There are some things in life that nothing can quite prepare you for. Sure, you’ve been around the block and heard most of the beaver jokes ever invented (and most of the dick jokes for that matter), but then you see something like this and it truly takes your breath away. The idea that Park Rangers wake up every morning and put on their pointed hats and BD uniforms to go to work at Beaver D is awesome in ways I can barely imagine. That busloads of high school students and traveling senior citizens would snigger their way through the grounds is certain – the noise must be like a burr of insects, constantly humming in the background.
The park is in Rexburg Idaho and is more of a drop-in campsite than a formal state park, although there are shelters you can reserve and restrooms facilities. Apparently it was the product of a cooperative effort between the Department of Transportation and the local Rotary club, which is in itself awesome if you think of it. It is named after the famous trapper Richard Dick Leigh who took thousands of beavers on the Snake River and became a respected guide after most of the beaver were killed. He was an English man who could read and write and was well respected for his service. He is also known for insisting on formally ‘marrying’ his Shoshone Indian wife Jenny instead of just bringing her along for the ride as other trappers did.
From hero to punchline and a park that traces its journey. He doesn’t sound like a bad guy, (grading on a curve) but from this day forward I’m going to believe in Karma. Clearly the irresistible ridicule of this name is in my mind a fitting consequence for a lifetime of beaver trapping. If I can resist a pilgrimage, I’m thinking that all future, potential, would-be trappers should view it as a warning. “Don’t let this happen to you!” From now on when people make remarkably stupid beaver decisions I am just going to post this picture and we’ll all know what it means .
