I stared at the sign that hung outside of Maybell Park for some time, leaning against the wooden post and glancing at folks as they made their way past. My mom was walking through the park with the animal they called Ginger. I liked Ginger but she seemed a bit afraid of me, skittering about nervously when I came close to them. Sometimes she would stare right at me and I was convinced she could see me completely. I wondered if Ginger could sense the others who wandered about this place too.

My Dad was focused on something at the RV. Likely lost in his phone or getting something ready for dinner. He loved both diversions. And I had fun playing with him when he got on Facebook, nudging one post or another into his view. I love my Dad’s hearty laughter when he finds a particularly funny post.

I could feel the air thicken with dust as a group approached on horseback. “You’re not from these parts are you?” said a young woman as they got closer. Her dark hair was tufted atop her head, with tendrils escaping underneath the edges of her wide brimmed hat. “I’m not sure what you mean.” It was an odd question, knowing that we are all formed from the same parts. “What’s your name stranger?” the woman asked. Stranger. Another curious word. The men at Juniper Springs had also used it and he didn’t quite understand the concept. “I’m not sure I have one yet” I said.

“Well I’m Ann. You can call me Queen Ann if you like. And even if you don’t. This is my friend Butch. Butch Cassidy. This is Ben. And this is Will. You can call him “News.” Fine day for a ride isn’t it? Where’s your horse? Can you ride a horse?” Ben and News were unsettled, their horses breathing hard from exertion. Butch looked into the distance calmly, as if he couldn’t be bothered with the distraction Elliot presented in getting to their destination. Queen Ann got off her horse and approached Elliot with a wry smile on her lips. “We’ve ridden past here every day for longer than I can count. Same people. Same faces. Frankly, it’s been pretty routine. And here you are. I’m not sure what to make of you.”

I felt like a zoo animal on display. I didn’t know what to make of myself either. Or the group of “strangers” who had just ridden in on horseback. I was fascinated by the mysterious woman who was now so close to my face that I could smell the sweat and dirt permeating her clothes. “We’ve got business in town tonight, then we’re headed to Browns Hole in the morning and could use some help getting our cattle across the river. You game to help?” Queen Ann eyed me, still smiling. Her brown eyes shone brightly, reflecting the sun, which was now peeking its setting rays through the clouds of dust.

I smiled back at her, unsure how to respond. I was hesitant, but mystified by the confident woman’s energy and wanted to know more about her. “I’m not sure if we’re heading that direction or not. My parents are camping at the park.” Queen Ann looked past Elliot’s shoulder at the large metal silver camper at the back of the campground. “You mean that enormous silver bullet? It’s bigger than my cabin back in Brown’s Hole. That could certainly be useful in rustling our cattle. You know you can direct them wherever you want them to go, right?” I knew it was possible, but hadn’t experimented much with those powers outside of playing with my Dad’s phone.

I also knew how important it was to help your neighbors. So how could I refuse Queen Ann’s request? And she was a Queen, so certainly it was the right thing to do. “I’ll help you.” Elliot finally agreed. “And to answer your earlier question … I’ve never tried to ride a horse. But I don’t think I’ll need one.” Queen Ann smiled. “Great. Meet us here tomorrow just after daybreak.” The rest of the gang dismounted, tied their horses to the park’s wooden posts and headed over to the Victory Hotel for the night.

I was nervous at the prospect of the next day’s adventures. I’d never rustled cattle before. At least that I could remember. I was excited to try another new experience. I took in a long breath and could smell steak grilling. I knew my dad was cooking dinner. Now would be a great time to plot their route. I jumped to the Airstream and Ginger looked up. My mom was drinking a glass of wine and looking over a brochure about Dinosaur National Monument she had picked up at the park’s information center. My dad’s face was illuminated by the glow of his phone, looking up directions on Google. This was my chance. I focused my energy on the phone. “You know honey, we can save nine minutes if we head north instead of taking Highway 40” said Chris with a twinkle in his eye.