I'm sitting on the back patio, watching the dusk gather on Los Angeles. I put on a long-sleeve shirt when it dropped below 70f, and I'm sipping a Malbec. Today I went to Whole Foods and found some good bread and cheese, and they happened to have a wine section. Later I walked to a Farmer's Market that occurs every Wednesday, and found a seafood stand that had fresh flounder and calamari. A few minutes ago I made a aioli with egg yolk, olive oil, garlic and a chili from the garden bordering the backyard. The calamari is going to be flash-fried till crisp and tender. Then I'll watch Cal try to beat Texas. I've parked the truck and camper on a street where it looks out of place, cleaned out the fridge and turned off the gas.
I left South Texas over a week ago, spent Christmas in Bisbee at the great RV campground Double Adobe, then drove here in two days. My good friend L. has offered the hospitality of her house, and I am planning on staying here while she goes to Europe in a couple weeks for a month. It's a fine neighborhood, two blocks away a view of the Pacific is available, and walking distance from stores. The backyard has a lemon and fig tree, and a palm tree in the distance. The front yard has a pomegranate tree, and a green groomed lawn.
Here's the deal: I'm tired of life in my camper, as fun as it has been. I begin to understand why those RV-ers I've occasionally mocked with their satellite tv and sound systems have them. I'm not inclined that way, but I now understand it: there's nothing to do in RV campgrounds in the winter when it gets dark at 5:30pm. And, if it's nippy outside, one isn't inclined to go out at look at the stars. I've read in the evenings, listened to music, and watch movies on my dvd player. There is only so much of that I can do. I actually miss having to go out and shovel the snow, and walking around my house.
My stated goal for this trip was to see new places, avoid the snow, and perhaps do some fishing and meet new people. Mission accomplished on all counts. I actually have done more fishing than I had anticipated, the fishing was at times excellent in Port Mansfield. I met new people, some of whom I hope to continue to have contact with, and I saw places previously unseen.
I had thought I could find a place that was warm and had something to do, like fishing. I could simply hang out, read, and contemplate my navel at other times. I did that, for the most part; turns out finding a warm place in the winter is not that easy, unless you're willing to put up with south Florida. Even a mile from Mexico in south Arizona can get quite nippy. But, my capacity to simply hang out turns out to have limits. Mine was a couple months. And, the confining space of my camper eventually got to be a bit much.
So....I think I'll be here for a month or more longer, and eventually go home near the end of February, after a visit with my kids in the NW. The camper will stay on the truck through the fall, there's plenty of camping and fishing to be done this summer back in Montana. I miss Montana.
I'll probably post a few times while here, but this is the last post on this blog. I'm not on a Road Trip any more. It was fun, and instructive. But it's time for something else. My daughter Kate had some good advise for things I can do when home to better occupy myself. I also didn't care for being so far from my kids, and I want to be able to drive for a day and see them if I want or need arises.
So, thanks all for your support and comments.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
The Winter of My Discontent, or, It's Raining Again
Another rainy and semi-windy day. My neighbor and new-found-friend and I decided not to go fishing; tomorrow the forecast is somewhat better. So I sat, watched the rain, napped, listened to music and thought.
Why am I doing this trip, anyway? Contrary to what I've been telling anyone who asks, it's not just to avoid shoveling snow this winter. I think it is more out of boredom, or lack of purpose. Before I stopped working, I was busy; work had, up until the last couple years, occupied and interested me. Teaching, training, help develop new products, refine existing ones, on and on. I went from that to basically twiddling my thumbs. I thought my interests would occupy my time fine: fishing, travelling, seeing and doing things not done. Turns out they don't. And it ain't just today's weather.
I thought this trip would be just the thing: new places, warm weather, life on the road. I've tried travelling constantly, a day or two in one place, moving on. I've tried staying weeks in one place. Getting comfortable, meeting people, and now in this place fishing. Good fishing, actually. Neither have captured me; made me say this is fine, this is what I'll do. It's fine for a bit, but......even if it were possible for me to continue this on to the future, I'd choose something else.
So. In a week or less, the trip is reversing course. I'll fill you in as it happens.
Cheers
The Winter of My Discontent, or, It's Raining Again
Another rainy and semi-windy day. My neighbor and new-found-friend and I decided not to go fishing; tomorrow the forecast is somewhat better. So I sat, watched the rain, napped, listened to music and thought.
Why am I doing this trip, anyway? Contrary to what I've been telling anyone who asks, it's not just to avoid shoveling snow this winter. I think it is more out of boredom, or lack of purpose. Before I stopped working, I was busy; work had, up until the last couple years, occupied and interested me. Teaching, training, help develop new products, refine existing ones, on and on. I went from that to basically twiddling my thumbs. I thought my interests would occupy my time fine: fishing, travelling, seeing and doing things not done. Turns out they don't.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Another evening
Dusk comes on a cloudy, warm day here in the south Texas Gulf. I went fishing today, caught 3 speckled trout on my 6wt, it was fun. The biggest was around 20", and while it fought well, it was less spectacular than a similar rainbow. I didn't keep any, a bit tired of fish at this point. The fellow I went with has a nice boat, and is as committed a flyfisher as I've met. I listened for hours to him talk about how it has taken over his life (my interpretation). Curious, I asked how long he's fly fished, and he said 8 years. He asked me when I started, and when I said I thought it was in 1952, he didn't pursue the topic.
This evening is less windy, warm and cloudy. Deer again come around begging.
I didn't take any picture out on the gulf. In truth, I was less than happy to be fishing today. This fellow was kind enough to invite me, he's starved for conversation with other 'fly fishing folk', I didn't think it appropriate to tell him that I was tired of this cult-like attitude towards fly fishing. I smiled, only occasionally saying when he mentioned fishing on a river on such and such a place that I'd fished there in the 70's when it was good.
So, I'm still enjoying being here. One takes it all, and picks and chooses, eh?
For those still commenting on the previous post, that's where I'm continuing the conversion, in the comments section.
Cheers
This evening is less windy, warm and cloudy. Deer again come around begging.
I didn't take any picture out on the gulf. In truth, I was less than happy to be fishing today. This fellow was kind enough to invite me, he's starved for conversation with other 'fly fishing folk', I didn't think it appropriate to tell him that I was tired of this cult-like attitude towards fly fishing. I smiled, only occasionally saying when he mentioned fishing on a river on such and such a place that I'd fished there in the 70's when it was good.
So, I'm still enjoying being here. One takes it all, and picks and chooses, eh?
For those still commenting on the previous post, that's where I'm continuing the conversion, in the comments section.
Cheers
Sunday, December 11, 2011
The things we dont' talk, or blog about
So, in my idle time here in the south gulf, I've been thinking. In these blogs I read, yours mostly, and you know what I'm talking about, yes, I mean you. There are subjects, issues not discussed. We discuss the easy things, the weather, the good food we're having, or the personal difficulties we have, sometimes. There are some larger issues out there, that are only tangentially discussed. I have a proposal: let's talk about them. Anonymous, if need be. You can all figure out how to post anonymous comments, it's easy.
So, let's make a list:
Immigration
Let's discuss border policy, the number of hispanics coming into the US, what that effect will be. Let's discuss the opening or closing of the borders and immigration, from other countries. What if the demographics in the US shift, to a majority of the population being non-white? Is that bad? Like to hear your thoughts.
The role of government
What is it? What should it be? Is the government too intrusive, and control too high? Do we pay too much taxes? If so, what is to be cut? Are schools and roads and health the province of the individuals, and if so, how do they pay, and how much? Was Roosevelt wrong when he instituted the New Deal? Are we willing to pay, through taxes, for the roads, infrastructure, schools and poor? What about the seniors....is ss something you working people will continue to fund even though you may not get any? Clearly, we have economic limitations to what we can do, with our current taxation. Look at Europe's taxation....are you willing to do that, to continue with something like our present system? If not, what are you going to do with the poor and seniors who cannot support themselves, through whatever circumstances? Do you think that 'get a job' is enough incentive?
Health Care
Should every American be responsible for the cost of health care he needs? Should a smoker have to pay, up front, for every lung function test? Someone who ate red meat pay out of pocket for each bypass or stint? Should they have to have health insurance, of some support? Should someone with a genetic disposed disease, such as alpha-one-antitrypsin deficient be required to pay for their lung care? Should alcoholics be made to pay up front for alcohol-related problems? Drug addicts? How about pregnancy, that's a choice, or isn't it? Birth control?
Our Education System
By every measure, we are falling behind the world. Math and Science in particular. We encourage video games, watching television, going to the mall, all instead of studying. The rate of descent is remarkable. What is to be done, if anything? We rely on the television, and other similar things as parenting tools. Does this play a role? Few American high schooled could go to Europe, Japan or China and work at the levels their peers are at in science. Is this a concern, or are all our kids going to McDonalds?
These are only a few of topics, but enough for this. I'm not asking for answers, just to see if anyone is interested. You and your generations are going to have to deal with this, and I'll be gone before any solution is found. If there are solutions.
One final note. Like my generation, yours might think that it cannot happen to us, it's too far off. I leave you with T. S. Elliot's famous line:
Cheers,
So, let's make a list:
Immigration
Let's discuss border policy, the number of hispanics coming into the US, what that effect will be. Let's discuss the opening or closing of the borders and immigration, from other countries. What if the demographics in the US shift, to a majority of the population being non-white? Is that bad? Like to hear your thoughts.
The role of government
What is it? What should it be? Is the government too intrusive, and control too high? Do we pay too much taxes? If so, what is to be cut? Are schools and roads and health the province of the individuals, and if so, how do they pay, and how much? Was Roosevelt wrong when he instituted the New Deal? Are we willing to pay, through taxes, for the roads, infrastructure, schools and poor? What about the seniors....is ss something you working people will continue to fund even though you may not get any? Clearly, we have economic limitations to what we can do, with our current taxation. Look at Europe's taxation....are you willing to do that, to continue with something like our present system? If not, what are you going to do with the poor and seniors who cannot support themselves, through whatever circumstances? Do you think that 'get a job' is enough incentive?
Health Care
Should every American be responsible for the cost of health care he needs? Should a smoker have to pay, up front, for every lung function test? Someone who ate red meat pay out of pocket for each bypass or stint? Should they have to have health insurance, of some support? Should someone with a genetic disposed disease, such as alpha-one-antitrypsin deficient be required to pay for their lung care? Should alcoholics be made to pay up front for alcohol-related problems? Drug addicts? How about pregnancy, that's a choice, or isn't it? Birth control?
Our Education System
By every measure, we are falling behind the world. Math and Science in particular. We encourage video games, watching television, going to the mall, all instead of studying. The rate of descent is remarkable. What is to be done, if anything? We rely on the television, and other similar things as parenting tools. Does this play a role? Few American high schooled could go to Europe, Japan or China and work at the levels their peers are at in science. Is this a concern, or are all our kids going to McDonalds?
These are only a few of topics, but enough for this. I'm not asking for answers, just to see if anyone is interested. You and your generations are going to have to deal with this, and I'll be gone before any solution is found. If there are solutions.
One final note. Like my generation, yours might think that it cannot happen to us, it's too far off. I leave you with T. S. Elliot's famous line:
This is the way the world ends Not with a bang but a whimper.
Cheers,
The things we dont' talk, or blog about
So, in my idle time here in the south gulf, I've been thinking. In these blogs, and you know what I'm talking about, yes, I mean you. There are subjects, issues not discussed. I have a proposal: let's talk about them. Mano
Friday, December 9, 2011
Texas Dinner (my version)
First, the weather. WhenThe I got here on Monday it was cloudy and quite cool by local standards, and a brisk wind. Today started off overcast, looking like rain even, then the clouds cleared mostly out and the sun came out. I changed to a short-sleeved shirt, it was 78f in the shade. Met a couple locals, got tips on fishing from the shore and where to go, found a place where my Onstar system could make calls and called Emily.
This evening I'm having tamales, pinto beans, and tortillas. I found a tamale joint in town yesterday, bought a dozen small pork tamales, and they were selling fresh tortillas they had just made. Some pinto beans, with some green chilies and garlic added, and that's dinner. The tamales have an aroma drift off that makes my nose weep. Literally. They seemed to be saturated with some red chili oil, that stains the fingers.
I'll start the beans soon, cook them down to let the green chiles and garlic absorb, steam the tamales and warm the tortillas.
The sunset here is around 5:30pm, get's dark quickly. Time to hunker down for another evening in south Texas. Wish y'all were here.
This evening I'm having tamales, pinto beans, and tortillas. I found a tamale joint in town yesterday, bought a dozen small pork tamales, and they were selling fresh tortillas they had just made. Some pinto beans, with some green chilies and garlic added, and that's dinner. The tamales have an aroma drift off that makes my nose weep. Literally. They seemed to be saturated with some red chili oil, that stains the fingers.
I'll start the beans soon, cook them down to let the green chiles and garlic absorb, steam the tamales and warm the tortillas.
The sunset here is around 5:30pm, get's dark quickly. Time to hunker down for another evening in south Texas. Wish y'all were here.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Fishing
You'd think with a nom de guerre like Should Fish More, I'd have more entries about fishing, wouldn't you? In fact, if you've followed either of my blogs, I rarely post about angling. In 60 years of fishing, I think I've either heard or said damn near everything there is to say. Every rhapsodical, philosophizing, complaining, bragging, this is better or more important than life it's self thing there is to say or write. At this point in my life, it's enough for me to say I enjoy it, and my time on the water. In fact, at times I've gone out to the Big Hole and simply sat and watched the water for a couple hours. Catching another couple trout after the 10's of thousands I've caught is not a priority. And while I rarely keep a fish, I've heard more than enough from those who think releasing every fish is a moral imperative, and is a pathway to good karma.
Hmmm, it appears I've digressed.
Hey, I went fishing today! My neighbors here at the camp have a boat, they invited me out with them this morning in the gulf, and I gladly accepted. Bill and Linda are both around my age, and from this part of the world. We went out for about 4 hours and roamed this part of the huge bay between the Texas mainland and Padre Island. I was very surprised at how shallow it is; at times we were zooming over long flats of less than a foot of water.
Some pictures:
Heading out of the harbor
Out in the bay
We fished in 4 or 5 different area's, depth ranging from around a foot to three feet deep. We used jigs, and I cast a spinning rod for the first time in years. It was fun, and I found that motor-muscle memory is true; by the third cast I was putting it out a hundred feet.
Oh yeah, almost forgot. We didn't catch a thing, not even a bite. It was so much fun to be out on the water, smelling the salt gulf that it was unimportant. Bill said it was unusual to not catch anything, and he wants company on more trips. I'm up for it. As a consolation prize they gave me some sea trout fillets from their last trip a couple days ago, so despite catching nothing, I'm having fresh fish tonight.
Cheers all,
Mike
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Port Mansfield, TX, BBQ and 'Tahta Salad
I decided to stay here a week. The sun is out today, first time since I've been in this state. And....wait for it....there's fishing here! Yep, sea trout, whatever they are, something called redfish...all catchable from shore. So tomorrow, a-fishing I go. All less than a mile from here. Another factor in my staying is a couple hundred yards down the road there's a BBQ place, that was closed until today. Sweet Gregory P's Smokehouse. I had breakfast there (fine eggs and bacon, nearly as good as the BS in Butte), and decided to get some takeout for dinner tonight.
At 4pm I went back, decided on brisket and ribs, with a side of potato salad. The brisket and ribs came, looked wonderful. Then the waitress put out the potato salad, in a styrofoam bowl, and I looked at it. The styrofoam bowl was as it should be, but it looked like mashed potatoes mixed with maybe some green onions and perhaps mustard. Ever the diplomat, I asked "What's this?" pointing at the bowl. "Tahta salad." she replied. Wanting clarification, I said "No it's not."
The two waitress' looked at each other. "What is it, then?" one asked, clearly wanting to engage in dialog. "Mashed potatoes." I said, helping further the exchange. They looked at each other. "Where you from?" the first rather pointedly asked. I wondered if this might be taking a wrong turn, somehow. "Montana." I replied civilly. More looks were exchanged between the two women. "A Yankee." the first said knowingly. To which the other replied "No, that's like from Canada."
At this point, Gregory came out from a back room. "Hells going on?" he asked, at least that's what I think he said, the local dialect is sometimes difficult to understand. The two waitress talked at the same time for a minute, Gregory seemed to take it in and looked at me. "Want a beer?" he asked.
I left a bit later, intact and with some excellent bbq. And the Tahta Salad ain't bad.
I never question the food in a restaurant, my girls can attest to that.
At 4pm I went back, decided on brisket and ribs, with a side of potato salad. The brisket and ribs came, looked wonderful. Then the waitress put out the potato salad, in a styrofoam bowl, and I looked at it. The styrofoam bowl was as it should be, but it looked like mashed potatoes mixed with maybe some green onions and perhaps mustard. Ever the diplomat, I asked "What's this?" pointing at the bowl. "Tahta salad." she replied. Wanting clarification, I said "No it's not."
The two waitress' looked at each other. "What is it, then?" one asked, clearly wanting to engage in dialog. "Mashed potatoes." I said, helping further the exchange. They looked at each other. "Where you from?" the first rather pointedly asked. I wondered if this might be taking a wrong turn, somehow. "Montana." I replied civilly. More looks were exchanged between the two women. "A Yankee." the first said knowingly. To which the other replied "No, that's like from Canada."
At this point, Gregory came out from a back room. "Hells going on?" he asked, at least that's what I think he said, the local dialect is sometimes difficult to understand. The two waitress talked at the same time for a minute, Gregory seemed to take it in and looked at me. "Want a beer?" he asked.
I left a bit later, intact and with some excellent bbq. And the Tahta Salad ain't bad.
I never question the food in a restaurant, my girls can attest to that.
Monday, December 5, 2011
3 days and 1000 miles
Port Mansfield, Texas. I've been on the road now since 1 October, and logged a lot of miles. My goal, for whatever reason, has been get to the Gulf of Mexico. Seemed right, somehow. Three days ago, with Montana-like conditions forecast for Bisbee, I decided to hit the road and outrun the cold front. Saturday I got to Van Horn Tx, and the next day to just north of Laredo. Today, I made the trip to here.
What had I expected? Not sure, but probably something along the line of laying on a beach, drinks with little umbrellas, stuff like that. What have I found? (Yes, it's still early in the trip, and I expect it'll change...)
Deer. Whitetail deer. Place is overrun with the buggers. The community of Port Mansfield (calling it a town is a stretch) is an area that was designated as an animal sanctuary, donated by one of the King family, of the King ranch clan. The picture was taken about 30 feet from my truck camper.
A couple pictures of the port, and gulf:
It's currently around 55f, which has the local's dismayed. Once I found this place in a book I called, and after a friendly chat in which I said "no, I can't repair dryers", the owner said I could stay for cheap, even though I can't repair household appliances.
I foraged in Raymondville on 77, and found fresh tortillas, local lettuce and avacados (huge, and 2 for a buck), and some decent looking fajita beef skirt steak. And a huge papaya for breakfast, with a couple limes to dress it.
My impression of Texas has not improved on the drive here; the many long miles on I10 were the same scenery, and intermittent rain. I've seen enough mesquite to last a lifetime. And mesa's, as neat as they may be. Perhaps the drive north from here, past Huston on the seaward side, will change my mind.
It's windy tonight, cool by local standards, and the weather looks iffy for the next few days. I may just wait it out here, and get Kate to help research my trip north.
What had I expected? Not sure, but probably something along the line of laying on a beach, drinks with little umbrellas, stuff like that. What have I found? (Yes, it's still early in the trip, and I expect it'll change...)
Deer. Whitetail deer. Place is overrun with the buggers. The community of Port Mansfield (calling it a town is a stretch) is an area that was designated as an animal sanctuary, donated by one of the King family, of the King ranch clan. The picture was taken about 30 feet from my truck camper.
A couple pictures of the port, and gulf:
It's currently around 55f, which has the local's dismayed. Once I found this place in a book I called, and after a friendly chat in which I said "no, I can't repair dryers", the owner said I could stay for cheap, even though I can't repair household appliances.
I foraged in Raymondville on 77, and found fresh tortillas, local lettuce and avacados (huge, and 2 for a buck), and some decent looking fajita beef skirt steak. And a huge papaya for breakfast, with a couple limes to dress it.
My impression of Texas has not improved on the drive here; the many long miles on I10 were the same scenery, and intermittent rain. I've seen enough mesquite to last a lifetime. And mesa's, as neat as they may be. Perhaps the drive north from here, past Huston on the seaward side, will change my mind.
It's windy tonight, cool by local standards, and the weather looks iffy for the next few days. I may just wait it out here, and get Kate to help research my trip north.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Art
There is an artist-in-residence of sorts here, a gentleman camped nearby, Glen Hanson. He's done many things in a wide-ranging life, and is currently creating bead art on tanned elk hide. He presented his latest to me yesterday, and we negotiated. It took him three weeks of 4 to 6 hour days, and is comprised of 13+ thousand beads. I was attracted to it because it reminds me of some Navajo and Hopi art I have.
It's now hanging on the back wall of the camper
At home, it should go well above a bowl I have made by Violet Huma
It's onward tomorrow morning, so I'll post again as may be.
Cheers all
It's now hanging on the back wall of the camper
At home, it should go well above a bowl I have made by Violet Huma
It's onward tomorrow morning, so I'll post again as may be.
Cheers all
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Wind
It's now been exactly 2 months since I left Butte. Seems like longer, and an age since I was in Seattle.
Today is my girls birthday, both born on 1 December, some years apart. Kate was less than thrilled to share her birthday for a couple hours, but they now refer to it as "our birthday". Great people, both of them, and the joys of my life.
It's windy, starting around 5 this morning. The camper is rocking like a ship in a storm. I've battened down any hatch I can, and am reading or surfing the web. Here's the Canadian camper across the road:
The skies are cloudless, but that's supposed to change by evening, and snow is forecast for tomorrow and Saturday. Not what I signed up for, it's what I'm trying to avoid this winter.
I'm thinking about heading over across New Mexico on Saturday, perhaps going as far as either Big Bend Nat'l Park, or even Laredo. It's the closest I can see where it's warmer.
My friend Glen came over this morning for coffee and to listen to MPR, and I plan to hole up for the rest of the day.
Cheers, all and sundry.
Today is my girls birthday, both born on 1 December, some years apart. Kate was less than thrilled to share her birthday for a couple hours, but they now refer to it as "our birthday". Great people, both of them, and the joys of my life.
It's windy, starting around 5 this morning. The camper is rocking like a ship in a storm. I've battened down any hatch I can, and am reading or surfing the web. Here's the Canadian camper across the road:
The skies are cloudless, but that's supposed to change by evening, and snow is forecast for tomorrow and Saturday. Not what I signed up for, it's what I'm trying to avoid this winter.
I'm thinking about heading over across New Mexico on Saturday, perhaps going as far as either Big Bend Nat'l Park, or even Laredo. It's the closest I can see where it's warmer.
My friend Glen came over this morning for coffee and to listen to MPR, and I plan to hole up for the rest of the day.
Cheers, all and sundry.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Slaughter Ranch, try 2
We'll see if it's faster tonight to upload pics.
A view to the southwest, the x shaped fence is the border
The remnants of a stone hut built to house troops here in 1916 or so, to defend us against the potential of Poncho Villa invading and taking over Philadelphia, or even Nantucket...
A old saddle, c. 1890 or so. Note the wood pommel.
Some pics from inside the ranch house, where the Slaughter family lived.
An anecdote from a biography of Frank Slaughter: Apparently in 1916, shortly after Poncho Villa's forces had moved to the area just below Mr. Slaughter's ranch, the US troops moved in and built encampments of a hill just south of the ranch house. Mr. Slaughter learned that Villa's forces were stealing his cattle and using them for food for his troops. Mr. Slaughter rode down the hill the half mile to Villa's camp alone, and demanded payment for his beef, and returned with 'saddlebags loaded with gold coin.'
Finally, on the way back to our RV campground, I stopped in Douglas at a city park where a Mexican taco truck had parked in the visits before.
This was my fourth time at this truck, at the first a Border Patrol Agent had told me the hot dogs were excellent, but I've never gotten beyond the shrimp tacos. Fresh gulf shrimp, crisp fried, fresh corn tortillas, and no bad cheese. My heavens, they are good. And they have some hot sauces I've not had, that only add to the experience. All at 2 bucks.
As a late uncle would have said: "Gotdam boy, these are good."
I'll be here to the weekend, and then I'm moving on. Really. And I mean it this time.
A view to the southwest, the x shaped fence is the border
The remnants of a stone hut built to house troops here in 1916 or so, to defend us against the potential of Poncho Villa invading and taking over Philadelphia, or even Nantucket...
A old saddle, c. 1890 or so. Note the wood pommel.
Some pics from inside the ranch house, where the Slaughter family lived.
An anecdote from a biography of Frank Slaughter: Apparently in 1916, shortly after Poncho Villa's forces had moved to the area just below Mr. Slaughter's ranch, the US troops moved in and built encampments of a hill just south of the ranch house. Mr. Slaughter learned that Villa's forces were stealing his cattle and using them for food for his troops. Mr. Slaughter rode down the hill the half mile to Villa's camp alone, and demanded payment for his beef, and returned with 'saddlebags loaded with gold coin.'
Finally, on the way back to our RV campground, I stopped in Douglas at a city park where a Mexican taco truck had parked in the visits before.
This was my fourth time at this truck, at the first a Border Patrol Agent had told me the hot dogs were excellent, but I've never gotten beyond the shrimp tacos. Fresh gulf shrimp, crisp fried, fresh corn tortillas, and no bad cheese. My heavens, they are good. And they have some hot sauces I've not had, that only add to the experience. All at 2 bucks.
As a late uncle would have said: "Gotdam boy, these are good."
I'll be here to the weekend, and then I'm moving on. Really. And I mean it this time.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Slaughter Ranch
I and my new friend Glen went to the Frank Slaughter ranch today, 15 miles east and south of Douglas AZ. It borders Mexico, the demarcation line being about 100 yards south of the ranch house.
Mr. Slaughter was at one time a confederate officer, a texas ranger, a ranch owner and sheriff of this area. His ranch was around 100,000 acres, and bridged the Mexico/US border.
The road to it is dirt and gravel for 15 miles, the vehicles we passed were all Border Patrol. The country around it is standard desert, no trees, mesquite bushes, and clay hardpacked sand. The ranch area is an oasis, many springs, and a lot of water. Trees, cottonwood, juniper, and willow.
Some picture of the ranch and surroundings follow.
Water abounds at this place, springs everywhere, and trees, trees unseen for miles. Of any kind.
Several animals were on the land, burros, they were irritated at the horses.
They seem to stay shy of the longhorn cattle, who looked unfriendly. I tried to get Glen to climb the fence and pose with one, but he was reluctant.
There are several more pictures I want to post, but for reasons I don't understand it's take upwards of 10 minutes to upload each picture, so I'm giving up for tonight. The place was great; moisture in the air, the smell of wet leaves underfoot as I walked around brought back memories of fishing on Washington rivers in the fall. Tomorrow I'll try for Slaughter Ranch II
Mr. Slaughter was at one time a confederate officer, a texas ranger, a ranch owner and sheriff of this area. His ranch was around 100,000 acres, and bridged the Mexico/US border.
The road to it is dirt and gravel for 15 miles, the vehicles we passed were all Border Patrol. The country around it is standard desert, no trees, mesquite bushes, and clay hardpacked sand. The ranch area is an oasis, many springs, and a lot of water. Trees, cottonwood, juniper, and willow.
Some picture of the ranch and surroundings follow.
Water abounds at this place, springs everywhere, and trees, trees unseen for miles. Of any kind.
Several animals were on the land, burros, they were irritated at the horses.
They seem to stay shy of the longhorn cattle, who looked unfriendly. I tried to get Glen to climb the fence and pose with one, but he was reluctant.
There are several more pictures I want to post, but for reasons I don't understand it's take upwards of 10 minutes to upload each picture, so I'm giving up for tonight. The place was great; moisture in the air, the smell of wet leaves underfoot as I walked around brought back memories of fishing on Washington rivers in the fall. Tomorrow I'll try for Slaughter Ranch II
Slaughter Ranch
I and my new friend Glen went to the Frank Slaughter ranch today, 15 miles east and south of Douglas AZ. It borders Mexico, the demarcation line being about 100 yards south of the ranch house.
Mr. Slaughter was at one time a confederate officer, a texas ranger, a ranch owner and sheriff of this area. His ranch was around 100,000 acres, and bridged the Mexico/US border.
The road to it is dirt and gravel for 15 miles, the vehicles we passed were all Border Patrol. The country around it is standard desert, no trees, mesquite bushes, and clay hardpacked sand. The ranch area is an oasis, many springs, and a lot of water. Trees, cottonwood, juniper, and willow.
Some picture of the ranch and surroundings follow.
Mr. Slaughter was at one time a confederate officer, a texas ranger, a ranch owner and sheriff of this area. His ranch was around 100,000 acres, and bridged the Mexico/US border.
The road to it is dirt and gravel for 15 miles, the vehicles we passed were all Border Patrol. The country around it is standard desert, no trees, mesquite bushes, and clay hardpacked sand. The ranch area is an oasis, many springs, and a lot of water. Trees, cottonwood, juniper, and willow.
Some picture of the ranch and surroundings follow.
Slaughter Ranch
I and my new friend Glen went to the Frank Slaughter ranch today, 15 miles east and south of Douglas AZ. It borders Mexico, the demarcation line being about 100 yards south of the ranch house.
Mr. Slaughter was at one time a confederate officer, a texas ranger, a ranch owner and sheriff of this area. His ranch was around 100,000 acres, and bridged the Mexico/US border.
The road to it is dirt and gravel for 15 miles, the vehicles we passed were all Border Patrol. The country around it is standard desert, no trees, mesquite bushes, and clay hardpacked sand. The ranch area is an oasis, many springs, and a lot of water. Trees, cottonwood, juniper, and willow.
Some picture of the ranch and surroundings follow.
Mr. Slaughter was at one time a confederate officer, a texas ranger, a ranch owner and sheriff of this area. His ranch was around 100,000 acres, and bridged the Mexico/US border.
The road to it is dirt and gravel for 15 miles, the vehicles we passed were all Border Patrol. The country around it is standard desert, no trees, mesquite bushes, and clay hardpacked sand. The ranch area is an oasis, many springs, and a lot of water. Trees, cottonwood, juniper, and willow.
Some picture of the ranch and surroundings follow.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Double Adobe Thanksgiving
Last evening we had another of the desert sunsets I'm getting fond of:
This morning I started the gravy, using the stock from two turkey necks and the meat. I added onion, garlic, a large chili, with sage and other spices. It was done by 10, and warmed for the potluck at 2pm.
The weather was nice in the morning, and warm, probably over 70f. I went for a walk to the east of the camp out into the desert.
On the way back to camp, I ran into a couple guys who wanted to be buddies, 'till they discovered I had nothing in my pockets to eat.
The potluck was quite good, most of the traditional dishes, along with enchilada, and pies I was too full to eat. There were around 25 people, Roy, the owner, had cooked 6 turkeys on a rotisserie/smoker, and there were leftovers aplenty. All my kids called today, and one granddaughter, so the day was perfect.
Hope everyone had a good thanksgiving also.
This morning I started the gravy, using the stock from two turkey necks and the meat. I added onion, garlic, a large chili, with sage and other spices. It was done by 10, and warmed for the potluck at 2pm.
The weather was nice in the morning, and warm, probably over 70f. I went for a walk to the east of the camp out into the desert.
On the way back to camp, I ran into a couple guys who wanted to be buddies, 'till they discovered I had nothing in my pockets to eat.
The potluck was quite good, most of the traditional dishes, along with enchilada, and pies I was too full to eat. There were around 25 people, Roy, the owner, had cooked 6 turkeys on a rotisserie/smoker, and there were leftovers aplenty. All my kids called today, and one granddaughter, so the day was perfect.
Hope everyone had a good thanksgiving also.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Bisbee, yet again
I spent the day today as the ones in the week past, listening to MPR over coffee for an hour or more, reading the SF Chronicle and Seattle Times, email and catching up with friends.
It was warm today, near 74, and no wind, unlike yesterday. I got a haircut today at a Bisbee barber recommended by Roy, the owner of the RV campground, and enjoyed talking to the locals in the homey barbershop, then read and napped the afternoon away.
Tomorrow I'll prepare the gravy I'm doing for the potluck. My girls will be familiar with this one, except no real giblets.....I only found two large turkey necks, which I cooked for two hours on Monday. Tomorrow I'll make a roux, with olive oil, onions, garlic and a Thai chili pepper or two, then add the three quarts of stock with the chopped turkey neck meat. Sage of course, and whatever seasonings come to mind. I like the flavor that turkey livers add, but alas, none to be found.
I have a few days to decide to move on, or stay. The early evening sunset was beautiful, the long shadows and the distant mountains turning purple. I know pictures would be good, but....perhaps another post.
I'm starting to think that this may be the place I'm looking for, at least for a bit. Another week or two would not be out of the question.
I'll try to do some pics next post, but it all looks the same here, desert, rather distant mountains, and the sky.
Cheers,
Mike
It was warm today, near 74, and no wind, unlike yesterday. I got a haircut today at a Bisbee barber recommended by Roy, the owner of the RV campground, and enjoyed talking to the locals in the homey barbershop, then read and napped the afternoon away.
Tomorrow I'll prepare the gravy I'm doing for the potluck. My girls will be familiar with this one, except no real giblets.....I only found two large turkey necks, which I cooked for two hours on Monday. Tomorrow I'll make a roux, with olive oil, onions, garlic and a Thai chili pepper or two, then add the three quarts of stock with the chopped turkey neck meat. Sage of course, and whatever seasonings come to mind. I like the flavor that turkey livers add, but alas, none to be found.
I have a few days to decide to move on, or stay. The early evening sunset was beautiful, the long shadows and the distant mountains turning purple. I know pictures would be good, but....perhaps another post.
I'm starting to think that this may be the place I'm looking for, at least for a bit. Another week or two would not be out of the question.
I'll try to do some pics next post, but it all looks the same here, desert, rather distant mountains, and the sky.
Cheers,
Mike
Friday, November 18, 2011
Bisbee still, redux
When I got here, now 6 days ago, I registered for 2 days. I extended it by two days, then for 3 days. I extended it for a week today. It's cheaper by the half-dozen, it seems.
I've met most of the people staying here; regulars, by their tone, and nice people. Friendly, welcoming, and quick with advise for a novice RV'r. Even if it's a lowly truck camper. The owner is a guy of middle age, quick with a smile, wears a cap like mine. Most of them are shotgun enthusiasts, here for the skeet range next to us that the owner operates. One of the wives a couple days ago, said I should go join them. I explained I didn't bring a shotgun, to which she said "You have gun, right? I've never known anyone with Montana plates that does not have a gun." To which I nodded, "Yeah, I do. It shoots large rounds from a small gun, though. And no shot." She nodded. "Yeah, well you are still our people, somebody out there will loan you a gun." I deferred, saying I didn't want to embarrass myself with somebody's shotgun.
So I'm going to stay for another week, seeing the local sights. There is the Slaughter Ranch, a couple of Nat'l park wildlife places, and other stuff. I read during the day, listen to Montana Public Radio via streaming morning and evening, and nap during the early afternoon. If I think back, this is what I was looking for: cheap, the things I want, nice people.
I'm old enough, and an oddly technophobe/technofan, that I both love and worry about the things that make my stay fine: I camped most of my adult and young life....tents, I got the first North Face Geodome tents, the cutting-edge cooking stoves and attendant stuff. But over 20 years ago I stopped following the cutting edge. So I now am satisfied, happy even, with having a large fridge and freezer, a stove, a heater, wifi, movies, etc. All within my neat camper, sheltered from the storm. I see the 5th wheelers, the more modern truck campers, yeah. With microwave, cable tv, ovens, etc. I'm not envious, I'm happy with what I have.
Cheers,
Mike
I've met most of the people staying here; regulars, by their tone, and nice people. Friendly, welcoming, and quick with advise for a novice RV'r. Even if it's a lowly truck camper. The owner is a guy of middle age, quick with a smile, wears a cap like mine. Most of them are shotgun enthusiasts, here for the skeet range next to us that the owner operates. One of the wives a couple days ago, said I should go join them. I explained I didn't bring a shotgun, to which she said "You have gun, right? I've never known anyone with Montana plates that does not have a gun." To which I nodded, "Yeah, I do. It shoots large rounds from a small gun, though. And no shot." She nodded. "Yeah, well you are still our people, somebody out there will loan you a gun." I deferred, saying I didn't want to embarrass myself with somebody's shotgun.
So I'm going to stay for another week, seeing the local sights. There is the Slaughter Ranch, a couple of Nat'l park wildlife places, and other stuff. I read during the day, listen to Montana Public Radio via streaming morning and evening, and nap during the early afternoon. If I think back, this is what I was looking for: cheap, the things I want, nice people.
I'm old enough, and an oddly technophobe/technofan, that I both love and worry about the things that make my stay fine: I camped most of my adult and young life....tents, I got the first North Face Geodome tents, the cutting-edge cooking stoves and attendant stuff. But over 20 years ago I stopped following the cutting edge. So I now am satisfied, happy even, with having a large fridge and freezer, a stove, a heater, wifi, movies, etc. All within my neat camper, sheltered from the storm. I see the 5th wheelers, the more modern truck campers, yeah. With microwave, cable tv, ovens, etc. I'm not envious, I'm happy with what I have.
Cheers,
Mike
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Still in Bisbee
Starting my third or fourth night here, sort of lost track of time. It seems I've lost track of the days, I don't remember easily if it's Monday, or what ever day it is. "Maunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Wednesday" as the young woman from "The Godfather" said.
I like it here well enough, It has all my requirements: good showers, wifi, not many people, and few huge 250K motorhomes, if any. The downside may be not much to do and see in the immediate area, though I may not have seen enough of Bisbee. It's a mining town, much like Butte. But, I'll explore it again tomorrow.
I went to Douglas, AZ today, 20 miles east, and took with me a fellow camper, he has a truck camper similar to mine, somewhat more low-rent. We did some errands, and saw a streetside taco stand that had either a bunch of Border Patrol customers or they were being busted. We stopped, and had some excellent fish and shrimp tacos, I figured these guys would know where to have lunch.
A nice sunset today, a couple of pictures:
So, I like it here, well enough. Not a lot to do, but I'm finding there is not a lot to do anywhere I've been. So I may roost here: read, watch some movies in the evenings, convince the locals there is something to talk about other than trap and skeet shooting, there major interest in this place.
My daughter is out of the hospital and doing ok, so that's a worry for the moment gone.
This is different than I had thought it would be, but we'll see if I can adapt. The desert environment is the same as what I've seen, give or take cactus or varying kinds. Mesquite abounds, as well as quail and small deer, which I look at with hunger. I've hear there are wild pigs here, and I imagine one of them on a spit, turning slowly, fat dripping into the fire.
Fantasy aside, I hope all are well.
I like it here well enough, It has all my requirements: good showers, wifi, not many people, and few huge 250K motorhomes, if any. The downside may be not much to do and see in the immediate area, though I may not have seen enough of Bisbee. It's a mining town, much like Butte. But, I'll explore it again tomorrow.
I went to Douglas, AZ today, 20 miles east, and took with me a fellow camper, he has a truck camper similar to mine, somewhat more low-rent. We did some errands, and saw a streetside taco stand that had either a bunch of Border Patrol customers or they were being busted. We stopped, and had some excellent fish and shrimp tacos, I figured these guys would know where to have lunch.
A nice sunset today, a couple of pictures:
So, I like it here, well enough. Not a lot to do, but I'm finding there is not a lot to do anywhere I've been. So I may roost here: read, watch some movies in the evenings, convince the locals there is something to talk about other than trap and skeet shooting, there major interest in this place.
My daughter is out of the hospital and doing ok, so that's a worry for the moment gone.
This is different than I had thought it would be, but we'll see if I can adapt. The desert environment is the same as what I've seen, give or take cactus or varying kinds. Mesquite abounds, as well as quail and small deer, which I look at with hunger. I've hear there are wild pigs here, and I imagine one of them on a spit, turning slowly, fat dripping into the fire.
Fantasy aside, I hope all are well.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Bisbee
Yesterday evening there was a pretty good windstorm here in the desert east of Bisbee. My truck and camper, weighing around 9,000 pounds, was swaying and rocking. It quieted down just after dusk, then the rain started. A Seattle-type rain, steady and soaking, just, apparently, what this area needs.
I had pestered my son earlier to text me scores and such from the football game between My Beloved Ducks and Stanford. Stanford has had an exceptional year, a winning streak of 17 games (the last to the Ducks), an excellent quarterback, and I actually expected them to win. They were ranked 4th in the nation, my ducks 7th. I had expressed this to my son, who patiently explained that Oregon had more speed, talent, and Stanford couldn't keep up with their no-huddle offense. He was correct, of course. The Ducks won by over 20.
It's a curious thing, being a Oregon fan. I went there in my youth, played basketball there until it was explained to me that I was too short to be a Pac-8 forward, and too slow to be a guard. This by the coach, bless his heart. Anyway, it's like what I imagine being a Cubs fan; a yearning hope, followed by inevitable disappointment. We don't do success well, we're just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Last year, when the Ducks were ranked #1 and went unbeaten in the regular season was nerve-wracking. This year, the first game against LSU, a great team, was a loss, and all pressure was off.
By now I've lost all three readers of this blog, no doubt. So on with today's pictures:
Here's one for any Buttians who read this, it's a gallow's headframe, at least that what they call them in Butte, the only other place I've seen one. They were used to lower and raise the miners going down to the mines, and to lift out the ore, I think.
The next two are of an old adobe structure on the edge of the RV camp. I know nothing about it's history or use, perhaps I'll find out. I'm going to stay here through Wednesday.
The next two were taken from the camp, looking east. The incoming weather fronts.
The last is of the campground, with my truck in the middle. I like it; it has very good wifi, the other rigs are not the 250K ones you see at many RV camps, and most of the people here seem just fine.
So, I'll close for now. The sun is setting over the south China Sea....oh, wait. Sorry, just another flashback.
I had pestered my son earlier to text me scores and such from the football game between My Beloved Ducks and Stanford. Stanford has had an exceptional year, a winning streak of 17 games (the last to the Ducks), an excellent quarterback, and I actually expected them to win. They were ranked 4th in the nation, my ducks 7th. I had expressed this to my son, who patiently explained that Oregon had more speed, talent, and Stanford couldn't keep up with their no-huddle offense. He was correct, of course. The Ducks won by over 20.
It's a curious thing, being a Oregon fan. I went there in my youth, played basketball there until it was explained to me that I was too short to be a Pac-8 forward, and too slow to be a guard. This by the coach, bless his heart. Anyway, it's like what I imagine being a Cubs fan; a yearning hope, followed by inevitable disappointment. We don't do success well, we're just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Last year, when the Ducks were ranked #1 and went unbeaten in the regular season was nerve-wracking. This year, the first game against LSU, a great team, was a loss, and all pressure was off.
By now I've lost all three readers of this blog, no doubt. So on with today's pictures:
Here's one for any Buttians who read this, it's a gallow's headframe, at least that what they call them in Butte, the only other place I've seen one. They were used to lower and raise the miners going down to the mines, and to lift out the ore, I think.
The next two are of an old adobe structure on the edge of the RV camp. I know nothing about it's history or use, perhaps I'll find out. I'm going to stay here through Wednesday.
The next two were taken from the camp, looking east. The incoming weather fronts.
The last is of the campground, with my truck in the middle. I like it; it has very good wifi, the other rigs are not the 250K ones you see at many RV camps, and most of the people here seem just fine.
So, I'll close for now. The sun is setting over the south China Sea....oh, wait. Sorry, just another flashback.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Tombstone
I camped at a place near Tombstone, AZ for three nights. The campsite had excellent facilities, with wifi available inside the main building. The trip has been in some doubt the last couple days; my youngest daughter has been hospitalized, but seems to be doing well. I'm staying in the same general area of South Arizona in case I need to make a trip to Seattle.
Tombstone is a mildly interesting town of around a thousand population, a higher elevation than I had thought at near 5,000 ft. The weather has been sunny, though a bit windy. Tombstone's only activity, and economic basis, appears to be tourist-based, and all on the period of the 1880's, with an emphasis on the Wyatt Earp/OK corral incident. There are two reenactments daily, stagecoach rides, and numerous schlocky tourist shops.
A nice moon my first night.
The streets of Tombstone
And the famous Boot Hill
I can't say I'm either impressed or disappointed with Tombstone; I hadn't even thought of going there until the day before I arrived. It was mildly interesting to see, once. I'm now near Bisbee, not too far south. I'm staying at a out-of-the-way RV campground, sort of off to the side of a side road. There are several 5th wheelers and trailers, again I'm the only truck camper. It's by far the cheapest of any I've been to, has a very nice bathroom/shower, and excellent wifi available in the camper. Most of the other rigs are older, one is from Montana, a nice outfit with a satellite dish outside, and the same truck I drive. We chatted about how much we miss the snow and cold, and sneered at the locals walking around in parkas when it's above 50f.
I'm going back into Bisbee tomorrow, it's an old mining town, and I saw a couple gallows headframes similar to the ones in Butte. I'll probably stay here a few days or longer.
Tombstone is a mildly interesting town of around a thousand population, a higher elevation than I had thought at near 5,000 ft. The weather has been sunny, though a bit windy. Tombstone's only activity, and economic basis, appears to be tourist-based, and all on the period of the 1880's, with an emphasis on the Wyatt Earp/OK corral incident. There are two reenactments daily, stagecoach rides, and numerous schlocky tourist shops.
A nice moon my first night.
And the famous Boot Hill
I can't say I'm either impressed or disappointed with Tombstone; I hadn't even thought of going there until the day before I arrived. It was mildly interesting to see, once. I'm now near Bisbee, not too far south. I'm staying at a out-of-the-way RV campground, sort of off to the side of a side road. There are several 5th wheelers and trailers, again I'm the only truck camper. It's by far the cheapest of any I've been to, has a very nice bathroom/shower, and excellent wifi available in the camper. Most of the other rigs are older, one is from Montana, a nice outfit with a satellite dish outside, and the same truck I drive. We chatted about how much we miss the snow and cold, and sneered at the locals walking around in parkas when it's above 50f.
I'm going back into Bisbee tomorrow, it's an old mining town, and I saw a couple gallows headframes similar to the ones in Butte. I'll probably stay here a few days or longer.
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