The next morning we left by van, for Pinedale, Wyoming only to find the motel reservation had been screwed up by the previous manager, (no longer with the company! ) In a series of total "best bad luck ever" moments, the manager/owner of the "Log Cabin Motel" called around town trying to locate a double, to replace the mistakenly reserved single room, that was his only one available. Finding every room in town already booked, He put a 'log cabin - luxury suite', up on the shore of Fremont Lake, at the top of the mountain outside of town, on his own credit card for us. (free of charge!)
On the way to the new cabin we took a spin around the lake, counting over two hundred mule deer, four prong horn , and a moose grazing along the shore of this beautiful lake, in less than twenty minutes! We took the moose as a positive omen!
The next morning, we found that unfortunately, neither of us had packed the shirts that would be appropriate for the upcoming occasion. We went to "The Cowboy Store", the only place in (this seeming tourist trap of a) town, that sold dress, or any other kind of shirts. Finding the only two shirts in the whole store that fit, a white "Wranglers-Rugged Wear" model to go with my suit, and a 'blue jean with pearl snaps' number for my friend, we were amazed to find that the cashier had given us a discount of about 25% off the retail price!
It seems as if everywhere I went, people knew who "The Man with the Purple Backpack" , as I seem to have been dubbed (in the local weekly?),was, be it the motel owner, that had been to the '92 Gathering in Colorado, or the local sheriff''s wife, sellingwestern wear, at "The Cowboy Store". It would appear the gossip mill and local paper have been keeping everyone abreast of the details of my story!
Although the conservative nature of the community seems to be pervasive, when you scratch below the surface, you find a community of warm individuals, hiding their humanity in the closet! On this adventure I found, even the police smiling and calling me by my first name, as I entered the court house.
Once I got to the court room I learned that the letters that many of my friends had written to the judge, had been saved by my lawyer, for delivery on the day before I arrived. Unexpectedly, my friend was asked to testify on my behalf, in court. I don't know if it was his testimony, the effect of the letters, my lawyer's expert, note perfect, presentation of my case, or the fairness, intelligence, and true sense of justice possessed by the judge, that did it. (He appeared to be going far out on a limb delivering the verdict on MY case, in HIS jurisdiction, that he did!) But, I am truly thankful for the result, and will be doing my best to live up to the challenges to come, in meeting the requirements set upon me, as a result.
I would like to offer my sincerest thankfulness, to all those who made this outcome possible! ... Thank You!!! ... If any of you, ever need a hand, you always know where to find me!
Peace 'n Love!!!
Fonty
