Collecting Toads and Cars

Cane Toad Coin Purse in Bonner’s Ferry, ID

Now that we’re headed home, I’m summarizing the best parts of the trip. What can’t be found in Santa Cruz? Here is a small surprise that combines my interests in small-scale commerce and protecting the environment. Steve in Bonner’s Ferry traps poisonous cane toads (Bufo marinus) and creates coin purses out of their tanned hides. He uses his ingenuity to reduce the toad population, makes a useful product out of the worse-than-trash, then markets his handiwork for $10 a piece at the local farmers’ market. Long may he thrive!

Cane toads are native to South America. They eat almost everything and breed constantly. They were imported to Australia in 1935 to eat the beetles in the sugar cane fields, then rampaged unchecked across the continent. They are classified as a worst offender invasive species in the USA and Canada. Unless you live in California, you can buy a live cane toad for $14.99 plus shipping. Who is demented enough to buy those? Watching kitten videos is the gateway to pet addiction. When feeding pigeons no longer satisfies, the doting animal lover can order a rapacious, poisonous cane toad. “My toad is an eating machine!” raves a satisfied reviewer on Backwater Reptiles.com. America is the land of opportunity for invasive species and those who love them.

1957 Ford Fairlane, Cascadia, OR

Once we left the populous areas of Northern California, I was surprised at the number of folks who keep old cars in their yards. Why do Americans collect rust buckets? At first maybe it’s sentimentality, the wish to keep old faithful servants who have been put out to pasture. Later, maybe it’s fear of running out of parts for the other automobiles. And it costs money to have the heap towed away. Unlike where we live, rural land is cheap and plentiful. And there are no nosy neighbors to petition the County to make the property owner remove the eyesore. Finally, the rusted relics become decor, a way to personalize the space, a reflection of time passed. In Pleasant Valley, OR:

And on the subject of old cars, here’s a reminder to the young marrieds that California is a community property state ( S. Lake Tahoe, CA)

Beware the bitter ex with an acetylene cutting torch.