Saturday, May 17
“It’s a beautiful day. I feel like going somewhere! Let’s go into town.”
I enjoy the drive through Round Valley from our camp to the town of Salina. About halfway to town I see flashing lights up ahead along with dust clouds.
Hmm, a police car . . . I wonder what this is all about.
It’s a cattle drive!
I slow down to a crawl and grab the camera. Wow! This is no little cattle drive. There must be at least a hundred head!
It’s early morning and I’m driving east into the sun.
The cattle are kicking up dust. I try to get some good shots through the windshield, but most of them don’t come out well. The above shot shows the end of the herd.
The herd has split to both sides of the road.
This looks like a family operation . . . Mom, Dad, and a slew of young kids, all on horseback, do their best to move the cattle along while keeping them out of the road. Dad rounds up a stray.
Mom coaches her daughter with a shout, “Don’t get in front of them!”
This isn’t play time.
Everyone is very intense. The daughter follows her mother’s instruction and waits for all the cattle to move ahead of her.
The crew and I in the Perfect Tow Vehicle are right in the middle of the action. I stop and take the above photo while a calf darts across the road in front of the PTV’s grill.
In only a few minutes the herd and the rancher family are behind us.
We continue toward Salina.
Gee, that was fun! What a childhood those children have. As young as they are, they’re contributing to the family’s livelihood and learning important skills. Maybe someday they’ll teach their own children how to use a horse to drive cattle up a highway.
As we approach Salina, a sign points to Richfield, twenty miles to the south.
“Let’s go to Richfield,” I say to the crew. “This road looks like it’ll take us on a nice drive.”
One can barrel down Interstate-70 to Richfield. Instead we take Route 89/24/118. Soon I’m rewarded with photo opportunities I can’t resist.
I love taking photos of horses!
Not only are there beautiful horses to photograph, but also cone-shaped hills and colorful mountains for backdrops. We pass several newly-plowed fields as we travel southward through the verdant Sevier River valley.
This is my favorite kind of sight-seeing.
Horses, green meadows, freshly turned fields, farm houses and barns, a cattle drive, all on a beautiful spring day . . . . National parks and spectacular scenery are fantastic and I enjoy all that, but this is what I really love.
Boy, lots of horses around here. What a flashy pair these next two are!
We enter Richfield (pop. approx. 7,600).
How nice it must be to live in the bucolic valley and also have a good-sized town nearby for goods and services.
I tune into the Wal-Mart honing part of my brain . As long as we’re here, might as well pick up a few groceries. I’m almost out of milk and I’d like some more carrots, peppers, and a head of broccoli.
Hmm . . . what’s this?
Fresh Market . . .
This looks like a good grocery. I pull into the parking lot. I put a suit on a wiggly Bridget and a suit on a sleepy-dopey Spike and let them out the side door. The crew is quite familiar with the pre-shopping walk-around. They do their business, we return to the PTV, they have a drink, and I pop them inside.
“Bye, guys. I’ll be back in a minute.”
The store is spacious, upscale (as in big produce, bakery and deli sections, gourmet this and organic that, all the trendy stuff), and it’s a pleasant change from the cattle drive over at Wal-Mart. The prices are a bit higher, of course, but, after that beautiful drive, I’m agreeable . . . without my usual resentment.
Something I’ve never seen before . . .
Live lettuce in a store! That’s what the sign says, “Live Lettuce.” Curious, I lift up a head of Bibb. Yep, it has roots in a pot of water.
Then the truly unexpected happens!
I walk down the freezer aisle and two — not one, but two — gallons of Tillamook ice cream come flying out of the case and land squarely in my cart!
Oh my, oh my, what do we have here? “Wild Mountain Blackberry” and “White Chocolate Raspberry Yum.”
Gee, why fight it. Life is more than carrots and broccoli.
I drive around Richfield until I’m sufficiently lost.
One thing about these central Utah, predominantly Mormon towns — lots of decent menfolk. Lots of fathers with children in tow. It’s Saturday. I’ll drive down this residential street and . . .
Sure enough, I have my pick!
Men are mowing lawns, cleaning gutters, puttering around their tidy homes. A man is loading his pick-up parked on the street. His little boy, around four or five, is “helping.”
I ask for directions and he carefully explains the way. I thank him and he replies warmly, “Have a safe trip.” Gosh, I’m in Mayberry!
If this post is too long for you, go make a sandwich or something. . .
But, I warn you . . . You’ll miss the conclusion of the cattle drive!
The rancher family has herded the cattle off the road and into a field of grass and sage. They’re taking a break before moving them further.
The children handle their horses with confidence.
They walk near the cattle without fear.
I really enjoyed today’s drive through this slice of Utah life.
I close this post with my favorite photo of the day. Look closely to see . . .
. . . Daddy’s little cowgirl.
rvsue
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love the horses
Me, too. 🙂
My computer just dinged, and there you were! Just left a message for you on the last blog post!
Okay, Lee. Thanks. I try to remember to always go back and check the last comments under the previous post.
Thanks Sue and Crew for a great post today….made my day. First time posting a reply here.
Thanks, Jeff. Great to see you here. I don’t know how long you’ve been riding along with me and the crew, but here’s a big welcome! Have a wonderful day.
I have lived in Utah almost two years now. Got bit by mosquitoes while camping here and came down with West Nile Virus. I miss RVing a lot! I love your blog and always look forward to your adventures. I even buy my Amazon stuff using your link. Thank you 🙂
You’re welcome, Wendy… Have you recovered from the virus? Is that why you don’t go RVing any more?
We’ve been very fortunate. Haven’t run into very many mosquitoes.
Thanks for using my links to shop Amazon. The income I receive means a lot to me.
Oh, I spent my life collecting autoimmune diseases, so I guess that’s why I got so sick from WNV. I put 10,000+ miles on my little Toyota RV the year before being bit. 80% of folks who get infected with West Nile don’t know it and don’t get sick. It threw me for a loop. I am now in a power wheelchair and had to give up driving. I read many RV blogs, but yours is my favorite 🙂 I used to travel with a service dog and an orange cat. Thank you for taking me along 🙂
I’m glad you are with us, Wendy. I’m sorry you are in a wheelchair and no longer can drive. It must be difficult after all the places you went in your RV. Thank you for appointing my blog as your favorite. I’m honored.
I think I now have two Wendys who comment. Help me know which one you are the next time you comment, okay? I do hope to hear from you again.
I love your cheerful, accepting attitude!
My reading of today’s post on your blog was an even better experience than usual,and that’s saying a lot, since you know how much I appreciate them all.
It contains some of the best qualities of life in; that area,our childhoods,our current days and our dreams,masterfully delivered.Very impressive,Sue,I’m so proud of you.
Thank you for that great compliment, weather. A great day makes writing a post fun!
Watching peoples hearts be;
drawn to horses strength and beauty,
warmed in seeing families guided by noble ideals,
captured with the sweet innocence of children and kittens,
awed by creations majestic splendor
-brings understanding.
Why do men risk their lives to protect us?Why do people sacrifice so much for each other?Why would the Creator rather die than live without us?Because we are magnificent!
Overcoming whatever injuries we’ve sustained in this world,we remain fascinated by what’s worthy.That undying hope within us is what calls love itself to want to see us satisfied and free.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend,happy life!
You offer much upon which to reflect. Thank you, weather. Have a wonderful weekend,too.
Ahhhh that’s one of the things I am looking forward to when I start I RV’ing, taking the slow lane roads rather than the expressways because I am always in such a hurry.
Really adds meaning to slow down and smell the roses….. Another great post!
Thanks, G. There are times when I appreciate an interstate taking us from point A to point B, like our move from Green River to here. And then there are times when the “slow lane roads” are a delight!
Hi Sue, Really great pictures as usual. Thanks also for the memories. I hitchhiked to Nevada when I was 17 from Ky and lived on the Blue Eagle Ranch. Cowboyed for a year. Was also a Mormon. HoboJoe
Hi, Joe . . . Interesting start to your adult life! It’s my pleasure to bring back those memories.
SO lovely you are seeing things that are not that often seen anymore…and a part of Utah that is pretty…
Hi, Elizabeth . . . This is the second cattle drive in Utah we have come upon. I love seeing other ways of life!
Wow! Utah may be calling me now. LOL! What a beautiful post and charming photos of the ranching family! I LOVE the part where those delicious sounding ice-creams come flying into your cart. You got a good belly laugh from me today for that!
Hi, Gloria… Good to receive your upbeat comment. I hope you saw all the good suggestions that were shared under the previous post by your fellow blogorinos.
Tillamook ice cream is the absolute BEST ice cream ever made! How do I know? Because ice cream couldn’t be any better.
Ok, gotta ask this. In my r-pod freezer I can’t get one 1/2 gal of ice cream. How big is that freezer of yours? Would it be to invasive to show a pic or have you already done that lol. I thought the casitas had the same frigs as the pods.
Michigan/Tennessee Vicki
Hi, Vicki…
My refrigerator is 4.0 cubic feet. I put the two cartons of ice cream on their sides. That fills up about 2/3 of the horizontal space of the freezer with a few inches of space at the top. I had to take out some of the crew’s chubs of frozen turkey and beef.
Here’s a link to the specs for the different models of Casitas: Casita features The BLT is a Liberty Deluxe. I chose all the upgrades/options except for the furnace.
I’m the son of Swan Valley, Idaho ranching and there are more lessons being learned that will stick with those kids then the merely immediate ones of the simple herding. I may take them a few years to realize it (it sure did me) but they are learning that not all things are a quick sound bite and you learn a heck of a lot more by watching and listening – regardless if it is a parent, teacher, horse or even cow.
Thank you Sue, seems I had forgotten and needed the kick in the remembrance.
You’re welcome, NadaThing.
You know, I was thinking along the same lines after seeing the family driving cattle. Those kids are secured by place, by the ranch culture, by family and, I assume, by their church and their community.
It’s a healthy environment where they learn much, as you say . . . respect, discipline (the clothing suggests they started the drive very early in the morning!), compassion, patience, self-assurance, obedience (don’t see a lot of that these days!), the value of work, decision-making, responsibility (that’s a lot of moola on the hoof!), teamwork . . . and a lot more.
Cattle drives, horses, good fresh vegies, a cold clear creek for puppy soaking, the green, green, grass of todays home, a quiet camp, mountains, sunshine, and of course white chocolate raspberry ice cream! You girl are having a good week!
And no one deserves it more. May all the blessings of the universe overflow your cup and splash happily the upon the nutcakes and all who you meet.
Rick, you are a sweetheart! What a nice message to me and the crew. Yes, it has been a wonderful week. In fact 2014 has been great so far. Thanks for being a part of all that makes my life good!
I so enjoyed our travels today!! The pictures of the horses are so nice. The family cattle drive…what a treasure. Life in the west. The Dad with his little cowgirl was a very cute picture. “Live Lettuce” was a new one for me but will have to look for it in our WalMart. After 5 weeks of a liquid diet, the ice cream sounded really very good. LOL,,,Even the lettuce sounds delightful. Thanks for taking us along on your journey today….had a really nice time.
Gosh, Pauline… five weeks? I hope you can eat normally soon.
About that photo, “Daddy’s little cowgirl.”… That photo was part of a much larger scene which I almost discarded. Then I zoomed in on the man on a horse. That’s when I discovered the little girl! What a nice surprise . . .
I don’t know if Wal-Mart will carry live lettuce… This was a trendy grocery.
I’m glad you enjoyed this post. I know I had fun living it!
Love to all the family and to you, too!
I was thinking about that little girl…probably too young to be out there on her own like the older kids, but instead of leaving her behind, her daddy brings her with…even though I’m sure it may slow him down a bit. Can you imagine how wonderful that must feel to her, to be part of the action,to be with her daddy…because he cares. Love that pic.
Besides the police car there was another vehicle. I’m guessing the little girl was in the car with the kitten until the herd was moved off the road and then Daddy kept his promise, fetched her from the car, and she got to be a cowgirl like her big sister.
She will grow up secure.
There’s a kitten? Not sure that I think that is a very good idea… kittens aren’t really cattle herding creatures.
I don’t think the kitten was on the cattle drive. The little girl with the kitten probably rode the whole way in the car.
You know, I think you are right. She will grow up secure. I never really had that; without going into maudlin details, my childhood was a mess and my family has never been much of one. I was just grieving the lack of connection with my brothers earlier today. I know you share some experiences, like mine, of being pretty much dumped by family members. But then I think about the amazing kind friends I have and feel really blessed. My brothers may not be people I can rely on in times of need (neither can/will assist me in any way while I go thru this knee replacement process) but I have wonderful friends who are there for me! Still, I look at that little girl on her daddy’s horse and feel a moment of jealousy.
I’m sure you’re not the only woman who looked at that photo and felt a twinge of “why couldn’t I have had that?” I’m glad you have friends to help you through the upcoming surgery.
Hi Sue:
Your photos are always wonderful to see; but these are extraordinary! I, too, love horses, fields / pastures, farm/ranches and interesting people being themselves. Normally we aren’t able to see herding as part of our daily life.
I visited India a couple of years ago and was surprised to find that cattle wander through even the biggest cities – and they’re given the right-of-way as they’re considered to be holy. One time I was walking down a crowded street in Jaipur and felt something nudging my purse. Imagine my reaction when I took a glance in that direction and found a full grown cow trying to get a hold on my purse strap!
You were almost mugged by a cow! 🙂 I bet you have a storehouse of interesting memories from that trip. I’m glad you had the opportunity to go there.
Thank you for the compliment on my photos. “Interesting people being themselves”… yes, that’s what I like to see, too.
Is the girl in daddy’s lap holding a kitten? I’ll be there for IC shortly; not a drop-in, a full blown raid!
Good golly, Mick! How did you see that? I guess you have an eye for kittens, what with your feline crew and all. I had to enlarge the photo several times and, sure enough, it looks like a kitten looking back at the camera! On a cattle drive?
Okay, what’s IC stand for? I hope it means internet connection because it is very sssllloooowwwww today.
Oh Susan … ICE CREAM!!!
Oh. Duh.
Geesh,good eye,Mick,I just held down the control and + keys long enough to see it.With it’s ear poised like that and the long skinny leg I think it may be a puppy?
I think the long skinny thing is a tail?
Too close to call it either way.When you’re done raiding the ice cream,could you find the guy and ask him?Also ask him if the horse straddled across the other guy’s saddle at the top of the other photo just above is alright. 🙂
I blew that photo up on my 24″ monitor and think what you see as a pony across the mans lap is a allusion. It is his jeans and chaps?
Yes,thanks,I guess it is,and with the size of them it looks like he could ride through anything without a scratch!
It looks to me like that man has a canteen in his hand.
OOps… I enlarged the pic in Picassa. He’s holding a coil of rope.
I too saw a pony at first. I think the “leg” of the pony is actually the horses reins. And the “head” is part of the mans gloves!
Don’t think it’s an animal. Dad has black roping gloves and is holding the rope in his left hand. He is also holding the horses’ left rein in his left hand…not an animal tail.
I think we’re talking about two different cowboys. Dad has white shirt with vest. The hats and horses show who’s who.
You’re right. It isn’t an animal. It’s his chaps, rope and other gear.
That’s one of the wonderful things about staying put for a while. You have plenty of time to just mosey along and explore. You sure did that in spades today. Great pictures and a wonderful narrative. I for sure want to visit that grocery where gallons of delicious sounding ice cream fly off the shelf into my cart. They even opened the freezer door for themselves? Or did they jump up out of a freezer case? Pole vaulting ice cream! What will they think of next?
Hi, Sherry… I’ll try to explain the ice cream phenomena. . .
See, my body is magnetized. Whenever I come close to anything fattening, a tremendous magnetic pull is activated. Happens all the time. In this case, it was a freezer door that was pulled open and the ice cream cartons, which seemed to jump in the cart, actually were pulled by my magnetic force. Sometimes I have to run past the cookie/candy aisle at full throttle in order not to be struck by flying Oreos and Twix bars.
Toooooo funny!!
LOL! Now I have a new “story” about weight and I am stickin’ to it! hahaha! Thanks Sue! Loved the explanation… sure makes sense to me!
Those dang flying Starbursts HURT.
I can taste the ice cream. How lucky you are that they picked your cart to jump into. I have been seeing articles about lettuce growing on poles in peoples homes and offices. I saw all kinds of veggies growing in water the last time we went to Disney World. Advertised as the wave of the future. I still like to get my hands dirty working in the dirt for my food though.
The cattle drive reminds me of Utah when I lived there. Sure miss it sometimes. Wish I had stayed there. The kids working the cattle drive is how most farm kids are raised. Kids have to help in order to get all the work done everyday. Too bad we have gotten away from that.
Love the pictures. Felt like I was there. I could taste the dust. Thanks for taking us along.
You’re welcome, Jean. That’s what I aim to do… Take you along with us, into the dust and all.
City kids have a lot of benefits, but, gee, they sure do miss a lot, too. What richness in the lives of those ranch kids!
Yeah, there’s something about growing things out of dirt . . . Hydroponics doesn’t appeal to me.
I think I was down that way back in 2009, when we had a tent trailer. We used Fish Lake (9,200 feet) as our base and motored all over the place, including Richfield (as I recall). Some very pretty country. Finally get to get our trailer out this weekend. Can’t wait!
It looks like we’re going to have good weather for Memorial Day Weekend. You have some pretty country not far from Boise. Have a great time, Walt.
The crew and I saw Fishlake. The campgrounds are very nice there.
What a wonderful day! Your photos make it seem like I’m right there. I love tagging along in your virtual passenger seat in the PTV.
The ol’ PTV is chock full of passengers! Glad you’re one of them, katydid.
THERE’S my hamburger!!
Hi, Ladybug . . . . There are a lotta’ burgers in this part of Utah.
Gee, that was fun! Thanks, RV Sue! Grace (in Tucson)
You’re welcome, Grace . . Yes, it was a fun day which I concluded with a bowl of White Chocolate Raspberry Yum.
How big was a bowl of this yummy White Chocolate Raspberry ice cream? Did Bridget and Spike get some too? Goodnight Sue.
The bowl was big enough to hold the ice cream. 🙂
No, the crew didn’t get any. It’s MY ice cream!
Sweet post, Sue!
Yee! Ha! Cowgirl!
Fabulous shots, especially dad and daughter on the cow pony! Priceless!y
Hi, Diann . . . This was a fun post to put together. I enjoyed editing the photos because I couldn’t see much of what was happening when I was taking them. Glad you like the end results!
Well it’s been a while since my last post. I have been thoroughly enjoying your meanderings with no particular place to go, you’ll get there when you get there. Good campsites and wonderful photography. Father, daughter, and kitten on a horse driving cattle, it just doesn’t get better than that.
Utah is my favorite state, there are places there that defy description. It is my hope in my meanderings about that I will find a small town in Utah to finally reside it. At one time I thought it might be Moab. When I first went there is was beautiful but as you saw, time and money has turned it into something to be avoided, it is a shame. Kanab is an interesting place in a great location just outside Zion and down the road from the Paria Wilderness but still out of the way of the touristas. Not for now but take a look at the Stateline campground, it is in the Vermillion cliffs/ Paria wilderness on the AZ/UT border about 30 miles west of Page off of 89. You might find it interesting and it is in a place you have never been, at least as far as I know. I think it is BLM and is free.
Well got to go, as always Enjoy and tickle the pups.
Hi, Alan . . . Welcome back!
There’s a lot to love about Utah. It’d be a great place for a home base.
I looked in my atlas and I found two campgrounds that possibly fit your description. One is called Paria Outpost. It’s about 30 miles west of Page, but not on the state line. It’s real close to 89.
The other one is called Whitehouse and it’s near the other one and is located on the Paria River. Of course the Vermillion Cliffs are to the south.
If you’re talking about a different campground, I’d love to find it, so any additional information would be appreciated.
House Rock Valley Road runs from 89 southward into Arizona and at the state line there is a trail head but no campground is indicated.
Sue, I believe I found the campground on Google maps. If you use the satellite view and follow House Rock Road all the way to the AZ/UT state line (indicated by a dotted line) then zoom in all the way, you will see a spur road leading west to the AZ National Scenic Trail and Stateline Campground. The campground isn’t named on Google Maps, but the trail is. Look for the hexagon shaped shelters at individual campsites. It truly is right on the UT/AZ state line. Cell phone coverage is said to be poor there, but maybe your Wilson antenna would improve it. For more info about this campground and a couple of others in the area, check out this link:
http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/arolrsmain/paria/campgrounds.html
Also, Bob of cheaprvliving detailed a beautiful free campsite on the Paria River off of White House Trailhead Road a bit further east (also from UT Hwy 89) on his blog a couple of weeks ago. He could probably tell you how the cellphone coverage is there. You might like that site on the river best. I’m sure Spike would! Link here:
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/blog/page/2/
If you don’t care to have this info or these links on your blog, Sue, feel free to edit or delete as desired.
P.S. I really enjoyed this post. Beautiful horses in beautiful country. Love it! Have you considered making yearly calendars from your photos? I’d buy one.
Thank you, Cherie, for doing all that research for me and your fellow readers. I remember reading about Bob’s boondock on the Paria River and it looked like a good one.
It is very thoughtful of you to tell me to feel free to delete the links you posted. In this case I don’t mind because they are very helpful and the purpose isn’t to drive my reader traffic away.
I can see now where Stateline Campground is. Thanks again for the help. Oh… the calendar? It is flattering for you to suggest it. No, I don’t think I’ll do that.
Boon dock on the Paria, Must be north of 89. The Paria drains Bryce Canyon and the Kodachrome Basin to the north. I suspect he was just below Kodachrome as there is a road that goes all the way down to 12 but I can testify it becomes 4WD eventually.
House Rock Road is it. Just past the AZ border ther is a road Arizona National Scenic Trail that goes west. Just after turning on it is the campground. Here is the blm link to camping in the Paris area.
http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/arolrsmain/paria/campgrounds.html
It is also very close to the trial heads for “The Wave” and Buckskin Gultch. If you go into earth mode in google maps you should see it.
I can’t do google earth right now with this connection and also to save my GBs. By “past” the border, do you mean north or south?
LATER… Never mind. . . I see it now! In my Arizona atlas it is between Wire Pass and Arizona Stateline Trailhead. Thanks a lot for telling me about the campground. I was going to use a route through Page to go north this year and changed my mind. I may go that way next spring.
US89 from Page to I70 is one of the nicest roads ever. Amazing scenery everywhere. Once past Kanab it follows a creek all the way up.
Want a little fun, I have an assignment. In google maps earth mode go to the campground. Then zoom out a little and shift to the right/east. Place the AZ/UT border on the bottom of the image window. You should see a black line going roughly east to west. That is the Buckskin gultch, a photographers dream. 18 miles of twisty curvy slot canyon with walls from 4 to 15 or 20 feet wide and 100 to 200 ft deep. It is by far my favorite place in the world.
If you’d like I can email you a couple B&W images I took down in, but not without permission.
But just scroll along and zoom in, the place is amazing. If you follow it all the way to the Paria and follow it you will see some of the most convoluted canyons ever.
Rollin’ rollin’ rollin’, roll them cattle, Yeeeee Haawww, Cow Hide, Lol ,,,,,,Timber
Hey, Timber… Be a good boy and stay out of Daddy’s garden!
Really enjoyed this post. This GA boy grew up spending some of his summers in Richfield with a grandmother who raised Arabian horses and a grandfather who loved to explore the back country of southern Utah. Best summers ever!! They are gone now but still lucky to have an uncle in Richfield…spent a few weeks there last summer. You’ll be long gone, but a 4th of July in Richfield is the ultimate small town celebration of that holiday.
I can see where this post would bring back fond memories of your summers with your grandparents. You are fortunate to have connections to this area. It’s a special place. Thanks for writing, David. I enjoy reading how people react to my posts.
What a delight, after a long day at work. To sit, read and look with anticipation of what Sue and the crew are up to today.. wow amazing photo’s love the country and the ranchers, that is the life.. Like you I love horses, even took up riding till being a mother and work became a priority, but loved every min of being with those amazing creatures. what a joy to read how that ice cream just bounced into your cart LOL…. You should have been a writer, if you wrote like you do your blog wow you would be the next famous author and I for one would be looking for the next .. happy trails sue and the gang..
Thanks, Patsy. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a writer. If self-publishing had been as easy then as it is now, I probably would’ve followed that dream.
Well, at least now I’m writing in my little ol’ blog and receiving great feedback from my readers. I’m happy with that!
Not surprising to hear that Sue, and again thank you for choosing to share with us your gift and adventures !!
Nope. Not surprising at all! 🙂
They really should issue hard hats and goalie shields for people who are shopping while on diets !! But… to make a trip perfect you have to be open to the unexpected… like ice cream. Funny stuff. Have a great stay at your idyllic camp.
Thanks, Starlight. It’s been great so far!
Dang, this Tillamook ice cream is good . . .
Love your response to Sherry! Too funny!! It is amazing how that magnetic field works sometimes, isn’t it! Fresh Market is one of my very favorites. I love the smaller store, low lighting, and different product selection. I am glad to see more and more of them popping up all over.
Watching a cattle drive is so much fun. We once had to stop and wait out one on a motorcycle trip. Two cowgirls were leading a herd from side of the road to another. It was so entertaining. Love dad getting a start with the little one:)
Hi, John and Pam,
That store does have a nice atmosphere. Of course, being a frequent Wally World shopper, anything with a little character would impress me!
Fantastic post Sue……………loved the scenery, the horses, the cattle, the family earning a living…..I so want to go to Utah! AND even a girl from OZ knew what you meant about Mayberry!! Memories!! I went on a cattle drive up north 5 years ago…..all day in the saddle, darn near killed me, but what an experience! Makes me yearn for those times again but getting on my dear old horse each weekend has to suffice…………..thanks for your lovely post.
You’re welcome, Glenda . . . You want to come to Utah and see what I’m seeing and I want to go to OZ and ride on your “dear old horse.”
You got the Mayberry reference! You know, I thought of you when I was writing about my magnetic field. I wondered if they sell Twix bars in OZ and whether you’d recognize the brand.
You went on a cattle drive… I am so envious. I probably wouldn’t have the stamina, but maybe a mini-cow-drive? (the drive, not the cows).. Haha!
Ha ha Sue……………I think we do have Twix here…….not that I frequent the lolly/chocolate aisle ……………I just love any sort of confectionery……it sure loves my hips!!
Richfield is where the Park owner here in Torrey told me she went to do her grocery shopping. That is a little over 120 miles round trip which I told you I would not do. The store in Loa is not too bad considering that the town has a population of 572 in a county of 2,778.
WOW a population of 7,600, that would be Gotham City for me since leaving Pahrump and I won’t stay in a town of that size until September. An upscale market as well as a WalMart – that is big city living!
She goes from Torrey to Richfield for groceries? I don’t believe it. I think she’s having an affair!
I estimated on the population. I found the figure of 7,500 from 2009. I figure in five years it’d be safe to add another hundred considering babies being born to these large families. 🙂
Yeah, I read your blog about shopping at the Loa store. I agree, Ed, it’s not bad. They even sell stuff to cure elk meat.
Torrey is one of our favorite Utah towns. Are you at 1000 Lakes CG? Tried Capitol Reef Inn and Cafe yet?
Chuck
Chuck,
No, I’m at Sand Creek, 1000 Lakes is a little more expensive. Even Sand Creek is pushing my budget threshold but you have to pay the price when in tourist areas. Both Parks must make enough during the ‘season’ to carry them through the winter when they do very little/no business.
I only eat one meal per week at a restaurant and that is breakfast. The past two weeks I have gone to Loa for groceries and had breakfast there. This week I will wait for Capitol Reef Inn and Cafe to open at 7:00 and have breakfast and then go to Loa.
What a GREAT POST ! I have never seen a cattle drive, and loved the family working together. Life is surely more than carrots and brocolli! Beautiful slice of Americana!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this along with wonderful photos Sue. Just can’t say enough about the enjoyment of this post. Happy Trails!
You’re welcome, Diane. . . . I think you like this post. 🙂 Thanks for the enthusiastic feedback. Happy Trails to you, too!
Gee, I enjoyed this post…… Not so unusual because I LIKE them all.
Thank you for sharing parts of your daily happenings with us!
What a treat. :))
I’m tickled that you consider this post “a treat.” Nice to hear from you, Linda a.
Lovely, lovely scenery. How lucky you are to witness a family cattle drive & I do agree with you on your favorite photo choice.
Yes, it was a lucky happenstance to come upon the cattle drive. I would’ve loved to be going the opposite way so I could follow the drive from beginning to end.
What???? I’m not the first poster?
Mark, you silly boy. 🙂
Damn that JUMPIN’ Ice Cream sounds like it could be really dangerous. I heard of a new deli style chain of restaurants Toll House, and that combined with jumpin’ Ice Cream would result in me never losing any of the 60 or so pounds I need to loose.
Those cattle drives are quite a site to see, a real skill on the part of the family working together. Great to see and too bad it is limited to so few in our country.
Toll House Restaurant… What do they serve? Big platters of cookies with a tumbler of cold milk?
It was fun to watch the horsemanship of the husband and wife team. They made it look easy but I’m sure it’s the result of a lot of training on the part of the horses and the riders. Did you notice their western gear… the chaps, the boots, the spurs, the lasso? Even the children were “duded” up right.
Sue – I hope the purchase of Counter Assault through Amazon was you! If not, I applaud whoever did. It is a good product and the brand I use. Rather, I haven’t ever had to actually use it – but am prepared just in case.
Hi, PJ (who is female),
No, I’m not the one who bought the bear spray, but I should.
Um. Yes.
For those who decide to get a bear spray please PLEASE familiarize yourself with detailed directions. There were incidents when bear spray users sprayed themselves because of directions of a wind or did not stay far or close enough to a target. I hike often and usually alone so I carry a can of spray to mostly satisfy those who are concern about my hiking aloe. I concluded a long time ago if there is a bear close enough I would want to use a spray then by the time I could figure out direction of a wind, where to stand before spraying, how far, reaching up for a spray I would be in trouble already. Having pets creates another challenge if one doesn’t want this stuff to get in their faces. Waving my hands above my head to appear much bigger and scream that would be my more realistic approach.
A friend of mine who is a bear expert in Alaska recommends this national park service link http://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/upload/Harmony%20With%20Bears.pdf
It focus on Alaskan bears but there is a plenty useful information we all can use regardless where we are.
Sue, if you’re not allowed to have this link on your blog please feel free to remove it.
Also, some time ago I mentioned I ordered a footprint for my tent from Amazon through your link. I’m so sorry for misleading you. I checked and believe it or not but Amazon does not carry a footprint for my Northface tent. I had no choice but to get it from REI. I’m very sorry about it. At least I got a few National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps through your link.
Thanks, R., for sharing your experience. The link is great! Your explanation of what you’d go through trying to use bear spray in a crisis is what has kept me from purchasing any (along with the price).
A woman was mauled recently in Alaska. She was jogging and got between a mama bear and a cub. Now who in there right mind JOGS in bear country? That’s like broadcasting in bear language…”Here I am. I’m fleeing but not very fast. Come and get me!”
No need to apologize about the tent footprint. I saw the maps you purchased. I appreciate that.
That woman was jogging with her husband and he had left her behind (and is now surely feeling very guilty) on a military base in Alaska. Both the joggers and the wildlife encounter each other regularly. This is not the first attack that has happened in this area over the years, and they have full warning and training. She did what she could after accidentally meeting up with the mommy bear. She dropped to the ground and played dead, covering what she could. The bear slapped her a few times and the claws did their damage, but she was able to walk back to where someone would find her and take her to help. BTW… on this base, the moose are considered more dangerous than the grizzlies.
If one has to jog, there must be somewhere on a military base to jog that bears don’t have access. Doesn’t make sense to me…
A perfect example of the sage advice about hiking/jogging with someone you can outrun when in bear country.
You need not be able to out run the bear you simply need to out run the person you are with!
Sad but true, Ed. The husband probably enraged the bear and jogged on. Then the wife came along to bear (!) the consequences.
These are people who are woods savvy and adults who make their own choices and have to live with the results. (though we tax payers will have to cover her care and repair) Nearly all of the residents of the base jog the whole area. The bear was not hunted or even looked for after the incident as the woods are considered the property of the animals that we are trespassing upon…
I like that purchase of bear spray in a holster canister (from your Amazon link). Think I’ll buy this! I’m not a gun owner, and I’m not buying the bear spray to protect myself from bears. I have to walk 2 blocks at night from my car to my home …
A predator is a predator, right? Refuse to be prey. I hope you never have to use the spray, but it will be good to have it handy.
You make some valid points, however, if you are hiking in bear country – even campground loops – you should always be aware of the wind direction simply because the wind carries smells and sounds to bears – and also masks the smell and sound of the bear to humans. Dogs are excellent “bear detectors,” but are also bear “attractants” as small mammals. I would rather suffer from pepper spray “blowback” than be mauled by even one bear claw or tooth. Ditto for my pet. Capsaicin does burn temporarily, but is preferable to any bear caused injury or death IMO. Sue – I read back in the beginning that you purchased a pistol – have you ever carried that on a hike? Or was it more for protection in camp?
After typing this, I realized that I have already packed my bear spray for a three day canoeing trip and wilderness campout this weekend In Ozark National Scenic Riverways in southern Missouri because there are now quite a few black bears there. If one comes poking around my tent I will have something to defend myself with.
No, I don’t walk with the gun. My walks with the crew are gentle times. Having a gun strapped to me is incompatible with that mood.
Especially like those Cowboy photos:))
I’m not surprised, Al, ’cause I know you want to be a cowboy.
Hi Sue & Crew! That was an absolutely wonderful post. I love to see horses too and the pictures you took look like portraits by some famous artist. In my childhood we often went on vacation to our version of the “country” which is Demopolis, Al; beautiful and quiet. As I look at the pictures I can just imagine how peaceful and satisfying to live in an area like this. Thanks for the memory lane. Happy travels and stay safe.
Hi, GypsyPurl. . . Thanks for the great compliment on the photos and on the post. I have to shake my head at some of the things we come across purely by serendipity. I don’t really set out with great experiences in mind, yet they seem to meet us on the way. I’m happy to share them with you.
Oh how I love Tillamook ice cream, my sis and I visited the factory last year..in Tillamook !
Those short chaps are called chinks…I first rode a horse in the saddle in front of my dad, and so did my son, in front of me! He had his own horse when he was four..kids can be good riders young when they start young.
I don’t ride anymore, too creaky, but I do drive my Haflinger Meg…wish I could find a harness maker that would put a western spin on driving harness…come on over Sue and have a ride in my cart!
You took me down memory lane, thanks for your wonderful memory makers!
You’re welcome, Lee.
I’m totally jealous of your life around horses. All my life I wanted to learn to ride, to have a horse of my own, but it never happened. *sigh* I’ll be happy taking photos of them.
Chinks.. You taught me a new word!
Looks like papa has regular working chaps, but the young lady is totally stylin in her fringed chinks, wow do they have nice looking horses!
I don’t know anything about horses, but even I can tell those are good horses, well-trained and trustworthy. I love how the girl’s horse stands at attention. Beautiful!
Your best post Sue. Thanks for posting.
Geri also has a problem with flying ice cream!
You’re welcome, Chuck. I thought you’d like this one.
Geri and I need to find a de-magnetize chamber.
Sue, your superb pictures convey a lot. After reading this post I now understand why you prefer to take the roads less traveled. This post brought some happy unforgettable memories and I want to thank you for it. We used to love driving on back roads wherever we went. Something similar we encountered in Sicily when we drove on a dirt country road among artichoke fields and came up on a shepherd with his hundreds of sheep. We slowly proceeded behind until the man turned around and with a big smile started to direct his animals to the side of the road creating a narrow tunnel for us to just fit in and be on our way. We waved as we passed him and received more of his unpretentious smiles.
I only stop in Richfield to get a gas on the way when traveling somewhere west and on the way back but I always enjoy scenery and tranquility along I-70 west of Green River until it merges with I-15 where peace usually comes to the end.
Your story of driving through sheep in Sicily is delightful! Thank you for sharing that special memory, R.
That stretch of road from Green River to Richfield on interstate 70 is a pleasure, even though it involves some long, steep grades. I really enjoyed it. “Tranquility” is a good word for it.
Wow, Sue! Great pictures! Thanks so much! I live in Colorado and I love those gorgeous scenes with horses and cattle and the beautiful landscapes. Thanks so much for sharing them with us.
You’re welcome, AnnieB! I appreciate the compliment.
Oh how I love this post today! I’m stuck in hot, sticky GA with another case of Lymes and feelin’ like Sh…. The adventure and the photos were wonderful. Being from Oregon I can understand how that Tillamook ice cream attacked you and all, and of course your only option at that point is to torture it to death by devouring it.
I grew up in Portland when it was a small town and we’d ride our bikes to the local dairy and we’d pig out on “free” samples of fresh made ice cream (no additives back then) – soooo yummy of course riding our bikes everywhere deleted any calories we consumed – I don’t think if I peddled to Alaska and back could I use up enough calories today for all the ice cream we devoured back then.
I went to college in Bend Oregon when it was a cow town and dinosaurs walked the earth, we’d work weekends and breaks on the ranches there. Brings back memories of chasing cows on half broke mustangs and following behind the hay baler shlepin’ hay up into the flat beds. We worked hard got paid little but I loved every moment of it.
Interesting comment, MK. Gee, this post brought back a lot of memories for readers. Such an idyllic time for kids. . . They could ride bikes to the local dairy and not be kidnapped on the way.
How exciting, “chasing cows on half broke mustangs!” Love your last line…
You have Lyme again? What a bummer! Get well soon. As for GA humidity, there’s no hope.
Love the pictures! I grew up with cattle herds and riding horses. Each summer several hundred head of cattle would be moved thru our little town to summer pastures. Had to watch for unhappy bulls! Even now small herds like the one you saw are still moved every now and then from pasture to pasture with riders. Fun to see.
Tillamook IC is the best.
Still working hard to get ready to full-time. I wondered if you are still able to budget in the same range as last years average or if prices are increasing your budget (hope this is ok to ask). I’ll have to budget pretty close to make this dream happen.
CherylLyn,
I, too, am getting ready to go fulltime and will have a tight budget. I figure there’s always work camping if necessary. You can also volunteer at some parks in exchange for a site or boondock, like Sue, for free!
Jane
Chuck and I volunteer at State Parks! Rewarding as well as free camping usually with full hook-ups. We love this life!
Hi, CheryLyn,
Oh, I’ve been terrible about posting my monthly expenditures. I’m sorry. I should make that my Memorial Day Weekend goal… to get those done! I’m already four months behind.
I can tell you in a general way that my expenditures have increased, but not out of necessity. I purchased fun things in the past six months or so. I also set myself up with quality footwear (KEEN sandals and trail shoes, BearPaw boots). Of course, there were the new tires for the PTV last summer (about $1,000). Also switching the crew to a raw meat diet has taken a bite out of the budget.
I haven’t seen a great increase in prices. Gas goes up and down depending upon where we travel. Public land is still free. 🙂
Forgive me for probably telling you what you already know… If your full-timing budget is going to be tight, be sure to include savings for the inevitable big expenses like tires and possible medical and other rainy day expenses.
Gee, another reader with horses in their past! How fortunate to have that experience . . .
I’ll try to finish those monthly reports!
Thank you for your reply. I didn’t mean you needed to post your expenses. I find myself going in so many directions trying to make this happen I’m meeting myself coming and going. Glad you made some fun purchases you deserve it. You give us so much fun as well as encouragement. Good suggestion on a reserve. I’ll be out of debt and have a modest reserve, it’s the monthly income that is low. A thank you to the blogerinos who also responded. They are both right about workcamping or working at Amazon and once I figure out how to go about it if needed it’s a back up plan.
I figured you were wise enough to know you needed emergency funds. I try to take any opportunity to insert guidance or clarification in my replies for anyone who might need it.
No debt — absolutely essential! Good for you, CheryLyn. When I jumped into this way of life, not knowing how much $$ would be required, I, too, thought of workkamping and Amazon as a “back up plan.” As it turned out, my wonderful RVSue shoppers came along. Who knows what opportunities will come your way . . .
You didn’t mean it that way, but I NEED prodding to do those reports. 🙂
I can sense you are doggedly pursuing your goal. Determination is more important than anything! It will all come together.
Wow, that was interesting, Sue! I’ve only seen cattle drives in old westerns. Beautiful scenery, too, and horses. You hit the lottery this time.
I had never heard of Tillamook ice cream until night before last at a Sierra Club meeting. A couple gave a slide show of their 2 mo trip out west with their teardrop trailer. A must-do was a stop at where Tillamook is made. Huh, now you mention it. The Gods must be saying I need to get some.
Continued good times,
Jane
Hi, Jane,
It ain’t the gods telling you to get some Tillamook ice cream. It’s the Tillamook calling you… “Jane, you want some huckleberry ice cream, and some white chocolate raspberry yum… Don’t fight it… Give in… We’re waiting for you…Jane … Jane…”
Something like that.
Nice to hear from you always . .
Wow! That was a fun read!
Love the cattle drive….the kids are cute and helping with the chores! The horses are beautiful as well as the scenery. Bombed by tubs of flying ice cream….amazingly it was your favorite flavors!
Salina was that town with the different but neat buildings..steeples on the roofs. Cache Valley is supposed to have some great cheese….if you happen to pass by there! Headed to Nevada City for lunch tomorrow. Then back to the SF BayArea before heading back to NY.
My apologies for sending the crew’s collar lights back to my house in NY. I thought I had some time before you had a general delivery address. 🙁
Enjoy!
Hi, Cinandjules,
No need to apologize about the lights. For heaven’s sake, it’s a gift and a very nice one! 🙂
Was that Salina or Scipio where I took photos of houses? I don’t remember. You know our travels better than I do. I might wander around and look at more houses now that you’ve given me the idea.
I’ll have to look up where Cache Valley is. I love cheese but I can’t eat the good kind. It gives me a headache. I can only eat the fake cheese like Velveeta and why would I want to do that? Haha!
I thought you were back in NY already. Hope you enjoy your lunch and have a smooth trip home.
Oh I think it was Scipio.
Cache Valley is northern Utah….up toward Ogden & Logan. Headache..?? Wonder why?
Did you ever eat ” squeaky cheese ” in NY when you were a youngen? Cheese curds?
The headache from aged cheese is related, I believe, to my allergy to penicillin. Blue cheese, which I love, is the worst. I also have to be careful with sourdough bread. The fake kind in stores is okay, but the real stuff, like from SF, which is the BEST, gives me a headache and sometimes a rash.
I don’t know about “squeaky cheese.” Don’t think I have eaten it unless my grandmother fed it to us girls when we were really young. I remember her making cottage cheese (They had a dairy farm.).
Great photos and a great blog read! Love….love….love the photos! What a great day in the life of these children. Wonderful that you were able to capture it. Beautiful scenery too!
Never heard of Tillamook ice cream. I guess they don’t come out this far East. But will have to put it on my list for when I finally get back out there.
I am glad to see that you are getting credit for items that I ordered through Amazon. (Your Guide to the National Parks) You give so much of yourself in this blog that its the least I can do to repay you for all the pleasure you give us. Thanks.
Have a great day!
Hi, Deb,
You’re right. Tillamook ice cream is only available in certain states surrounding the factory in the town of Tillamook.
Thank you for the “repayment.” 🙂
Sue, this is great post! It is great to hear about family’s working together as a family. And yes there are dads out there that care. We just need to get big government out of our lives and we do not need “a village to raise our children”. Did not mean to get political. This is the best post I have seen anywhere…Thank you…Buffalo Bob
You’re welcome, Bob. That’s quite a compliment. I appreciate you telling me!
Sue, I Subscribed to you blog but don’t get notification when you post. Have tried to re -subscribe and am told that I am already a subscriber. So even with all that subscribing I still don’t get your posts. Can you help?
I don’t know how to fix that, Bob. You are the first person to report that problem. Are you sure it isn’t on your end… some kind of block or firewall? I wish I knew.
Here’s an idea… There are two ways to sign up for notifications. One is in the sidebar and the other is a box you check under the reply window. Try whichever one you haven’t used.
I usually don’t go more than 2-3 days between posts. You could put my blog on your favorites list or a shortcut on your desktop to make checking quicker.
What a wonderful experience for those children! And, for you! We were once in Olancha, on the eastern Sierra, when the rancher there was moving his herd of cattle across the road. I didn’t see kids or a family…just men moving them. That way of life will soon be gone, like so many other traditions…sigh…Glad you got to view it when you did.
Cheryl Ann ~LOVE that final photo! You should print it and frame it!
Hi, Cheryl Ann,
Cattle herding should be around for a while yet. A lot of beef eaters in this country and cattle have to be moved to greener pastures. I suppose they could stand in feed lots all their lives. Lets hope it doesn’t come to that.
I remember Olancha! That’s where bottled water comes from and they raise sheep there, as well as cattle. I love how my travels have made it possible for me to picture these places readers mention.
That photo is special. To think I almost deleted it!
Good morning Sue. Another beautiful day is waiting for you and your crew. Go and discover new things and revisit old once for yourself and your followers.
“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” Carl Sagan
Good morning, R. It is another beautiful day. I’m about to toss the crew in the PTV and head out to explore. You go and discover, too. Great quote from Mr. Sagan. I believe he now is where he can know.
R. Love the quote…
I do too Willow and I thought it fits Sue’s approach to discovering new surroundings so well.
After reading all these comments, I have a horse “remembrance” to share. Do you remember our neighbors on Shunpike Road. They bought a pony and since our side of the pasture was the only shade, he stayed near us most of the time. We would get on it and it would walk around in a circle and then stop. He WOULD NOT move unless you got off an got back on again. Come to find out, he was one of those pitiful creatures that had spent his life giving rides at a carnival. Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! So sad. One of the reasons I love to see horses roaming and running free!!
Hi, Pauline,
Of course, I remember that horse! It took me weeks to get it to allow me to climb from the fence to its back. I didn’t know the part about it being a carnival horse or maybe I did and repressed it. I do remember the horse had been whipped because if you raised your hand while astride, the horse would either buck you off or run to the nearest low branch to swipe you off his back. I still loved horses in spite of being bucked off and swiped off!
I agree with you about seeing horses roaming free.
I think you are talking about the big brown horse. That one was spirited. This was a Shetland pony. They didn’t keep it long. It didn’t run, didn’t ever lift its head up. I was afraid of that big horse!!!!!!
Oh, yeah, now I remember that pony. How sad.
Watching sisters reminisce,OK,pretty sure that clinched this post’s getting the world’s most charming blog award.
🙂
Interesting you mentioned carnival rides. There’s a woman in our city who is suing the pony ride owners at the farmers market for cruelty to animals. Lots strong feelings on both sides of this issue. The ponies have been checked out and are in good health. It’s the concept that’s at issue, like the concept of the circus and Sea World.
Interesting, Gayle . . .
At one time it was the freak show featuring people who were “different.” Over time people became aware of the inherent disrespect. Someday the circus and Sea World and using animals as toys will die out, too. At least I hope so.
There are many ways to teach the same point, as you must know as a teacher. Like so many of our country’s problems, we don’t need to tweak the same old ways. We need to create entirely new paradigms (i.e. Tiny House movement)
Oh, those tiny houses are great. If I ever have a house again, I want tiny!
As usual, I am dead last! LOL! But I had to skip all the above comments just to let you know that this is the BESTEST POST ever!!!! I loved all the photographs! I loved the layers of colors in the background mountains of the newly plowed field. I always called those tiers of colors “Mother Earth’s petticoats”! Beautiful, wonderful, HAPPY blog post! Loved that last photo best! You are living the life woman and I am so proud of you!
Hi, Geri,
There are many different mountain shapes and colors around here. Not as dramatic as seen in other parts of Utah, but beautiful backdrops to the scenes in this green valley.
I wish you would come back West! Do you think you’ll come back for a visit someday? I haven’t heard from Emily lately and I can’t remember the name of her blog. Hope she is well and happy. I’m not writing many emails these days because Outlook is very cranky which it should be because I and millions like me HATE it.
Thanks for stopping by with your upbeat comment. Hugs to your crew…
Down here in Texas Blue Bell Ice Cream is considered the best ice cream! Ha!
But I am ALWAYS open to the competition!! When we get to Utah we will definitely try some of the Tillamook stuff! 🙂
Hi, Terri,
Sorry to say this, but. . . I’ve had Blue Bell. Not in the same league. You are in for a treat! I don’t know if Tillamook is available in all areas of Utah. This is the first I’ve seen it this year. Also their milk tastes better than other brands, although Lucerne is a close second. And then there’s Tillamook cheese . .
I have heard that Trader Joes sells Tillmook anything/everything so you might find it there!
Tillamook has a nice cheese factory tour. They sell the ice cream, cheddar cheese curds at their shop. Stealth camped overnight, can’t figure out what the unbearable smell was all night long. Smelled like fertilizer, but only during the night. Anybody know?
I have been following your blog for quite some time and really enjoy it but this was the BEST. We are in Utah too, further south in Kanab. Truly a beautiful part of the country.
Thanks, Barbara. Enjoy Kanab!
Hi
Speaking of cheese…
Make delicious queso dip from velveeta. Thats about all its good for! But it is yummy. Enjoyed your post,
as usual.
I’m smiling, Terri, because I knew someone would rise up and defend Velveeta. There are tons of Velveeta recipes dating back to the 1950s and I bet the queso dip is very good.
Umm.. I lived on Velvetta cheese and orange juice in college. At present I can’t exactly remember why. Haven’t eaten any in a long time.
Hi Sue ~~
I just read the “ice cream” section of your blog to my hubby, Jack. We both got a good laugh about the ice cream just falling right into your cart. It happens to us all the time. I mean ALL the time. We are total ice cream junkies! I recently saw a blurb on the news about the “gov” putting some kind of chips (no, not chocolate chips) in ice cream cartons to track all the naughty folks that buy too much ice cream. They’ll probably increase our insurance premiums like they do with smokers to offset our bad habits. If it comes to pass — we are totally screwed!
Your pictures are fantastic. I just love Utah! Looking forward to getting back that way — hopefully later this year or next spring. The rancher with his little daughter is a real gem.
Take care,
Paula
Hi, Paula,
Gee, this magnetic fat field is wider than I thought! Do you go to a buffet table and all the fattening stuff flies onto your plate? That is SO embarrassing!
I’m beginning to think many of the husbands of my readers are reading impaired. Women tell me they are reading my blog out loud to their husbands. What is that all about? You’re having storybook time together? LOL!! (Just kidding . . . I appreciate you sharing my blog with hubby.)
Thanks for the compliment on the photos. Enjoy that ice cream!
Fat field? Ummm – yeah! It is wide – along with my backside getting wider with all the high fat stuff I love to eat. LOL
I never thought about it as storybook time with the hubby. That’s exactly what it is! In fact, we had storybook time today when I read your excellent response to him. You are just too funny! Love it.
I spent the night of the 15th in the Richfield Walmart parking lot. I think all the young guys who don’t have horses drive loud trucks up and down the street. They particularly like to wind it up on the short road out to the interstate. BWAAAAAAAHHH! Or maybe it was the Mayberry dads letting their hair down after a week of being oh so responsible.
Oh, Al, I feel your pain. I don’t think it was the Mayberry dads. Like you say, probably young guys showing off. Some WalMart parking lots are quiet at night, the ones away from interstates.
Hi Sue,
Sorry to be so long posting. I had to catch up just reading the posts since May 13th.
Today’s post was a total hoot! I am going to use your magnetic pull getting the ice cream to jump into my cart. I need a good laugh, especially today.
My simple test, turned into a near-death experience, with 5 days in the hospital and 2 trips to ICU. I am so thankful just to be alive. ON top of that, they sent me home with a nasty cold. Just now feeling halfway human.
The photos and campsites were wonderful. Love your blog and that hopefulness it gives me. Thank you
You’re welcome, Barbara (from Nashville) . . . I appreciate the compliment on the photos.
No need to apologize for not posting in a while. I think you have a pretty good reason! Five days in the hospital and two days in ICU because of a simple test? That’s horrible! I’m thankful you’re alive, too, Barbara, after that ordeal.
I hope you get rid of the cold soon. Welcome back!
I’m sure you remember, that I’m the one who had breast cancer last summer and asked so many questions about various trailers vs. the Casita. I added (Nashville) later as you had requested other readers.
Thanks, Barbara… I knew it was you. Seeing “Nashville” after your name triggers my memory which Barbara is writing, and unfortunately “breast cancer” comes to mind. Over time I hope you’ll have many happy connotations for me to remember! 🙂
I forgot to add in the posts I made above… those were two gorgeous Pintos!! Very unique patterns.
You’re the first to mention those two horses! I think they’re gorgeous. Not only the patterns but the contrast between dark and white. The mare in the close-up photo looks pregnant.
I too was surprised that no one had mentioned the pintos. I’d say that she is either pregnant… or as well fed as the female member of your crew. LOL
Sorry, Back to Grizzleys..we were in a campground where there was a creek with Salmon..they closed part of the CG by the creek for fear for campers. The next morning a Grizzley was going after a dog and the owner had his BearSpray to fiend off the Bear. The Grizzley earlier was at our door. Bear Spray works..those babies are dangerous!
Sheesh… I wonder why the grizzly was going after the dog. . . .
OK, guys. A cat or kitten is the last creature one can take on a cattle drive.
True! For Real! First of all, Dad’s and Mom’s discretion would have kicked in at daylight, and the supposed cat would never have tolerated a cattle drive. LOL
Sorry, cat lovers. If there is a cat in the picture, it’s a favorite toy.
You’re probably right, Diann.
Just imagine a horse holding a man holding a daughter holding a kitten holding a mouse holding a cheese . . ..
I hope you bought some of that live lettuce, it’s quite a treat. We bought a head at the farmers market in Sierra Vista a few weeks ago and ate off it for 3 or 4 days. It stays amazingly fresh and crisp, just set it in a bowl of cold water and change daily.
Fred
Hi, Fred,
No, I didn’t buy any. My desire for salad comes and goes. I’m substituting ice cream for salad these days. 😉
I can’t believe how dense I am. I didn’t think about the lettuce being kept in water once brought home. That’s the whole point, to have lettuce “living” right up to the time it’s eaten! duh. I would’ve taken it home and immediately ripped the roots off.
Good hearing from you, Fred.
Hi Sue!
This is my first time posting but I’ve been following you for several years now. You’re one of the 3 or 4 blogs that I make a point of reading every day. I live in Salt Lake and had to go to Richfield for work today so I drove right by the turn off for your camp. I almost turned off and stopped by but…
a) I wasn’t driving my truck, I was in a work car and didn’t want to risk getting caught!
b) I was running short of time.
c) I know how you feel about people stopping by un-announced.
Any rate, you’ve picked a beautiful spot to spend some time. I hope the holiday weekend doesn’t spoil it for you. Just as I was passing by on the way home I saw a truck pulling a fifth wheel and an ATV. Unfortunately Richfield is smack dab in the heart of ATV country. People come from all over the world, literally, to ride on the Piute Trail system.
Take Care!
Fred
Utah Fred! Welcome to my blog!
I’m delighted to have you appear after all this time. Thank you for riding along with me and the crew.
And a BIG THANK YOU for not dropping in, although I’m sure I would enjoy meeting you. You probably would’ve caught me in a state of extreme disarray and now I don’t have that “pursued” feeling that I hate.
You’re right about the ATVs drawn to this area. (They seem to be drawn everywhere these days.) My atlases indicate ATV/OHV staging areas. I try to stay away from those places. ATVers have taken over so much area that it can be difficult to avoid them.
I notice they like to go where they can destroy and tear up ground, make a lot of dust and ride in circles, etc. and that isn’t easy to do here. The side roads have signs prohibiting ATV travel. We’re on the border of private land which helps, too. I bet these ranchers would throw a fit.
One of the first things I look for when searching for a boondock is ATV tracks or toy haulers or flatbed trailers. One, because I don’t want to listen to ATVs, and two, I don’t want to view the damage they’ve done.
Anyone reading this who rides an ATV…. Don’t get bent all out of shape by what I wrote. You know this kind of inconsiderate behavior goes on by the hordes of mutant ATVers.
As always I’m wondering if the clingers will come over the holiday weekend and I’m bracing myself to be tolerant if they do. There aren’t many campsites here and I can’t blame folks for wanting to enjoy this creek.
So nice to hear from you, Utah Fred (love the name). I hope you won’t wait years to appear again.
This post sure brings back good memories of a simpler time.
Ron
Hi, Ron,
So much of what we do today, especially in many workplaces, isn’t very meaningful for the people doing the work.
A cattle drive is REAL… hard work, yes, but I’m sure the members of that ranching family have a good feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day.
Thanks for being a regular reader and for commenting, Ron.
Love the cattle drive too. It also conjures up memories of our sheep drive to summer camp…the whole family was involve including kittens & dogs LOL. Oh, I agree from reading comments, I don’t like animals in captivity being used for racing, shows, etc. I refuse to go to zoo, sea world, circus, horse or dog races, or anything of that nature. I don’t even like the highfalutin Kentucky Derby!! To me it’s equivalent to slavery.
I can picture you and your family and pets moving sheep across the rez. You are sensitive to animals. Not everyone is.
P/S However we used animals to plow and ride but they roamed freely after they helped us. The whole Navajo rez is open range so animals go where they want to go…sometimes even into dangerous town. We have to watch out for livestock when driving on roads.
The first time I crossed the Navajo territory in northeastern AZ I was surprised to encounter horses, cattle, and sheep grazing along the roadside. A picturesque road maintenance crew!
My sister and brother in law are on their way to the Navajo reservation at Shiprock to work in the hospital as pharmacists. They live in their toy hauler with their two labs and are happy as clams when they do it!
That’s great, Terri. I wish them well.
Great post. That was a really fun day.
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