You never know what (or who) you’re going to find when exploring through the mountains. Take Utah for example.
We discovered the largest living organism in the world in Utah’s Fish Lake National Forest —it’s one hundred and six acres of aspen trees grown from a single seed. Trees in the “Pando Clone” are 80,000 years old and they’re connected to a root system weighing in at 13 million pounds. The U.S. Postal Service named it as one of “the Wonders of America.” It was a beautiful surprise.
Life is full of surprises! During a camping trip in the Utah back woods, we took the ATV (four wheel all terrain vehicle) through fields and forests. There were wildflowers, patches of snow and piney fresh air.
It was a fun and adventurous trip — the same trip where we met a big man with a miniature poodle strapped to his chest. He looked like a football defensive player, which made the poodle seem even more tiny. He was driving an ATV and the poodle was bumping up and down in the baby carrier as he drove through gullies, rutted roads and snow drifts. It was the funniest sight to see this big, friendly man and his wife way out in the back-country with poodles riding shotgun.
The Spooky Guy
Surprises never cease. Back at the campsite a bedraggled man appeared out of nowhere. He walked up to us way out there in the woods like he was our next door neighbor.
“Hey man, can I have a ride into town? I need to get a package from the Post Office.”
He rubbed his straggly beard, then looked over towards the truck.
“I can pay you.”
My friend was hesitant. “How did you find us?”
He pointed to the binoculars hanging around his neck. “I glassed the mountainside, and found you. It was a long hike to get over here.”
Looking the guy up and down, Dave said reluctantly, “Yeah, I can take you.” Then he headed for the camper to get his truck keys.
As soon as he was out of sight, the mountain man moved closer to me and pulled a stone from his pocket. He lifted the rock up towards my face and said, “See this? It’s so sharp I could cut your neck open.”
It didn’t take me long to make some excuse and hurry for the camper. “Hey he’s crazy. Don’t let him in the truck.”
“I’ll be alright. I’ll keep an eye on him.” Then he gestured to the handgun poking out from under his coat.
Thankfully they got back with no blood spilled, but the next morning he came ‘round again asking for another ride. He pressured us, so we had to get firm. “No pal, we’re here on vacation, please leave us alone.” Which he did. Finally.
Tastes Like Chicken
But the fun wasn’t over yet. Our last adventure happened as we drove the camper down the road and onto our next destination.
I asked, “Say, do you want me to make some lunch?”
“Sure. That sounds great.”
So we pulled the truck over at the next rest stop. As soon as I opened the door to the camper, I was hit in the face by the smell of roasting chicken.
“Hey Dave, there’s a fire in here!”
And smoke, lot’s of smoke. Good grief! We were hauling a Kentucky Fried Chicken around with us.
The source of the fumes? A pile of pillows near the wall — right up against an electrical outlet. Pillows chock full of fowlish feathers! Thankfully, there were no flames. Just a big hole burned into one of the pillows.
One adventure may lead to another. It keeps us on our toes. Keeps the spark in our lives, humor on the horizon and wonders in our world. Just like the Pando Aspen Clone, life offers a network of possibilities with roots that can lead us to unexpected characters in out-of-the-way places!
Quotes:
“Planting depth matters…well sown is half grown.” Caleb Traugh on Twitter @Traugh_Ag
“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Resolutions: So many will fail; NOT because they didn’t set goals, but because they didn’t set behaviors.” -Steve Maraboli
“You are only young once. After that you have to think up some other excuse.” —Billy Arthur
Books I’m Reading:
Men to Match My Mountains, by Irving Stone, historical fiction on the opening of America’s Far West
The Confessions, by Saint Augustine, considered one of the greatest Christian classics
What’s Next:
Pikes Peak Writer’s Conference, April 28-30, Colorado Springs CO
Follow Laura on Twitter @Laura_Lollar
Like Laura’s Facebook page: https://facebook.com/LauraLollarColorado
