Be aware of Rocky Mountain wood ticks — they are out in force; in the past week I have removed two from my head (they stick like glue). The hard-bodied tiny crawling insects thrive in dry grasslands, so if you’ve been out for a hike — do a tick check! They crawl onto you (feet/legs) or you brush them off low lying vegetation as you pass by and then they meander upward to preferred body spots like bellybuttons and hair-covered regions. That’s it for the tick-talk.
Next up — the country-drive-protocol lecture, which I feel uniquely qualified (and totally entitled) to deliver, as I live alongside a busy country road, in a conveniently located and easy to approach — can you please help me house? We have rescued countless hapless motorists over the years!
Spring has sprung and with it comes the urge to get out of the house, which is great. It’s good for both body and spirit — so by all means, take a drive in the country. Please do!
But, not unless you have a spare tire (with air), a tire iron, and a jack and — no matter what age or gender — you are capable (and strong enough) of changing a tire; the usual stumbling block is too-tight lug nuts.
WD-40 is helpful, so is a “cheater pipe” — a bent hollow tube (aluminum is strong and light) that fits over the end of your tire iron; the extra leverage makes the removal of the lug nuts incredibly less difficult.
Top up your fuel tank, bring food and water, pack a flashlight, matches and a blanket — prepare for a trip where there is no service and in the event that you do need to ask for help, remember that it is a personal kindness and a courtesy to be helped, not your God-given right.
Oh, and watch out for the cows and calves; many country roads in the Cariboo are bordered by open range.
Liz Twan is a rancher and freelance writer for the Tribune.