The Mule Chronicles

The Mule Chronicles...The Eagle Has Landed

Today is an exciting day because today is the day Jay comes to play. Now don't get me wrong, this is a heck of a lot of fun without Jay but, Jay brings a certain...how should I say...je ne sais quoi to the equation that amps up the adventure value by about 10 fold...and I know that all of you tuning in from home are all about the adventure value.

We got a somewhat late start today, late being a relative term as Mr. Incredible was up to his usual early morning antics...which, but the way, is referred to as braying (I had to look it up, but hey my cowboy knowledge is still in what you might call an infantile state...mama always said you're never too old to stop learning new tricks or wasn't learning is like a box of chocolates?). I've included a clip for your enjoyment...but to get the full effect, lock yourself in a closet and find the loudest speakers you can to play the following video at full volume. If you really want the "true experience" then I recommend you have someone else play this for you while you are sound asleep.

A bit of a morning snack and we were off to the industrial section of Salt Lake City in search of Kindig It Designs. Dave Kindig is a self taught car customizer who's shop is also the subject of the hit TV series "Bitch'n Rides." He is truly an artist and we couldn't come all this way without stopping into check it out in person. A few photo ops, some t-shirts, and lots of trying really hard not to seem like "those people." You know, the ones who make a scene when a celebrity happens to walk by or be in the general vicinity. We peruse the posters, art, and custom cars that fill the showroom all the while being ready to pounce on any unsuspecting TV star. In the end, we didn't make fools of ourselves and only saw famous folks from a distance. It was nonetheless a cool stop on this adventure.

A few other short stops and it was off to pick up Jay from the airport. We found Jay waving excitedly like a lost child while standing at the curb of the domestic terminal and scoop him up in short order before someone asks where his adult is. After the normal pleasantries, we make a b-line for A.A. Callister to do some introductory adventure shopping. With Jay now on board, shopping is truly an adventure sport. A new hat, some chaps, and a brand new, A-1 certified cowboy duster and I am all set to star in the next episode of Stuart Throws A Fit. Seriously folks, with my Duluth Trading pants, cowboy boots, western shirt, cowboy hat, cowboy vest, cowboy gloves, chaps, and a duster I am looking way authentic. I'm totally expecting random people to start asking me questions about my ranch, shoeing horses, the farmer's almanac, and the best type of dog for herding...Stay tuned for action photos and possible video to follow soon.

By this time we're getting hungry and the topic quickly shifts to food. I bet you can't guess where we went.........say it with me!

CHUCK-A-RAMA

Yes, we went there again. It was "International" night so the menu was loaded with such international favorites as Swedish Meatballs, all types of pasta and several other exotic favors from far off lands. Don't worry, I still ate fried chicken, rolls, and jello (it's a rule after all). We returned to Elk Ridge to meet with Bill and start the trip discussions in earnest.

Upon meeting with Bill we quickly learn that Moab is scheduled to have cold, rain, and wind making for a less than enjoyable camping experience. A quick call to Wade (a new member to this series) and the destination is changed to somewhere near Saint George, Utah where the weather is reportedly sunny and 75. It's amazing what a little change in latitude will do as snow is in the forecast for Elk Ridge this week. Plotting and planning continues with the topic quickly changing to who is riding which mule. I am asked repeatedly if I plan to ride Stuart again. I relay the great deal of studying and research I've done during the off season and proclaim that I am ready to take Stuart on again. Plus it doesn't seem fair to deny my dedicated followers the hilarity that will likely ensue when I meet up with Stuart. The story telling continues and we all have a good laugh at my prior follies with Stuart before Bill announces that he doesn't understand what happened because Stuart has always been great for him. Bill then proceeds to tell me there are two options when a mule is involved...you can ride the mule or go for a mule ride...Bill continues that in the case of the later, you'd be better off going down to the grocery store and dropping a quarter in the pony ride out front. (I sleep on this information and upon seeing Bill for breakfast the next morning tell him that I'd like to revisit the two options discussed last night because I think there is actually a third, previously unknown option...you can let the mule ride you...which is pretty much what happened last time I road Stuart.)

Everybody say Hi Stuart!

I burned the candle at both ends last night staying up until well after midnight to get the blog updated with a new post because "The Mother" claimed she was receiving death threats because of the lack of a new post. With a new blog post completed, I turned my attention to bed. I tossed and turned trying to sleep but between the hail, thunder, wind, and Mr. Incredible, sleep eluded me most of the night. Temperatures dropped significantly overnight and shortly after morning it started to snow...evidently because just me and a mule isn't enough drama, we need to throw in some snow for good measure.

A plan for today was hatched over breakfast and a list of destinations, menus, and shopping lists were created. While a simple mule ride/camp trip doesn't require as much shopping as a mule/hunting trip, there is still a lot to do. This is compounded by the fact that our group has grown to 12 as of this writing. Luckily for me, there are actually several first time riders in this group so I won't be the only one thrashing away at this mule riding thing. Though, if this ride is anything like my first ride with Stuart none of these folks may ever come back. Good thing I know someone in the therapy business cuz I'm thinking some folks are going to need it at the end of this trip.

A full day of shopping, loading the trucks, unloading the trucks only to reload them again, and picking up group members from the airport pretty much rounds out our day...well, at least until it was time to eat again....say it with me!!!!!

CHUCK-A-RAMA

Yep, we did it again. And in case you think this might be the last time, we just found out that there is a Chuck-A-Rama in Saint George.

So, now we come to that point in the trip where I have to give you a disclaimer. I'm really, really, really sorry because this is a total AMC thing to do to y'all, but I'm not really sure if I will have cellular service or not over the next couple days as I head into the wild to practice taming the west. I will give you a glimpse as to what is coming up so you have something to look forward to and I promise to write as soon as I am able in order to keep you all filled in. I really am sorry.

Tomorrow is an early start so we can load up and head for Saint George. Our caravan of three trucks with living quarters/mule trailers, the RV and truck, followed by an assortment of support and transportation vehicles will make their way south to the promised mule land where we will setup camp for the night. Thursday and Friday are planned for all day trail rides, with Thursday potentially being very interesting because we've hired a professional guide who is taking us on something he refers to as a "varsity trail." I may not make it back alive, but at least I'll die happy...oh, and please, I don't want to be buried with Stuart...He's going to need his own space.

Until the next episode, make sure your cinch straps are tight and keep your butt in the saddle at all time cuz things are about to get real.

p.s. I know "The Mother" claims I stretch the truth but here are some photos to verify the weather conditions here in Elk Ridge.