Isn’t there some sort of law about unnatural acts like talking on a cellphone while bull riding? And you should see what he left behind him! Left me steaming! – Cab O’Yero
It’s hard to see this as an “unnatural act” in Durango.
As Action Line has pointed out numerous times, the rules for “the rest of the world” either don’t apply here or are widely ignored.
For instance, in the rest of the world, it would be an unnatural act for bicyclists to ride eight abreast. In Durango, this is called “sharing the road.”
When invited to a gala formal event, the rest of the world puts on the dog.
In Durango, you not only put on the dog but you bring the dog with you.
And by “putting on the dog,” we mean wearing a fleece vest covered with pet hair.
The rest of the business world lives and dies by the CFS – the Cash Flow Statement.
Likewise in Durango, the CFS has a huge impact on business. Except CFS stands for Cubic Feet per Second. Locals care more about the flow of the river than the flow of cash.
When the Animas has a strong CFS, you blow off work or quit your job to go rafting or kayaking.
Yup, Durango is a weird place. It’s where rugged individualists embrace the herd mentality.
Nowhere is this more evident than in Durango’s cellphone addiction.
It doesn’t matter if you punch a time clock or punch cattle. Locals need a cell plan with unlimited minutes – and will use them all.
On the road or at a rodeo, everyone’s texting or talking. Why should a morning drive be any different than a cattle drive?
Therefore, we’re on the horns of a dilemma. Durangoans won’t be cowed into hanging up, despite the fact that it would “be-hoof” them to do so.
And why have a beef with safety? We all have a “steak” in non-distracted transportation. So let’s “steer” this conversation in another direction.
The cowpuncher on a cellphone proves that Durango is leading the stampede toward the Nouveau West, a distinctive designation for historic places that constantly adapt in order to remain the same.
For example, when we say the Diamond Belle is a “hot spot,” many might understand that to mean it’s a popular social establishment.
However, today’s “hot spot” could also mean the Belle has a strong wi-fi connection, so bloggers on wireless devices can use social media to tweet about how Durango hasn’t changed at all since the late 1800s.
And just for the record, the cellular buckaroo was photographed earlier this month in the La Plata County Fairgrounds parking lot, making a cattle call during a recent edition of the True West Rodeo.
How cool is that? We have a True West Rodeo with a digital dogies. Thank goodness there aren’t roaming charges anymore. Otherwise, Action Line would have to make another hideous pun about “Roam on the Range.”
Don’t fence me in.
Enough of that. It’s time to get-a-long to the fairgrounds.
There are three more rodeos remaining in the True West season. During July, you can catch the action alternating Wednesday evenings, July 15 and July 29.
The final rodeo is Sunday, Aug. 16, which coincides with the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s “Railfest” celebration.
Rodeos begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids, and 4 and younger are free.
You are welcome to bring your cellphone. And that’s no bull.
Email questions to actionline@durangoherald.com or mail them to Action Line, The Durango Herald, 1275 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301. You can request anonymity if your ring tone features the Bar-D Wranglers.
