FLDS

I last wrote about the Mancos FLDS properties in the Aug. 28 blog.

We went by there last night, after not having been by in a couple of months. 

The upper property still appears to be largely abandoned, though there were tracks down the lane and some kind of reaper stowed near the metal shed. (Follow pics from bottom up.) Lots of cows on the property, but probably trespassing from nearby grazing leases ... the fence lets critters in, or out. I did notice that the usual "No Trespassing" sign was no longer posted on the upper gate. Sold?

The changes visible on the lower property seem mostly to be an increase in rolling stock (and whatever crop was in the new garden patch at the south end of the big field has been harvested and the ground turned over). The vehicles I hadn't noticed before include a green service truck (a small truck with toolboxes on both sides above the sides) and a green tank truck (both USFS surplus sales?). There's also a flatbed trailer that I don't remember seeing, in addition to the one with the water tank on it. Looks like they're hauling their own water now (and/or fuel?), and in large quantities.

At the north end of the former open barn that was closed in to make (allegedly) a four-bedroom residence, I notice there is also a stack of wood and two bicycles. The bicycles appear to me to be smaller than adult-size, so maybe there's a family in that building now.

So, while the case in Texas winds down and seems to be disappearing into courthouse hallways, and while the properties the UEP held in trust for FLDS adherents in Short Creek (the twin cities of Colorado City, AZ, and Hilldale, UT)  and Bountiful, BC, are experiencing conflict over their trust management, the two 60-acre tracts ... and whoever is living on them ... seem to be quietly doing their thing, increasing their self-sustaining capacity and staying out of sight. tv