Tuesday, October 1, 2013

I Was Kicked Out Of The Park

This morning I woke up in a tent. It was cold so I built a fire and made coffee. Enjoying my cup and the quiet and the scenery, a park ranger pulled up in his jeep, got out and reluctantly told me I had to leave the campground as soon as possible because they were going to close the park.

You know, due to the shut down.

So, I finished my joe and packed up unhurriedly. I stopped to savor the canyon, the sound of the creek, the leaves on the trees, and the red dirt under my boots.

The Bighorn Canyon is stunning and full of wildlife, I wasn't ready to go yet. It was a strange feeling, having to leave the area so abruptly. It was depressing.

But, then I started thinking about my leisurely drive through the Big Horn Mountains the day before. Taking in all the changes of autumn, the fresh snow on the mountains, the lavender willows and red thickets and stopping to observe the basque sheep herders and their huge flock on the move. I started thinking about the female big horn sheep I saw on my way to the campground and the skull I found by the creek.

At least I had those thoughts to hold on to. No one could take that away.

 

17 comments:

  1. Wow it's crazy how abrupt they were about evacuating people, for lack of a better term. Let's hope our middle-school-acting congress can get their act together :)

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    1. Ha! Middle school acting! Love it. I've borrowed your phrase and used it quite a bit at work yesterday. Thanks!

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  2. Seriously, how abrupt! Interesting how nothing works without pay...glad you had those lovely moments. Love the sheep...I think I would like to have a herd. : )

    xx

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    1. Me too! I've been forever wanting sheep and goats. They intrigue me and this flock was so cute and really on the move! The herding dogs were impressive as well. Wanna share a few sheep someday? Start thinking of names! Hehe

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  3. This shut down has made me so sad.
    We are driving up north this weekend- our VERY first marshmallow trip! You can imagine my excitement. We got her some new shoes and cleaned up her cushions.. the old though- it's not a good smelling old- but it's tolerable and will be fixed next!

    xo

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    1. Trip!!! Where ya going? Somewhere with trees?
      Do you need a sage bundle to burn inside her to improve the old smell?? ;)
      Have yourself the best time!!

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  4. this is soooooo good
    not the kicking out part of course
    but the part where you wake up in a tent and make yourself a fire and some coffee
    now THAT is good living sister!

    love the pics too

    love and light

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    1. Oh Cat, the fire and the coffee and the creek and the quiet.
      It was just what this ol' gal needed. Peace baby.

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  5. So beautiful, Lynn!
    I LOOOVE all the sheep (and especially the great pyr hearding them, they are one of my faves and always wanted one!)
    Thinking of you, hope all is well...
    Hope you are just loving fall!

    xo

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    1. That sheep dog was awesome! I was really fascinated by his diligent way of corralling and keeping them in line. Love sheep.
      x

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  6. You had me at 'female bighorn sheep,' ;) - gosh your pictures are gorgeous.
    Very strange time isn't it? Especially being 'banned' from nature & beauty - evil almost! I haven't had the heart to drive THROUGH the refuge - that's all we're allowed to do. sigh... when will this madness end?

    Thank you for sharing these moments of beauty though.

    love-n-hugs!

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    1. Seeing the female BH sheep is always a bonus! It seldom happens.
      The closure of all the parks is truly madness!
      My little niece had an opportunity to see the Grand Canyon with her class only to be turned away.
      Sadness in the Refuge. If you go, just drive r e a l slow. ;)

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    2. aw, how disappointing for your niece and her class! :(

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  7. So good you had the time before the shutdown and I can see such pics of beauty!

    Poor Ranger - hope he got a cup of coffee, too. It must be hard to search for people and telling them to go. Not a pleasant task I guess.

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  8. Lily. You doll!
    Thinking of the rangers. How true! Now I feel bad that I didn't offer him a cup!
    Thank you for your sweet words. I needed to hear that.

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  9. Beautiful photos, Lynn. Man, that Dog! So cool. What a bummer you got kicked out; we were going to spend a few days on the north rim of Grand Canyon, but I guess we will be waiting.

    I have missed you, Woman.

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  10. Great photos. I love the ones with the huge sheep herd trotting along. And? Did he ever tell you why they were closing down the park?

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