Unconditional Mule Love

Las Vegas led to us smashing a glass picture frame in our next motel. I guess you could consider that a natural course of events, influenced by our recent Vegas lifestyle. Or perhaps boys just wrestle a lot, and more often than not I find myself used as a human shield. It was during such an attack that we accidently shattered our room’s hanging artwork creating a rather sinister bed of glass. This also happened to be the night we ate cold tinned stew for dinner, the road from Vegas was one way… downhill, and steep.

Little time was spent at the bottom of the hill, as we soon found ourselves on the edge of a new one. The Grand Canyon, Arizona. Never have I encountered somewhere so indescribably breathtaking. Vast it stretched. Imaginary it appeared. Ostentatious it was. But most certainly it was grand; grand in design, grand in presence, grand in every which way possible. The Canyon itself was filled with peaks and valleys, gullies and gorges. Clouds winded their way in and around the intricate design. Awash with a dusty reddish glow it mimics a magnified fingerprint in its complexity. The most spectacular element? The fact it appears endless, immeasurable, even upon the edge you are completely submersed. Lost in the maze nature has created. All of this was perfectly summed up in Tom’s reaction when we first laid eyes on this natural masterpiece. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

‘Well, that’s one big fucking hole on the ground.’ Tom.

Naturally travelling with three cowboys we quickly sought out the mules of the Grand Canyon. We were aware of mule trips in and out of the Grand Canyon Phantom lodge, and these packers were keen to set their eyes on their beloved donkeys. It never ceases to amaze me the love these guys have for these four-legged creatures. Especially considering their often biting, kicking and vengeful nature. But, for these country boys it was the highlight of this National Park. We wangled our way into the barn and even into the shoeing and saddle maker’s outbuilding. Bum and ear scratches were top of the agenda for Vincent, and he was in his element with just a little bit of mule love.

Hoover Dam allowed us to effortlessly cross borders between the states of Nevada and Arizona. In fact, we were able to stay in two states simultaneously as we walked across this colossal man made structure. It was an extraordinary example of what man can build. Plus, it provided a welcomed break from the drive between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. We spend a lot of time in the car… did I mention that?

I write this now having retired from a day spent at my favorite town to date. Tombstone, Arizona. We arrived there late last night and headed straight for the saloon. Tombstone is a perfectly intact town from the old West. Dirt roads, hitching posts and saloon swing doors are all endearing features of this historic town, also site of many infamous gunfights. We even watched a reenactment of one such battle between the cowboys and Wyatt Earp. Each element of this town was still intrinsically linked to it’s past in a charming way that these boys especially appreciated and admired. It’s just unfortunate that this also became the historic site of the unknown toothbrush. Belonging to none of us, but accidentally used by Vincent. Good job he’s got a Colgate smile.