So Here’s The Dealio ~

☆ July 7, 2011

Admission: when I write posts, I pretend that no one will ever read them; it’s the only way I can do it.  And I guess I half-believe it at this point because I had no idea there would be so many questions about details!

So, to answer:
Re/ EMT ~ I’ll be bringing my pager with me and keeping it charged via solar as well.  I’ll actually be closer than the ambulance to any calls that might occur on the mountain, the mountain highway, and the National Forest.  I won’t make it to any calls that occur in town but will be able to help on anything that takes place on the mountain (and it sounds like the bulk of summer calls are up there, anyway).

Re/ the Farmily ~ Ricardo is not coming to the mountain, his favorite cow is one of the Special Project cows that stay down here all summer.  As for the rest of them, it should go without saying that I would not be doing this if I thought it would traumatize any of them or put them in any greater danger than they are down here.  Duh, right?

I think they’ll love it.  The cows and horses will have knee-high grass and no bothersome flies.  Eli has moved with me three times, Charlie twice, and Chloe once.  They’ve never shown distress with any move and I believe that new experiences are really good for them ~ it allows them to use their brains in a different way.

I will be taking a camp trailer up the mountain and I pulled it right next to my house back in April, so that all the animals could have plenty of time to get used to it and associate it with “home.”  All have spent much time in the trailer over the past months and it’s just an extension of home at this point, and will be a measure of consistency up there.

I will be setting up a fenced area on the mountain for Charlie (and Chloe) though they’ll also be allowed freedom there, too.  The fenced area I have down here is not to keep Charlie from running away, it’s to keep him from getting shot by strangers or the ignorant, and to keep him from hurting anyone (he’s not demonstrated aggression against others, but just to be safe).  He’s a coyote, but he is no more likely to “run away” than Chloe is.  Which is to say, not at all.

Rue, Kettle, and Mushy have never roamed further than 100 yards from the house since they moved in.  They’re homebodies.  I expect that to continue up there, too.  I hope Eli does not get eaten by a bear on the mountain, just as I hope he does not get hit by a car or killed by a pair of raccoons down here.

Mike once said it perfectly ~ their home is where you are.
Can I get an “Awwwww”?!

Re/ the baño ~ Outhouse!

Comments

49 Responses to “So Here’s The Dealio ~”

  1. Remy
    July 7th, 2011 @ 1:47 pm

    It sounds like heaven. I live in a camping trailer on a few hundred acres in Wales but it’s nothing like being where you are. I’ve been aching to take my pony and dog off on a long camping adventure but here in the UK we just don’t have the kind of space to do it. Plus dog leash rules and bridleway rules… *sigh*!
    One day :)
    -Remy

  2. Penny in Co
    July 7th, 2011 @ 1:51 pm

    AWWW!!! So true! Have fun. It sounds like such an amazing adventure. Those Wyoming summer starry skies will be a sight, I am sure! (As will the sunrises and sunsets).
    Safe travels.

  3. Patr
    July 7th, 2011 @ 2:01 pm

    A sidesaddle? (insert quizzical look) do tell more, why?

    I’m still green with envy on your adventure.

  4. Sim
    July 7th, 2011 @ 2:05 pm

    I’ve been spending weekends at a cabin with no indoor plumbing or running water and have been pleasantly surprised to see how quickly I adapted. It’s truly amazing how adaptable we all are, including our faithful furry friends. Wish you guys the summer of a lifetime!

  5. Dana
    July 7th, 2011 @ 2:31 pm

    I knew you would never put the animals in any sort of harms way. Besides, they deserve a vacation/change of scenery too. I love camping. I hope to be able to do more of it once the kids are grown and gone because when we go now, after a couple of days they are missing their TV, Computer, games etc. Meanwhile I am just enjoying watching ants scurry up a tree or squirels playing!

  6. Renee
    July 7th, 2011 @ 2:40 pm

    Thank you! So good to know details! Now, though, I feel somewhat sheepish to have been so anxious about the farmily’s well-being. Have a great adventure!

  7. Jenny C
    July 7th, 2011 @ 2:46 pm

    Never doubted for a moment that you had it all planned out and had been preparing the farmily for some time now. It is fun to read how you did it, though, and you’ll all forge even stronger relationships (if that’s possible) as you experience this adventure together. I’m sure Ricardo, the curmudgeon that he is, is much better off with “his” cow in his domain, and you’d hear no end of honking and harrumphing from him if you were to take him along. He is, himself, enough of an adventure at home… hehe.

    So glad you posted your Adventure Process the other day, as it parallels EXACTLY my own Adventure Process to a tee! Every single time! (Oh the lists!) Affirmation and confirmation – reassuring and comforting to me that you do it, too. Thanks. Funny that we know that’s how it will be, yet it remains such a delight to let the imagination run wild, dream the dreams, plan the plans, get through the frantic and frenetic, then… sheer bliss.

  8. Brandi
    July 7th, 2011 @ 3:15 pm

    Be safe, have fun!

  9. Marina
    July 7th, 2011 @ 3:22 pm

    I never know what to say to you. I am in awe each time I read a new message.
    God Speed on your journey!

  10. Holly Shepherd
    July 7th, 2011 @ 3:31 pm

    Good for you Shreve. This kind of adventure takes you to a better understanding of yourself,and all around you..that is not to say that you are out of sync with you, but there is something about stepping outside of our comfort zone, that brings out the best in us..seems to me however, your comfort zone is wherever you are..so enjoy, be one with nature. I can only imagine the beauty of the mountains, the clean air, the cool nights.ahhhhhhhhhh…..

  11. Anitanola
    July 7th, 2011 @ 4:04 pm

    If I were going so far away from people, I would sing every day and nobody would laugh.

  12. carmel
    July 7th, 2011 @ 4:17 pm

    Cool!

  13. shreve
    July 7th, 2011 @ 4:17 pm

    A ~ git yourself a motorcycle with short pipes! you could sing everyday – surrounded by people – and no one would hear you! (but I bet if they saw you belting it out on a motorcycle, they’d wish they could :)

  14. Nathalie
    July 7th, 2011 @ 4:53 pm

    If you need someone to carry your bags, or water the plants, or feed the animals…I’m free! Seriously, it sounds marvelous and animals, although “house trained” are much more adaptable than we give them credit for. I bought the apinol and taking it with me this weekend, will report back next week.

  15. Gabriella
    July 7th, 2011 @ 5:05 pm

    Yaaaaa Shreve! That was a question I have posed a while back; “What about the very important farmily”, thanks for clarifying, I never doubted you for a minute but because I am here in Seattle and have no point of reference for such an undertaking I couldn’t imagine what your plan would be. Now I get it and love it, what a fun adventure for all. Someone needs to write a book about you, even a children’s book about all the things you experience this summer with the farmily, accompanied by lovely illustrations of the whole bunch. Have a wonderful and safe time wherever you are.

    Gabi

    PS. Can Charlie where some type of orange vest so the stupid hunters don’t bother him, a bow in the hair a fancy color from the pet store, something that screams I am friend no foe.

  16. Mishka
    July 7th, 2011 @ 5:11 pm

    Sounds like a great experience!!

    Are you driving into “civilization” once a week to get on “the net”? I have a dream home in mind that is on a lake or near a creek and my only worry is how I will get highspeed internet (which, like you, I rely on for my career).

  17. pam
    July 7th, 2011 @ 5:26 pm

    Shreve,,,Renee and Gabriella and, now I, share our worries for Charlie. I know you’ll keep him safe,, it’s just the very stupid people/hunters I worry about. I feel better knowing now that you will be in a trailer instead of a tent. And Mike will come to visit often?

  18. Bruce
    July 7th, 2011 @ 5:30 pm

    Outhouse,perfect.
    Again….just don’t forget the TP.

  19. Keitha
    July 7th, 2011 @ 5:44 pm

    Face your outhouse to a great view. It will be so nice.

    I’m sure you probably have a solar sun shower bag already.

    Something special for Charlie to wear would relieve my mind too.

    So looking forward to your posts during this new adventure.

  20. Anita Lowery
    July 7th, 2011 @ 7:09 pm

    You go girl!!! Have a great adventure enjoy every minute of it!!!

  21. Colleen G
    July 7th, 2011 @ 9:48 pm

    Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!

    Geez I am so excited for you I feel like it’s me moving into the mountains for an adventure! Aw heck, no biggie on the outhouse. What happens in the outhouse, stays in the outhouse!!! LOL! I am soooo looking forward to your future posts and I know everything will go smoothly for you & Mike. XO to all!

  22. Scotty
    July 7th, 2011 @ 10:08 pm

    more n likely side saddles are for showing off fluevogs. baaaahaaaaaa

  23. Kathryn
    July 7th, 2011 @ 11:09 pm

    Sounds like a wonderful summer plan.

    I know you are up on a mountain, in the middle of private land, but, I have to agree with Gabi and the others, blaze orange vests for everyone. I think my summer vacation going to be by living vicariously through your adventures. So have fun, relax and all that stuff.

  24. I Hermit
    July 8th, 2011 @ 7:17 am

    RE Outhouse

    Wood ash, sawdust, and lime… oh my!

  25. angie
    July 8th, 2011 @ 7:31 am

    ew, i can’t believe people asked you about where you’ll be using the bathroom! it didn’t even cross my mind. anyway.

    awwwwwwwwww!

  26. Marg
    July 8th, 2011 @ 8:17 am

    I like that people who live in relative isolation already (you) need to get away to something even more remote. I sure hope you are taking that book I recommended (Half Broke Horses), perfect setting to read it. Enjoy the greenery and watch out for Baby’s girls, I think they’ll be jealous of you.

  27. I Hermit
    July 8th, 2011 @ 8:45 am

    For #25 Angie
    Part of any excursion into the wilds includes;

    If it goes in it comes out. Make plans accordingly.

    If you don’t things go badly, I have witnessed the “Wipe the bottom with a poisonous plant” the “Its 0 out and I have to tramp through 3′ of snow to the outhouse. Where is my flashlight?” a fortunate one is my mother, “There is a Black widow in here” Yep a nest in the seat of a outhouse. This is not bathroom humor. When you got to go you do. A tip: A outhouse in 100 degree weather can be …overpowering! see post #24

  28. Heather L
    July 8th, 2011 @ 8:53 am

    AWWWWWW Sounds like you and the farmily will have a wonderful time! Enjoy it, relax, get away from everything.

  29. mlaiuppa
    July 8th, 2011 @ 9:26 am

    Absolutely home is where you are. And the group is the group no matter where it is. Familiarity with the details like the trailer is just a bonus.

    How nice the Farmily gets a “vacation” too.

    I make jokes about my dog having a “vacation” when he has sleepovers with my parents and their dog if I’m gone for a few days but I suppose it’s true. He has a new yard to mark and new smells to smell. He knows them and the house very well because we go once a week or more. The first time was a little traumatic because I wasn’t there. Now he’s an old hand at it.

    My Dad would say a trailer isn’t really camping but to me if there’s no flush toilet, it’s camping.

    Pics of the trailer? I’d like to see how the insides are set up. My dream is to someday buy a teardrop shell and set it up myself. Thanks

  30. Pat D.
    July 8th, 2011 @ 10:03 am

    Sounds great, and I hope all travelers (human and animals) have a wonderful vacation! What a neat Disney film this would make (think “Ring of Bright Water” about the otters, or perhaps “Swiss Family Robinson” with less exotic animals)!

    LOL re the outhouse comments. I told people on the “Living Like a Nymph” entry that using an outhouse is NOT “magical”, though it is certainly practical.

    Seriously? Charlie with a bow in his hair? He’s a coyote, not a lap-dog! Don’t listen to them, Shreve.

  31. Stephanie
    July 8th, 2011 @ 10:05 am

    Sounds like heaven! Have fun and stay safe – hope to hear about all the adventures eventually!

  32. Bruce
    July 8th, 2011 @ 10:11 am

    I Hermit#24

    And do not forget the toilet paper!

  33. TomT
    July 8th, 2011 @ 4:18 pm

    You’re a wild and daring chic. I guess that’s why I follow all your posts. Have a great adventure.

  34. catherine
    July 8th, 2011 @ 4:56 pm

    I am not gonna lie : I don’t want you to go up there. But then you will be fine, and I will feel like a fool being worried…Monsieur Ricardo is staying, good. Hope nothing happens to him while you are up there…Worries, worries, worries……My problem, not yours !

  35. Sandy
    July 8th, 2011 @ 5:04 pm

    It sounds exciting, but it also sounds like you’re bringing (literally) all the creature comforts of your home. The trailer, cell phone and internet access, laptop, and now fencing for Charlie? What’s going to be different that you don’t already have at your home? It also concerns me that you’re exposing your animals to more dangers by taking away their familiar landscape and hiding places.

  36. shreve
    July 8th, 2011 @ 6:07 pm

    Sandy ~ I’m not bringing a washing machine, give me *some* credit. I still gotta make a living to support myself and my animals, hence the cell & internet & place to keep my work safe from the elements. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t, believe me.

  37. Robin
    July 8th, 2011 @ 6:11 pm

    awwwww! you got it in the bag girl! can’t wait to hear about the adventure,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

  38. Janet H.
    July 8th, 2011 @ 6:49 pm

    Sounds like a wonderful adventure! You understand how to live your dreams but plan realistically while doing so.
    We had a few wonderful vacations on an island in a lake in upper Michigan many years ago where we had use at that time of a cabin made from an old railway car, water pumped from the well outside, an outhouse, an Old Town canoe to get to shore, kerosene lantern lamps, and our ‘conveniences’–propane powered fridge and stove that had to be lit when you first arrived after checking carefully to be sure the mechanisms were in order so nothing blew up! (Oh, and forgot, first you had to haul the large propane tank from shore behind the canoe, haul it up the steep bank from the lake, put it in place outside the cabin and attach the piping carefully!)
    It was blissful being there. Surrounded by pine forest, birds, lake water lapping at the shore, a few like-minded souls living in other cabins-9 of them, to be exact, along the shore line, out of sight but always willing to lend a hand when needed, never trying to impose on your solitude if not wanted. But friends usually thought it was wonderful only until I got to the part about the outhouse, no running water, and no electricity! I’m sure you’ll have a great summer and the farmily will too.

  39. Keith
    July 8th, 2011 @ 7:25 pm

    Don’t know whether there are blueberries on that mount, but might be prudent to find a can or 2 of bearspray Re: recent Yellowstone mishap———have fun, Keith

  40. Jean T
    July 8th, 2011 @ 8:24 pm

    we camp up behind deer haven every chance we get in the summer and every time we go up there I wish i could stay longer.. so am very envious!! Hope its great.. enjoy and stay safe.. theres no place more beautiful than the bighorn mts of wyoming. :)

  41. Farmer Lady
    July 8th, 2011 @ 10:30 pm

    Sounds very peaceful. I’m wondering if you’ll hunt and gather for your food, or bring it in with you… ?

  42. Jenny C
    July 8th, 2011 @ 10:37 pm

    Sandy (#35) – Shreve’s “Excellent Summer Adventure” will be a FAR cry from her home conveniences, and she lives simply there, too, btw. When you love and care for animals, and when you have to make a living to support the farmily, you have to make adjustments to any adventure you undertake. Perhaps you are new to the site and haven’t had the opportunity to know how thoroughly, carefully and lovingly Shreve plans and provides for those in her care. I think the animals will LOVE new surroundings with familiar farmily members. Just like human children, new experiences and travel expand their worlds and are fantastic positive stimulation. I would imagine Charlie will have a perpetual smile which may be permanently frozen on his beautiful face, the cows will be placid and happy, and Chloe – well, Chloe has always been fearless and undaunted by anything, including a fully-grown coyote rolling her around like a burrito when she was just a teeny, square-butt, little sausage of a puppy. As for Ricardo, leaving him to his cow charges keeps him from being a tiresome nag on the adventure. :)

    The summer will go by not matter what – might as well spend it the way you want to. ALL WILL BE WELL, AND THE ADVENTURE IS WORTH ALL THE PLANNING, PREP AND HASSLE OF MOVING NECESSITIES TO THE MOUNTAIN TOP.

    P.S. – Shreve, I, too, would miss ice more than a bathroom. Ha.

  43. Penny in Co
    July 9th, 2011 @ 9:48 am

    @Sandy…I would guess that you are new to this arena. Shreve does amazing things and has new adventures all of the time. She ALWAYS thinks of the animals first. As she said she needs to continue to make a living, hence the rudimentary accomodations for internet etc. Frankly I am not sure why you would question her motives or what she chooses to bring along. I would guess that you aren’t familiar with Wyoming. There is a HUGE difference between living in your home, and living on a mountain, no matter what you bring.

  44. montanarose
    July 9th, 2011 @ 11:50 am

    Here’s a big and heartfelt “Awwwww!” from me. Have a great summer up there, and thanks in advance for letting us share your experiences. I still there’s a book in here somewhere . . .

  45. angie
    July 9th, 2011 @ 12:07 pm

    i know she’s going to USE the bathroom. i just can’t believe people ASKED about it.

  46. pam
    July 9th, 2011 @ 6:37 pm

    I really wish all would stop “picking on” Sandy. I believe she is feeling more like #34 but didn’t express it properly.
    I must admit that I feel more like #34 Catherine…We ALL KNOW that Shreve is an extremely smart and conscientious person and will have taken all possible precautions to ensure the safety of all. But I think we are all just worried about moronic hunters, etc who shoot at anything that moves. I am sure that Shreve will come back home if she feels that anyone is in danger. so, Shreve, I admire your adventuresome spirit but as Catherine said, it’s “our problem ” to worry and we will handle it until you are all back home. and then we’ll revel in your stories.

  47. cathleen
    July 10th, 2011 @ 12:02 am

    I just wanted to let you know for months now
    we have have a female coyote (her name is sunshine) she visits about 3 times a month, just in the yard we never bother her. We live in the foothills of Upland Ca.
    We just watch from the windows. Such a beautiful animal. love your site.

  48. I Hermit
    July 10th, 2011 @ 8:09 am

    Shreve on a side saddle, this I have got to see!

  49. Scott Turchin
    July 10th, 2011 @ 11:27 am

    Most awesome, enjoy your adventure!

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