It doesn't look that delicate!

Honestly. I can't figure out why they named it Delicate Arch. It has to be at least 100 feet tall, and the rocks look rather sturdy. If it was my decision, I would have named it something really descriptive like "Big Arch" or "Upside Down U Arch".

Anyway, I digress. Last week Daniel, Julie, and I hopped in the trusty pickup and drove to Arches National Park for a day of hiking and sightseeing. We had a grand adventure; we even lost the hiking trail for a brief time. However, Daniel volunteered to locate the correct path and, before anyone could stop him, selflessly crashed through the ecologically fragile underbrush. Ten minutes later we were back where we were supposed to be. So much for low-impact hiking! After sightseeing our fill of Arches, we drove into the backwoods of Southern Utah to Warner Lake Campground and spent the night. For those that want out-of-the-way camping I highly recommend this spot. It's in the middle of nowhere! It was absolutely beautiful, however, and well worth the $10 I spent reserving it. Although the trip was short, it was very relaxing; just the thing we all needed. There's nothing better than self-imposed isolation to recharge one's batteries. Hopefully those batteries will last through the next couple of months!

Your name is...

Lunch! At least that was what I named the unfortunate feeder mouse (Mus musculus) that Julie and I owned for approximately twenty minutes. To be sure, I realize that it was a waste of time to name an animal that was fully intended to be a meal for our pet and I acknowledge the lack of creativity in my choice of a name. However, I also felt a vague moral obligation to allow our noble mouse to be remembered for his (the girl at the pet store gave me a male since "it was going to die and the females are more important") selfless sacrifice on behalf of Leo the Ball Python's nutritional requirements. It was amazing to watch. After placing Lunch in Leo's cage, Lunch immediately began investigating his surroundings. This included Leo. It was a fatal flaw in an otherwise perfectly planned and executed operation. Leo remained still, measuring her (I don't know if Leo is a boy or a girl, but we determined our opinion in the most scientific of ways; we flipped a coin) opponent. Before Julie and I had a chance to begin placing bets on who would emerge triumphant and before Lunch knew what in the Hades had just happened, Leo struck with lightning speed and astonishing accuracy. The results were plain to see: Leo - 1 Small, cute, furry, and defenseless mouse - 0. I was once again reminded why I love pet snakes so much; it's a chance to see nature at work from the comfort of your own home! And to think, it all happened in less than thirty seconds from the time Lunch was placed in the cage. I can barely wait until it's time to feed her again; next name for the unfortunate mouse - Dinner!

P.S. - For those who don't know - about a month ago Julie and I were asked by my nephew Cody if we would be willing to take possession of Leo. Given my absolute devotion to pet snakes, I immediately said yes. I've always wanted a Ball Python and I was tickled pink to have the chance to get one for free. I would like to extend my thanks to Cody for letting me take care of his snake and to my parents who brought Leo down to us. We're having a great time together!