Tabatha Deans

Back to the Grind

I’ve been working my tail off today, rounding up school stories and getting my work done for the week for the Vernal Express, before starting my job as a Dam guide tomorrow at 8 a.m. I’ve turned two stories already and hope to turn one more before deadline tuesday. I’m a little full of myself since every where I went today and everyone I talked to were really nice and eager to have their stories featured in the paper. I wasn’t nervous at all as I met new people and asked them questions, I just marched right in like i owned the place, and apparently they believed that I did.

I spent my last day of my semi-vacation by attending the Duchesne County Fair, which consisted of several blow up things for kids to play on, along with a tilt-o-whirl, some games and of course the highlight of the evening, the demolition derby.

While chatting with some strangers at the fair I was informed that although we may call them “hicks,” they call us “Cidiots.”  I guess it goes to show that we all are judgemental. I couldn’t really argue with them though, considering in the city everytime two cars bump into each other the cops, ambulance, insurance companies and ambulance chasers are called.

Here, young men, and some women, strap themselves into their cars with just a seatbelt and a helmet, and deliberately bash the hell out of other cars with theirs. The cars ranged from old-fashioned “boats” which are made of more metal than 10 cars put together nowadays, to little old cars such as Ford Festivas and Saturns. It was a very impressive show once I got past the ingrained safety beliefs I have. There was something about the smell of burning antifreeze smoke, leaking gasoline, the occasional whiff of fresh air and barbecued beef that really made the moment special.

The fact that the dog, “Grizz,” was still alive when we got home was a bonus for the evening. Grizz had an unfortunate accident when he fell out of the back of the truck the other day, while I was in Salt Lake. I’m sure he suffered some head trauma, and it looks like his back leg is broken. But, in true country fashion, a call was made to the vet who said there wasn’t a lot that could be done without a specialist, which would cost about $1200, so like all medical conditions in the Basin, the concensus was to “wait and see.”

Grizz seems to be getting better and it looks like he’ll recover, with the exception of maybe having a bum leg. He’s been the talk of the town though. Shortly after it happened, we were in the gas station, where several people, both employees and customers, inquired about his condition. Driving home we were stopped by a friend who had just come from the house and saw Grizz, and again had the same conversation regarding Grizz’s health.

“How’s Grizz?” they said.  “I don’t know, I think he’s getting a little better,” we said. “He don’t look so good,” they said. “No, he doesn’t,” we said. “You talk to the vet?” they asked. “Yeah, they said to wait and see,” we said. “I think he’s going down,” they said. “Yeah, maybe,” we said. “You givin’ him aspirin?” they asked. “Yup, the coated kind,” we said. “Welll, I guess that’s all you can do,” they said. “Yup, wait and see,” we said. “Allright then, have a good one,” they said before they drove away.

The conversation has been repeated, nearly verbatim, with about a half-dozen people over the last few days. Although Grizz REALLY didn’t look so good, popular opinion today is that he’s not “going down” anymore, he’ll just be a three-legged dog.

I’m looking forward to my days on the mountain, although the weather’s getting alittle chilly and I suspect it might be cold at night. But I think I’m well prepared. I have two sleeping bags, several quilts, an air mattress (along with a sweeet little pump that Tim gave me that runs off the car cigarette lighter.) I packed cereal for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch and dinner, snacks for during the day. I’ll grab coffee at the lodge each morning, and maybe have dinner there one night.

Nearly 300 people take the Dam tour every day, so I’m thinking it’s a great place to meet new people, and some of them may even be single men. The campground I’m staying in is run by two lesbians from back East, and they assured me that not only is it a safe, quiet campground, but they said there are a lot of men who stay there on fishing trips. Although my “Grand Council” has forbidden me from dating men in Vernal, I’m thinking it’s a great way to brush up on my man mingling skills. Wish me luck!

August 8, 2008 - Posted by Tabatha Stewart | Uncategorized