Saturday, July 11, 2009

Saturday, July 11, 2009
It is clear and sunny this morning, with temperatures in the mid 60s and no wind. Today is the annual Marysville Picnic and we will drive down and see what there is to see.
After my morning coffee and other activities, Zack and I hopped in the Jeep and headed for Marysville just a little past noon. Marysville has been having an annual picnic for a number of years, and I always make an appearance just to see who’s there and what venders and entertainment they have.
As we approached the meadow area, about a mile from the cabin, we happened across a cow moose with her baby, which couldn’t have been more than a few days old. We stared at each other as Zack made a fuss about not being able to get out and investigate. I reached for my camera, only to discover that I had forgotten it on the kitchen island. Another missed opportunity at a nature photo.
This is the second year that they posted “No Dogs” at the Marysville Picnic, as they had a problem with so many local and strange dogs being turned lose to chase and play, along with stealing hot dogs and hamburgers from small children. I found a parking space in the shade and Zack napped while I visited and had a cheeseburger for lunch. The money they make from the concession stand and auction (one pie sold for $165.00) goes to help restore and maintain some of the public buildings and the museum.
After visiting with several acquaintances, I decided that there wasn’t much else there for me, plus I didn’t want to leave Zack in the car as it was hot, even in the shade. I missed seeing Dan, the fire chief, and his family, who just returned from a trip to Flagstaff and Grand Canyon. He had emailed me while I was in that area, asking how far they would have to travel south for his son, Levi to see a saguaros cactus, as he had learned about them in school and really wanted to see one. I had given him directions to Black Canyon City, which is the furthest north they seem to grow, and he emailed me today to let me know their trip was a great success and they even found a park in Black Canyon City with a trail that takes you in and around the cactus.
Mary wasn’t to be found either, but I know that she is busy taking care of her grandchildren while Guy drives Jill to Chicago. I was going to stop by their home on my way back to the cabin, but decided not to as I had things at the cabin that I needed to attend to.
We got back home by 3:30, and I changed into work clothes and went out to spray more noxious weeds, which took the rest of the day. For those that don’t know, I am contracted by the BLM to spray along the road all of the way to the Divide, and all the equipment and materials are furnished by them. I am paid $45.00 a week, but haven’t seen a cent of it from last season yet. Such is our government. I finally quit at 6 PM, showered to get any overspray off myself, fed Zack and then sat down to cool off and relax before having some dinner and watching television until bedtime.