I Got an Email

My name is Brooke Brebrick. Almost ten years ago, I was a young 21 working on a trail crew with CYCC based out of Monticello, UT. On our last couple hitches we were scheduled to do invasive species mitigation and fencing outside of Moab in conjunction with the BLM. We werea few days into a hitch, working on fencing this particular day. I stopped for lunch and pulled out a sandwich while sitting on a small ledge, dangling my legs, looking out at the dusty red road that had a bend in front of me. At this point, I had not seen anyone other than my fellow trail workers for days. To my surprise, you came walking from around the bend, said nothing, and perched yourself next to me while simultaneously pulling a book from your pocket. You silently reading adjacent to me, holding back a smirk an I chewed my sandwich, bewildered and laughing. I asked if you were the legendary tortoise man I had heard of in the regions. You smirked once more and told me you hadn't the slightest clue what I was going on about, that you were merely waiting for your dog. You looked at me with a wide grin, I laughed, and you went back to reading. We sat this way in silence for about five minutes. Curiosity bubbled inside me. Then, from around the bend, your lovely tortoise came bounding around the corner. I jumped up in awe, laughing, smiling, and you too started to laugh.

You were so gracious to our crew. You invited us over to socialize, see your tortoise's sleeping quarters, diet, and share the fascinating relationship with the nature around you. You even invited us to stay in your mud huts, but my youthful leaders declined. I was in awe of your unique lifestyle, the way you fed the lizards, called the birds, scouted a hawk to declare territory, and your loving relationship with your tortoise. I have many stories from my lifetime thus far, but none seem as mystical as the time I met Tom the tortoise man. I recall using a walkie talkie to call you for your coordinates from your doorstep. How you would share so many amazing stories of the region. I still have so many questions, and hope I can find my way to stay at your base camp in the near future. I hope all is well with you. If you feel inclined, please feel free to write me back. I would love any updates on how base camp, you, and your animal friends are fairing.

I attached a picture from my crew from the time, and one of myself in hopes to jog a memory. I currently reside on the Big Island of Hawaii, but think of this time fondly. I also love Utah, the beauty of the region is astounding. I daydream often of being there.