Skip to content


‘MY ROBERT REDFORD STORY’ —Jim Stiles

A CHANCE ENCOUNTER IN HANKSVILLE, UTAH…Jim Stiles

From the Zephyr Archives. December 2004

Just out of college, more years ago than I care to remember, I was wandering about the southeast regions of the State of Utah with my dog Muckluk, in my barely operational Volkswagen bus, searching for Home. On this particular morning, Hanksville, Utah was home. I’d camped out on the desert that night, just a few miles from town, and now I’d sought out some civilization at a place that was then called, “Jim n’ Elle’s Cafe.”

I was sitting inside, drinking coffee, when this guy walks in. He looked vaguely familiar. Although he was dressed in typical cowboy garb, there was something unusual about the man. Something regal. (I can still recall with precision, his outfit—beat up straw hat, red snap-front shirt, faded Levis, pointy-toed engraved cowboy boots.)

(This is exactly what he was wearing on that fateful morning…photo from National Geographic)

He asked the waitress a question then turned and strutted out the door.

It couldn’t be, I wondered. Then I saw the waitress swooning and clutching her heart and slowly descending to the floor. I jumped up to catch her but she had already settled onto the carpet. I looked down at her…

“Was that Robert Redford?” I asked.

She nodded as she continued fanning herself with a menu.

I stepped outside and there was all kinds of activity going on. Several of Redford’s associates were scurrying about. I have no idea what their purpose or function was but they all seemed to be in a state of agitation.

Redford was talking on a pay phone, just 50 feet or so beyond my VW. Muckluk was asleep beneath the rear wheel, unmoved by anything but the cool morning air and the bright desert light. I decided to check my oil.

I had barely pulled out the dipstick when I heard Redford say, “OK…see you in a few days,” and I saw him hang up the phone. For the love of God he was coming my way. I was breathing heavily and my heart was pounding as the Great Actor approached. I hesitated…

He walked by, on his way back to the diner. I knew this was it. Perhaps my only chance in a lifetime to converse with Robert Redford. Maybe he’d be impressed by my knowledge of environmental issues threatening SE Utah. Maybe he’d invite me back to Sundance for the weekend. Perhaps he might see a certain je ne sais quois quality in me that made me perfect for a supporting role in his next film! This is the kind of seminal moment that can change a young man’s life!

“Excuse me! I blurted. I saw him hesitate.

“…but aren’t you Robert Redford?”

He stopped dead in his tracks, spun ever so gracefully in a 180 degree arc on his Justin boots, crouched slightly as he addressed me head-on and said, “I sure am.”

There he was…Robert Redford. He smiled at me slightly, but it felt menacing. As if he was calling a bluff in a gunfight.

Ok…buddy…you got my attention. NOW what are you going to do?

It felt like hours that I stood there flat-footed and in deep fear but it was probably only a matter of seconds. I shifted uneasily from foot to foot, racking my brain for the one line that might turn this improbable moment into my Hour of Destiny. I cleared my throat, put my hands on my hips and said with great authority and conviction:

“Next to ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ ‘Jeremiah Johnson’ is my favorite movie.”

I knew I was finished. I thought of trying to crawl through the dipstick hole on my VW but it was too late to hide. I saw Redford’s smile tighten and disappear, even before I’d spit out all the words. He just stood there with an expression that combined the best aspects of disgust and boredom. He looked at the ground.

But maybe there was time for recovery. “So what brings you to Hanksville? I asked.

“I like it here,” he replied curtly.  It seemed to me, he was turning a tad taciturn. (I later learned he was in the canyon country, doing a cover story for National Geographic)

(photo by Charles Kreischer)

Meanwhile Muckluk had stirred from beneath the VW. She crawled out from the shade and walked toward Redford. Muckluk was a magnificent looking animal–half Husky, half Shepherd–with knowing eyes and a certain insouciance that belongs usually to cats. Redford seemed interested; perhaps my dog will save the day. By now Muck was standing directly in front of Redford but facing me. Redford said, “Nice looking dog you’ve got.”

He bent over and reached out to stroke Muckluk’s back. But before he could ever touch hand to fur, Muck simply walked away from him.

THAT GODDAMN INSOUCIANCE AGAIN!

He was left stroking air and that was enough for Robert Redford. He couldn’t even bear to look at me again and he said, “See ya,” to the sidewalk as he turned and disappeared inside the café.’

I got in my car and drove away, toward Capitol Reef, crushed. Muck assumed her position in the passenger seat, her head hanging from the window, her long tongue flapping in the hot wind. I scolded her for ruining my chances for stardom. She acted like she didn’t hear me, but the truth is, the damn dog just didn’t care.

Posted in Uncategorized.


26 Responses

Stay in touch with the conversation, subscribe to the RSS feed for comments on this post.

  1. mass order says

    How to use SMM panel safely is the most important lesson for long-term growth.
    At GetFollowerFast.com we teach every customer these six proven rules
    so they never face bans or drops. Rule 1: Start small – test with 100–500 units first.
    Rule 2: Always enable drip feed to spread delivery over days.
    Rule 3: Choose only high retention non-drop services with
    refill guarantee. Rule 4: Mix SMM services with regular organic posting
    and engagement. Rule 5: Never share your account password – our panel only needs public username.
    Rule 6: Monitor your account and enable 2FA.

    When you follow these steps, using an SMM panel is 100% safe.
    GetFollowerFast.com makes it easy with clear service descriptions and 24/7 support.
    Our VIP auto refill and country targeted options add extra safety and quality.

    Many users who switched from cheap panels now enjoy stable growth with us.
    Safety is built into every mass order.

    Ready to grow safely? Join GetFollowerFast.com today and follow our guide.

    Your account will thank you.

  2. mostbet mobil indir says

    Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter
    group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content.

    Please let me know. Cheers

  3. Edwardzed says

    Конфигуратор ПК — удобный инструмент для сборки компьютера, но на практике пользователи часто сталкиваются с рядом проблем. Это может быть несовместимость комплектующих, ограниченный выбор актуальных моделей, ошибки в расчетах мощности блока питания и отсутствие прозрачных подсказок по сборке. Также возникают сложности с оценкой итоговой производительности и переплатой за ненужные компоненты. Подскажите свой [url=https://telegra.ph/Igrovye-PK-03-26]конфигуратор[/url]

  4. av ซับไทย says

    Sebab semuanya keperluannya sudah disediakan terlebih
    dahulu. Pulsa xl pastinya penting untuk disediakan terlebih dulu,
    karena anda akan menggunakannya untuk kerjakan transaksi deposit pulsa yang menjadi modal bermain judi slot on-line.

    Here is my site – av ซับไทย

  5. over here says

    In personal budgeting, a steady income typically refers to consistent earnings from sources such as
    a salary, wages, or regular freelance work. This income is p
    Read more

    2008 Federal Bailout

    How did America get into this700 billion bailout problem?

    Asked by Anonymous

    The $700 billion bailout problem emerged from the 2007-2008
    financial crisis, primarily triggered by the collapse of the housing market
    and the proliferation of
    Read more

    2008 Federal Bailout

    +1

    Give an example of the invisible hand?

    Asked by Anonymous

    An example of the invisible hand can be seen in a local farmer’s market.

    As farmers sell their produce directly to consumers, they adjust
    prices based on supply
    Read more

    2008 Federal Bailout

    What banks did not receive bailout money?

    Asked by Anonymous

    Several banks did not receive bailout money during the financial crisis of 2008, including JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America, as they were able
    Read more

    Dissertations and Theses

    +1

    What is legal punishments can those who are convicted of plagiarism face?

    Asked by Anonymous

    Individuals convicted of plagiarism can face various legal punishments, depending on the
    severity and context of the offense. In academic settings,
    consequences
    Read more

    2008 Federal Bailout

    Who got the most money from the 2008 bailout?

    Asked by Anonymous

    The largest recipient of funds from the 2008 bailout was American International
    Group (AIG), which received approximately $182 billion in government
    assistance.
    Read more

    History of the United States

    +2

    What is the bail out bill?

    Asked by Anonymous

    A bailout bill is legislation designed to provide financial assistance to
    a struggling company or sector, often to prevent bankruptcy or economic
    collapse. It t
    Read more

    Investment Theory

    +1

    Why nano car is so cheap?

    Asked by Anonymous

    The Nano car, developed by Tata Motors, is inexpensive due to its minimalist design and cost-cutting innovations.

    It features a compact size, simpler manufactur
    Read more

    2008 Federal Bailout

    +2

    What do individual shareholders gain when they buy shares
    of a company’s stock?

    Asked by Anonymous

    Individual shareholders gain potential financial returns through capital appreciation and
    dividends when they buy shares of a company’s stock.

    Capital appreciat
    Read more

    Economics

    +1

    What is a resecion?

    Asked by Anonymous

    A recession is an economic downturn characterized by a decline in GDP,
    widespread unemployment, and a decrease in consumer spending and investment.
    It typically
    Read more

    2008 Federal Bailout

    What is stimulus bailout?

    Asked by Anonymous

    A stimulus bailout refers to government financial assistance provided to stabilize or support a struggling
    sector or economy, often during a crisis. This can in
    Read more

    Iraq

    +1

    What is the total cost of our war in Iraq and Afghanistan as of
    the end of 2008 and how does that figure compare with the financial bailout of 700 Billion?

    Asked by Anonymous

    As of the end of 2008, the total cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan was estimated to be around $1 trillion. This
    figure surpasses the financial bailout of
    Read more

    2008 Federal Bailout

    What is bailout provision?

    Asked by Anonymous

    A bailout provision is a clause in a financial agreement that allows a party, typically
    a lender or investor, to provide financial assistance to a struggling
    en
    Read more

    2008 Federal Bailout

    What was the exchange rate for the us dollar and the Rand on 14 April
    2008?

    Asked by Anonymous

    On April 14, 2008, the exchange rate for the US dollar to the South African Rand was approximately 7.86 ZAR per USD.
    Exchange rates can fluctuate frequently, so
    Read more

    2008 Federal Bailout

    What is a financial packages?

    Asked by Anonymous

    A financial package refers to a comprehensive set of financial
    products or services offered to individuals or businesses to meet their financial needs.
    This can
    Read more

    2008 Federal Bailout

    +1

    Did Chase receive bailout money?

    Asked by Anonymous

    Yes, JPMorgan Chase received bailout money during the financial crisis
    of 2008. The bank was among several institutions that
    accepted funds from the Troubled As
    Read more

    2008 Federal Bailout

    How large was the TARP bank bailout?

    Asked by Anonymous

    The Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) was a financial bailout enacted in 2008
    in response to the financial crisis, with an original allocation of $700 billio
    Read more

    2008 Federal Bailout

    What is macro and micro concepts of productivity?

    Asked by Anonymous

    Macro concepts of productivity refer to the overall efficiency of an economy or large systems, focusing on aggregate outputs relative to
    inputs across sectors,
    Read more

    2008 Federal Bailout

    +2

    What does the term macro headwinds mean?

    Asked by Anonymous

    The term “macro headwinds” refers to external economic factors that can negatively impact the performance of businesses or markets.

    These factors can
    Read more

    Economics

    +1

    Benefits accruing to firm and regulator if regulator commits to fixed regulated price
    over number of years when firm not producing output at minimum cost?

    Asked by Anonymous

    When a regulator commits to a fixed regulated price over several years, it provides the
    firm with revenue stability, which can encourage financial planning
    and
    Read more

    Small Business and Entrepreneurship

    +3

    What is entrepreneurship and new venture opportunities?

    Asked by Pushkarsameer4u

    Entrepreneurship is the process of identifying, creating, and pursuing new business opportunities to generate value
    and drive innovation. It involves taking ris
    Read more

    2008 Federal Bailout

    +2

    What is consumer expenditure?

    Asked by Anonymous

    Consumer expenditure refers to the total amount of
    money spent by households on goods and services over a specific
    period. It includes spending on essentials li
    Read more

    2008 Federal Bailout

    +3

    How to implement price discrimination?

    Asked by Anonymous

    To implement price discrimination, businesses should first segment
    their market based on factors like customer demographics, purchasing behavior,
    and willingnes
    Read more

    Coins and Paper Money

    +2

    What is the value of a 10 ounce silver bullio?

    Asked by Anonymous

    The value of a 10-ounce silver bullion coin or bar fluctuates based on current
    market prices for silver, which can vary daily. As of October 2023, silver prices
    Read more

    Banking

    +2

    What is the nationwide banking plan set up by federal government
    to assist banks in serving the public more efficiently?

    Asked by Anonymous

    The nationwide banking plan established by the federal government is primarily represented by the
    creation of the Federal Reserve System in 1913. This plan aims
    Read more

    PreviousNext

    Trending Questions
    Was the elastic clause used in the auto bailout? Federal government bailout plans of major corporations are just?
    When you say the government is borrowing billions of pounds – who is it borrowing it from?
    What country is the upper middle class country?
    Why did the 700 Billion Bailout plan fail? What is 300 divided
    by 4? Industrial strike and its impact on productivity? What were the major economic events 2008?
    Meaning of liquidity in relation to economy crises
    presently? What is the full form of BDC? How do you get
    on roblox if you got a old computer? Why Liability equals Assets?
    Did HSBC get a bailout under TARP? As a result of the current stimulus package and
    the TARP bailout by the bush administration do you believe that
    the US is headed towards a more socialistic style government and economy?
    What is the us capital a symbol of? What does a point inside the PPF represent?
    What are Five examples from the economic news showing the control of the federal government
    over different aspects of the American economy? Why are banks closing down? What date was
    the 700 billion bailout passed? What is dispersal of fruit?

    Resources
    Leaderboard All Tags Unanswered

    Top Categories
    Algebra Chemistry Biology World History English Language Arts Psychology Computer Science Economics

    Product
    Community Guidelines Honor Code Flashcard Maker Study Guides Math Solver FAQ

    Company
    About Us Contact Us Terms of Service Privacy Policy Disclaimer Cookie Policy IP Issues Cookie Settings

    Copyright ©2026 Infospace Holdings LLC, A System1 Company.

    All Rights Reserved. The material on this site can not be reproduced,
    distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with prior
    written permission of Answers. http://gondviseles.hu/just-a-simple-post

  6. worth checking says

    Website :- usmedshere

    usmedshere ∙

    Lvl 2
    ∙ 1y ago

    Copy

    Add Your Answer

    What else can I help you with?

    Search

    Related Questions

    Trending Questions
    How can gravity cause movement of earth materials?
    When was the High Voltage Engineering Corp. founded? Can you use a gaming keyboard for regular PC work instead of regular
    keyboard? What are the torque specs for a 2000 Malibu Chevy cylinder head?

    Where is the location of the bcm on a Cadillac CTS?
    What are the most important investment property questions and
    answers to consider before purchasing a property?
    What is ROM and example? How do you replace a battery
    on the 1992 Gran Prix SE v6? What is the approximate square root of 79 to the nearest
    whole number? What are the first four multiples of 25? Is Meshuggah Satanic?

    Where is the golden spike located? Where is Korean Airline
    Office in Vancouver BC? What is a bum hole meant to look like?
    How far is it from lubbock to san angelo? Who was Michael Jackson’s producer at Motown? How many yards and feet are in 52 inches?
    Does a cool solvent dissolve less solute than an equal amount of warm solvent?
    What actors and actresses appeared in Dreadful
    Bazaar – 2010? How many hands does a bee have?

    Resources
    Leaderboard All Tags Unanswered

    Top Categories
    Algebra Chemistry Biology World History English Language Arts Psychology Computer Science Economics

    Product
    Community Guidelines Honor Code Flashcard Maker Study Guides Math Solver FAQ

    Company
    About Us Contact Us Terms of Service Privacy Policy
    Disclaimer Cookie Policy IP Issues Cookie Settings

    Copyright ©2026 Infospace Holdings LLC, A System1 Company.
    All Rights Reserved. The material on this site can not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted,
    cached or otherwise used, except with prior written permission of Answers. https://suachuamaybienap.com/index.php/User:TrevorMerriam91

  7. Rainbet's real-time games bring casino action to life says

    422736 100644This post post produced me feel. I will write something about this on my weblog. 684508

  8. Mafia Casino says

    445104 451656Greetings! This really is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and let you know I genuinely enjoy reading via your weblog posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with exactly the same topics? Thank you so considerably! 150640

  9. เว็บตรงฝากถอนง่าย says

    846120 271999Amazing post will likely be linking this on some websites of mine maintain up the good function. 944820

  10. ฉีดแฟตราคา says

    368949 221870Im glad I identified your article. I would never have created sense of this topic on my own. Ive read a couple of other articles on this topic, but I was confused until I read yours. 361877

  11. luxtidpro says

    622378 326638The the next time I just read a weblog, I truly hope that this doesnt disappoint me approximately brussels. Get real, Yes, it was my option to read, but I genuinely thought youd have some thing intriguing to say. All I hear is generally a couple of whining about something which you could fix when you werent too busy searching for attention. 983036

  12. JasonEphes says

    не могу разобраться, почему при выборе железобетонных изделий цены у разных поставщиков сильно отличаются — где-то заявляют стандартные изделия по одной стоимости, а где-то аналогичные плиты, блоки или перекрытия выходят заметно дороже, при этом по характеристикам и ГОСТ вроде всё одинаково, но реальная разница в качестве и долговечности неочевидна; от чего на практике больше всего зависит цена (производитель, марка бетона, армирование, доставка, наличие сертификатов) и как не ошибиться при покупке, чтобы не переплатить и не взять проблемный материал? Расскажите где можно заказать [url=https://www.tumblr.com/chaika9384/812170590431690752/%D0%B6%D0%B1%D0%B8?source=share]изготовление жби по чертежам[/url]

Continuing the Discussion

  1. mega link linked to this post on April 14, 2026

    mega link

    Not Acceptable!

  2. privacy linked to this post on April 14, 2026

    privacy

    Not Acceptable!

  3. сайт mega linked to this post on April 14, 2026

    сайт mega

    Not Acceptable!

  4. мега market linked to this post on April 16, 2026

    мега market

    Not Acceptable!

  5. vpn linked to this post on April 16, 2026

    vpn

    Not Acceptable!

  6. мега linked to this post on April 16, 2026

    мега

    Not Acceptable!

  7. MEGAофициальный сайт linked to this post on April 16, 2026

    MEGAофициальный сайт

    Not Acceptable!

  8. mega даркнет linked to this post on April 16, 2026

    mega даркнет

    Not Acceptable!

  9. мега app linked to this post on April 16, 2026

    мега app

    Not Acceptable!

  10. МЕГА onion linked to this post on April 16, 2026

    МЕГА onion

    Not Acceptable!

  11. мега запрет linked to this post on April 16, 2026

    мега запрет

    Not Acceptable!

  12. мега дарк linked to this post on April 16, 2026

    мега дарк

    Not Acceptable!

  13. мега даркнет linked to this post on April 16, 2026

    мега даркнет

    Not Acceptable!



Some HTML is OK

or, reply to this post via trackback.