Collin Springs Canyon

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

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

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

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

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

Belize

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

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

http://mtnbkaz.photosite.com/

The Carcass Run

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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