Wordsmith Series ~ Muddy Boots and Lilac Blossoms ~ April 22, 2014

Elko teaches of ranching and the art of words

Weather, cattle, crops, and horses

Wonder dogs and flighty herds

Generations stand against the forces

It may seem a romantic notion

That I once lived a frontier life

But my ancestors sailed an ocean

To discovery and unknown strife

From Scotland to the Canadian Maritime

Then covered wagon, horseback and train

To seek the promises of the West

Simply looking for a home to claim

My history tells of gold mines

And survival in the Sierra snows

Some took a stand in Tombstone

No one giving in to the wind that blows

Wordsmiths, poets and publishers

They used language to define

Artists, miners, rabble rousers

The ancients spoke their mind

Our spread is but two acres

At the end of a dusty road

The ranch is a quarter acre plot

And an ancient apple grove

We staked a claim in eighty eight

And cherish our piece of heaven

A serendipitous twist of fate

And the luck of seven and eleven

Copyright © Shelley Macdonald 2014

Words on the Wind ~ February 2, 2014

Much to our surprise we're able to get the crew together for a farewell breakfast before we all take off for home: Linda, Bob and Jyl back to Idaho and Rod, Carol and me to Northern California. We've spent several days immersed in and celebrating ranch and cowboy culture: from rough beginnings in the Old West to the rough stock realities of modern times. Food for thought, food for the soul. Words have been stampeding around my brain for days, but the herd has finally settled down and quietly grazes at my fingertips. 

Tres Amigos

https://www.etsy.com/shop/AsherahPhotography

Words on paper to song 

We're invited to come along

Words on paper to spoken

We're part of a chain unbroken

Words on paper to art

We're taken into the heart 

We've been brought to tears

And learned to face our fears

We've laughed until we couldn't catch our breath

And had our souls warmed to their very depth

Spanish ponies and feral cattle

The art of a handmade saddle

North and South united by a horse's reins

Cowboy songs from Irish refrains 

Charlie Russell was born to wander

And left a legacy of the visual yonder
Called to serve his creative purpose

He'd draw or paint on any surface

His paint brush was his swagger

Perhaps the early American tagger 

Generations have a story to tell

Old and new unite to cast a spell

The journey becomes the guiding muse

Payable in points of view and worn out shoes

Writing new chapters from the old

Spurring new generations into the fold

© 2014, Shelley Macdonald
This poem may be reprinted or reposted with written permission

Western Saddle and Hat

www.etsy.com/shop/RandyNyhofPhotos

The Road to Elko ~ February 01, 2014

Here we go again. We start the day with a feather fall of snow, a real treat for us West Coast Kids. Time to round the posse up for breakfast and see what's on the agenda.

Playtime

https://www.etsy.com/shop/tapestry316

Our first show is "Free Range Poetry and Prose" in one of the smaller venues. As we're getting seated a woman walked up to Rod and told him he was a spiting image of Alberta poet Ken Blacklock. We started chatting and found out she was Saskatchewan poet Linda Nadon. We gained another new connection to Elko and bought a copy of her poetry collection to bring home. 

Ken Blacklock

The Rodster

I found a great definition of "free range" from Arielle Greenberg: poet, author, editor and a regular columnist for the American Poetry Review.

"One could theorize that some of the most exciting poetry from any part of history or the world manages to walk the line between chaos and control, concision and surprise. A little purposeful sloppiness can be a great way to enliven, embolden and deepen the heart of the well crafted poem." Sounds a bit like life doesn't it?

We finally get a chance to see Amy Hale Auker and were once again delighted by the stories of Vess Quinlan. Best of all we got to see the winner of the first YouTube competition, Expressing the Rural West: Poetry of the Next Generation, sponsored by the Western Folklife Center. Forrest Mackey is a young cowboy from New Mexico. He recited poems about an 1889 blizzard in the high country near where he grew up and the drawback of a speed dial phone. He's lanky, shy, and has a lot of promise. Hope to see him at the next Gathering.

Off to the G3 Theater for two more shows before lunch. The first is "Windows on the West" with Yvonne Hollenbeck, Dianna McCall and Trinity Seely. 

Bannack State Park Historical Site

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CovetedTemptations
 

A friend had seen Trinity earlier in the week and told us not to miss the chance to see her. She's a ranch wife, cowboy, mother, and remarkable singer and songwriter. We were treated to a glimpse into her life through her music. Here's "Rides for the Brand" on YouTube. 



 

Next is "Steering with my Knees" where Paul Zarzyski enlightens and entertains with works from his new book of the same title. He's a feral wordsmith with a huge stage presence and a one of a kind delivery. If ever you get a chance to see him live take the opportunity and run with it. He'll rock your world.

Phew, time for a breather. We're a little "crowded" out and decide to pass on the afternoon performances to check out some of the trade shows around town and get a walk in. Rod is a knife collector and is drawn to one of the tables at the Stockman's show. There is a young cowpoke of about 6, in full cowboy gear, standing at the display case. He tells Rod the pros and cons of some of the knives and which ones he likes. Rod told him he already had a good knife but asked if he could give him a tip for his great sales pitch. The kid was delighted as Rod handed him a buck. I looked over to the owner of the booth and told him his son was a great salesman. His wife walked up behind us and said "He isn't even ours, his mom runs the booth next to us". What a delightful encounter. 

This has been such a whirlwind we wanted to get the six of us together before we head home tomorrow and decided on Machi's Saloon and Grill. We had a very long wait, but it was well worth it. It also afforded us a chance to catch up on the last couple of days. 

Our final show is "Anthems Past and Future" with Brenn Hill, Waddie Mitchell and Dave Stamey doing a round robin. The show opened with Waddie reciting Dame Nevada, a poem he wrote to celebrate Nevada's sesquicentennial (150th) birthday this year. When the show started it was clear they each had a set list in mind, but that quickly disintegrated as they started to respond to each other, a little unplanned chaos that delighted the audience and gave us one of the best shows of the Gathering.  Here is the link to YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCBGTQBox_Q



The Road to Elko ~ January 31, 2014

Home base for our adventure in Elko has been the Gold Country Inn. It's comfortable, convenient and has a great little restaurant called JR's. Linda, one of our friends from Boise, is staying upstairs. Our travelling partner Carol and Linda's friends Bob and Jyl are staying at a different hotel downtown. Somehow we manage to coordinate rides and the occasional meal. The only thing missing this trip are Boise friends Ken and Betty Rodgers. They had to put Elko aside this year to prepare for the next round of travel related to the screening of their documentary: Bravo! Common Men, Uncommon Valor

You may see the same friendly faces at a number of venues and only cross paths with your friends a couple of times. The beauty is that some of those very strangers become acquaintances and friends. It's just the nature of the Gathering. Someone I sat next to in one of the venues has a sister in Sebastopol. Go figure!

The day kicks off with "Cut 'em Loose" with Joel Nelson, Jerry "Brooksie" Brooks and Paul Zarzyski. As you may have surmised Zarzyski is one of our favorite performers, we never tire of his special kind of poetry and humor. We were first introduced to the inimitable Brooksie in 2012 during one of the shows honoring Charlie Goodnight. We marveled at her ability to recite an epic length poem. She defines the strong, courageous, and artistic woman of the West and is an exceptional reciter of classical and modern cowboy poetry.  

Second event is "30 Years of Wrangling Words" with six poets and reciters. The four gentlemen: Dick, Waddie, Joel and Paul were great but it was the ladies who stole the show.   

Georgie Sicking

Photo credit Lori Faith Merritt

Georgie Sicking was inducted into the Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 1989. She calls herself a cowboy who just happens to be a woman. Her poetry struck a note for all of us. Be Yourself and Housewife will brighten the dreariest of days. Her biography and more poetry can be found at http://www.cowboypoetry.com/sicking.htm

Yvonne Hollenbeck is the top award winning cowgirl poet in America. Home is old family ranch in rural South Dakota, the nearest town is 30 miles away. Her poems The Truth About Cowboy Laundry and What Would Martha Do? will have you in stitches - which reminds me, she's also an award winning quilter.  Her biography and a few of her poems can be found at http://www.cowboypoetry.com/yh.htm 

It's just now noon, so we grab a bite to eat in the cafeteria and head off to the Members Show #2. Standouts from this show are Vess Quinlan and the Gary Haleamau Family Band from Hawaii. The day just keeps getting better. 

When we purchased tickets last fall the "This is my Prairie" show with Ian Tyson was sold out. On a whim we decide to see if there are any tickets available. Jackpot! We get two tickets in Row E, five rows back from the stage. He's a singer, songwriter, cowboy, and storyteller extraordinaire. In 2011 he received the Charles M. Russell Heritage Award. You may remember one of his earlier incarnations as half the duo of Ian and Sylvia.

There are live podcasts of both the Members Show and Ian Tyson's show on the Western Folklife Center website at http://www.westernfolklife.org/2014-National-Cowboy-Poetry-Gathering-Live-Broadcast.html

The entertainment and inspiration is not limited to the shows. We hear young hopefuls harmonizing in the halls, see impromptu musical collaborations in lobbies and on the street. We're drawn back in time as budding poets paint word pictures that bring the Old West back to life and also tell the stories of today's real working West as well. That's what good modern cowboy poetry is all about. By the time the day is over we're giddy as kids who've been let in on a big secret. Time for a light dinner and off to rest up for tomorrow. Chance of some snow on the horizon. 

The Road to Elko ~ Jan 30, 2013

I knew if I didn't take some notes at the events I was going to regret it. Much to my bemusement I'm now sorting through eighteen pages of scratchpad scribbles written in near darkness during the shows. Gonna have to rethink this next time. What would Margo do?

One of the fun parts of the Gathering is bringing all our western gear, the stuff we don't wear in our everyday lives: boots, vests, hats, scarves, special shirts, fringed jackets and jewelry. It's a chance to step into our favorite culture. 

Old West Cowgirl
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaintingsOfTheWest

This year seemed to favor a change: perhaps due to below freezing temperatures and the copious number of layers we all wore or carried around, perhaps out of respect for the real cowboys and their families. It wasn't anything conscious, we just noticed a subtle shift from dressing the part to comfortable layers. I kept the hat and jewelry but traded the fancy gear for a favorite turtleneck and fleece jacket.

The wondrous part of the Gathering is that there are free shows and workshops every day. They're in small venues and often more entertaining than the large ticketed shows. The hard part is making a choice, as there are usually 4-6 events going on at any one time at several venues. 

The morning starts off with "A Couple of Rebels" featuring Vess Quinlan and Paul Zarzyski; both accomplished poets, reciters and storytellers. Whether free verse or rhyme their work will get you to thinking and haul out your emotions, running the gamut from tears to hysterical laughter. 

Our second show was "Verses for Nature's Adversities" with Doris Daley, Carolyn Dufurrena and Gail Steiger. A couple of lines in Doris Daley's poem "100 Years From Now" really stuck with me. 

We lived beneath the arch with a mix of grit and grace,

Just ordinary folk in an extraordinary place. 

These words still hold true. We may live in different places and times, but challenges remain for every one of us. The grit and gumption of our ranchers and cowboys make us realize we can dare to be brave and face whatever is thrown in our path. 

The first Members' Show at the Convention Center Auditorium was a round robin featuring Don Edwards, Joel Nelson and Randy Rieman ~ one and all credentialed and steeped in living the American West. Rather than try to put words to the experience, I'll send you to the link for the Western Folklife Center Members' Show #1 on Thursday, January 30th.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/2014-National-Cowboy-Poetry-Gathering-Live-Broadcast.html 

The theme of the Gathering was "Expressing the Rural West ~ into the Future". Planners worked hard to attract younger generations by taking advantage of social media and creating youth programs like the Teen Poetry Slam and Young Buckaroo Open Mic. We took notice, there were more young people attending, participating and performing at the Gathering that we'd seen in previous events. A new generation, old souls at heart, has stepped up to carry on the traditions of the West. 

Performance from Teen Poetry Slam

Photo credit Jessica Brandi Lifland

Glenn Ohrlin and Bridget Reedy 

Photo credit Jessica Brandi Lifland at

http://jessicalifland.com

We need to remember across generations 

That there is as much to learn as there is to teach. 

 Gloria Steinem

Look up any of the performers cited above on YouTube and you'll find some great examples of their work. If you go to Cowboy Poetry.com you'll find an incredible resource for research, poetry and all things cowboy. The link is http://www.cowboypoetry.com

We checked out a few of the trade shows in the afternoon, had an early dinner and called it a day. Time for a little dose of Louis L'Amour and dreamland.

The Road to Elko ~ Jan 28-29, 2014

Off to Elko, Nevada for the 30th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. We missed 2013 due to severe weather (Wimpy Coastal California Kids) and this time next year I should be recovering from a liver transplant (Not Allowed in Crowds). Our friend Carol came with us and nothing was going to keep the posse away from this celebration of living history, horses and cowboys. It is also Nevada's sesquicentennial (150th) birthday. Although I'm a California girl, I have family ties to Nevada and proud to have some history there. 

We took off about 10:30 and got to Reno in the late afternoon. After tossing the luggage into our rooms the three of us took off for a walkabout (a daily ritual). Coincidentally, the distance from the Silver Legacy to Labels, our favorite consignment store, is a two mile round trip. Walking Justifies Shopping! We had a delightful dinner with our friends Steve and Barbara and then called it a night. The Biggest Little City in the World is a good halfway point in the journey.

Some find the high desert a featureless bore, but I am always stunned by it's vast beauty, subtle colors, vitality and adaptive genius. The drive to Elko was cloudy and cool with a promise of rain and snow as we climbed each pass to the next great wide open. Nevada is also experiencing drought conditions so if moisture gets this far east there is hope we're getting rain at home. 

We arrived in the late afternoon, unpacked and headed out to our first show at the Elko Convention Center: the premier of the Trails End Ranch Radio Show from the mind of Stephanie Davis. We were lucky enough to see the first, post workshop, performance at a San Francisco gallery last year. 

Rehearsal
Fred Newman, D.W. Groethe, Stephanie Davis, 
Jerry Brooks, Henry Real Bird

Photo Gib Myers ~ Elko Daily Free Press

We became a live in studio audience for the show (My dad took me to the Red Blanchard Show in San Francisco in the 50's so this was a delightful step back in time for me). The ensemble is made up of six actors and five poets who write all their skits and advertisements (my favorite was for Western Brew ~ Lose Your Need to be Right) and a seven musician band. The show has grown and evolved since our first viewing so we were thoroughly entertained. 

After the performance Rod, Carol and I met up with our friend Tam for dinner at the Star Hotel and then headed back to the Gold Country Inn to catch a few winks before our first full day of entertainment kicked into gear. Note to self: no more large dinners at 9pm.

Note to my readers: Many of the event performances are well worth checking out and are available as live podcasts from the Western Folklife Center at the following link:
http://www.westernfolklife.org/2014-National-Cowboy-Poetry-Gathering-Live-Broadcast.html 

Back to Emandal Farm ~ Sept 28, 2012

Setting the Scene ~ I introduced my husband to the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, NV in February so it seemed only fitting that I bring him up to Emandal Farm and Not Just Cowboy Poetry as an extension of his 65th birthday on Sept 25th. I made my first trip to Emandal in 2009 with friends Carol Ewert and Trisha Pedroia. Go to my Oct 2009 post entitled "The Beautiful Side of Somewhere" for a little history on this incredible jewel of a place overseen by Tamara Adams and her family.

The Art of Packing ~ We're only going to be gone overnight but you'd never know it by looking in the back of the Honda. As always we're ready for anything: six hats (cowboy to sun), a duffle of footwear (sandles, boots, sheepskin slippers and tennies), two jackets, camera, a small cooler, walking sticks, emergency pack, plenty of water and a duffle bag each to cover any fashion possibility. Our credo is if you can haul it, take it. And if we decide to spend another night out somewhere on the way home we're prepared.

Getting There is Half the Fun ~ We left home around 10am for the 90 mile drive north on Hwy 101. Emandal is about 16 miles east of Willits via back country roads (the dotted lines on road maps). Tamara is very explicit about not using navigation equipment to find the place. You may end up in next county east or a parallel universe for that matter. From about the middle of the directions I quote "Now you are back on Hearst Willits Road. Go up and down and around and about on this road until you reach the Eel River. There will be a sheep farm on the north bank and you'll see a cabin and then a home on your right. As you continue straight you'll notice a big silver bridge on your left (do not go over the bridge). And further down "if you have questions call 707-459-5439 but realize cell reception ends when you leave the Willits Valley". If it's your first trip to Emandal I'd recommend a co-pilot with Tam's directions in hand.

The last part of the drive is about 8 miles of graded road, a term I use loosely. It's better described as a washboard. Rod's convinced that's how Tam turns their cream to butter ~ road trips.

The Apple Pie Throw Down ~ What a way to start the afternoon. As part of the fundraiser for the Willits Library many guests paid $5 to taste of each of the 16 homemade pies. It was our responsibility to pick the Peoples' Choice winner and we all took the task very seriously. Rod's going to enter next year. He wants to win one of those engraved rolling pins!

The Show ~ The show featured two talented entertainers and storytellers. First up was Dick Warwick, a rancher and self proclaimed Barnyard Yarnbard from eastern Washington. He shared stories and poetry gleaned from his ranch life at home and adventures in Australia. Listen to "Buckaroo Braggadocio" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDPrfVB9gCI 

Up next singer/songwriter Dave Stamey who's been a cowboy, a mule packer, a dude wrangler, and is now one of the most popular Western entertainers working today. He's won numerous awards including the Will Rogers Award from the Academy of Western Artists. It has been said that his "The Vaquero Song" is one of the greatest Western songs of all time. Check out this link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh0DQ80kZoY

The Weather ~ It was supposed to be in the triple digits but it was in the 80's with a nice breeze. The late afternoon show was held on the shaded lawn with guests sharing homemade picnics with family and friends. Bare feet in the cool grass make for a happy combination. 

Food and Conversation ~ After the show, we all took a little break and then lined up for a delightful buffet dinner. All the food is raised and prepared on the farm.

We sat down with strangers at large round tables on the porch and left with new friends and acquaintances. Poet Dick Warwick shared stories with us, one couple met at Emandal 45 years ago and regaled us with the history of the farm, and Scott and Paula are from Graton just down the road from us. After much laughter and a sumptuous dessert of homemade brownies, blackberry and vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce we all excused ourselves and toddled up the hill to our rustic cabins by the light of the harvest moon. A day well spent.

For more information on:

Emandal Farm http://www.emandal.com  
Dick Warwick  http://cowboy-poet.blogspot.com
Dave Stamey  http://davestamey.com  

Tales of the City ~ Sept 09, 2012

Last Sunday we drove down to San Francisco for an adventure with our friend Margo Metegrano, the proprietress of www.cowboypoetry.com. The first stop was to meet up with Margo and friend Tam Adams (www.emandalfarm.com) at Greens Restaurant for a leisurely lunch. It’s located on one of the Fort Mason piers on the Bay and the weather was on its best behavior, about 65 and sunny with a light breeze.

Golden Gate Bridge

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PhotosbyKymm

We arrived early and had a chance to explore the farmer’s market and the Book Bay (used) Bookstore. We had a fabulous lunch, but only had about half an hour to spend in this great little bookstore, so a return trip to both is definitely in order.

Ah, but the real reason for the trip to SF was to attend the premier performance of Stephanie Davis’ Trail’s End Ranch Radio Show. The original project was first introduced at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, NV several years ago and it’s been a dream of hers to take it on the road.

This performance was the culmination of a weeklong workshop of extremely talented musicians, singers, songwriters, cowboy poets, reciters and sound-effect genius Fred Newman from The Prairie Home Companion, overseen by a gifted director and visionary producers. Scripts, songs and jingles were written by Stephanie, with a little help from DW Groethe on the “10 Questions you’ll never hear in the bunkhouse”:

#10 - Are you really going to wear that hat with those boots?

I loved the story of Sierra Slade, CLD (Certified Livestock Detective) and my favorite jingle:

Drink Western Brew ~ Lose your need to be right

It is one thing to listen to live radio; but we were transported into a different dimension - watching live radio being created. It was a delightful two hour extravaganza packed with songs, poetry, stories, jingles, and laughter.

Americans have a less-than-stellar image around the world due to the self-centered images, bad choices and all-too-often sensationalized events projected abroad by the media. This generalized misconception has bred resentment and built barriers to trust, respect and friendship. Let’s face it: the old script needs a rewrite. The truth of the matter is that people are people and we have more in common than not.

Poetry for Your Table

http://www.etsy.com/shop/thenautilusstudio

Cowboys around the world have been a constant in ever-changing times and provide valuable lessons for us all: a respect for nature, a responsibility to family, community and the animals in their charge, a strong work ethic, courtesy and humility. The Trail’s End Ranch Radio Show has been reborn to take the “Cowboy Way” on the road for performances around Europe in summer 2014. It will perhaps introduce another side of America, the one that reflects most of us.

The Cowboy and His Dog

http://www.etsy.com/shop/WildHoofbeats

Stephanie’s vision is to continually rotate our cowboy poets through the review and showcase guests from the countries visited: sort of a Rolling Thunder Cowboy Goodwill Traveling Medicine Show that shares the “take delight in the now” side that is within all of us. Learning is a two way street.

Eastward Ho ~ May 25th-26th, 2012

May 25th ~ Hwy 20 is a blue highway, a road less traveled with spectacular and sweeping views of the high deserts of Oregon and Idaho. Farms and ranches are patchworks of color in a sagebrush sea. Eastern Oregon is onion country so there are acres of a subtle blue green hue along the road.

Just west of the Idaho border is the small town of Vale, OR. It's time to gas up and get some lunch. We park the rig near a machine shop and ask the owner for a recommendation. He points us across the street to the Starlite Cafe. We place our order and the waitress delivers our sodas and then brings over the standard squeeze bottles of mustard, mayo and ketchup. As she goes to place them on the table she appears to fumble the bottles and "accidentally" squeezes the ketchup bottle at Rod. A stream of red heads right for his chest. After a moment of stunned silence we realize it's not ketchup, but a string of red yarn. We just dissolve in laughter along with our waitress and the locals sitting near us. The food is great, the staff delightful and the pies to die for. The Starlite is a triple threat if you're ever in Vale.

We get to Boise late in the afternoon. Our intent had been to stay in an nearby RV park over Memorial Day Weekend but our hosts Linda and Steve insist we park the rig in the driveway and use their guest quarters. They call it the Casita but read Honeymoon Suite, a delightful and comfortable spot to call home for a few days!

First night in Linda makes an incredible dish with cod, shrimp, salmon, prawns, and veggies (like paella without the rice). I need to preface this with the fact I've never been a seafood person, but this first meal in Idaho is the beginning of a new chapter in my gustatory digest. We were joined by friends Ken and Betty. In spite of the fact we hadn't seen each other since the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in February we call it an early night. We'll have four days to catch up and Saturday is going to start at o'dark thirty. We're headed to the Camas Prairie for a day of exploration, photography and birding. It's named for the Blue Flowering Camas ~ an important food source for all Native Americans in the interior Northwest. The Camas Prairie is also a traditional Nez Perce gathering place.

May 26th ~ Linda starts us off with smoothies for breakfast. No ordinary shakes these: almonds, walnuts, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, Greek yogurt, and orange and pomegranate juice ~ a total meal. We're going to introduce them into our breakfast menus at home. At 6:30am we're off (Linda, Rod and I) to meet up with Ken, Betty and their friend, artist Geoffrey Krueger (http://dailydoseofpainting.wordpress.com/). He has a fascination with cloud laden landscapes and old farm buildings, and today would turn out to be a gold mine for all of us.

Yellow Headed Blackbird

Camas Prairie

Barn Diva and Truck

Soldier Mountains

Old School House

After the rain fog at an old corral

Ken was a great guide: we saw a kaleidoscope of wildlife, birds and waterfowl, wildflowers and mountains, farms and woodlands, old buildings and corrals. I might add that these back country gravel roads are in better shape than most of Sonoma County's paved roads! We're home by early evening, leftovers for dinner and straight to bed, exhausted and happy.

Anecdote: We stopped on an old farm road to watch two young pronghorn antelope watching a tuxedo kitty in hunting mode. She kept leaping into the air clapping her paws together. Our guess was maybe grasshoppers. Anyway we were as enthralled as the antelope and so no one got a picture. All I could think of to write down so I didn't forget was "Two antelope and a cat go into a bar."

The Road from Elko ~ Homeward Bound ~ Feb 5th-6th

Our friends Ken and Betty have been on a different track most of the Gathering so we've hardly crossed paths except for a couple of meals. We get a chance to catch up at Sunday morning breakfast before we all head in different directions: the Idaho Five to the north and us to the west. Our first timers are hooked so Leland, Trisha and Linda will be returning to the scene of the crime next year to join us.

On the way to Elko you just want to get there so Interstate 80 is the obvious choice from northern California. Coming home we choose the roads less travelled. We head west on I80 for about 35 miles and then turned left at Carlin and start the 88 mile climb up Hwy 278 to reach Hwy 50 and Eureka (elevation 6,500 feet) nestled at the southern end of Diamond Valley in the Diamond Mountains. It is the largest settlement in Eureka County. The population for the town and surrounding areas is about 1,100. The nearest centers to the west are Austin (71 miles) and Ely (77 miles) so when you make your shopping list here, you really do check it twice!

Storefront Fixer Upper



It's around noon when we get to Eureka so we decide to stop for lunch. The streets are quiet except for the Owl Club Cafe, so that's our option. We walk up to the front door just as it opens. The man standing in the doorway and I do a double take and then suddenly realize we sat next to each other at Baxter Black's show. His sister was in Baxter's HS graduating class. I'm no stranger to these types of serendipitous moments, but they never cease to amaze me.

In July 1986, Life magazine published an article that gave US 50 in Nevada the name "The Loneliest Road in America". The article portrayed the highway, and rural Nevada, as a place devoid of civilization. Officials decided to make the best of the publicity and convinced state authorities to do the same. Jointly, they began to use the article as a platform to market the area for visitors interested in desert scenery, history, and solitude. It is rich on all accounts.

The highway roughly parallels the Pony Express Trail, remnants of which are still visible for much of the way. Many ghost towns and historical cemeteries dot the area. There are other unusual sites such as the Charcoal Ovens State Park or Hickison Summit Petroglyphs to visit. Fishing abounds at Iliapah Reservoir, Cave Lake State Park, and Comins Lake.  There is truly something for everyone.

The desert is a place of wonder: light and dark, soft and hard, a fickle mistress who can be a lover or a spiteful vixen. You take your chances here, and you love it or leave it. This amazing road travels through snow-mantled mountains reaching 11,000 feet, across 17 mountain passes and miles of high desert. The crest of each pass reveals yet another breathtaking vista.

Here's an obscure tidbit: In 1991, Stephen King was on this road as part of a cross country trip. He stopped at Ruth, a ghost town near Ely. He wondered about the fate of the last residents. He had heard a local legend about how the ghosts of Chinese miners, who died while trapped in a cave-in, can be seen crossing US 50 to haunt the city of Ruth. He merged these details into a story, including references to The Loneliest Road in America, that became the novel Desperation. I may have to check it out of the library.

We make it back to the Silver Legacy in Reno, threw our stuff in the room and head down to the Casino to watch the second half of the Superbowl. They had flatscreens everywhere, so you'd hear a cheer or a groan and look up in time to catch the replay. Our friends at home enjoyed our 25th annual Superbowl Party without us. The house was cleaner than we left it and there was even dessert in the refrigerator when we got home. Guess it will be the same next year as the Gathering is Jan 26th~Feb 2 and the Superbowl is Feb 3. 

Monday morning after breakfast we head west on I80 to Immigrant Gap and turn right onto Hwy 20. This drops us down out of the mountains through Grass Valley, Colusa, and Clearlake, then Hwy 29 to Calistoga and home the back way: little civilization, beautiful country, no traffic, my kind of blue highway. It was a week well spent, but it was sure nice to get back home and into our own beds.

The Road to Elko ~ Saturday Day 5

It's hard to believe this is the last day of the Gathering. Three of the usual suspects (Leland, Trisha and Linda) join Rod and me for breakfast at JR's. We've all been going in different directions each day so it's fun to catch up and compare notes.

The morning is unscheduled for us so Rod and I decide to take in several of the trade shows. We find some stunning work: from saddles and tack to custom made hats and boots, from paintings, photos and bronzes to jewelry and clothing. A friend suggested we check out the 8th Annual Great Basin Native Market at the historic Girl Scout House. We did and I was totally taken by the paintings and prints of a young woman named Micqaela Jones. Her work speaks for itself. Take a minute to check out her website.

Innocent One

http://www.originalartbymicqaela.com/

We came home with a vest for Rod and some small treasures and gifts. As independent artists we understand the love, commitment and time that go into the creative process. Though we cannot always support artists financially by purchasing work, we'll always let them know how much we enjoy what they do. We know from experience how a positive comment can make your day.

Just before we left for Elko we received a postcard from the Western Folklife Center that let us know we'd won tickets to see Baxter Black. He is a former large animal vet and a cowboy poet "known for his humor and sharp observations that focus on the day-to-day ups and downs of everyday people who live with livestock and work the land". He is a very physical entertainer so his entire being becomes part of the story. We laughed so hard our cheeks were cramping. You need to check out the cybercast: under "Special Show" on Saturday's events at: http://www.westernfolklife.org/NPCybercast.html

Next we head over to the G Three Bar for another of the free events entitled Far Out West with Stephanie Davis, Ramblin' Jack Elloitt and Ronstadt Generations. Our friend Michael staked out front row seats for 12 of us so this was a real treat. Before the show I started chatting with the woman sitting next to me. Andi is from Gardnerville and told us about the Genoa Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival April 26-29 with Waddie Mitchell, Dave Stamey, Juni Fisher, Paul Zarzyski, Cowboy Celtic. Sounds like another road trip to me!

Stephanie and Jack regaled us with story and song, but I'd never heard of Ronstadt Generations so didn't know what to expect. Michael J. Ronstadt is Linda's younger brother and plays with his sons Michael and Petie: original material and traditional Southwestern and Mexican music. They gave a wonderful performance, but Michael stole the show with his unconventional cello work. Check out his original song Bridging the Gap at
http://www.michaelronstadt.com/

Old Ranch Wagon

http://www.etsy.com/shop/laZycatdesignZ

Truthfully I don't remember what we did for dinner (we ain't forgetful we just get our mature on now and then ~ thank you Carla) but we're back at the Convention Center to meet up with friends, dressed to the nines for the evening events.

Tonight is Classic Poetry: recitations of historic poems by 14 of the week's premier poets. The show made for an incredible and entertaining evening, a grand finale to the day and the Gathering for us. The cybercast is under Saturday at http://www.westernfolklife.org/NPCybercast.html  

Rain at the Ranch ~ Luna, NM

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DesertDebrisArt

The Gathering is truly something that needs to be experienced. It's all about preserving and sharing the threads of a universal history of cowboying and ranching around the world and a love of the Amercian West. Where you come from and what you do to make a living have no bearing here. There are new friends to meet at every event, programs to make you think, open your mind, shed a tear, delight your ears, laugh out loud, or perhaps try your chops at one of the open sessions. We heard some amazing young performers who will no doubt carry the torch for the next generations. Take the time, make the time, to take this journey back into history.

Tomorrow we head for home on some roads less travelled.

The Road to Elko ~ Friday Day 4

Sorry for the few days between posts, but it's been about 68 degrees and the garden sent out an irresistable call to come play in the dirt. We got started on prepping the garden, planting bulbs, laying out the drip system design, and building a work table to hold a vintage sink we've had for years. Now we'll be able to rinse vegies and compost containers before we bring them back up to the house.

The artist at work

We flat foot shuffle over to JR's Restaurant about 8:30am and get in line to be seated. We make it to the head of the line and this cowboy gets up from his table and says "we just had three more friends show up, go ahead and take our table, your coffee's on the way". You gotta love it! Next thing we know three of our friends show up so the hostess patiently reseats us.

Rod, Linda, Trisha, Shelley & Leland

First event of the day is "National Treasures" that introduced 3 National Heritage Fellowship recipients including Wally McRae and National Medal of Arts recipient Ramblin Jack Elliott. Singing, poetry and stories to make you think, bring a tear to your eye or laugh you silly. The podcast link is:
http://www.westernfolklife.org/NPCybercast.html

Our next event isn't until evening so we decide to take a drive down to Lamoille Canyon and the Ruby Mountains to do a little exploring. We didn't get too far up either road due to snow and ice, but the drive was gorgeous. We're making plans to return in the fall so we can explore the area in detail.

The Road to LaMoille Canyon

Part way up Lamoille Canyon

The Ruby Mountains

The Ruby Mountains just after sunset

We get back to Elko in time to change clothes and get a bite to eat before the evening show, a celebration of Charlie Goodnight: His Life in Poetry and Song.

Born in 1836 he moved to Texas with his family in 1846. He was a quintessential frontiersman and one time Texas Ranger. In 1866 he and his partner George Loving drove their first herd of gathered feral Texas Longhorn cattle northward to New Mexico and the railroads, along what would become the Goodnight-Loving Trail. He invented the chuckwagon, first used on the initial cattle drive. Upon arriving in New Mexico they formed a partnership with New Mexico cattleman John Chisum for future contracts to supply the US Army with cattle. Goodnight and Chisum extended the trail from New Mexico to Colorado and Wyoming. A bakers dozen of poets, reciters, singers and story tellers told his story to an entranced audience (link to this podcast is the same as the one cited above).

Charlie Goodnight (ca. 1880)

When you attend Gathering events you get to know the folks sitting next to you, it just happens, part of the magic. The next day, at the Classic Poetry performance I started up a conversation with my "neighbors" and find out we're sitting next to Charlie's great grand nephew. What are the odds?

Two full days into the Gathering and it's already becoming a blur so I'm constantly taking notes on pieces of scratch paper and the yellow pad on my Iphone. It's going to be fun sorting it out when I get home. Another amazing day draws to a close. Some of our friends are off to gather at a local pub for the evening, but we decide to head back to home base for a little slot play with backup from Ernie Sites and his band. It's easier to walk across the driveway than to drive back from town, granted it's less than two miles, but we're kind of light weights in this party crowd.