So much to tell you . . .
The crew and I set out this morning to explore the area between Salina and Gunnison, Utah. Tomorrow (Saturday) we reach the 14-day limit at our Ivie Creek Camp, so I want to scout out possible boondocks.
By the way, if you’re unsure how to pronounce Salina as I have been, I found out the correct way is “Nothing could be fina’ than to be in ol’ Salina in the morning.” Okay? Now if you come this way you won’t sound like a rube pronouncing it Saleeeena. Anyway . . .
What a fun day!
So much happened that I can’t fit it all in one blog post, so for now I’ll focus on one of the adventures of the day — the wild burros we discovered. Well, actually I discovered them. Bridget and Spike did a lot of sleeping.
We’re zipping up Highway 89 when somewhere close to the hamlet of Axtell I spot a herd of animals off to the left. What are they? Burros? “Wow!”
I immediately turn onto the next dirt lane and drive along the fence line.
Hundreds of burros populate an immense field. Yes, hundreds! They roam in small herds.
The Perfect Tow Vehicle creeps along the fence line, attracting much curiosity.
I’ve always thought a burro is a burro. In other words, seen one, seen them all. I learn today that there are different types of burro with a variety of colors and markings possible, and they each have a unique face. I imagine they have unique personalities as well.
This lovely lady looks like she’s expecting.
This shaggy burro (below) is my favorite. She’s smaller than most of the others.
Here are two sleek beauties . . . I wonder if the fur is allowed to fall off naturally or if the burros are sheared.
This is the Bureau of Land Management’s holding facility for wild burros. Adoption festivals are held periodically in Utah.
There are 540 burros here. (I looked this up later when I returned to camp.)
Look! A red burro!
A few pairs of burros engage in mock battle.
Hey, that’s too rough!
Some of the burros are quite talented. These three are practicing for the circus. What a tiny burro and with such amazing balance!
I love excursions like this! When we took off this morning, I didn’t know what we would find. It turned out to be a very full and memorable day. The burros are just a small part of it. Tomorrow I’ll tell you the rest of the story!
rvsue
