The last story about a trek through the mountains around Prescott, Arizona was followed by TERRY COTHRAN's tale about his recent ride through that same area:"I enjoyed the story about Matthew on his trip out here to Prescott.. I think he discovered what the natives here already know, which is, the weather can alter your plans very quickly.
I told you that I bought a new 2008 Harley-Davidson Super Glide Custom. One of my favorite things to do is ride over the Mingus Mountains to the old mining town of Jerome to have breakfast on Sunday mornings. It is about a 65 mile round trip over there from my house here in Prescott. The problem is, it can be beautiful and sunny here at home and by the time I get to the top of Mingus Mountain, the weather can change dramatically.
Last Wednesday my neighbor (Richard) and I decided to take a ride on our Harleys. We have been having thunderstorms almost everyday for the past 2 weeks. Wednesday was beautiful with blue skies and sunshine. So we mounted up and took off toward Interstate 17 which goes to Phoenix. As we neared the Interstate about 40 miles from home, we could see that there were dark clouds, looking south toward Phoenix. So, we headed north toward Flagstaff on Interstate 17 instead. Along the way we made the decision to go west on state Route 179 to Sedona where we would pick up 89A to Jerome (for lunch ) and then back home on 89A over Mingus Mountain. It was beautiful and sunny in the little town of Jerome, which is now supported by tourism as an Arizona historical attraction. Even during the week it is overrun by tourists who want to see the little town built on the side of a mountain. We had lunch at the Haunted Hamburger Restaurant (that's another story). We had to wait for a while to sit down because the place was filled with tourists. It was over an hour before we finished our lunch.
It was warm in Jerome that day, about 102 degrees. We went out to where our motorcycles were parked and put our riding gear back on. I never ride without a helmet or protective glasses or gloves, although a helmet is not required by Arizona law. The seats of our bikes were so hot we couldn't sit on them without cooling them first. Anyway, we started home, going west on 89A over the mountain. The summit of Mingus Mountain is about 7,000 feet with lots of native Ponderosa pines. As we neared the top over the winding hairpin turns I could feel the air getting much cooler, almost too cold for a short sleeve shirt. I noticed something else, dark clouds overhead, then the lightning started.
It was warm in Jerome that day, about 102 degrees. We went out to where our motorcycles were parked and put our riding gear back on. I never ride without a helmet or protective glasses or gloves, although a helmet is not required by Arizona law. The seats of our bikes were so hot we couldn't sit on them without cooling them first. Anyway, we started home, going west on 89A over the mountain. The summit of Mingus Mountain is about 7,000 feet with lots of native Ponderosa pines. As we neared the top over the winding hairpin turns I could feel the air getting much cooler, almost too cold for a short sleeve shirt. I noticed something else, dark clouds overhead, then the lightning started.
I don't like to ride in the rain, it just doesn't work well for two wheels. I have done it many times, but I don't like it. I told my neighbor, Richard, "let's make a run for it, maybe we can get home before it starts to rain". We headed down the mountain and as we got closer to Prescott Valley, I could see the dark clouds had formed overhead there as well. As I made it home and pulled into the garage, it started. I made it just in time. I'm very glad we didn't have to wait any longer for a seat at the Haunted Hamburger or we would have been drenched. Things happen fast and furious out here in the wild west, it's no place for sissies." ~ TER
From previous experience, I know about the "monsoon season" in Arizona. Everyone kept talking about it as though it would be something spectacular to see. I laughed like crazy when I witnessed my first monsoon rain. It came down suddenly and furiously. Just as suddenly, it stopped. It lasted only about 5 minutes. (I realize that all monsoon rains aren't over so quickly, and I would hate to be caught out in one on one of those treacherous mountain roads -- especially on a motorcycle!) No matter. We would gladly take any kind of rain here in Ballinger. It truly has been a long, hot, dry summer. Oh, yes, TER. About that "Haunted Hamburger Restaurant".....?
I spoke with ROSALYN URBANTKE HOELSCHER a couple of days ago. She was inquiring about IRENE PIEL BATTS, and giving me an update on her 11-year-old grandson who had surgery on his foot last week. (He's home now and doing well.) ROSALYN told me that tomorrow, August 1st, will be her 50th wedding anniversary. She and Nolan are going to celebrate with a big dinner and dance, that at last count had 80 people planning to attend! She promised to take lots of pictures and to share them with me for the blog.
Now for another photograph of the old homeplace of one of you. By chance, did you live here in your high school days? (Photo at left.)
The last one of the little green house at 401 Largent was the home that you, SHEILA GREGORY DANKWORTH, lived in. It more than likely was not painted green when you lived there. (Photo below.)
IRENE PIEL BATTS is still in a critical care recovery room. Her daughter made a fast trip to Ballinger yesterday to tend to some payroll business at her place of employment. She was to return early this morning, taking David with her so he could visit a while with IRENE. Right now they are primarily concerned with IRENE's overall health, and keeping any kind of infection at bay. She is very uncomfortable, as we all can imagine, so any distraction would be a blessing, I'm sure. Cards or letters welcome. Prayers ~ goes without saying!
DENNY HILL has been keeping me informed about the political climate in Europe this summer, among other things. I believe he is now on the last leg of his "working" vacation. He was taking a train to Poland on the 23rd, and after that it will be back to the U.S. in time for the start of school.
PAUL MOTA had his grandson visit him and his wife in San Angelo recently. One of the things this 11-year-old wished to do was to see the Paint Rock Hill Cross. Imagine! Ballinger may be a real tourist attraction. Now if only we could pry loose the ownership of the old Texas theater... renovate the old Runnels County Jail and put a museum in it... and.. Any suggestions?
I was musing with a friend recently. I often am like the little boy in the joke where he's given a shovel and is faced with a mountain of horse manure to dispose of. Asked why he was whistling and smiling while taking on this task, he replied, "There's gotta be a pony in there somewhere!" Well, I keep looking for the upside of the current economic climate, rising gas and energy prices, etc. My thinking is, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if these conditions cause people to drive less and less? What if we could get rail passenger service back? What if more businesses would reopen so we wouldn't be forced to shop at Wal-Mart and the Dollar Store, or travel to San Angelo or Abilene? Wouldn't it be nice to have a theater here in town to go to, at least on the weekends? Maybe a dinner theater?"
The friend promptly burst my bubble, by pointing out that Ballinger has lost so much of its population, that my dreams just are not financially feasible. They are only dreams. Or are they? Where's my pony?
Share the "Good Stuff" you've experienced lately with us!
Marilyn
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Editor's Note:From previous experience, I know about the "monsoon season" in Arizona. Everyone kept talking about it as though it would be something spectacular to see. I laughed like crazy when I witnessed my first monsoon rain. It came down suddenly and furiously. Just as suddenly, it stopped. It lasted only about 5 minutes. (I realize that all monsoon rains aren't over so quickly, and I would hate to be caught out in one on one of those treacherous mountain roads -- especially on a motorcycle!) No matter. We would gladly take any kind of rain here in Ballinger. It truly has been a long, hot, dry summer. Oh, yes, TER. About that "Haunted Hamburger Restaurant".....?
I spoke with ROSALYN URBANTKE HOELSCHER a couple of days ago. She was inquiring about IRENE PIEL BATTS, and giving me an update on her 11-year-old grandson who had surgery on his foot last week. (He's home now and doing well.) ROSALYN told me that tomorrow, August 1st, will be her 50th wedding anniversary. She and Nolan are going to celebrate with a big dinner and dance, that at last count had 80 people planning to attend! She promised to take lots of pictures and to share them with me for the blog.
Now for another photograph of the old homeplace of one of you. By chance, did you live here in your high school days? (Photo at left.)The last one of the little green house at 401 Largent was the home that you, SHEILA GREGORY DANKWORTH, lived in. It more than likely was not painted green when you lived there. (Photo below.)
IRENE PIEL BATTS is still in a critical care recovery room. Her daughter made a fast trip to Ballinger yesterday to tend to some payroll business at her place of employment. She was to return early this morning, taking David with her so he could visit a while with IRENE. Right now they are primarily concerned with IRENE's overall health, and keeping any kind of infection at bay. She is very uncomfortable, as we all can imagine, so any distraction would be a blessing, I'm sure. Cards or letters welcome. Prayers ~ goes without saying!
DENNY HILL has been keeping me informed about the political climate in Europe this summer, among other things. I believe he is now on the last leg of his "working" vacation. He was taking a train to Poland on the 23rd, and after that it will be back to the U.S. in time for the start of school.
PAUL MOTA had his grandson visit him and his wife in San Angelo recently. One of the things this 11-year-old wished to do was to see the Paint Rock Hill Cross. Imagine! Ballinger may be a real tourist attraction. Now if only we could pry loose the ownership of the old Texas theater... renovate the old Runnels County Jail and put a museum in it... and.. Any suggestions?
I was musing with a friend recently. I often am like the little boy in the joke where he's given a shovel and is faced with a mountain of horse manure to dispose of. Asked why he was whistling and smiling while taking on this task, he replied, "There's gotta be a pony in there somewhere!" Well, I keep looking for the upside of the current economic climate, rising gas and energy prices, etc. My thinking is, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if these conditions cause people to drive less and less? What if we could get rail passenger service back? What if more businesses would reopen so we wouldn't be forced to shop at Wal-Mart and the Dollar Store, or travel to San Angelo or Abilene? Wouldn't it be nice to have a theater here in town to go to, at least on the weekends? Maybe a dinner theater?"
The friend promptly burst my bubble, by pointing out that Ballinger has lost so much of its population, that my dreams just are not financially feasible. They are only dreams. Or are they? Where's my pony?
Share the "Good Stuff" you've experienced lately with us!
Marilyn
Lot's of good stuff in your latest blog update. Loved Ter's story--great writing skills, Terry!
ReplyDeleteThanks again, Marilyn, for all your efforts in behalf of us all.
June
Ter- I had dinner at the Haunted Hamburger, great place, great view.Excellent food as well. I had the rib eye.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the drive from 89A from Jerome to Prescott. 89 South from Prescott was really nice as well.
I kept wishing I had a bike to ride out there. Scenic, twisty roads are hard to come buy here in the Lone Star State. I'll rent a bike the next I'm there.