LAUREN GILGER: With that music, you can't be surprised that this is my question — Mark, do you believe in magic?
MARK BRODIE: I'm not sure I believe in magic. I do believe in Lovin' Spoonful references, though. Is this some kind of late Halloween joke you're coming up with here?
GILGER: Not exactly. No. It is a little weird. OK. A 1-ton boulder called Wizard Rock disappeared about two weeks ago from its place in Prescott National Forest. And then it just reappeared on Friday morning. Like magic.
BRODIE: Huh. Well, how exactly does a one-ton boulder disappear in the first place?
GILGER: That’s is a good question, and that was the question that briefly captivated the state and even the nation. The forest’s Trails and Wilderness Manager Jason Williams told the Arizona Republic that — surprise, surprise — the thieves probably used some pretty heavy equipment.
BRODIE: Huh. Didn't see that coming.
GILGER: Yes, with what Williams described as a properly positioned trailer, a Bobcat loader and, dare I say, way too much extra time on your hands, it can be done.
BRODIE: And no one noticed all of that equipment when it was taken or returned?
GILGER: No, apparently not. No one has come forward yet with information about who was behind this heist.
BRODIE: Well, how exactly do we know it’s the same rock then?
GILGER: Well it does have some pretty distinctive stripes of white quartz in it. I think the rangers would know their rock when they see it, Mark.
BRODIE: I don’t know. I’m skeptical.
GILGER: Of course. All right. Don’t rock the boat, guys.
