113. Team roping

Gary heading on Bueno the horse he let me ride. 

     Our little love affair with the Wickenburg area and "the Stable" continued.  We had shared our
excitement with Barb and Warren and on Thursday the eleventh they came up for a visit.  Gary was roping in the down town arena so it should be a great day.  A chance to show off the town and our team roping friend.   They came by our place first to take a look at our "Stable home"  and then followed us to the arena.   I think they enjoyed themselves with all the action and the chance to learn about a new sport, I think Warren is sticking to golf and fishing.  Gary had a good day making several runs and placing in the money.  I'm going to explain as best as I can the mechanics of team roping that I gained from watching and asking lots of questions. 

Michelle, Joni and someones fake steer!

     We will start with a steer standing in a chute on one end of the arena, two mounted riders on either side and a few feet behind.  The steer gets a head start.   We will put you on the horse on the left, a well trained roping horse.  One of the roper's I met said he trained two roping horses and they sold for over $10,000 each.  You are no better than the horse you ride.  The steer is released and starts to run, you have to give him a measured head start.  If you break the barrier a 5 second penalty will be imposed.  Your mount has been waiting for this moment as you turn him loose, he lunges forward throwing you back in the saddle lucky for you the saddle has a curved back stop to keep you from sliding right off the back of the horse.  Within two strides he brings you to full speed.  The reins in your left  hand guides him reins close to the running steer.  Your other hand has a job of its own swinging the

Joni, she has made her dally and is starting to turn the steer. 

loop and sending it at the base of the horns.  As soon as it clears them you pull back the slack trying to save time (fractions of seconds are critical)  by encircling only the horns and not the whole head.  The loop tightens on the protective gear under the steers horns, good but not done yet.  You take a couple of wraps around your saddle horn (dally) and turn your horse to the left to keep the steer moving and in position for your team member to do his job.   They have been running on the right side of the steer to keep it running straight while trying to match the rhythm of the steers rear legs with the loop he is swinging.  As soon as the header catches the steer and turns him his job is to time his throw so his loop goes under the two rear legs while in the air.  Then a quick pull to take up the slack and a loop around both rear legs, (catch only one and get a five second penalty.  Miss both and apologize to your partner.  The judges flag drops and you hear your time announced.  Talk about multitasking.   Seems like that took some time didn't it?    If you can do it on an average of 6 seconds you might be a champion.

Gary (that's why we had trouble finding him today, no white hat)  and Joni!

      Certainly seems like a mans sport doesn't it?   Lets watch the next team.  And there she is blond hair flying in the wind, makes a perfect catch, turns the steer for the heeler and turns in a good time.  Guess I better back off of that man talk.  Gary brought her over to introduce us, Joni, mother to five lived on a dairy farm all her life and a team roping competitor.   She had noticed Michelle's bandanna and before her next round she rode over by Michelle's Harley to look at her stock,   Michelle says she always feels like she's doing a drug deal when she opens the trunk to make a sale, I'm sure this was the first time the customer was horseback.  It was great to meet you Joni, keep riding fast and safe!

Barb, hitting on one of the street people.  Is
Ruthie is planning an intervention?

     We took our guests on a little tour of our adopted town and had a bite to eat.  They left early to try and beat the Phoenix valley traffic, they didn't.
     Back at our "stable home" we were excited about this evening,  Gary had invited us over for a get together and BBQ chicken.  Sounds like fun.   Ruthie and Michelle made a dish to pass and some deviled eggs (usually a hit at any party).  We lived the closest however several people had already arrived.   From eaves dropping on the conversations you would have thought we were sitting around the dinner table on a working ranch, discussing the days activities.  "stripper chute, barrier , header, heeler, one leg, 27 flat on four head, dally, heeler run up on the steer,  header, don't babysit me!  pull that steer around. , now don't run off with him.  start with a 3 or theirs going to be a

 wreck, tie down roping, NFR,  If we hadn't have already had some exposure you might have thought you were overhearing a foreign language.  what was that “Will” said no one is more ignorant than when you get a person off the subject he was educated in.  I feel I know him well enough that I can paraphrase him now.  Rough ranchers and cow hands?  No,  back home these are successful people in "normal" occupations comptroller, machinist, pharmacist, accountants and business entrepreneurs.  When they arrive in Wickenburg they are team roping competitors, like neighbor Bob said, its a disease from which there is no known cure.  Who knows, if I had found this sport earlier and not had the nightmares from my close encounter with the milk cow?  One of the guests said he didn't start until he was 58, maybe its not to late. 

"Anyone seen any chicken?

     We should discuss Gary's get together, we were invited for BBQ chicken right, some time had passed by now people wee visiting and getting to know one another.   Met more roper's, more roping knowledge, still no chicken,  moved out by the fire pit, the fire felt good the desert cools off pretty fast when the sun goes down, good times, don't see the grill going yet, maybe I should check what's going on inside, no chicken, Did Gary forget what he invited us for?  He doesn't seem concerned.  Now there are some of the group around the kitchen island, must be getting the chicken ready, wrong, some are cutting up vegetables and putting them in a big kettle.  Ruthie is pulling meat off a carcass, doesn't look like a chicken to me.

Practical South West Decorating tips.



Choices!

 A turkey?  Gary is reading from a sheet, he seems to be organizing this little cooking show, looks like we are having turkey vegetable soup.   He is a master at organizing, I'm still not sure if he had a plan or just adjusts to the situation and gets the group involved in the evening.  Pretty soon the grill was going and I think it was Ruthie turning the chicken, he has a knack for getting people involved, "have you ever? Or can you run a grill? Or are you any good at? ". And pretty soon your involved.  The extra time and involvement gave you time to really get to know one another.  It seemed like I spent a lot of time visiting with Ben an impressive rancher/businessman from Montana.  He was staying with Gary while looking for some property in the area.   Owning a business


How about a new rope for Chrismas?

with five locations and 85 employees I was curious how he had gained his success,  it seems his mother a German war bride,  between the war and depression had seen devastation and hard times encouraged him to get a job when he was 12, cutting lawns at first by the time he was 14 was working at a Rexall pharmacy. (Ruthie worked at Ted Meyers Rexall drug in Winona MN when we started out.)  By the time he was 16 his mother expected him to choose a career path, write it down and sign it.   Writing it down, signing it,  was that the key?  I don't know, it was definitely the start, from that point his education and career path was set.  Never afraid of work, a will to succeed or the fear of failure.  Either way the end result was building a business doing $600,000 a year to over twelve million.  A satisfying evening, good food, great people and some life lessons for my grandchildren can't wait till tomorrow.  

Stir, take a sip, stir sip stir, add some to batter.
   I may have discovered why the pancakes were so thick!

     We were invited over to Gary's for beer batter pancakes.  Can't wait!  Ruthie said she was heading over early to help with the bacon, guess he's at it again.   They were great, thicker than I remember but great tasting.  Adjust for grandchildren
    A stop to see a chili cook off at a local bar/restaurant Michelle and I were chosen as judges.  I feel I should apologize to the participants somewhere between the rule session and the judging I got confused and was thinking that "1" was the best.  If they would have used Bo Derrick as an example I think I could have remembered that "10" is best.  Meanwhile inside Ruthie was making some friends over some Margarita's.   Evidently too many because when the storm clouds rolled in with some hail her new friend Karen started screaming "Vern get in her you'll get killed" not sure if she has ever seen hail before or it was just the margaritas talking, "get in here that hail will kill you.". Always an adventure.   Better leave before they check the score cards. 
     A stop at a hardware store to modify a bushing to fix our shifter problem. ( Wish neighbor Wes the machinist was here, he would make us some brass ones that would last forever.  These nylon ones will have to work till we get home.).  Seems to be working well. 
     Fortunately we were on hand for Wickenburg's Christmas light parade.  What a town.  We seen Jack the greeter a couple of more times, he seemed to be everywhere and checked out his home in the hills.  

Does this stiool make my butt look big?

    One last ride before we headed home for Christmas west to coyote flats and a little Bar/restaurant/local hang out.   It was 59 degrees outside and probably over 75 inside.  A small older weathered lady was mopping the floor over coat, some sort of snow boot, and hat with ear flaps.  "I hate winter" she wouldn't last a minute up north.  When we left she was playing a game of pool in the bar area. 
Dec 15  we all rode to Apache junction to prepare for trip home for Christmas.  If the rest of our winter trip is as memorable as our time with Gary in Wickenburg this is going to be an awesome winter trip.

112 The Shrine

12/8/2014   Michelle had drove up yesterday from the valley with some good news.  She had signed up another Harley dealership in Chandler, met new riding friends and with them was offered a place to live in the Cave Creek area at a reasonable price.  She was going to stay with us at the stable until our Christmas trip back home and then relocate to the new digs.   Earlier in our stay we had loaded up to explore the Prescott area.  Gary had asked us our plans and warned against it telling us because of the elevation there to wait for warmer weather.  Checking the weather forecast this looks like the best day.  Fifty nine degrees by noon we can live with that and my research of the area had turned up an interesting site on the way.   Little did I know what lay before us?   Of course I usually don’t, just a vague idea,  a direction or destination get on the trike, keep our options open and we usually see or do something to remember.  Heck, just riding in the sun is a treat for us. 
The stop would give Prescott the time to warm up while we made our way up the mountain.

  We headed north on Vulture Mine road until it T'ed at # 93 turning west we rode a few miles to # 89, a right turn and we were on our way thru Peebles valley and up Yarnell hill.  The road was wonderful, lots of curves and scenic views.  Sometimes things catch Ruthie and my interest that I'm sure normal people don't pay any attention to.  Like the welded pipe fence along the highway, we think of the work of setting the pipe in alignment, positioning the cross prices in place while they are welded and then primed and painted.   This one went on for such a distance we just


Jesus fell the second time.

had to check it out.   Five miles, must be quite a ranch.  Yarnell was a very small town and on the way in I seen a sign  or something that made me think they were rebuilding.  I made a mental note to ask what that was about.  The signage to the Shrine was small with no warning and we drove past it.  When we turned around we seen a small general store and stopped for some hot drinks.   It was everything you would expect a general store to be and more.  Coffee, flavored coffee, hot drinks, cold drinks, biscotti, convenience store items, a few hardware items, a cozy sitting area complete with a small electric fireplace and then (check out the name) in the back room you can get your hair styled.   The clerk responded to my question about the rebuilding that their had been a large fire that destroyed some of the houses, also that their was a memorial on the corner to the shine for some fire fighters that had been killed.  The full meaning of her statement did not set in yet. 

    We left and returned to the turn for the shrine noting the make shift memorial in the empty lot on the corner, we would check it out after the shrine.   A few blocks down a  crooked black top road was the Shrine of ST Joseph of the mountains, because of the insignificant signage and the number of people that didn't know about it when asked I didn't expect much.   I was wrong in a big way.   In 1939 it was a group of Catholics from Phoenix that commissioned Félix Lucero a native American to create the fourteen stations of the cross here.  His is a inspiring story of its own,  Drafted into fighting in World War, wounded he was left for dead on a field in  France lying amongst the dead and dying.  He prayed that if God would spare his life he would devote it to creating statues of Christ where ever his life took him.  I think God made a good deal, the untrained, homeless artist to be lived under a bridge in Tucson doing as he had promised.  Forming statues close to his cardboard shelter from materials he found he created "The Garden of Gethsemane" which soon drew attention to his talents.   As soon as we stopped at the base of Weaver mountain we could see some of the stark white life size statues of Christ.   There was a sign explaining what we were about to view and telling about the shrine buildings that had been lost in the fire.  I still had no idea of the magnitude of the fire as we ride in this area and look at the terrain you just don't realize there is enough vegetation to support a fire.  The shrine started at the base with a depiction of Jesus alone at the last supper.  There was a rocky path leading up the mountain, at different intervals there was a cross with a small plaque depicting the stations of the cross.  At the summit was a large statue of the crucifixion.  Leading down the other side was the entombment and resurrection.   It was a somber reflective stop as we followed the path and read the plaques.  The stark white figures against the in some place charred timbers they were mounted on and the back ground of the mountain still stick out in my mind.  Making it even more meaningful was the fact that my niece Yvonne was making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with her mother in law to walk where Jesus walked.  This is a note I received from her when asked about her experience.  There were so many inspiring places it is hard to narrow it down.  But going to Bethlehem to the birth place of Jesus, visiting the oldest church, the church of the nativity.  Walking the Via Dolorosa (the way of the cross) in Jerusalem was truly inspiring, ending at the very spot the cross was, and the tomb in which they laid Jesus in.  All the mountains, the mount of transfiguration, the mount of Beatitudes, the mount of temptation and from across the dead sea you could see Mt Nebo where Moses died.  Then there was the Jordan river and the Sea of Galilee.  Seriously I could go on and on, it was all just inspiring.  Thanks Yvonne!

    Driving back to the main road we stopped at the makeshift memorial on the corner.   The somber mood we left our last stop continued as the significance of the fire set in.  The Yarnell Hill fire was started by lightening on June 28th last year.  A special group of fire fighters was called to assist, the Granite Mountain Hotshots a division of the Prescott fire department.  I would compare them to the Navy seals of firefighting, special physical, mental and hardship enduring requirements to join the group.  The group of 20 hot shots went in as the town of  yarnell was being evacuated.  One of the elite fire fighters was positioned as a spotter while the remaining 19 moved into create fire lines trying to flank the fire.  The wind changed direction and speed so rapidly that the fire burn area went from 400 acres to 8,400 acres in two hours.  It was so intense that the 19 young men never had a chance.  There safety and escape route were cut off, they sent out a call for help deployed there fire

tents and were never heard from again.  The fire claimed 19 brave souls that day.   It was hard to read the make shift memorial that told about each of the young men.   One said he would rather die with his boots on rather than under his bed.   Families keep flowers by their pictures and with donations and time this place should be turned into a proper memorial.   Investigations and lawsuits are in

Michelle leading the way.

process against groups such as the forestry department, it seems that the main contention was the unavailability of a meteorologist and global positioning satellite information.  However in the end some things cannot be foreseen, that's why we call them accidents and brave people take risks to protect others. 
    Back on the road we need some miles to clear our heads, after all the purpose of this ride was to see Prescott.  And we did, the ride up was spectacular with sweeping curves, hair pin curves and breathtaking panoramic views.  We had a bite to eat in a little microbrewery walked the historic city square and headed home before darkness and the desert chill set in.    We will return again in the spring.
     I saved this picture for last and I will give credit to Michelle, even though we were there at the same time, took the picture from the same angle when we viewed hers it had the inspiring ray of light coming at the perfect angle (almost spelled that angel, maybe I should have.)

111 Who am I kidding!

Now here is a saddle!

    I don't know what I was thinking when I said I was going to do one more post on Wickenburg.  It seems like we crowded a lot of living in a few days in and around this little town.  I will let you know when we pull out of this little oasis.  I believe I have also made a discovery about myself.  Not being one for detailed conversation most of my life.  I now think when I write I channel Ruthie giving much more detail than I would in person.    By the way if she reads this I mean it as a compliment, she tells wonderful detailed very detailed stories complete with dates, times, hand gestures and GPS coordinates. (okay I'm exaggerating on one of the details.)
     We continued our tour of the little town window shopping, taking pictures and venturing into some to take a closer look.  The two custom saddle makers were favorites of mine.   We wandered past the theater named for the giant cactuses surrounding the area, The Saguaro theater was built in 1948 inactive for ten years in the seventies and now shows current movies for $5.00 admission.    A delicious lunch at the Rancho seven café provided a photo opportunity for us.  I'm sure it wouldn't mean much to others and many wouldn't have noticed the feed sack curtains separating the booths.  The one we sat at was from Pipestone Minnesota.  The decorating always adds to a dining experience and in here you felt comfortable at home.   Checking out the place further we found they had an open outdoor patio in back and a full bar.  A newspaper clipping on the wall caught my eye.  The headline read "A man walks into a bar" (sounds like a lead in to a joke) the story continued, and stayed for 68 years.  Uncle Wes as the community called him started 

Pipestone Minnesota, been there!

bartending in 1942 and 68 years later at the age of 90 he retired.   He was so admired by the little town when a new motel owner filed a complaint against him there was an emergency town meeting to exclude his peacocks from the noise ordinance.    Yup , I will return here someday especially after I seen they have one of those long bar shuffleboard games. (I wonder if they still make those or if they are all antiques?) 

Reminds me of the movie the electric horseman.

     During our stay we had the opportunity to eat a sandwich at Nana's sandwich shop and Anita's café, I'm going to stop here for two reasons.  I won't remember them all and you will think all we do is eat out.  My reason for starting in the first place.  Of all the people we asked our stock questions of, only one person wasn't infatuated with this little town.  Her reason was the restaurants.   We believe since she left Florida to move here with a new husband she was used to
large expensive ones.  We enjoyed them all including Screamers drive inn, Qorri's Italian and the Sizzling Wok where my female companions say they had the best meal ever!  There you have it. 
     December 4th and 5th Our plan was to ride to Apache Junction to Minnesota prairie neighbors Barb and Warren who had sold their winter home in Arkansas and relocated here.  I do hope her and Ruthie get along better here.  On our 2012 winter trip she had threatened to cut out
Ruthies tongue if she didn't stop bidding. (Evidently euchre can be a physical game)  Besides visiting our friends new digs we hoped to meet up with daughter Michelle heading to Arizona on her Harley coming from San Antonio Texas.   It was  misting when we left and the cycle was running poorly.  On the way we stopped at the headquarters of  "Gold Wing Road Riders Association"  I had put off paying our dues and our chapter leaders Joe and Janet had reminded me shortly before the trip.  I hadn't told them but knowing the headquarters was in Phoenix I thought we would stop in and see it.  Close to the interstate and easy to find I was curious if we had rode the furthest to pay our dues, not even close, "darn Canadians".   They were very nice to us gave us each a GWRRA tee shirt as a gift and took our picture in the lobby.  Didn't realize the piping on our coats was so reflective.   Evidently the cycles problem was the moisture as it had stopped raining and it ran perfect the rest of the day.  We had been keeping in contact with Michelle thru facebook and phone, it was nerve racking for her mother and I was trying to stay calm.  It seemed everything was against her, cold, rain, a rear tire she stopped to have repalced, shifter fell off and then a muffler not put on correctly after a tire change.   To many things for a three day trip, fortunately she is quite determined, we were all able to finally relax at Barb and Warrens.   The community in Apache Junction they live in has a spectacular view of Superstition mountain.  Our hosts showed us some of the local hangouts and of course we played some cards.


Superstition Mountain

      It was Saturday the sixth and we had a date for Swiss steak at the catholic church in Wickenburg.   Michelle was staying in the Phoenix valley area to ride with new and old friends. On the way home we stopped by Cave Creek to touch bases with Rick and Jane our friends from the restaurant.  We keep telling everyone not to invite us if you don't want us to stop by.  After their gracious invitation we thought the least we could do is let them know what we were doing.  It was like reuniting with old friends.  It was great to see them again, they were happy we had found lodging and a place for the rest of the trip.  One of the things that impressed me was when they showed us around their place in the desert, Rick waved his hand over the area and said "everything you see can hurt you" he explained that even the cactus plants that look like cotton are very painful.   We found this is true of much of the south west desert area.  We will try and stop here again.  
     We invited Gary to go along with us.  Like all of Wickenburg the Church was within a couple blocks of where we had met Jack on that first day.  Held in a building across the parking lot it looked as if this must be a popular function.   We sat in an covered outdoor patio with a fireplace in the corner.  The meal was wonderful and we found out that Jack our Wickenburg greeter was the cook for this event.  He sat and visited with us for awhile until duties called him elsewhere,  he told us to give him a call and he would show us his home in the desert.  Surprisingly to we Methodist they had a full bar ran on gratuities.  A beverage with the great meal, nothing wrong with that.  Fun night I think back and I believe Gary ended up paying for his "gift ticket" how did that happen?  

     Sunday there was a special treat in store for me, Gary was taking one of the resident horses out in the desert for a trail ride.  He asked if I wanted to ride along with him and a friend.  I jumped at the chance.  It had probably been over thirty years since I had rode just for pleasure.  Most of my riding has been in a training mode on either unbroken or horses with behavioral problems.    He asked me to get one of his roping horses out of the corral.  Bueno was very  extremely patient with me and I have to apologize for the way I mounted him.  Gary had raised the stirrups after looking at my legs.  Unfortunately for me and Bueno not near enough, 

One of the team roping trophies!

when I stood up in the left stirrup I could see there was still a lot of horse above me, I ended up climbing up similar to the way you would crawl over a obstacle wall.   Sorry Bueno!   Once in the saddle Gary adjusted my stirrups once more, now we are good.  We followed our leader from the stable yard across the road thru a gate, across the nearby school entry way along the highway to a padlocked gate.  Once Gary entered the secret combination (kind of made me wonder if we lost Gary if we would be locked in the desert forever?).   I was kind of glad there wasn't a rope on my saddle because my ride today would know exactly what to do if a steer or milk cow presented itself.  We soon left civilization winding up and down the sandy 

"You finally get up there"

dunes, Gary confirmed that everything out here would indeed hurt you as we guided our rides around scrubs brush and cactus.  I was impressed as our horses followed our intended path with no hesitation traversing rocks that I would not have sent horses at before today.  Gary said ranch horses are like this, a calm reliable ride that does what you suggest without hesitation or a fuss.  We rode for over an hour and I thought I had better take an Aleve or something as my legs were already starting to feel some tenderness.  Fortunately Gary was still with us for our exit from the desert,  I think I will remember this ride forever.  Thanks Gary!

110. Wickenburg Stable

Gary

     The next morning by the time we got ourselves outside Gary was feeding and tending to the resident horses.   Immediately we liked him, a warm friendly cowboy, he has to be a cowboy and a good one at that, he's wearing a white hat.    As he walked us over to meet our neighbors he told us about the area.   It seems that luck had brought us to the team roping capital of the world and people migrate here in the winter to participate,  there are at least 5 arenas within 12 miles and one right at the end of main street Wickenburg.   Our new neighbors were Bob and Marilyn and their two horses from Oregon, we started asking our stock questions.  "How long have you been coming here and how do you like the winters?"  they loved it and around 4 years I believe was the answer.  Our questions hopefully will help us find out if  this is the area for future winter trips.     

Lining up a putt or roping?

Gary made us feel welcome and talked about a get together or BBQ while we were here.  Today he was entertaining his son who was visiting, tonight they were going to see a hockey match before he returns to Reno.  We didn't wander far for a couple of days, I must have gotten a little run down on our cold trip down here,  a low grade fever and no energy, some rest and high doses of vitamins, by Monday I was feeling much better.

Definitely neighbor Bob ropin'

     One morning Gary and I were visiting about roping I asked if I could use one of his ropes to practice on the practice steer ( a bale of straw with horns, seemed harmless enough.) He asked if I roped?   I told him at times I have to rope the horses I'm training. Then I gave him a readers digest version of this story.  The only time I roped another animal from horse back I was young, not yet a  teenager.  Living in a rural area I spent many hours exploring the 80 acres of dense woods and pasture land on our family farm.  I'm sure many of my trips to the woods sent my mind to all sort of explorations and adventure.  On this occasion I was riding a very small quarter horse, so I feel confident that I was a cowboy on this adventure.  My saddle was a small western, single cinch and I carried a lariat fastened to the saddle horn (second mistake)  We had climbed a very steep hill probably scouting for buffalo, the hill covered with mature trees, brush, animal trails and rocks.  I came upon my fathers Holstein cows resting and enjoying the shade of the woods.  I can't recall my exact thoughts at that moment, let me see, I'm a cowboy, I'm on a horse, There's the steers (okay cows), why not.  I know I roped a big one, a full grown dairy cow probably because it was slow or resting.  You know sometimes you just don't think ahead

Michelle watched him practice one day says "he never misses."

to the next step.  As soon as that rope encircled its neck it was not slow or resting anymore.  It headed downhill dragging the cowboy and horse behind.  My pony had never been tied to a cow before, especially one that probably out weighed her.  Within a few steps the trailing duo were on the ground being drug through the brush.  I must have been thrown free when my horse went down or I probably wouldn't be writing this today.    Now you have a milk cow forging down the hill not bothering to go around brush, straight line down the hill, the rope around her neck tied to a saddle dragging a buckskin horse on its side and a somewhat slight cowboy chasing them thru the thickets.   It seemed like  I chased them for a long time thinking the worse for my precious horse (no concern for the cow, sorry.) however it was probably only a short distance the cow must have turned to follow a trail, at that point the rope went around a tree wedging the horse and saddle up against it.   I was able to get the rope off the cow, checked my horse over (I'm not sure if she ever forgave me.) and continued on my ride.   I never roped from horse back again and since we all survived felt it wasn't necessary to tell my father about the incident.  Gary gave me one of his old lariats to use, he must have figured I could use the practice. 

     For the next 21 days we were immersed in team roping,   Mornings we would wake up to see Gary, Bob and Marylyn or one of the other roper's trailering their horses from the stable to an event or practice.  We were out west and I was loving it.  Even the Laundromat had a life size picture of Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, John Wayne and a sign warning you not to wash your saddle blanket in the washers. 
     One morning Gary told us to jump in his truck.   A short drive down Wickenburg main street and we were at the downtown area.  Had I known more about the sport I would have realized how fortunate we were to be here on this day.  Besides the normal Wickenburg resident and visiting winter  roper's their were high caliber professionals using this event as practice for the National finals rodeo coming up in Las Vegas.  One of the teams was Jake Barnes and Junior Nigeria.  This is what I have learned about this team.  Their story is the stuff movies are made of.   Junior was born in Brazil learning to rope from his father. With a dream of someday roping in the United States.  That dream came true when he came over for a visit in 2013 with $500 in his pocket and no rope.  He met one of his roping idols seven time world team roping champion and member of the pro rodeo hall of fame, Jack Barnes.  Barns came out of retirement to team with Junior and in this Juniors rookie year they are heading for the National Finals Rodeo.  Quite a feat, kind of like starting a new football team and competing in the super bowl the first year.    It was a great morning and thanks to Gary's patience we learned much about team roping that day. 
     After a few days I checked my Craigslist ad and found out all the posts had been deleted,  trying to figure out what was wrong I reloaded one in Phoenix with out the blog address on it.  That must have been the problem because that night I got an inquiry from a Jaime in Glendale.  We took a ride down to check out the situation.  We will call them the mystery horses.   Jaime and her husband Ted had purchased them many months prior with the understanding that the seller would not only train the horses to ride, and also the new owners to ride and care for the horses.  Unfortunately after the money changed hands, the seller disappeared.  This was a match made in heaven.  We were given the choice of staying in their home or a motorhome parked on their property.  This looks to be a fortunate meeting for all of us.  We made arrangements to return after our Christmas trip back home, move in and train both horses and riders.  This should be a more stable winter trip for us, we will have a base to return to as we do short trips out to explore the south west.
     December 1st,  Back in Wickenburg we decided to check out the downtown area.  We parked  across from our stopping point on the very first day.  I found out my "homeless" man was one of several statues located around town with audio telling the history of this unique village.  This one was representing the "jail tree" , they used to chain prisoners to it until they sobered up or did their time.   Ruthie found it quite humorous when I confessed that I thought it was a homeless man sitting by the tree.  I'm not going to mention any names however I know at last one other fella from Minnesota thought he was real. This is what our friend Randy would refer to as a "walk about town" lots of things to see do and visit within a few blocks.  We visited the Desert Caballero Western museum, besides having a very complete western art and bronze collection it gave a glimpse not only into the founding of Wickenburg but this area of the southwest came to life.  In the lower area they had recreated how the original town would have looked.  Henry Wickenburg immigrated from Prussia (interesting to me because that's where I've been told my ancestors came from. ).  Many legends about his past and how he came to this area however the one thing we know is he discovered the Vulture mine which was one of the richest mines every found.  Unfortunately he sold it before its true value was known.  He still went on to be quite successful with an orchard on his ranch.    A dam had been built upstream on the Hassayampa river  to provide water for placer mining and crop irrigation.   It was built out of rocks strategically placed, their were two flaws with this dam the amount of rocks used in the dam area and the spillway was to small.    In 1890 It rained for 3 days up steam because of the 

"Thanks for the rain"

small spillway water started flowing over the dam.  The story goes that they sent a blacksmith as a courier to warn the residents below.   He got as far as the local saloon and never made it any further.   When the Damn broke at two am on February 21st it was the most water every released from a dam.    In the box canyon the water was 80 feet high and even 30 miles downstream in Wickenburg it was 40 feet high.  Somewhere between seventy to 100 people perished that day. (who says alcohol wont kill you.)  Can you imagine seeing a hearing a wall of water coming toward you and your loved ones?  Mr Wickenburg's orchard was destroyed as was much of the area's rich topsoil washed away.  He and others filed a lawsuit against the owners of the dam, no claims were ever paid and in 1905 he used his colt revolver to end his life.    The Walnut grove dam disaster is still known as Arizona's worst disaster.   One of the features that made this museum so interesting was the live narration you carried with you, it told you in as much detail as you desired at each exhibit.  One of the displays that caught Ruthies eye was in the days before indoor bathrooms it was the child's duty to empty the chamber pot each morning, she said her and sister Bonnie used to carry the chamber pot and cover up to their great grandmothers room, as a reward they each received a cherry hump candy.  Strange the things you remember.  The display also mentioned that little boys were in dresses until their 5th birthday when they got pants.  The bedroom also showed a bed frame with ropes woven thru the frame, it was common practice to tighten the ropes on the bed, hence the phrase sleep tight.   They placed the four bed posts in cans filled with water to keep insects out.  One of the things that always irritates me is the no photographs rule in museums.   As a result I will mention two displays that caught my eye that I wish I could share a photograph of, the first is Kim Obrzut's Hopi art the sculptures lines are flowing and comforting I looked at them for some time.   The other is a bronze by Arizonian artist Bill Nebeker entitled "If Horses could talk".   While there were many famous bronzes depicting the old west on display.   This one incorporates a little humor.  It shows a cowboy sitting on a rock ledge using binoculars to scan the horizon for his prey.  Behind him his  horse is peering over the other side of the rock ledge watching as the prized game sneaks away.  Look them up I think you will enjoy them.    I decided there was so much to see and do in Wickenburg that I will do another post while here. 



Neighbors Marylyn, Bob and Palomino watching Gary do a turn.

109 Stable Home

Nov 28th Friday,  We were pretty excited about today.  We had been on the road for a week arrived
in Arizona and perhaps hours from a resting place.  We had placed the call to Craigslist Gary to check on lodging. The price seemed reasonable and he sounds on the up and up.   It is a fifth wheel trailer home at a stable in Wickenburg.  Checking the weather there it seems like we will like it.  He said he was going to be at a roping event giving us the address for both the event and the trailer location. 

Probably the last group leaving phoenix.

The happy couple in Arizona sunshine.

     Always a crapshoot about dealings on the internet we were anxious to check out Wickenburg and the trailer.  Leaving Flagstaff  traveling going south on #17 we knew we would be dropping several thousand feet on the way with hopefully a warming trend.  It wasn't long before we seen a sign warning us to check our brakes due to a 18 mile downgrade at 5% or greater, it seemed to warm up  a degree or two every 1000 feet of elevation.  The views from the road were spectacular.   Pictures just can not due the panoramic view justice.  Several times we commented we were happy we were headed the way we were as the north bound  side of the highway was very crowded.  After a while it became jammed with traffic crawling up the mountain.  We thought there must not be anyone left in Phoenix and very happy we did not have to find lodging in Flagstaff tonight.  We were feeling pretty good, there is something comforting about the sun warming your body, I think we are going to like Arizona, on our last two winter rides it had taken us weeks before we felt this warm.  At a scenic pull off  a couple from Palm Springs CA said to check it out and took our picture.  I should point out our (as Bandana's says) snazzy matching jackets.  We have to give credit to Ruthies sister Donna and Curt, our trike riding relatives for finding these on sale at Trimbles in Austin.  For some time we have wanted new jackets and I especially was looking for a mesh one to protect from the sun while allowing air to flow thru, in addition these had a zip out thermal and rain liner.  An added bonus if we are separated in a crowd "I know exactly who your looking for!"   Reaching the valley floor we cut west on #74 hoping we could catch Gary at the roping event.  Unfortunately we were down on gas and had already tapped into our reserve gas tank and not knowing how civilized an area we were headed for we decided we should fill with gas before heading up Wickenburg way.  It took us out of the way and a phone call from Gary told us he was finished at our intended meeting point and was going on to a friends for roping practice.   "go ahead to the trailer and I will meet you there later."  He mentioned he had set out a couple of lawn chairs for us, seemed friendly enough I thought.  When we arrived in Wickenburg we found we could have made it on gas, it is a town of approximately 3000 people, many more in the winter months.   We had already made a bad impression in Amarillo pulling in with dirt and grime from six states on our little rig.  Now with two more states added to it we didn't want to do that again.   As luck would have it we pulled into a gas station at the very center of town to inquiry about a hand operated car wash.  (Ruthie gets pretty cranky if I ask her to pull it through a automatic car wash.)  I just got off to inquire inside about the

Map and notes, must be planning a trip.

car wash when we met Jack, evidently the Wickenburg greeter.  He asked about the trike and camper, told us where to find the car wash, bragged about Wickenburg and how we were going to love it here.  While he was extorting the virtues of this wonderful oasis we were lucky enough to land in I noticed what looked like a homeless man sitting under a tree behind Jack, not wanting to make eye contact I diverted by eyes but in that instant it looked like some people were over by him.  None of my business, we will get back to this later but it seemed to contradict Jacks description of this little town.   Jack continued, he lived six months in Wickenburg and six months in his home in Michigan.  He asked what our plans were and how long we would be in town.   We told him we were heading to Wickenburg stables to check out a place to live.  "Well if you stay you should come to the Swiss steak feed my church is having on Dec 6th."  We told him it sounded interesting thinking it would be a way to meet more people and learn about the area.   Exchanging cards we promised to contact him if we stayed and wanted tickets.  What a promoter of Wickenburg, and all from a chance meeting, wonder if we will see him again?  

.   A quick trike wash and we headed west about two miles and turned right on Vulture mine road.  Within a mile we seen Wickenburg Stables on the right, a few acres of round pens, exercise arenas and spacious box stalls made with 5 to 6 feet high welded pipe enclosures.  The stalls had shade structures to give the animals shelter from the sun, there was some smaller buildings that I figured must be for tack, a house, two fifth wheel trailer homes and several horse trailers parked as if for storage.  On a raised area there was a fifth wheel that looked occupied and down by the exercise arena with two lawn chairs (as Gary promised) and a carpet pad set up in front was what we figured was the one we were supposed to look at.  It looked inviting enough, the door was open so we went in to take a look.  We were greeted with a roomy kitchen, dining and living room area ( who needs separating walls) a slide out kept the seating area out of the way.  Nice, we could live here while we checked out the area.  I think we sat in the chairs enjoying the sunshine for a few minutes rather but rather  than wait we moved our things in.  Even today I can't remember if Gary had told us to check it out or make ourselves to home.  Maybe we are squatters?  None the less my resume now states I come from a stable home!  Well now to get a good nights sleep, tomorrow we meet Gary. 



Ruthie, ready for company

108 Give Thanks!

Had to put this in for Michelle's  friend Buck (Mr Aroo to me)

    It was Thanksgiving day 2014 and we had much to be thankful for.   We are reasonably healthy, a great family, friends and friends we haven't met yet.  We were flying down the road alternately between interstate 40 and historic route 66.  The trike is running well today, no warning lights for a while and I have learned to shift with my toe to avoid the second gear problems,  evidently something is amiss with the shifting linkage, by bypassing the heel toe shifter and driving it directly into gear with the shaft it seems to be doing well.  We don't know what are dinner will be today be it breakfast bars eaten while we ride or a small café at an exit.  It is going to be another great ride and we are "thankful".  

$23 better check the room.

     This morning our hotel clerk said it was 29 degrees, we are in no hurry, work on the blog some, pack slow and let the sun do its work.  We were told the weather might be nippy until we cross the continental divide, so there that's the goal today somewhere the other side of Grants NM.  When we pulled out it was up to 46.   Today we had no scheduled stops except perhaps a photo stop by the continental divide.   It climbed quickly though,  and was really quite comfortable thru the day. 

Historic property for sale.

     Not to long after noon Ruthie spotted a sign for an Iron Skillet.  We had eaten them on previous trips and knowing they cater to the truck drivers we would not have to settle for a sandwich today.   We did not split our meal today, real turkey (none of this canned stuff) dressing jellied cranberries, mashed potatoes and turkey gravy.   Wonderful, we were relaxing enjoying being warm and comfortable and our waitress stopped by and asked if we were ready for our pie.  Pumpkin pie for desert, maybe they have a room to rent and I will just take a nap.  Just teasing, suit up and back on the trike.
     Darn it!  We missed it.   Bill and Betty had showed us their pictures of their speedometer and the surrounding area when their Gold Wing passed the 100,000 mile mark.  Kind of cool!  We wanted to do the same, doing some calculations we must have hit the magic mark somewhere between Laguna and Grants New Mexico.   We must have stopped for dinner to celebrate, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.  "mental note to be more aware when we go over 200,000"  

One small step for mankind?

     It seems that a lot of the real feel of the old road is portrayed in the many single story Mom and Pop motels in the  small towns we pass through.  Many are vacant and abandoned, with names like Palomino, the Sands, Sahara while others have been made into apartments,  some are still used for their intended purpose in varying degrees of quality.  The multilevel chain motels available at interstate 40's exit has taken its toll.
     Passing Grant we stayed on the alert for the continental divide, it was further than we anticipated, don't want to miss the exit as its always a long ways back.   We kind of expected the photo stop to be more significant, perhaps a rest area or a big brass plague making the spot.  I guess this faded old sign is all we get today.  Wonder if the water statement is true?    For some reason the freight trains out here seem to intrigue us.  They seem to stretch out for miles, many of them double Decker or with semi trailers on them.  Its hard to imagine the semi traffic we would be sharing this roadway with if they were not on the tracks.
     It was 63 degrees pulling into motel just before Gallup NM.  We should be in Flagstaff tomorrow even with our wandering ways.  Our future lodging had been on my mind for several days and now with an idea of arrival time in Arizona it was time to get serious about it.  Hotel costs would mean a pretty short trip if continued.   This evening I spent some time on Craigslist posting my "Will train horses in exchange for lodging ad" in several areas in Arizona and Southern California.  (my smart Alec sister-in-law suggested I just wear a sandwich board and stand on the street corner. Update: Ruthie reminded me that this could fit seven people, so I will narrow it down.  It was Donna! )  While I was on the computer I checked for lodging using trailers and mobile homes as a filter.  An interesting one showed up in Wickenburg Arizona, RV site on horse property and a fifth wheel to rent at a stables.  Sent off an inquiry with a few questions. 
     The next morning was a little brisk and knowing we were headed up to flagstaff we dressed a little warmer today, no sense being chilly when we have the extra clothes along.   It was going to be an easy day, no museums or side trips.  Just get to Arizona and find a place to live, we had chose Flagstaff as the point to drop off of Route 66 figuring we could pick it up in the spring sometime.  Assuming (I'm sure you've heard what that fateful word can do to you.) evening lodging would not be a problem in Flagstaff we pulled into a casino resort on the way.  Our thoughts were warmth, food, fun and maybe lodging.  First chore was to get the hotel to store our bulky coats and helmets so quests wouldn't think us from outer space.   Due to the timing the café only had a few customers.  I don't know who made eye contact first, I am going to say Ruthie.  The couple setting at the net table suggested we order quickly as they had been waiting for sometime.  And whatever you do don't order the French fries.   Pointing to the warmer at the kitchen entrance they mentioned that the fries sitting there had been under the heat lamp since they arrived.   Visiting with our table neighbors Rick and Jane we found out they were celebrating her birthday.  After they found out our agenda they told us they lived by Cave Creek AZ and said we could drop in and set up our camper beside there garage for a couple of days if we wanted to.   Nice people everywhere you go.  We exchanged information and promised to keep in touch.  Wonder if we will see them again or if they will remember this encounter.
Yup, had do check as we left the café, there they were, I wonder how long you can keep fries warm?  We split the chicken pot pie in a pastry, I would recommend that but whatever you do, "don't order the fries".   The hotel here was a little spendy so Flagstaff it will be.  Checking several motels we found they were booked for the evening, seems there was a polar express and Christmas light shows  going on bringing droves of people to stay for the weekend.   We finally found one room on the South edge of town.   There was a message from the horse property camper with a phone number, things are looking up.   Tomorrow we will call Gary.   
       Here is our path to Flagstaff.          Click to display Map