My Little Pony: Worker Birds
Chapter 12: On The Backroads
Our job in Manehattan was done, and the hole was completed so construction of the building can be underway. We made a good friend in the Earth Pony mare 'Buena Vista'. Our machines were put away in the garage, and we had set up the food bank outside the office for anyone to come by, and take something if they are in need of nonperishable foods
We also took part in Appleloosa's 'Annual Convoy For Charity' with our big Peterbilt pulling our excavator on the lowboy trailer. We don't just build the buildings that reach for the skies, we also help build friendships. It warms me to see the looks on the little colts giving us the 'pull the horn' hoof, and I will never say no to such a request from a little colt.
The phone rang, "Hello?" I greeted
"Hola Ellie, it's me, B.V.," said a mare
"Oh hi! How are you?" I asked her
"I'm good, say, I'm going to be in the Ponyville area, and I was wondering if you'd like to go herping with me?" asked Buena Vista, I have heard about this hobby is popular with some Ponies, Griffons, and Hippogriffs that live on the prairies and desert areas of Equestria. It is snake hunting, but not hunting for meat. It is about seeking out native species.
I have never done it before, and I think it will be a new experience for me and my friends, "I have never gone 'herping' before, but sure, I will give it a try, in fact, both me and my friends will be happy to come along," I said, seeing Gilda watching 'Love and Monsters' on the television, and Gabby was watching it too with a big bowl of cheddar popcorn.
"I will be in Ponyville in two days,"
"Alright, we'll see you then," I replied
"Say, who was that, Ellie?" asked Gabby,
"That was Buena Vista, she is going to come over to visit us in a couple days, and she is going to take us snake hunting out near Appleloosa," I explained to them, Gabby's eyes sparkled like a disco ball. Gilda looked less than thrilled "Oh come now, Gilda, it'll be fun, and a first time for all of us to get out and try something new," I explained to my friend
"Oh, well, alright," said Gilda making a pout. Buena Vista arrived two days later with her 2000 Toyota Tundra TRD 4x4. Her curly black mane was in a braid as was her tail. She looked her best, wearing a tan vest and slouch hat. Her big and perfectly round flanks made a wiggle as she hugged us. She got a hug and spin with a cheek nuzzle from Gabby.
"Good to see you," I greeted
"Is that your ride, B.V.?" asked Gilda
"It's my work truck," said Buena Vista
"I got us all checked in at a Candlewood Suites in Appleloosa, we should get there before dark, so vamos," said Buena Vista as we were putting our stuff in the trunk. I must say that the rumors are true about Toyota trucks. The old truck is in good shape, and well taken care of "like what you see? I got the pickup from the family car inheritance program"
"It was mi papi's truck, he's retired now, living the good life," said Buena Vista closing the truck on the back of the dark green pickup. Gilda and Gabby hopped into the backseat, while I got the passengers seat, and Buena Vista was driving. We made it to our hotel before dark with a pitstop for gas, and even stopped at 'Popeye's' for fried chicken dinners.
"I've been thinking," said Buena Vista
"About what?" Gilda asked Buena Vista
"Moving out here," the 'Big Mare' replied
"I've been given an offer to work for a startup company in Appleloosa, their pay being offered is twice that from I'm earning with the Skyline Group, and they're in need of some machines, I think I am going to take up the offer, the city life isn't for me," Buena Vista smiled, "also I'll be closer to mi familia, so it makes 'Hearth's Warming Eve' travel easier,"
"I think you should, I think you're folks would appreciate it," said Gilda with a gentle ruffle on the top of Buena Vista's mane. The next day after a good nights rest where I had volunteered to sleep on the couch, and we had waffles for breakfast, we got into the truck at the parking lot. We headed out onto the dusty trails into the Red Hills outside town.
"I used to play here as a filly," said B.V.
"Are there snakes here?" asked Gabby,
"Oh yes, lots of them," Buena Vista replied
"Now be careful, some of them can be venomous, so if you see one, let me know," Buena Vista advised to us. We moved along the trail, keeping our distance while still staying close to each other. We would look under rocks, and sheets of tin or wood laying out in the desert. It didn't take too long for one of us to find something. The first one was Gabby
She turned over a rock, and called us over, "Hey, I found one! I found one!" Gabby called out, we made haste to where Gabby was on the trail. Buena Vista and I were the first on the scene followed by Gilda not far behind us. Some folks I know are afraid of snakes. Looking at this one for myself, it's beautiful in it's own way "B.V. what kind is this one?"
"That's an Eastern Indigo Snake," she replied
"It's huge," said Gilda, "and it's...pretty,"
I smiled warmly, "You're right, this will be fun"