July 21,22,23 2002
Important things first.
There was a whole heard of Bighorn Sheept strolling down the wash next to the road in the park. One big daddy, some mothers with small kids and a few teenagers. I got out and sat on the edge of the wash and watched them mooch along eating some nasty looking dry grass. For some reason the people in cars on the road couldn’t see them, so I had them all to myself.
There are a gazillion people at the resort but no one at all in the outback, just me and the lizards (so far).
I hiked down the draw to Lemon Springs and saw a remodel job near where you go through the fence in to the park. That raggedy old place looks almost as cool as the Rockin R. There is an outhouse not to be believed, a flush toilet, sink, shower and a really cool deck. But no water that I could see.
I went into the park (not to worry, I had bread crumbs this time). I got as far as the sawmill and it was so sad that I turned back, “Sic Transit Gloria.” The umpteenth re-incarnation of the cabin is really great, good for another 30 years at least. The only problem I had was that I needed grandma gear to pull out of the rock pile out front. Without 4 wheel drive I would have been doomed.
Day II
To whom it may concern:
This next observation comes under the heading “Aside from that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?”
The last time the silverware drawers were cleaned out (in the early 90’s I think), they were cleaned out by me. At that time and under a different roof, mousepoop was a compelling entity. Everything was taken out and washed and fresh newspaper was fitted into the drawers. I do not wish to suggest that the drawer cleaner is un-hygenic but I do wish to complain that the person has no sense of history. What is more exiciting or compelling that reading 15 year old newspapers in the bottom of the forks? I am well aware that the information age is swirling all around me, and that machinery is where its at. And that the new yuppiescan see in only one direction – forwardd. It may be that you are missing something. I feel free in making this grumpy observation because I have known all of you since birth (spouses not included) And I know that you have been raised to respect your elders, no matter how annoying. You know that Uncle Jim loves you and will continue to love you although you behave in strange and incomprehensible ways.
-uncle jim