers and then one in the afternoon. On this morning's walk, we met the cleaning lady with her dogs. They are fun for a while but then Harley gets all defensive and starts acting like a bitch. Harley is a good punting dog, but unfortunately I don't know how to kick.

I normally lead the pack because this is my terrority. But geez those boys stop and pee quite a bit. I mean we are constantly stopping to sniff something. Then Snickers pees on it and then Hershey pees on the same spot. What is with boys.

This morning we walked all the way up to the Beaver pond, but didn't see the Beaver, but just the Beaver dam. Mom decided she would stop there because she didn't think she should try the water crossings with her shoe. Come to think of it, it would not have mattered since we drenched her feet during the retrieving activity. I have to say I am learning from the two duck dogs how to retrieve and bring back the stick to my masters. Wait, I am the master. Well you know what I mean.

We spent about an hour and half up the creek. Of course to us that is not long enough. Hopefully after mom goes grocery shopping, we can head back up to either the creek or lake for more swimming. After taking orders from Mom so she could get a photo with us, we came home and had breakfast and are taking a nap. By the way, the boys also snore loudly!

I Couldn't Resist

2006-05-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

We were driving down to Arizona on Wednesday when we noticed this sign. On the way back today, we made a U-turn so I could take the photograph...

Here It Goes Again

2006-05-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

Click on the title to take you back in time...

WARNING PICTURES TO MAKE YOU PUKE BELOW

Friday I drive an hour and half to have that toe operated on again. Hopefully this will be the last time ever. Not sure if they will be taking the edge off, but I am not looking forward to the operation. The receptionist said I would be on my feet the next day. I am still having the doctor's note saying "I HAVE TO WEAR TEVAS TO WORK FOR WEEKS, NO MONTHS".

We are driving up early to do some big city shopping. Then we are coming straight home as I will be required to lay with my foot in the air. Oh boy I am looking so forward to tomorrow.

UPDATE: The appointment went just fine. I had a little anxiety about the whole deal, but you can't blame me considering this was my 35th shot and 3rd time of having this done. I didn't even cuss when the shots went into the nerves. Then he showed me the nail he pulled off. And that was about it.

Today, I soaked my foot to take the gauze off. The dog drank the water after I moved and gagged in doing so. Anyway, then I had to clean it with cotton balls. I couldn't do it so BF had to. BF's son had some friends over so BF said "if you hear screaming behind closed doors, it is because we are cleaning the nailbed." It was painful, but not unbelieably. I have yet to take a pain killer today, but the day is still early.

My problem is that when I am required to stay in bed, I have a hard time doing so. Any other day, I could stay in bed all day because I don't have to, but today I want to get up and do things. I want to go to work, but BF is saying no and I know deep down within 20 minutes of going to work, I'd be screaming anyway. So two more days of keeping the foot up and reading, watching tv, and making my way back and forth from the bathroom.

At least it gives me time to check other's sites.

UPDATE #2: I have reached the point of I can't be in bed anymore. My back is killing me and I am pretty sure I am developing bed soars. Tomorrow, hurting or not, I am heading back to work because I am going insane in this house. People better not piss me off because every one will be getting tickets. Have a good day.

This Recipe Rocks!!!!

2006-05-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

You are going to read over the ingredients and say no way in hell is this going to taste good, but I will tell you it is probably one of the greatest things I've eaten in my life.

I'll call it Mindy Bars because she is the one who gave it to me:

You will need:
brown sugar
butter
Pam or like spray
chocolate chips/butterscotch chips
saltines/soda crackers
baking soda
tin foil

Preheat oven to 375 F
Line cookie sheet with tin foil
Spray with Pam or like product
Place a layer of soda crackers or saltines (same damn difference) on the cookie sheet. About this time you are saying gross
Mix together in a saucepan:
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup butter (butter, butter)--By the way this is a fat-free dessert (HA)
Boil the fatness for 1 minute
Stir in 1/2 teaspoon baking soda--Be prepared as it will move quickly
Pour the mixture over the crackers making sure they all are covered
Bake for 8 minutes
Remove from oven and pour over chocolate chips (Optional-I like to pour some of butterscotch and chocolate chips)
Let melt for a little bit and then spread over evenly.
Let cool. Mouth watering---place in freezer

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!

Breast Cancer for May

2006-05-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hey folks:

Please drop over to the BreastCancer site and click on the mammogram button. They are counting as double this month. Thanks.

Utah Road Trip

2006-04-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

I was recently at Zion National Park for EMT training. As a park ranger, we are required to hold several certifications. Besides my law enforcement training each year, I go through wildland fire training and must keep current on my EMT qualifications every two years. Besides the 24 hours of refresher required every two years, I must also have 48 hours of continuing education.

So I was over in Zion for the training. Each day after the classroom sessions, I headed out to the park to hike some of the trails. I'll post about that later. Why? Because after my one day off today, I am off to technical rescue training for the next week.

Utah is an amazing place and probably the most diverse in the way of geography. So during the 345 miles, 7 hour drive back from Zion to Arches, I snapped photos every time I came to a different zone. Click on the TITLE to view the slide show from Zion to Arches.

Easter Bygone

2006-04-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

Easter has come and gone. What is Easter to you? When I recently said Happy Bunny Day to a friend, he responded with Happy Resurrection Day. I was born Catholic. I made first communion, but that was it. Nothing else. I kicked God and religion out of my life when I was 3 years old. So Easter to me is getting a basket full of candy and such, finding eggs hidden either outside or inside, and enjoying a good feast.

I am the youngest of seven and I am spoiled. I admit it. And you know what....I love and milk every bit of it. I have had an Easter basket hidden almost every year of my life for me to find. Of course it always hasn't been a basket, but nonetheless it has bee hidden and I have had to find it.

Last year living in California away from family, I was bumming knowing that I was not going to get an Easter basket. And that I wasn't going to have to search for it. I woke up last year and opened my door to find an Easter bag filled with plastic eggs and candy. All 8 rooms in the dorm had a bag so I deduced that the Easter bunny had brought it. I called my sister later that day and informed her that the Easter bunny had come and explained about the bag. She said "well who was it". I said what do you mean, it was the Easter bunny. And I wouldn't relent. She finally gave up and said ok.

This year, I asked BF if I would find an Easter basket hidden in the morning. He said no. He figured his son was out of that age. I am thinking, what normal person is out of a stage of acting like a kid and receiving candy. He also said well since you aren't religious I didn't think you celebrated Easter. I said getting an Easter basket and searching for eggs has nothing to do with some dude coming back from the dead. Plus many, well probably all, Christians believe the Easter bunny is the EasterPagan.

I called my boyfriend and said the grocery store was selling baskets at 50% off and I sure would love one when I came home. Plus, the EasterBunny is not religious. Although I didn't find an Easter basket when I came home, I was given some chocolates....

Collin Springs Canyon

2006-03-26T20:57:00.000-08:00

I had been there before. I had traveled down the canyon solo before. I had been told to go to The Narrows and I had. But when I came out of The Narrows, I had seen a ruin. And back then, 3 years ago, I had attempted to get up to the ruin. Like I said I was solo and the climb I was about to partake in could have been fatal if I had fell. And for once, I listened "Polly Q would not approve". So I left the cliff ledge defeated always saying I would return with someone to at least break my fall.

And so I returned with BF, son, and his friend and of course the dog, Jenna. As we were driving out I said I hope no cars are there. We arrived to find two of them and when we left there were 3 additional ones. We actually only saw two people hiking and two at the trailhead so it was a good day.

Our first stop into the canyon was an old cowboy camp. There are still some pots hanging and a lot of trash from the olden days. We walked down to The Narrows again and initially I could not find the ruin when we first got there. I said that was the one place I wanted to make even though with two young boys, I was pretty sure we wouldn't make it. But we did. Around the corner of those Narrows was one of my favorite rock art panels. And so we arrived.

And the Narrows were blocked with water. Me, planning for the weather, had zip off pants and sandals of course. So I said I would wade around, see how deep it was, and the boys could strip down to their boxers. Now, I had to really go around the corner because the young boys are shy in their boxers. It was easy to walk to the corner, but around the corner was another story. And then the boys heard the splash as I went for it. It actually was walk-able, but it did not look like it. And I am not 6'1" like BF. As the boys continued to strip down, I found a log to help, but the boys didn't use it on the way over. BF made some reference to the fact that his 'boys' had headed north probably behind his lungs. Thank goodness I don't have to deal with those.

After the swim, we climbed up the trail and then up on the ledge. It drove Jenna insane because she could not get up on the ledge. As we walked down the ledge, she walked below following us the

entire way. The rock art was, well I really can't explain what it is in words.... Just something special about it. My favorite is the 'clan' holding hands. Check out more photos at: http://mtnbkaz.photosite.com/ UtahAdventures

And then it was time to return to the water's edge and scream across it again. Friend was not real happy about having to go through it again so I helped him out. He still had to wade through the water, but at least it helped a little. Son jumped right in. My shirt had gotten wet on the way over because when I tried to throw it across it didn't make it. Lucky for me, I was prepared and had long-sleeve shirt in my pack.

As the boys were getting dressed and we were warming up by eating chocolate chip cookies, I looked up to see the ruin. We arrived at the ledge where I had attempted my defeat before. There below the ledge as before was a stack of rocks to step on. Now, I was a little more prepared this time as I had a rope with me. And BF had one as well. See the two of us always end up usually having to use them for some reason or another. So we attempted to gain access again. I mean people have to get up there otherwise there wouldn't be this pile of rocks tempting us. We were defeated once more, but it is now our mission to get up there. And eventually, we will succeed.

We started around the ledge and were working our way down, when Jenna freaked out and wouldn't go down this one section. We've decided to start bringing her life jacket that has a handle on it. And I know some of you are saying why does she have a life jacket, but we take her white water rafting so she needs one. Anyway, Jenna and I backtracked as the boys went forth. Luckily I caught up to them because they were heading up the wrong canyon. Males and directions. Anyway, the boys were starting to um, yea whine, by the time we were nearing the car, but we kept egging them on reminding them of the sodas in the car and waving the bag of Jenna's poop at their heads. And we eventually made it back.

Although the hike was no more than 6 miles round-trip we are all exhausted. Jenna came straight in the house and went straight to her bed and is already snoring away.

Breast Cancer

2006-03-23T06:34:00.000-08:00

Last November I received probably some of the worst news in my life...my sister has breast cancer. I think I took it a lot worse than the rest of my family. I think mostly because I have three sisters and each one has had some form of cancer. Luckily for our family they have all fought and won the cancer battle. My oldest sister is now going through chemo to rid her of the rest of it even after the mastectomy. Each day I go here: FundMammograms and I was doing that even before my sister was diagnosed. So I ask everyone to add it to their favorites and each morning on your daily computer routine, click on it. Takes about 2 seconds. I am also adding the below letter from my cousin. If you click the TITLE of this post, it will take you to her donation page. I'm pretty sure everyone out there knows someone who has been inflicted with breast cancer or another form. Lets fight it together. Thanks all. Also, I don't get a lot of visitors so if you could send some my way to help the cause, I would be grateful.

Dear Friends and Family,
I recently accepted the challenge to raise funds to support the Komen Tarrant County Race for the Cure® on Saturday, April 15, 2006, in the fight against breast cancer. One in seven women will be stricken with breast cancer in her lifetime and the more we raise, the more the Tarrant County Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation can give back to fund vital breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs in our own community and support the national search for a cure.
Please join me in the fight by pledging in support of my participation in the Race or contributing generously to Komen Tarrant County Race for the Cure®. Your tax-deductible contribution will fund innovative outreach and awareness programs for medically underserved communities in Tarrant County and national breast cancer research. It is faster and easier than ever to support this great cause - you can make a donation online by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message. If you would prefer, you can also send your tax-deductible contribution to the address listed below. Whatever you can give will help! I truly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress.
Thank you so much for your time and support in the fight against breast cancer! Every step counts!
Sincerely,
ColleenRileyTo sponsor my participation online, click here.
To send a donation, make all checks payable to Komen Tarrant County Race for the Cure®. Please be certain to write my name "ColleenRiley" on the check and mail to:
Komen Tarrant County Race for the Cure® Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer FoundationP.O. Box 101568Fort Worth, TX 76185

Two View Points

2006-03-17T08:13:00.000-08:00

The alarm sounds and I cringe. I normally roll over and exclaim that I HATE MORNINGS. Sometimes I add the F-word in the mix. But I truly hate mornings. I think the day should start in the afternoon. But of course then I would probably hate afternoons. I think more than anything I hate getting out of bed. So that alarm sounds and I know I should get out of bed, eat, and go exercise, but this bed is too comfortable to move. The dog has other plans.

If I just jump on the bed with my paws in her face, she will wake up even more and take me some place. Any place. I don't care as long as we go out farther than the backyard.

I crack my body starting at my toes and finally wiggle out of bed. Oh boy oh boy, this has potential. I walk slowly around the house trying to wake up all senses and finally decide to eat a banana. I ask the dog if she wants to go for a run. She just wags her tail. I'm not sure if she actually understands it or if she wags her tail whenever she knows you are talking to her.

Of course I want to go for a run, walk, skip, or anything else rather than laying in this damn house watching you blog. Remember when I wanted to go for a walk so bad, I chewed through the telephone cord. ARF ARF.

I get dressed in my hot running pants and a shirt. Attempt to find my socks as the dog likes to steal them. And get my shoes.

Ok this looks positive. I already have on my collar so there is no guarantee I'm going, but it is looking positive. Everyone has on their shoes, but often times they leave me in the mornings. The door is open. See humans when my head is cocked this way, it is asking DO I GET TO GO, DO I? Did I just hear the magic word. I need to get out of the door quickly. Yippie I made it.

Ah, I am in the vehicle driving to the run spot. Still have no motiviation whatsoever. The dog knows geography quite well because as soon as I turn on the road, she goes insane.

Oh boy oh boy, we are going to the place where I chased the rabbit and got hit by the car. Yippie. I love this place because I don't have to be on a leash. Of course after the rabbit incident, I do for a little bit.

I step out and close the door. Bitch, why aren't I am getting out. I am in the car still. I want to go running. Let me out. Oh, you were just letting me out not on the street side. Nice lady. And I start running. My legs scream out in pain and say lets go back to bed, but the songs of the MP3 push me on.

Gotta stay ahead, gotta stay ahead. No human can be ahead of me. The dog stops to pee or sniff and then I hear the chain jingle and cringe because I know she is going to clip me from behind. Why does she have to be ahead of me? What is the thinking in that. Why is this person running today. Before when she ran I was tethered to her. But now I am running myself into the ground because I always have to be ahead.

Off the roads and onto the trails, down the hills, up the hills, and then 40 minutes later arrive back near the car. And the dog is walking right next to me. She knows that after getting hit by the car in the area she is not allowed to chase mean rabbits. Or is it that she is damn tired because I ran 2 miles and she ran 4 or more.

Boy just get me home. I am hungry and thirsty, and hell I am exhausted. We return to the house and both grab some breakfast. I climb back into bed and she falls to the floor in exhaustion. I hope she doesn't tell the man human we went for a run because then I will get another one when he gets home.

Historical Tequila Moment

2006-03-09T20:10:00.000-08:00

For my going away party from California, I suggested we go the Tequila Bar up the road so it wouldn't be one of those dull boring potlucks that most going away parties had been. Well, I should say the ones I attended in California were because prior ones in Utah, Mormonville, were not. Well, of course most of those at the Utah potlucks weren't Mormons so that explains it. Anyway, the plan was to go to the Tequila Bar.

Then I made the mistake of telling Linda that I had never in my life done a Tequila shot. And well it was on that I was going to have to take that first shot with my California family.

The day finally came and I had barely eaten all day so I had planned on getting some great Mexican food in my stomach before having that first shot. Guess what, the Guest of Honor, me, arrived late and so everyone else had already ordered. I mean I ordered, but the "Linda shot" was already on the way. Heck, I even had to be told how to lick, shoot, suck. And the historical moment...

commenced.

I did finally get some food in me. And then I made a comment that I wanted everyone to do a shot with me. And even a 3 year old did one. Of course that was an accident because the waiter placed the little glass down in front of the child. Of course she thought it was a cool little water glass. Oops.

I got up to make my rounds to all the different tables to say my good-byes and take photographs. Everyone posed for me in a similar fashion as each one flipped me off over and over. I returned to my table to find another tequila shot with a note that said from Condor 307.

I also had two Coronas in there as well. The night was winding down, but Matt the Waiter brought one more from Cody the Dog. And I think it was that one that allowed me not to remember this photo...
I got in Court's new vehicle for the quick drive home. Actually he probably wasn't driving that fast, but the way I was feeling it felt like Mach 1. Anyway, as soon as I got into the car, Court asked where I was in feelings from a 1-10. I said about a 4. And we started driving. Within minutes I had to roll down the window. Court asked frequently about my level, but it never went above 5. And we made it home just fine.

We got home, Brant made more drinks, I drank them, and I answered a lot of questions from Court which I am sure is still being discussed today. But once again, it was a great send off and I don't think I even showed my mouse tattoo. Did I?

Back Home

2006-03-04T17:27:00.000-08:00

I have left the Condors and have moved back with the Mormons. Boy, oh boy, do I miss those Condors. ha ha ha!

Belize

2006-02-10T17:52:00.000-08:00

I would have to say that this was one of my most relaxing vacations I have ever taken. And for once I don't need another vacation to proceed this one.

The first two nights were spent in Belize City. And actually most of it was spent outside the city at the pool at the hotel sipping some of the best Pina Coladas I have ever tasted and starting my sunburn. It was here that most of my bug bites occurred. I think I didn't feel most of them because of the wonderful Pina Coladas. You will see those words often because I drank them often. We did take a trip into town the first day and walked around a bit. The taxi driver took the most out of the way route so we would need a taxi back to the hotel, but we were able to find our way back the 3 miles.

On some day, I think it was a Friday, we left and headed down to San Ignacio. We took the public transportation and watched the countryside whiz by at a rather calm pace. We watched a very intoxicated man fall flat on his face as we were arriving in San Ignacio. We crossed a small bridge and by small I am saying width and came into San Ignacio. The Lonely Planet had pointed in the direction of Martha's Guest House http://www.marthasbelize.com/. And we highly recommend it. It has a café which again has great Pina Coladas and nice rooms. We stayed at the Extension, which was about a 5 minute walk out of town. It was a brand new building. The only issue was the 4am rooster across the street. From this location we had two great tours...the Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, El Pilar ruin tour on Saturday and the ATM Cave Tour on Sunday (http://www.evasonline.com/page2.htm). The ruins were amazing and huge. The rock work was unbelievable. And the steps up to the places were quite a step for my short legs, however; it is said they were that way because it made the individuals bow when coming up them to the Elite. If I had trouble, think how the 4 foot Mayan had trouble. Our tour guide was Johnny and he did a great job. What was nice about all our tours is it was either just BF and I or just one other couple. Very personal. On Sunday, we did the ATM Cave tour. This required some swimming and wading through cold water. And you were not allowed to pee to warm yourself up so I am hypothermic the entire time. This cave was where they brought individuals for burials. And yes, we saw an entire skeleton. I am not posting the photo even though it is an amazing. So if you want to see it, I'll send it to you personally. The eeriness was anyway the photo was taken, she was looking at me.

We left Monday morning and headed back to Belize City to catch a boat to San Pedro, one of the Cayes (Keys). We arrived at the dock just as the boat was loading the last passengers. The individual who took my bag said they had been waiting for us. I don't think it was us they were waiting on, but it was nice to feel important. We arrived on the Caye and stayed at Coral Beach Hotel. It wasn't a bad place to stay, but it was pretty much a bed and bathroom. It was a very small room, but we didn't place on staying in the room much. On the next morning, we went on a trip out to the reef. BF did a one-tank dive while I had a private tour of snorkeling. And then we both went to Shark Alley and snorkeled together. And yes, we saw sharks. And touched one. In the afternoon, BF went diving again while I did some shopping and read out on our balcony watching the slow day rain by me. If the weather had not been rainy, I would have been on the beach.

And that is pretty much our trip. Nothing exciting really. Just some relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

More photos at http://mtnbkaz.photosite.com/

New Photos

2006-01-27T21:13:00.000-08:00

Posted some new photos on my photoblog...come on over...

http://mtnbkaz.photosite.com/

The Carcass Run

2006-01-26T06:45:00.000-08:00

Today was probably one of the funniest days of my life in terms of working with the California Condors. Court and I drove up to Sacramento to pick up a new vehicle for the project. Once we finished stuffing ourselves at Chili's we went to Modesto to pick up some carcasses. Remember we were in two separate vehicles when we went to pick up the carcasses.

This is how the plan usually goes...about two - three days before we pick them up from an organic dairy we call the place and tell them to unplug the freezers. So I guess at dairies calves die a dime a dozen. (I have no idea what that means, but it seems like a good thing to say). So Court had left about 5 messages for the owner and had never got a return call. We get there and one of the lids is up on the freezer, but they aren't bagged which primarily means they are frozen together. There are two freezer each with about 7 calves frozen together. So we search around the barn thingy we are in and find a pipe which then becomes a crowbar of sorts. And we pry them loose as best we can. We then load them into the back of the pickup truck. Remember---they are not bagged or I should say the ones on top are not bagged. So that back of the pickup truck kind of resembles this (although these ones have already been eaten by the condors and are heading to the trash). However see how that leg is hanging over the side? Well it was pretty much the same thing.

So we take off. Remember we are in two different vehicles so for most of the trip I get to watch one of the calf's tail twirl in the wind. I have to say I laughed the entire way back. We come to a four-way stop and Court goes through. Then I watch someone from the other direction go through, but about break their necks trying to see what is in the back of the vehicle. Still laughing. Minus the two people, I look at this for an hour and half...

So we travel the back roads for a short time before arriving in the shopping areas. We were in traffic before entering Highway 99. The people in the opposite lane were shocked, in awe, dying, etc. The Fed Ex man looked over about three times and the whole time I am laughing. He finally saw me and said what are you laughing at? I pointed forward. The best part was that Court and I had radios and were chatting about all this.

Then we entered the major highway. People would start to pass him and then almost slam on their brakes trying to look over. Or they would make a lane change behind him and then realizing what they were following quickly make another one. The best was a vehicle with three females. They pulled up along side me and Court switched lanes about then right in front of them. I thought the driver was going to puke. She put her hand to her mouth and well I can't explain the expression, but it was definitely priceless. The other two women in the vehicle were primarily doing the same. When they were finally able to change lanes, the driver was looking out her window afraid to look back towards the calves. We were laughing so hard.

Primarily the rest of the trip was people doing double takes at the vehicle. Not sure what happened when we gassed up because Court as a few islands away. And I can only imagine how it was when people came up behind him when it got dark and saw the leg sticking straight in the air. Straight out of the Twilight Zone.

So what is the weirdest you've seen driving?

I Fly, I Cry

2005-12-17T17:36:00.000-08:00

Background: When I was five years old I had my eardrum burst. I lived in a lake town and each summer after spending the entire summer under water either in the lake or pool, I also spent one day at the doctor's office getting my ears cleaned and uninfected.

Now each time I board a plane I cringe. Mostly because I know the feeling I am going to feel during take off and landing. I also cringe because with each flight, I am becoming more and more afraid to fly. Nope, it doesn't have anything to do with 9/11. It has to do with the fear the plane is going to flip completely over when making a turn. Or that the wheels are going to snap upon landing. Or how the hell does a plane get off the ground to begin with. So more or less I hate flying.

So I board the flight. Lately I have been flying the cattle car airline Southwest where seating is wherever you would like to sit. I like to chose the first seat because it means a couple of things...when the plane crashes I will probably and hopefully be the first to die and it means I don't have to wait for the 900 other passengers to get their damn 40 bags of carrying on out of the overhead bins.

So I board and I take the first two rows if available. Lately, now that you can check-in online, I am normally the first group to board right after the screaming babies. And where do the screaming babies sit, but the first couple of rows. And each time I sit next to the mom flying with a child or more, they say I am brave. Really I secretly know that when the child starts crying because of their ears, I can cry right along with them.

My ears are so bad when the plane starts the descent that I become nauseous from the pain. And I am damn near tears. Individuals watching me squirm and wiggle to stop the pain would probably think I am some freak. But recently while flying to a funeral, I was able to lay on all 3 seats and my ears didn't hurt one damn bit. So I have learned that if I lean my head to the left that the pain disappears. So this last flight the two individuals sitting next to me thought I was snooping, which I was, into their conversation and staring at them. I finally explained when we landed that I just have the worst ears in the world.

And invisibly I wiped away my tears.

Tuesday's Readings

2005-11-22T13:41:00.000-08:00

Hello folks:

I assume that I might possibly get more than 2 hits in the coming days since I just spent most of my afternoon reading all the blogs under my Adventurists list. I am playing hooky from work. Honestly I feel like my body is going to explode, but I have yet to have the explosion. So instead of playing Party Poker, well actually, while playing Party Poker, I read the blogs. And there were two common themes that I found on most of the ones I have listed....

1. They haven't posted since the beginning of the year
2. They are apologizing for not being around, blogging, reading, posting, etc.

And I am right there with you on the last one. I've posted here and there, but I've been terrible with reading. Plus only a few people read mine so I feel neglected and unwanted. I check in frequently with Jack only to see if he is still alive. And I frequently read Trashman to see what kind of trouble he has gotten into. But other than that I've been lame and unfriendly in reading and blogging. But I've noticed I am not alone....

Australia Rita Deputy NotFound BurgerLee AboutGaven Flirt TJsGone

Have posted similar blogs about not being around or have just disappeared like TJ.

And then we have Jenn who is as busy as any of us running here and there, cooking dinner in between, throwing in some laundry, shuffling kids, and still has enough time to blog to tell us she is doing all that. Amazing.

More so, we're lame and don't take the time to just drop a short note.

But of all the ones I read today, I would have to list my favorite is the one below. You will have to scroll down to Christmas PSA because there is already a new post. It is great. And women will notice the truth and men will hopefully get the drift.

ReadIt

So like every one else, I'm back, alive, and will try hard to read more instead of spending hours playing poker. But then again, I believe Blogs are just like every other fad. They explode and then die. Kind of like my body today.

Everyone have a great Thanksgiving.

JOTR Trip

2005-11-09T21:58:00.000-08:00

On Monday the 7th I left PINN heading south on I-5. It was 1211pm. At what time would I be arriving in the metro-LA area. Um, RUSHTIME. How the hell do you people that live in cities like LA deal with that traffic day in and day out. I called my friends because when you are going less than zero miles an hour according to my speedometer there is no need to pay attention. And then the traffic clears for a minute and rushes up to 90 before slamming back on the brakes for another hour. How, please explain to me.

I was heading down to the San Diego area for some training, but I figured since the training didn't start until the 9th and I had the 8-10th off, I would make a detour. So I made a 3 hour detour over to Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR) and to stay at the A&A Bed and Breakfast. Of course not a real B&B, but friends that I've kept in touch with so I'd have a place to crash. So about 9pm I rolled into JOTR and drove around the small housing area looking for Utah plates. Since there were only a few houses, it wasn't that difficult. Getting their attention was a little more difficult since they were in the backyard burning papers from their move. After some chats and catching up, I headed to bed in a comfortable bed unlike the prison mattress I sleep on.

I found that in southern California the sun comes up a lot earlier than northern California. And so when I walked out to the kitchen I was hoping it was like 8, but instead found out it was 645. AH Damn IT! So I chatted some more, had a brown sugar poptart with butter (something new to A&A), and some juice. Oh yea, in this B&B I had to make my own food. After spending some time with the dogs, I headed out to do some hiking in the park. This was my first time to the park and definitely will not be my last. Unfortunately, I have an injured leg so I just did little Interpretive hikes in the area.

I would be driving along when all of the sudden a bunch of rocks would appear. I took the short 1/2 mile hike to the Arch Rock. And in between all of it the desert would bloom in so many different ways. After this short hike, I headed out to the Barker Dam . And honestly, I did not and could not imagine a dam in the middle of the desert, but I was amazed at it all. In the park, there are several dams. And more than anything I was surprised to see water in the desert. I also saw some petroglyphs however they were vandalized.

After the hike, I drove up the dirt road to the gate to the Keys Ranch. There was a park ranger there and she said I could stop by and may be there would be room for me to do the interpretive hike. I didn't drop the parkie name at that moment. Looking back I should have because I would have gotten a much longer and more thorough tour. Come to find out that when BF worked at JOTR, she did as well. Anyway, I did another quick hike through the Hidden Valley before returning to the Keys Ranch.

When I went back for the tour, I dropped the parkie thingy and then BF's name and it started the ball rolling. I was then her little assistant.

After the tour, I headed out to the highway and started my way through the back roads to training. I believe I passed through some beautiful areas, but considering it was dark I am not sure.

Tomorrow I leave the southern California for my journey north. Along the way, I hope I don't see an accident like I saw on the way down and I hope I don't have to deal with an individual like I dealt with involved in that accident. N said this to me tonight "You've seen a lot for your age". And I had to answer with I'm thankful that my father could provide me with those opportunities when I was younger and instilled in me the adventure sense. So check out some more photos: http://mtnbkaz.photosite.com/

Tragedy of Life

2005-09-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

The time was approximately 930pm on Tuesday. I was laying in the hotel room watching some lame TV when my cell phone rang. I picked it up, flipped it open, and noticed the name. Surprised to see that the individual was calling this late as I am forbidden to call after 830pm to them, I answered the phone. I could tell immediately something was wrong by her voice. She proceeded to tell me that her brother had been killed in a car accident that day. I remember clearly saying "OH MY GOD". I probably said it several times really.

And you know, I have no idea why I said it because I clearly do not believe in a deity one bit. And each time a tragic thing happens in my life such as this, I run further (or farther) away from religion. And so once again I have run.

He is 34 years old. And he will forever be 34 years old. He has a 3 year girl he is leaving behind. And she is certain that daddy is still at work and will be coming home soon.

What do you tell a 3 year old? Definitely not that God has taken her dad because she will run from religion the rest of her life. I know.

But this isn't about me. This is about a family, mostly the parents, that had endured so much pain and tragedy in their life that I find it hard to fathom. And you know, they just keep on moving through the motions of life. That is what I think they are doing...just running through the motions just to be there for their grandchildren and daughter's family. A friend of mine said "the father has been dealt the worst hand in life, how can anyone be dealt a hand like that". And I couldn't answer it. It is so true. He seems to have endured one tragedy after another. And I am not talking about a setback or problem. I am talking about serious tragedy. Just doesn't seem fair. And you hear it all the time--life isn't fair--and we deal with that. But does life have to deal you four ace of spades of tragedy. No, I believe it should be spread amongst the crowd. Not just aimed at one person.

This will be the third time I have come to be with the family in some aspect because of a tragedy. And each time it seems the tragedies get worse. And really all I can do is stand next to them, let them know if they keep waking up life will get better, and give them my support. Because at this time in my life, I can't say I know what or how they are feeling. Honestly, even if you've had a death in your life, I have to say you still cannot know what or how this family is feeling.

Please keep them in your thoughts.

A Long One Pine Day

2005-09-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

CAUTION!!!! CAUTION!!!!CAUTION!!!
This contains gross and disgusting photos towards the end. For you sick people, scroll straight to the bottom

The day normally starts at either 8 or 10 AM. And it continues well into the darkness of night. The day starts with gathering gear, equipment, good books to read, and food. A drive out a dirty dirt road to a make shift parking lot is what sets the moment. The 30-40 pound pack that feels more like 100 pounds is slapped upon my back and the hike to

starts. It takes me about 25 minutes to hike the less than 1/2 mile. I figured over time it would get easier, but it hasn't. Of course it seems like the hike is up a 90 degree angle. As you might notice the last little part is straight up hill. Actually the whole damn hike is uphill with a short reprieve of flatness that seems uphill. Once at the tree, I drop my pack. Then I take off my shirt and start twirling it around my head...oops that is my other job. But I do take off my shirt to let it dry off.

After catching my breath, peeing (for some reason I always have to pee), and catching my breath again, I set up the days office.

I gotta say that I can't complain about my corner office. Has some of the best views in the world.

I primarily sit for hours on end looking through the scope, reading my book, using your tax dollars and mine to sleep, and exercising (not too frequently though). So what is it that I look at? Well the birds of course....

And then the other birds I don't need to watch, but enjoy doing so

Then eventually, I look down the trail and see my relief in site. And I take my last round of signals, pack my stuff, and wait to turn the chair over to her. But the day isn't even over yet. Later that night I must return to this canyon, slip on a pair of gloves, and head up the hill with a backpack full of rabbits (dead of course) or a calf.

At approximately 2030 - 2100 (8-9), we drive out to the parking area and pull one of the carcasses out. I usually gag as soon as the lid is pulled off. These days my partners try to make me puke by making gagging sounds, inspecting the carcass, or like the other day touched something wet and then smelled her hand. I just walk away, compose myself, and attempt to finish the job. The first carcass is hiked up the hill to the facility. If we are taking a calf, we use a modified like wheel barrel thingy. If we are taking rabbits, we throw them in backpack and walk them up to the facility. P and I used the wheel barrel thing to take up two bags of rabbits because we had more to haul down. Probably about 6-7 in each bag. The deal was that I would place the rabbits and he would pull the old even more smelling carcass from the flight pen. Pulling the old carcass is actually when I gag the most rather than placing the fresh ones. I would place the rabbits in the ISO pens.

While I was placing the second bag of rabbits, P prepared the carcass hauler to take down the old carcass. I think he did a pretty good job.

Unfortunately, he was in the front on the way back to the blind and the smell welcomes the retching full blast. He was a trooper and definitely will receive a gold star (yes, we use them frequently) for being in the back on the way back down.

Now, normally P and I would then pull the second carcass and drive it up to Hilltop to place for the free flying birds. Tonight was also a 'pick up all old carcasses and take to trash can'. Tonight we lucked out because our supervisor came along and he went to Hilltop to do other repairs and finished up the work for us. The first Friday of every month we load up all the old ones and take them to the dumpster. Today was the first Friday. So J loaded up all the old carcasses.

Then they are taken to the dumpster. Now, I got out of the last part kind of. Well yea, I got out of it. So we had some vehicle issues to contend with so they drove to the dumpster and I shuttled vehicles and then met up with them. They were almost finished. I slipped back on a pair of gloves, walked to the back of the truck, and gagged my way out of it. I would have succeeded, but they informed me about how when it is raining it is worst. And then J said you can't even do this during those times...and he bent down and took a big whiff of the death. I gagged away as they were laughing. And then when I was near my dorm, I heard J gagging as well. I was still gagging.

I walked into the laundry room, stripped down, and took a shower. And they wonder why I don't eat before I place those dead things.

Facility Day

2005-08-23T22:49:00.000-07:00

The day always starts early on Facility days. The alarm never truly goes off because I am always afraid of missing it so I am constantly waking up to check if I missed it. I quit fighting sleep at 328 AM and rose out of the prison mattress bed and shut the alarm off. My stuff was already in the kitchen as to not wake the sleeping housemates even though most nights they keep me awake. I dressed, double checked that I had everything, and went into the kitchen to grab my food and head out the door. At the Access Road at 345 AM, I started my ascent without a headlamp because the moon was still bright. Mission #1: Find another crew member's keys that she lost last night. Mission failed.

Arriving at approximately 423 AM, I started right into my chores of the morning...flush the pools, clean the indoor and outdoor pools, fill the water tank, remove the wood rat nest, see if I could fix the door (unsuccessful), check the electric fences and hope not to get shocked, and hang the wag bag (poop bags) box so the wood rat doesn't keep getting into it. With all finished in ample time, I laid down on the unsteady cot for a quick nap. The birds awoke early and started feeding before I realized what was going on because they placed rabbits in the facility not a calf. I started taking notes. I had already missed sunrise and the sun doesn't allow for great photos. Well, the dirty one-way glass doesn't help matters either.

I walk into the outer room to use the facility which is a toilet seat with a bag attached and there is Mr. Wood Rat. I chase him down the hall. I absolutely hate rodents. They just look dirty. I chase him out the door and then I close up the bottom of the door and use duct tape to secure it. I am sure he knows a dozen holes to come through.

It is quiet in the observation room. And then I listen intently. I feel like I am inside of a wasp nest as a zillion yellow jackets buzz outside. The air is filled with them. They fly into the windows. They smell my fear of having to stick the Epi-pen in my leg if I get stung. I wonder where they are going to land the helicopter when they have to fly we out because I have quit breathing. And then I whip my attention back to work. But I can't get the wasps out of my mind.

And then I scan outside the mesh to my favorite part of the day most of the time. My friend has arrived. May be two of them. I am always excited when a guest of some animal species arrives to attempt to eat things out of the flight pen. But all of the visitors, this one has to be my favorite.

Roadrunner

On this day, I got to see something I had never seen before in my life and that was a roadrunner flying. He flew for quite some time before returning. And there were two of them today. No other visitors expect a few turkey vultures.

I took my notes-checked their toes, legs, eyes, beak, nare, neck, and wings. Sometimes they make it pretty easy for me to check their wings.

With eating finished, they hung out together and by themselves lounging at the pool. Some of the birds preened themselves to look beautiful. And of course some didn't care what they looked like.

At about 10 AM, I called the person on the outside to ask where she might have lost her keys. She informed me that all the birds were out of the view of the facility and this would be my chance to leave. I hesitated for a brief moment and realized if I didn't go now, I would be stuck all day. I packed my stuff which I've come pretty good at doing in about 1 minute and headed out the door down the road. I had reached the S-curve when I noticed the first one flying over me. (this photo was not from this day)...

I hurried down the hill and drove back to the dorm where I took a long nap before returning to work later that evening.

Morephotos

SEKI Trip

2005-08-11T21:34:00.000-07:00

I went over to another park this weekend (mine are Monday-Wednesday). I went for two reasons--one because I had never been there and two because I had friends there to stay with. I mean friends there I wanted to say hello to.

I left Monday morning and headed down the two-lane highway. I saw the golden eagle, fing ran over the snake, swerved for the squirrels, and quietly drove on listening to XM channels. I listen to them like I watch TV switching every couple of seconds. I notice some stuff on the road which reminded me of blood until I rounded the corner to find 15 large ball swinging black bulls walking down the road. I slowed down and the rancher stopped and waved me up. "Just ease your way through". Now they were walking the direction I was going and every damn time I went to go around one, it cut me off. 20 minutes later with my vehicle splattered with cow shit, I was on my way. I watched as a coworker in her BMW (obviously paid more than me) was doing Mach 1 up the road. I flashed my lights and gave her the slow down sign (one finger point down). She said today she wasn't sure why I was telling her that, but decided she better slow down before the corner. Luckily she did.

I arrived at the park and met up with my friends. We did what all good park service people do--talk about everyone else and where they are, who they are with, etc. And then I went over to JB's house. We primarily laid around watching TV, playing with his cats, and discussing life. We finally settled on dinner in town (40 minutes away) and the Dukes of Hazzard.

Tuesday I finally climbed out of bed and went hiking. I hit various areas of the park all which seemed too damn crowded to me. I climbed up this rock and found my digital camera malfunctioning. I wanted to throw it off, but instead smiled and took pictures with my other one. So no photos. Then I went and hiked up to some falls. It was nice and there weren't that many people. I climbed down to the pool where the falls were cascading into and stripped down to my sports bra and black underwear. Then I climbed into the pool for a quick dip. Then people invaded my space and I went away meeting way too many people on the way up. I returned to the village, got an ice cream cone and headed back to JB's for a shower and more TV time on the couch.

Wednesday morning I finally got moving about 10am. I had picked out several hikes from a book that said I would most likely see a bear. I came to a realization during this hike of searching for a bear---if you are searching for something such as a bear, goshawk, and I will even throw in religion here---you will never find or see it. When you find or see such things are at unexpected times in your life. And it is those times that are so much more special. So I didn't see a bear and I am not upset over it. I am rather glad because the damn thing probably would have chased me down. And I ended my weekend with a drive back in reflection of sorts...

This past week in the Park Service, a fellow park ranger, Jeff Christensen passed away. He died from a fall he endured while on a backcountry patrol. I didn't know him, but he has made an impression on me. He had told someone once this quote:

You know, if I ever die while at work in the mountains, do not cry for me because you will know that I died doing what I love. But if I die in a car accident on my way to an office job, then cry for me because you will know I was miserable and not doing what I loved. - - JC

And that is exactly how I feel. If I succumb to my end in the depths of nature, then I will forever be at peace. My living will explains to celebrate my life and not cry about my passing. I have lived a wonderful life up to this point. Sure it has had its downfalls, but those downs have lifted me up and brought me to where I am today. Loving life each day as if it is the last.

What is Karma

2005-06-28T23:29:00.000-07:00

On Monday, I left my safe haven of the solitude life and ventured toward the scary ass place of a city. I would pass through small towns, but I was heading to the big one-the capital. I was going to be a nervous wreck.

Karma

I was driving my usual speed limit self in the slow lane because in this state every other lane including the slow lane is 20 + the speed limit, when I noticed a woman in heels walking in the median. I also noticed her vehicle parked at an angle in the median as well. A clear case of "I've broken down and am walking where ever". I immediately pulled over. Why? Because I would want some nut to do the same for me. She crossed the autoban without getting killed and walked up to my vehicle. I asked if she needed a ride. She said how far you going? I said where you going? She said that town and I said get in.

Karma

She asked if she could use my phone to call her son. I said of course and was surprised that I had a signal because there wasn't a town for a while. She called her son and spoke in her native India language. She informed him someone had picked her up and she was going to that town. I was taking her to her other son's new two-story 4 bedroom two car garage home. Two minutes later my cell phone rings and since I had to dial the number I told her the call was for her. I could tell that she was telling him about me because after hanging up I think the son freaked out not knowing if his mother was in the car with a serial killer or a law enforcement officer. So I said tell him I am a law enforcement officer. And that seemed to appease him. (Then I cut off her head and ....) So I questioned her about India because I have decided to go there and asked her personal questions like "was your marriage arranged?" It was. I dropped her off 12 miles out of my way. Just before getting out of the vehicle she asked if I wanted to come over for dinner sometime. (OH SHIT NOW SHE WANTS TO CHOP OFF MY HEAD OR ARRANGE A MARRIAGE) So I said yes and she gave me her telephone number.

Karma

I drove back 6 miles to the interstate of craze and headed north. As I came into the big city, well the big city below the bigger city, I was traveling in the middle lane of 5 lanes. Is there a middle lane of 5? Anyway, all of the sudden there was a clunk and the vehicle lost power as it felt like it had shifted into neutral. I reached over and calmly hit my emergency flashers. And the most amazing thing happened-traffic slowed down and moved so I could get to the edge without getting myself killed or someone else. It was the most amazing thing.

Karma

Visualize...my flashers are going, I get out of the vehicle and open the hood like I knew what I was doing, and then walked to the other side of the vehicle as to not get killed and picked up my cell phone. People whizzed by me going no where in a hurry without glancing my way. In the 40 minutes of sitting on the side of a busy interstate (India woman's road was not a busy interstate)--NOT ONE FING PERSON STOPPED.

So I ask where does the karma catch up with me? I mean I help some lady out and is my karma reward a traditional Indian dinner hopefully not too damn spicy? My karma reward was definitely not having to pay my arm, leg, and torso to get my vehicle fixed. And I realize karma is not a reward and that it will catch up with me.

But I am still just baffled about how no one stopped to help me or to make sure I actually had a telephone. I could have used something to drink. And you know what their karma is going to bite them in the ass.

I called my sister because I was bored waiting for the tow truck driver and she said are you just pissed. I said no, not really because it isn't something to get pissed over. I mean shit happens. But I am pissed that I helped out someone today, I get bit in the ass, and that no one in hell stopped to say "you ok".

So tell me, if you are out there driving (no kids in the car), would you stop and help in some way possible?

The Retreat

2005-06-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

After working four long days after my Hawaii vacation, I have another 6 off. Three of those days were a retreat for the condor crew and the other three are my days off. I am amazed that for the first time since starting work here in February last week was the first week where I didn't work over 40 hours. But nonetheless I am going to need my next three days off for recuperating.

We left Friday afternoon. Three in one car and four in the other. The hotel we were staying at was a 2 star hotel. Three of the seven people don't make too much money. The website showed a very nice hotel so we were very sketchy about the place. When we arrived and the place across the street was an Adult Entertainment Arcade and S. Spa Massages with little hearts under it, we were concerned. There was also a bar, but you wouldn't know it until 9pm when the line started. Nonetheless, the hotel was nice inside and actually matched the photos. I am not saying it was the Hilton or Ritz, but it served our needs of sleeping there.

Friday night was an easy night with Indian food. They walked us down this alley and into a back room. Of the two who had been to India before they said it felt like they were back there. We hit a couple of clubs that night, but me and another one called it an early night. We knew Saturday would be a hoppin booty shakin night.

Saturday morning we ventured around the city. Oops--this is San Francisco. On Friday night, we had decided to hit a Goodwill store and each pick out an outfit for someone else to wear out on Saturday night. Well, it didn't quite go like that, but we helped each other pick out wonderful outfits to wear out Saturday night. And this is what we came up with...

We would get some wonderful comments throughout the night. There were seven us in total, but one didn't participate, so we were spread out while walking so often some passerby would comment about someone at the front of the group. We started our night at the Condor Lounge. It was a must.

The funniest of the night was about VT who was the only male of us who dressed up. In the photo he is the first starting from the left. This group of "I must impress the world of SF" girls passed us and one of them said "OH MY GOD, Birkenstocks with leather". We were dying laughing. He also got a "STUPID" from some guy. But all in all, VT got a lot of high fives for his outfit and for the fact he was surrounded by five women. Most comments were positive and were able to laugh with us.

We made up a code while dancing in case you needed to be rescued from some over zealous grinder. We would rub our noses and VT would come dancing in and bring us back to our group. We danced primarily from 1030pm until 2am when the bars closed. And then we tracked down the cops and found a place where there was afterhours. And 3 of the 4 oldest and VT danced until 4am.

Today I am one hurting pup since the last time I danced like that was never. Like I said I will need the next 3 to recoup. Hopefully I will have a more adventurous story at the end of the week. Jack said I needed to pep things up.

Hawaii Photos

2005-06-15T17:17:00.000-07:00

I really don't have too much of a story. I sat on the beach, snorkeled, sat on the beach, went to the park units, snorkeled, etc. I will say that on the first day of snorkeling I had a turtle nudge me. I was taking a photo of something else and my BF watched this turtle come up behind me and give me a little nudge in the side. I almost died because I knew it wasn't a human nudge. Too bad BF didn't have the camera at that point.

Check out further photos here: Hawaii

THIS HAS TO BE THE COOLEST SPIDER I HAVE EVER SEEN

HAWAII VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK

LUAU

The Wild Days

2005-06-01T23:49:00.000-07:00

These past couple of days have been amazing for me. And the title has more to do with the things I have seen than something being absolutely wild. It is all about the wildlife. (I leave for Hawaii tomorrow)

On Tuesday night around 1700 hours, I saw a visitor near the visitor's center. The shop was closed up and I asked if I could answer any questions he might have. He said he just wanted to see what goodies we had inside. (I leave for Hawaii tomorrow)

"You want to see a rattlesnake" he said to me.

Um, not really but sure.
"It has its dinner sitting right next to it."
Interesting.

So we walk over to this area where we usually hold weekend talks and sure enough Mr. Rattler is waiting for his prey to die. (I leave for Hawaii tomorrow)

The visitors went on to go on a hike as I talked with some other visitors about snakes, flowers, trees, and other questions. I now had how I was going to waste your good tax dollars for the next hour. Watching the snake eat dinner. I talked with Mr. Russia and Ms. Ukraine for quite a while. Then Baker came over and she watched it with us. Heck, we thought the poor baby squirrel was dead and the rattler was just waiting for us stupid people to stop watching it. I mean could you eat if someone was staring at you the whole time. Gosh, if the condors only knew they were constantly watched. Like they don't. Anyway, we sat there watching it. (I leave for Hawaii tomorrow)

And then the squirrel moved back into that hole. We all kind of jumped. Then the snake mouthed it back out. And then a Stellar Jay and Scrub Jay landed near the snake. I pictured it in my mind. One of the birds grabbing the snake and swinging it around. Once it let go, it would clap on one of our faces. And then that person would go screaming around in circles all the while, we snapped photos. Luckily, it didn't happen, but darn. (I leave for Hawaii tomorrow)

A little bit went by and BEP joined us. Now, I was the only one on duty, but we were all in uniform. Then the home schooling family joined us. They took some photos because they can use that for a school project or something like that. This was a family who hadn't found the condom isle in the store because these kids could not have been more than a year apart. The kids all thanked us for answering their questions and showing them the rattler. All the visitors left and we all sat there waiting, waiting. We decided we would go eat dinner ourselves and come back up. (I leave for Hawaii tomorrow)

About 8, Pete called and said the snake had half the squirrel in its mouth. We jumped into the vehicle and headed up the hill, but now the snake was in the hole and probably a little stuck because we definitely could see the bulge. I wanted BEP to pull it out by the rattle---JOKING. (I leave for Hawaii tomorrow)

Just another day in the park. Life is hell sometimes.

And then today rolled around. It is Wednesday and tomorrow I leave on a vacation somewhere. You might have figured it out already. Anyway, I drove down SZ Highway to another Town. During the drive I saw the usual---cows, squirrels, hawks---but I also got to see a deer. No antelopes today. On the way back I saw a mom deer with twins and another female without kids. Still the bachelorette.

I got back to the park and was finishing up work when I came out of one trailer to go to VT's trailer. I looked up and thought when did VT get a cat. But then I realized the cat was a little bigger than a common one. He (or she, but I'll use he) looked at me and walked away. I told VT about it and he came out from playing his stupid video game, but we couldn't see it. Then VT went back inside, but I called him out again because I thought Kitty was going to pounce a rabbit. VT said the rabbit was too big because it was a youngin'. But the gopher that we watch Kitty pounce on was not and then we watched him eat it down. VT gave me the binos just as Kitty looked our way and it was the most amazing face. One you could love forever.

I got in the car and started down the road only to be met by mom and bambi near the road. I paused and bambi challenged me for just a second before racing after mom. As I was waiting, I looked over to my left to see another mom and baby. And I slowly drove away not to startle either into the road.

I put away my equipment and was heading down the hill slowly because Skinny Minny had just rode by on her bike and it was dark so I didn't want to fill out the paperwork of hitting her. I came around the corner to a bright red light in the road. I stopped and before me were two nice size raccoons doing I have no idea what. Again, the vehicle was challenged. I had to drive by real slow because one had just stepped off the road a short distance and I am sure was going to try to get into the 'raccoon club' by racing under the car.

And that folks was my wild days. Off to the island. While I am away check out photos here http://mtnbkaz.photosite.com/

The Known Unknown Man

2005-05-25T23:02:00.000-07:00

I would say it was about 10 years ago when he walked into my life. Well, he didn't really walk in. Came into my life would be a better sentence.

I went into one of those chatrooms. I can't remember if it was a Romance or General one, but I used to go into them to just chat and see where people were from. Once in a great while I would catch someone from my hometown and eventually figure out we knew each other.

That's where we met. I am pretty sure I initiated the conversation. I know why I initiated the conversation because his screen name had the word cowboy in front of it. I didn't care what came before the cowboy or what came after. I was after the word cowboy. Hell, we all know women can't resist that Wrangle ass. So I sent him a PM (Private message) and we started chatting.

Eventually, we added each other to our messengers and we would frequently chat well into the night. We talked about everything there was to talk about. Except sex. We never went that route like most chatroom conversations go.

He has walked me through heartache, love sickness, depression, deaths, and everything else in between. He's helped me endure the life that I live. He's given me pointers on chess and shooting. He's helped me realize that a relationship is a good thing sometimes. He's listen to be babble about being in love. Listen to me call men assholes. Explained to me why some men are assholes and to please not put all men in that category. Mostly, he has just listened.

And I think he does that with a lot of us.

He's went AWOL from my life before. And in knowing what he does for a living I am always concerned. When the war picked up, I feared he would be sent overseas. And he hoped he would. He would rather be with his brothers than watching from afar. He's helped me understand war in some way. He's helped me understand life in some way.

He is pretty smart as I quiz him on my daily words from MSN and he mostly knows them. He seems to have been around the block but not in a bad way. He plays a mean game of chess. He sometimes loses to me, a female. And doesn't come up with excuses when I do win.

He's explained, actually tonight, why my ass is getting bigger and how to reduce it in size. I was mighty grateful to him for that. He is so honest and that is what is great about him. He won't lead you down the wrong path.

I hope to someday meet him in person. We've talked about it before. Just two people finally meeting to tie the whole friendship together. So I can actually meet the man who has helped me be the person I am meant to be.

Thanks... Cowboy

Ticks, ticks, ticks

2005-05-18T22:18:00.000-07:00

On Monday, I went hiking with my father and his friend. It was an easy hike with lots of stops to check out the birds, listen to the noise, and talk about the area. It was a trail I had been on before so I wasn't expecting anything out of the ordinary. It was a flat hike so it was easy for them, who are both senior citizens. The trails holds about three to four water crossings, but we only did one. Down the trail was a red-shouldered hawk's nest, which held two to three babies. We only saw two of them. And at least one of them saw us.

I rolled up my pants and pulled them up to my calves as best I could so I could stand in the water to help my dad's friend across the creek. I did have sandals on of course so the shoes weren't an issue. I had to do this twice, once down and once up. And this is where I think I encountered the family of ticks. Probably twice.

I felt something crawling between my breast and grabbed through my shirt to whatever it was. As I pulled it from my shirt, I saw the little sucker was a tick. Have you ever had where you have encountered some type of bug and then feel like you have them crawling on you for days. I have it quite often with the maggots on the calves.

We returned to my residence and I picked another one off me in the parking lot. I mentioned to them that they needed to check themselves. My dad's friend found one on her hand. While in the kitchen, I felt one of my back and pinched it between outside the shirt and then got it out. I pulled up my shirt and asked my housemate to check for any more. He said yes, you have one and went to pull it off, however; he needed the tweezers to do so. AHHHH!

We left my residence in separate vehicles and headed down the road. I was playing with my hair when I pulled one out which made me swerve all over the place. Several miles later I would pick one off my back.

Upon arriving in another town, I found another in my hair and once again had someone check me. After they found nothing, I felt something crawling on my stomach and pulled off another one. As I turned to go to my hotel room, my dad pulled another off my shirt. AHHHHHHHH!

I got into my room and stripped down. I found yet another one on my arm. I showered and then checked the rest of my body. Yea, I am not going to tell you how I checked the other parts so just use your imagination.

After returning from dinner, I took a nice bath and laid in bed watching TV or stupidity. I was running my hands through my hair when the last one I found fell upon my arm. Of course after that I couldn't go to sleep because I feared that I would have them crawling all over me by morning.

And now, after writing this I once again feel like they are all over me. AHHHHHHHHH!

California Drivers

2005-05-11T21:51:00.000-07:00

When I lived in Arizona when someone quick stopped a Stop Sign, we called it a California Stop. I am not sure why. Probably because we knew back then they were crazy drivers. Now I live in this crazy ass driving place.

The last town I came from held 7,000 locals, more than several stop lights, a lot of California stop signs, a lot more yield signs at intersections, and a speed limit that was followed by locals, but usually not visitors. Of course most of the visitors were foreigners hailing from the Autobahn, which I believe is much like the California interstates. So little to say, my driving was more like Driving Miss Daisy.

Now, I live in a park with about 20 residents plus some in the campground and most of us do the speed limit in the park. But as soon as I turn onto Highway Speed Zone, my palms start to sweat and my heart races like I just have 20 Starbucks double triple whatevers. The crotchrockets rocket by me because I am doing the speed limit and still admiring the green rolling hills. They aren't aggressive. At least not on that road. They normally wait until safe to pass and pass in passing zones. I've only had one close encounter and I wasn't driving. The motorcyclist would have definitely died if my driver would not have reacted probably.

So I head north on Highway SZ into a city of 35,000 people. By the time I hit the city limits, my clothing is drenched with sweat and it isn't because it is hot out because I have yet to feel hot here even though I am constantly reminded it will get hot. The reason is because it has 28,000 more people than my town. I am constantly calling my friends that live in cities and ask how the heck (I normally use the f-word though) do you live in something this big.

Californians have yet to realize that the stick like thing coming out of the leftside of the steering column is used to signal they are fricking turning one direction or the other or changing lanes. I've seen about two people use them. Blinkers were used to send coded messages, especially between ships, to avoid interception of radio signals during World Wars I and II. So they've been along quite a long time. I couldn't find the exact date that Ford put them on his vehicles. (Yea, I didn't search that hard either)

Remember how I said the drivers above weren't aggressive. Well, wait until you get into the city over 35,000. Because if you are kind enough to allow someone to pull into traffic that probably has been waiting 20 minutes at the exit of Starbucks, you get honked at for being courteous. And then the honker normally gets my hurt finger waved that them. Why honk? Wouldn't you like the same damn courtesy?

And low and behold that they give some slack to an out of state individual. Hell no, it is worse because I have another state plate. Wait until I move back to that state and Californians come visit. I am pulling over each and everyone of them because I know their asses will be speeding.

I attempt to do the speed limit because in my profession a ticket means big trouble. But I get other's hurt fingers waved at me or looks or honks.

But I just continue to be Miss Daisy.

2005-04-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

Hello folks: Yes, I am still alive and well. I am scheduled to work 4 10s a week and my normal schedule is Thursday thru Sunday. Usually by Friday evening I have 30 hours though and so by the time I return home from working, have pringles and a beer for dinner, and walk into my room; I am usually too damn tired to think about writing a story. Or for that matter getting into trouble. I spent the last weekend in the Burbs again. I think I mostly go there for the comfortable beds and nice shower/baths. I'll send out a post about that later this week if you are lucky. There are some photos at Monterey. And now on to this week's story...

CAUTION!!!!!
(If you are a woman, child, gagger, or puker this section is not pleasant and should not be read further)

Last Thursday it was my turn to assist with a night carcass placement. I am pretty sure I have already gone into detail about how we place calf carcass for the birds to feed on. Well, here is kind of the process. On the night of the placement, we take some frozen ones out to the thaw boxes (freezers not plugged in) and remove the ones that were placed there last time to put out. Now, again the thaw boxes are out in the sun and the calves are sitting there, um, yes, rotting.

So we go to the Comfort Station (used to be a bathroom, but now the place where the frozen calves are kept) and retrieve 2 carcasses. So they are all frozen together and we can't get them out. The one on top must have also killed its mom in the process because it was huge. That's important to remember. Well, we can't get them unfrozen so we wait a little bit with the freezer lid open and they finally loosen up. The calves don't freeze in a normal position that makes it easy to carry them. So we pull out one first and stick it in a rubber maid container. If the company only knew what their products are used for. And then comes the big one. We struggled with it quite a bit because there was nothing to grab onto. The only thing I could grab onto on my end was the frozen ear. And then it slipped and jabbed into my leg. Important to remember for later. I said ouch, wait, I have a calf ear in my leg. And we finally get it in the truck.

We drive out to the thaw boxes and prepare to load up the thawed ones. We take off the rocks from the freezers and the individual I am working with inspects them. We'll call her TD for Terrible Drunk (she called herself this one night while she was drinking at our place. I have 8 other witnesses who were trying to sleep). Now, she inspected them so damn long I almost puked. Plus it is already 9pm so I have already worked 12 hours +. We finally get them loaded into the Polaris and the smell is enough to keep the flies away and the mountain lions searching. So what does TD do? She starts fixing her shoes. Again, near puking. So I suggested we start moving so the wind blows the smell away from me. We arrived at the facility and carry the carcass to the room. We dump the carcass out and the smell just about knocks me off my feet. NOTE: I drank two glasses of OJ before leaving the house. NOTE: Don't do that if you think you might puke. I stepped outside into the fresh air and brought it up to about the esophagus. The burn was unbelievable. I did that about twice. TD was cutting into the calf's heel by the time and discussing that the placenta was still attached and there was cow shit all over it. This of course was helping the gagging quite a bit. Shortly there after I assisted in placing the carcass in the facility and had to lay my body across where we had just pushed the slimy thing. I don't know what my issue was. Oh yea, that it smelled like death. I believe I might be a vegetarian by the end of this stint. Look so forward to doing it on Friday when it has been sitting there since Wednesday night. YIPPIE!!!

I came home and disrobed at the front door and immediately threw my clothes in the washer with about 12 ounces of detergent. I then showered and climbed into bed.

The next day after work I went into the bathroom to shower because I somehow had gotten rather dirty at work somehow and didn't want to go to the BBQ smelling like yuk. I looked down at my leg and noticed a black mark and thought how did I get dirt there. When I went to wipe it away and felt the tinge of pain that went with the touch, I realized it was the mark of the ear poking me. I joked with the Safety Officer that I was going to fill out a CA-1 (worker's comp) form...Nature of Illness? Stabbing of Frozen Calf Ear. That night I discussed with BF the stabbing and had nightmares of calf ears stabbing me everywhere during my wonderful night's sleep. Ah the stress of the job.

A Sad Day in Condor History

2005-04-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

On May 3, 2003, the California Condor Reintroduction Program made a huge milestone when Condor 305 was hatched in the wild to Condor 123 and 127. Although other birds had laid eggs and some have produced offspring, those had never made it past the nest stage. Condor 305 was the first of three to have fledged (flew away from) the nest.

I could only imagine what it would have been like to be the biologist and possibly visitors who watched the first time Condor 305 stepped from the nest cave and dropped 60 feet before realizing those things on its side helped it fly. The bird made a short flight that first time and landed about 60 feet below the nest. The parents returned only to find their child was not at the nest and did a quick search. They landed near the bird, fed it, and continued to help the bird make progress.

Condor 305 was doing well and was making great strides for almost two years. However, sadness has fallen upon the condor community as on March 26, 2005 Condor 305 was found dead. The bird was fully intact so the bird will checked out to see what the cause of death was. The bird only weighed about 10 pounds which is highly underweight as they weigh about 25-30 pounds.

But we are not letting Condor 305 set us back. We are still moving forward. We have two more in Arizona that have fledged and another in California. Here is the information about the Arizona ones...

350 (the 2004 Battleship chick; parents 119 & 122) is flying well and getting around well. Mostly along the rim of the Inner Canyon, but he/she went to the top of the Battleship for a couple days recently. He/she is spending some time at Plateau Point (which is not surprising given his parent's habits), and has let a few people approach it a little too closely. But mostly 350 is doing well, and has also met and interacted with other birds besides his/her parents.

342 (the 2004 Vermilion Cliffs chick; parents 149 & 114) is only being fed by his father 114. Since the chick's release after his surgery, 149 has had almost nothing to do with him. So much of a condor's behavior is hormonally controlled, and it is possible that after 2 weeks of while it was in Phx for treatment, it may have appeared that the nest had failed. So, hormonally, she may have just switched gears. But given the proximity of the chick to the release site, there is plenty of food available to the father to feed the chick by himself. Also, it is thought that the chick could become independent relatively easily with the release site so close, and since the chick has already been to the release site.

And more pairs are starting to breed. In the 80s the last of the wild condors were caught and brought into captivity. There were about 80 left if I remember right. Today, in a combination of wild and captive, the program has over 200. The program is working, but like any progress in life, it takes time.

Big Bird Up Close

2005-03-19T19:45:00.000-08:00

So the other day, I got to go into the facility where the Big Birds are kept. I can't believe I have such an awesome job. Although that day kind of sucked because I am still sick and worked for 17.5 hours. But the next day, I worked from home laying in bed reading. Such is life.

I started worked at 4am. But I was able to nap twice during the day so it wasn't that bad. The first chore of the day was to place a still born calf carcass inside the facility so the birds can eat. The reason we have to go at the dark of dawn is so that the birds won't associate the food with people. We first picked up another calf off a free-flying bird site. And I had to laugh so hard as I watched my vegetarian coworker drag the calf back to the vehicle. Then we removed the old calf from the facility and placed the new one. I was surprised I did not puke, but I survived.

We then spent the next 14 hours watching the birds eat, preen, fly (inth the mesh), eat, preen, fly (into the mesh), eat...ok, well you got the idea.

Flying...

WOW, that's big...

Hanging out...

After all that, we cleaned the pools and then had to drop the old carcasses off. I almost puked during this as the smell was so terrible. And then the maggots crawling on the other calfs in the location we dropped them. AH, I felt like I had them crawling all over me. But I survived the night with no bad maggot dreams. (NOTE: Click on the Title to take you to more photos)

Kiss the ANWR and pristine places GOOD-BYE

2005-03-16T22:04:00.000-08:00

Back in my college days I wrote a paper against the drilling of the ANWR. That was in 2000-2001. They were fighting to drill it then and looks like the fighting has come to an end. A bitter end at that.

WASHINGTON - By a vote of 51 to 49, the Senate Wednesday defeated a measure that would have banned oil exploration and drilling on the 1.5 million acre coastal plain of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

It was a victory for Alaska’s two Republican senators, Ted Stevens and Lisa Murkowski, (I am disgusted to see they want it) and for the Bush administration, but as both Stevens and Murkowski acknowledged in a news conference immediately afterward, substantial legislative hurdles remain before drilling could begin. “Some people think we can send the exploration rigs out there tomorrow and that is not the case, we still have quite a ways to go,” Murkowski said.

A tense roll callOn the Senate floor, the final minutes of the roll call were tense, with a few senators waiting until the end to finally cast their vote. One of the last was Sen. Arlen Specter, R- Pa., who voted against the drilling ban. Murkowski gratefully shook his hand after he voted.

“As we move forward and go through additional procedural hurdles, you will see a consistency with the vote,” Murkowski predicted. “It doesn’t mean we’re going to take for granted that everyone who has voted this way today will remain the same. But it is a marker.” She explained that “the biggest hurdle we have is that we don’t (yet) have a budget. This will be a component of that budget, and now all this rides on the success of having a budget.” The climactic vote will not come until late summer when the Senate is likely to vote on what is called the reconciliation act.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that bids for ANWR leases would yield federal proceeds over a 10-year period of $2.6 billion.
The U.S. Geological Survey’s estimate of the economically recoverable resources is about 6 billion barrels at prices at or above $35 per barrel. My question: Is that 6 million a day? And those against the drilling have this to say "The United States Geological Survey estimates that the Refuge has less than a single year's supply of oil that would not reach the market for at least 10 years." The United States imported an average of about 9.7 million barrels of crude oil per day in January. Well if we, and I am one of them, didn't all drive SUVs then we wouldn't need all that damn oil.

Budget measure as vehicleSenate Republicans are using the fiscal year 2006 budget resolution as the vehicle for authorizing oil exploration in ANWR because under Senate rules it requires only 51 votes to pass and is not subject to a filibuster, which can only be overcome with 60 votes.

The Senate is expected to vote on the budget resolution by Friday night.
Speaking a few hours before Wednesday’s vote, Melinda Pierce, a lobbyist on the Arctic issue for the Sierra Club, said there was no assurance that the Republicans could pass the budget resolution due to “a whole host of things” including proposed cuts in Medicaid spending.
ANWR drilling foes may be able to join forces with other opponents of budget cuts to defeat the budget resolution, she suggested. And she added, “definitely litigation is a tool still available to us way down the line” to prevent drilling in ANWR.

In the next two days, Democrats also may try to attach an amendment to the resolution that could derail the budget plan when Senate negotiators meet with their House counterparts next month to devise a compromise blueprint.

Last year, Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., was able to attach to the budget resolution a spending limitation amendment which resulted in deadlock with the House; thus the Senate never passed a budget resolution last year. Potential snags This year Feingold has re-introduced his amendment. And the Medicaid amendment also poses a potential problem for proponents of drilling.

Murkowski indicted she’d urge senators to vote against amendments that would jeopardize the budget resolution and thus ANWR drilling. “I’ve got a very vested interest in making sure that we’ve got a successful budget.”

On the vote on a Democratic-sponsored amendment to ban ANWR drilling, seven Republican senators voted with most Democrats for the drilling ban. The Republicans were:
Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island; Norm Coleman of Minnesota; Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine; Mike DeWine of Ohio; John McCain of Arizona (always liked John); and Gordon Smith of Oregon. Three Democrats voted against the drilling ban: Sens. Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye of Hawaii and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana.

In comments after the vote, Energy Committee chairman Sen. Pete Domenici, a strong proponent of ANWR drilling, said the message to the American people was “It’s time to wake up. The United States is in a terrible crisis. I don’t know how we can make the point that we are so vulnerable. … To be almost 70 percent dependent on oil from overseas is a crisis, a crisis waiting to befall America.” (Well hell, it seems like we are in war to get control of how we want things run)

Interior Secretary Gale Norton said allowing drilling in ANWR ought not to be seen as a precedent for allowing drilling elsewhere. (And it kills me to know this)
“ANWR needs to be judged on its own merits,” she said. “There are people who have said, ‘if you go into ANWR, you’re going to be going into all the parts of wilderness areas in this country.’ That is clearly not true. … People have said if you go into ANWR there are going to be drilling rigs right off the beaches of Florida. That is clearly not the case. The president has ordered a moratorium that will protect Florida waters.”

But for newly-elected Republican Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida, the concern about Florida's Gulf Coast waters was a factor in his ANWR vote. Martinez said he had persuaded the White House to send a letter saying that the moratorium on oil drilling off Florida's coast would be extended from 2007 to 2012. "I don't know if it was a legitimate concern, but it was an issue being raised by those who wanted me to vote against ANWR," Martinez said. Referring to the moratorium extension, he said, "I worked very hard to make it happen." Martinez said he had not made his final decision on ANWR prior to getting the White House letter on moratorium extension. He will introduce a bill to make the moratorium on Florida Gulf Coast drilling permanent.
Democrats protested both the idea of drilling in ANWR and the budget procedure Republicans used to authorize drilling there.

Threat to other areas?“It is our duty as elected officials to fight to commit the federal government to recognize some of America’s pristine lands as ‘off limits’ to development,” said Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., after the vote. “There are lands in our nation with pristine value we should protect: the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of them.” Opening ANWR to drilling would, he said, “set an ominous precedent. Coloradans and Americans alike should know that once this door is unlocked it will be that much easier to unhinge the protections of every refuge from the Alamosa Natural Wildlife Refuge in my home San Luis Valley to the Florida Everglades Wildlife Refuge.”

http://www.savearcticrefuge.org/ There is a lot of information here that I think is useful. Check out this site for more information against the drilling. There is a template to send your senator an email.

I disagreed back when I wrote the paper and I disagree with it all now. Here is a plain example of why....

For example, there over 400 spills every year of crude oil and other toxic substances at the oil field in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, just 30 miles west of the Arctic Refuge.

Prudhoe Bay has failed for numerous reasons. They said then it would produce what we needed so we didn't have to rely on the others. And if so, then why were we still getting 70% from the others and if it was working then why drill ANWR? Just a thought.

You saw the photos above and the beauty that awaits us in the ANWR. Well that is going to soon be replaced with this image....

OP to NW and back

2005-03-15T21:12:00.000-08:00

For the past two days, I have been laying (or lying) in bed with some sort of chest/nose sickness. I've kept myself isolated from the rest of the house, but it didn't see to help as someone else has come down with it. I found that what I miss most about BF is his taking care of me when I am sick. Anyway, I vowed that the sickness wasn't going to ruin my entire 4 day weekend and got up this morning with the intention of hiking. I awoke with the first toilet flush of course, checked the weather via the window, and sat at the computer for a while. I figured I would let my lungs and nose adjust to sitting upright for a while before deciding to hike. All went well and by 930 A.M. I was out the door and headed up the O.P. trail for the N.W. trail. I figured since I would have some creek (pronounce that are crick) crossings that I would slap the Tevas (those are sandals) on the tender boot cladded feet for a change. Let me just tell you that the sand here is not my usual sand of Utah, which is warm and soft on the feet. The sand here is more like gravel. By the end of the 10.5 mile hike, my footsies were hurting. I guess I should have eased into the sandal hiking with a shorter hike, but oh well. Live and learn as always.

The hike as I said was 10.5 miles. 7.0 was the N.W. trail and it was rated as strenuous. The O.P. trail is one of two trails in the park that doesn't have a bit of uphill and I love it. I left the house and started walking to the trailhead. The air was crisp and cool. Not the kind of cool that chills the bones, but that soothes the skin and awakens you with each breath that you take. And I knew the sun would soon steal away the chill.

The first view besides the regular beauty was a bald eagle soaring effortlessly down the trail toward the highway. I was in a world of my own when I caught the white head out of the corner of my eye and as it soared in silence above me, it soared loudly through my veins. Ah, to be an eagle.

As I type this, I realize I should start taking photos of certain items that would help the story along. Like I should have taken the photo of the big log that I was cautiously climbing down when I slipped on the moss, landed hard on my ass, and slid off into the water onto my feet. I hit my already damaged shin pretty good and put a nice bruise and small cut on it. I think this is where I also cut open my toe, but wouldn't realize that for another two hours when I looked down and saw the blood trickling from it.

These are my favorite flowers although I have no idea what they are called. They are so bright and depending on the light and age, they are sometimes yellow and orange or just orange or just yellow. They are quite beauteous. There are a couple of things I don't like about this park--the ever talk about ticks and poison oak. I am so damn nervous of getting one that I am constantly worrying about them. Every time a bush touches me I freak out and I am constantly searching my body for ticks. One again, I didn't find either today. However, if you were hiking with me you would have laughed hard when some sort of lizard ran across my foot and my reaction to its attacking me.

I watched a gopher snake commit suicide by silvering into the rapid of the creek and disappearing. And I watched two red-tail hawk courting each other in the sky. Remember how I said the trail was rated strenuous. Well, up to this point I didn't think it was because it was relatively flat.

But right after this photo, the uphill started and the strenuous rating kicked in. I saw one other person on the N.W. trail and he was surprised to see me as well. Mostly, I walked in silence with the flowers, lizards, birds, and butterflies.

I call this photo the Yellow Flower Path. As I believe I have said in the past, the wildflowers are in bloom and I wish I could capture the true colors that surround me while out with the nature Gods. I think it was about here that I realized the toe was trickling blood. Upon reaching the Ranger Station on the West side, I stopped to pet Lucky the chocolate lab and then to the Ranger Station to fix up the toe. The hike back was going to be 3.3 miles if I went through the caves and so that is what I had planned to do. Spelunking it was. Flashlight required or headlamp. I pulled out the flashlight today and went through with no problem. Except I remember the water being a little warmer last time I went through them and the waterfall flowing with much more water. But it was peaceful to be alone in the darkness with the only sound my beating heart and the water falling around me. I left the caves and headed back on the OP trail and started seeing a few more souls. By this time, my feet were screaming STUPID at me and my chest was starting to feel like may be 10.5 miles was a little much after laying in bed sick for two days. As I type this, the coughing isn't subsiding and actually has started getting worse. Thank goodness others have been sick in the house as they have good drugs to hand over to help me. Check out the rest of the photos: Morephotos