Greenwood/Elk columns

March 5 ~ April 30, 1992

March 5th.

The 99th Annual Saint Pat's Corned Beef Dinner and Dance is the 14th of March, not the 4th, as misprinted in last weeks Beacon.

Okay. Where were we? Oh yes, the annual town meeting.

A year ago the town meeting erupted into a shouting match over whether Greenwood/Elk should offer sanctuary to war resisters; remember the Gulf war?

Well, I guess that war is now over and everything has finally settled back down to our customary boredom. We should have a peaceful town meeting, right?

NOT.

I arrived at the meeting fifteen minutes early. Chairs are being set up, the coffee water is getting hot. Folks are milling around in small groups. Bill Edison calls the meeting to order and we are on a roll.

First off, Rusty Gates gives us the finance report of the Community Center,

"We're doing good".

Then Kay Curtis gives a report on the various uses the community center has enjoyed this past year. Obviously the building has been put to good use.

Next up, Del Wilcox exhibits the latest plans for the community center addition and makes a 'reasonably' short presentation. He claims construction should commence this July or August.

Proposals come from the floor for rounds of applause and 'Well dones' for those who have given their time and energy to the Community Center during the past year.

New board members are welcomed and approved. Leslie Lawson, Skip McLaughlin, and Janaki Ragusin.

More applause.

When the noise finally subsided, Charlie Acker gives us a rundown on how the Greenwood/Elk water system is doing.

"Great."

Charlie mentions the possibility of surplus water sales and Joel Waldman wonders if a cottage industry bottling plant couldn't be formed. He is hooted down, of course.

Next, Raye Wisdom gives the Greenwood Civic Club report. She tells us that the proceeds from the up coming rummage sale will go to the children's summer program. They also plan to fund one scholarship for an Elk high school senior and, finally, they are commencing early plans for a gala Christmas event.

Bob Matson gives the Fire Department report. They plan to build or buy a rescue truck with pumper capabilities. They are also looking into building a fire house somewhere up around the eight mile marker on the Philo/Greenwood road.

Now, back to Rusty Gates for the Community Services District report and their attempt to lower fire protection insurance rates.

"Still working the problem."

Then we have Mary Pjerrou and an update on the Greenwood Creek Watershed lawsuit against CDF, L.P. and the County Water Quality Department. The watershed lawyer has been paid her $100,000, the issue now is being held up by wrangling amongst the members of the other side. Meanwhile, there have been no new harvest plans filed in the Greenwood Watershed since "Breakfast First". More applause.

As for the "Free our Beaches" initiative. Things are on a roll and the signature gathering effort is gaining momentum.

All right! That's a wrap. Let's fold up the chairs, douse the lights, and get out of here....but wait.

John Terwilliger has something he wants to say.

Boom! He's up and he's mad. He's ranting and raving because our local Park Ranger, Kevin Joe, gave him a ticket for having his dog on the beach without a leash. John claims there was no one on the beach except him, Cherry Young, and Cherry's grandson, Mathew.

"They weren't bothering anybody."

Pandemonium breaks out.

A few folks side with John, weary of meddling bureaucracy while others try to shout him down.

"You broke the law..."

"You got caught."

"No, no. It's a State Park conspiracy because of the Free Beach Initiative."

"Hey, the law's the law."

Bill Edison finally wrenches back control and adjourns the meeting.

Some folks storm out of the community center, into the night, totally upset. Others gather into groups and have a laugh. A few silently fold up the chairs and douse the lights.

Ah yes. Another annual town meeting under our belt. Don't ya love it. It seems we always find food for thought.

Since the meeting I have had some thoughts of my own and yes, I do have a dog.

Yeah, the law's the law. It is also, as far as I know, the first time since the creation of the universe, that a ticket/fine has been issued on the beach of Elk for a dog off a leash. How did we possibly manage to get through all the preceding millennia?

Kevin Joe told me he decided to enforce the law because, even though there were no other people on the beach, "the shore birds need their rest".

It seems to me that our quarter mile of Greenwood beach contributes more to the health and well being of our few dogs, than it threatens the well being of the shore birds who range from here to the Caspar Dump and beyond.

Although we live in a small rural community, there is no place to run free with our pets, except on the beach. Bobby Beacon owns the land to the South of town. Dick Mitchell owns the land to the East. William Roth to the North. No trespassing, period.

My dog has skin irritations that have been relieved by a weekly swim in the ocean. Doug Blaine, our local vet recommended this treatment a few years ago and my dog has been more than willing to comply. But now. It's against the law.

I have noticed a considerable increase in surveillance of our beach by the State Park Rangers since the town meeting and subsequent report on the KZYX community news of the 'dogs on leash' problem in Elk.

Meanwhile, nothing physically is happening at the proposed State Park museum. Nothing is happening with the proposed State Park parking lot, but take your dog to the beach without a leash and attention is lavishly heaped upon you.

I know. I know. You don't have a dog and can't understand what all the noise is about but still, to my mind, Greenwood/Elk has lost part of it's appeal.

March 12th

This weekend, March 14th, is your last chance to attend a double digit Saint Paddy's Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner and Dance. Next year begins the triple digits, the first of the hundred series and I'm sure there won't be a seat left in the house for that one. That event may not even fit in the town of Greenwood/Elk!

Mel Matson was taken to the Fort Bragg hospital a week ago. He had been feeling a bit rough. After several days of observation, tests, and x-rays, the doctor concluded he was about a quart low. No serious problems. He is home again and banished from walking to the Elk Garage for a week or so.

Carolyn Steinbuck had the front end of her car re-arranged while waiting to turn left at the stop sign on the Navarro bridge. Someone in a pick up swung too wide while turning onto the bridge and hit her head on. She received over four thousand dollars worth of damage to her car, but fortunately no injuries. The driver of the other vehicle had no insurance or even a driver's license, I'm told.

Margaret Feliz has been improving quite a bit as spring comes on. She no longer requires twenty four hour a day care. Our friend Dan Slater passed away last month, at home, after taking his dog for a walk. Dan had been the child psychologist for the Mendocino School District, several years ago, and made weekly visits to Greenwood/Elk, Point Arena, Comptche, and other outlying school districts.

After retirement he, and his wife Karen, bought a house in Lakeport, up on Cobb Mountain. He soon found himself working several days a week for the Lakeport School District and was much loved by the students and district over there too. His health had been poor but after a recent heart operation he seemed to be getting better. His death was a surprise to all.

Ejler West called to remind me about the Krenov woodworkers show at Daly's in Fort Bragg this month. He said there are about eight pieces on display from the Krenov school, along with a variety of work from other artists. Ejler is completing his second year of the apprenticeship program. I saw the Captains sea chest he made last year on display at Gallery Fair a wile back. This time I understand he kicked out all the stops. Check it out.

Perk tests are being done on the headland just South of the Frankel property, West of the Anderson Rancho. Possibly a house will be built there by local contractor Steve Hale.

Isabel Petty has her cast off and is almost back to full speed. I attended the Community Services District meeting last Thursday. Three major items occurred.

1. Dave Skilton was elected to the board to replace Ted Galletti.

2. Lee McKnight had a positive report concerning his visit with a Louisiana Pacific official about buying some property from them for a new firehouse up around the Fashaur ranch on Philo/Greenwood road. It's not a done deal yet but seems possible.

3. The board approved the purchase of a new International cab and chassis and the funding to modify and attach the La France equipment deck from a used firetruck we received from River Estates. This combination will provide Greenwood/Elk with a 'Fast Attack' truck.

It will have an automatic transmission which will take the mystery out of what gear you're in during those dark rainy nights when trying to stay on Philo/Greenwood road, talk on the radio, and operate the appropriate sirens and lights all at the same time. It will have five hundred gallons of water on board and a three hundred and fifty gallon per minute pump. Yes, you have to use the water judicially. The Fire District hopes to have it in service by the middle of this summer.

Oh yes. One final note. This marks the end of my fifth year of hammering out my 'weakly column'. Who'd a thunk it! I'd like to thank Kate Lee, my first editor who told me I could do it. Linda Daily and Wil Behr, who couldn't take it anymore and finally gave up, and Christiane McClees who I'm still working on.

PS. a big thanks to the only one who had stuck with me, through the years and still reads me every week. Mom.

March 19th.

Well, another successful Saint Patrick's in the bag. Although the weather outside was stormy, inside the Greenwood/Elk Community Center, the kitchen crew thought there were in the tropics. Sweat was pouring off head chef Gloria Ross and her gang of helpers as the last of the full plates hit the counter by seven thirty.

Sold out! Last year there was corned beef by the bulk left over to sell, this year folks were turned away. How can you possibly plan something like this and more to the point, what sort of quantity should be prepared next year for the one hundred year anniversary?

A suggestion box was placed in the corner, over by the piano, to help prepare the way. By evenings end it contained a lot of suggestions but unfortunately someone had spilled a drink over them and they were illegible!

Lolli's mom, Margaret, and step father Walt, visiting from Seattle, joined the crowd early enough to get in on dinner. Walt kept asking around if anyone knew the song "Who put the overalls in Mrs. Murphy chowder"? Not a soul seemed to know it. Walt claimed he knew the song but was too shy to sing it in front of a group of strangers. He did have a sprig of redwood in his button hole which he claimed was a Mendocino shamrock.

After the fine dinner, the band started to tune up and that drove mom and Walt away, as the younger set took to the floor for some good old Rock and Roll by 'Word of Mouth'. Hey, these guys are getting good. Either that or the drinks have improved!

Bobby Beacon was in charge of security and for the first time I know of, enforced 'No taking drinks out of the building'. That proved interesting for us few remaining smokers who wound up jammed in the door way, a cigarette in the 'weather' hand, out where it was raining and dark, and a drink in the 'on shore' hand where it was warm and safe. Almost enough to make one give up the habit!

During Great Day in Elk or during the Pepper Martin Base Ball extravaganza, we can wander around outside with drink in hand but during Saint Paddy's day, with rain pounding down, forget it. I guess it depends on the type of liquor license applied for. You figure it out.

The next day, Mary Berry called me to announce the winners of the raffle.

First Prize; the cedar chest full of goodies, Ann Fashaur.

Second Prize; the Microwave, Prue Wilcox. Prue won the same prize two years ago.

Third Prize; a Skill Saw, Eileen Rowley.

Fourth Prize; an answering machine, Barbara Tucker.

Mary wishes to extend grateful thanks to all who worked so hard to put this event together and especially to all who braced the wild weather to make it such a success. Thank you.

Several out of town folks have stopped by the Elk Garage have claimed that, "Elk sure has changed over the years".

This always kinds of puzzles me. I can only think on one new house built since 1965, here in town, Kevin Joe's. Sure there have been some houses rebuilt; Kendricks for instance, and some houses moved, like Charlie Acker's and some fixed up, the Sandpiper, Molfino's, Thompson's, Elk Cove Inn, etc. But overall Greenwood/Elk pretty much remains the same.

I heard that the owners of the Mendocino Hotel bought the five or six hundred acre Bridgeport Ranch, South of town, with plans to build a bed and breakfast. They got the land but the building plans were shot down, for now.

I also hear that plans for a new Elk Post Office are getting closer to a reality. There is also something else in the wind that I'm not at liberty to mention yet, but I look forward to the day I can. It should be a definite improvement around here.

At the last Elk County Water Board meeting, of which I am a member, we received and approved the resignation of President Charlie Acker, from the board and elected Del Wilcox interim president. Charlie will now be general manager of the water district, working for the board. There is now a vacancy on the water board for anyone who resides within the water district. If you are interested in being a member, please contact Del Wilcox and attend the next meeting, April 8th.

Rummage Sale. Rummage Sale. Here comes the rummage sale. April 4th and 5th.

March 26th.

Being a gas pump jockey in a small tourist town, I can't help but notice things like, how many keys there are on the key ring to the locking gas cap on cars of folks from the city. Around here there are folks who get by with only a red rag stuck in the filler hole. Another thing I noticed is how city folks don't seem to mind the "Bong, Bong, Bong" of the 'door open' alarm as they sit there with their door ajar while I pump the gas and do the windows. They have to open the door because their power window won't open without the key in the ignition and I have the keys because of the gas cap!

A lot of out of town folks, especially Germans, have rental cars that have the gas filler door release somewhere inside. Usually it is down alongside the drivers seat but some of the latest cars are more devious than that. One rental car, a Chevy, we never did figure out. There was no owner's manual of course. We finally opened the trunk and pulled the manual override.

Another interesting aspect of dealing with various cars is discovering where the dip stick is, how easy it is to lift the windshield wipers when cleaning the windshield, there they hid the oil filter, and so on. The easiest, user friendly cars are invariably Japanese or Korean, while the good old Detroit iron is the most difficult.

I know, I know, "Buy American", but if you want a car that is well thought out and perfect from the day it rolled out of the dealer door...there is no comparison.

I'm sorry, I'm just giving you my observations from the pump. Hopefully the 'Big Three' will start hiring more engineers and fewer lawyers.

In last weeks column I mentioned something I couldn't talk about. Of course that caused curiosity. Various folks would come up and say,

"Hey, what is it that is going to be such an improvement in Greenwood/Elk"?

"I can't say", I would say, but I promised to tell them if they guessed right.

Here is the list of guesses, so far.

1. The Oasis is going to reopen?

2. The Elk Market has been sold to new owners?

3. The Community Center is going to get a jungle gym?

4. We're going to have a Free Beach for dogs?

5. There is going to be a bypass around town?

6. We're going to have a new fire truck?

Well, yes, concerning the fire truck, but as for the rest? Wrong. All wrong.

Here is a note from Lea Almonrode and Hillary Adams;

"The redwood tree that fell across Highway One last Sunday kept the Methodist speaker from reaching the Greenwood Methodist Church for their first regular service since 1987.

"Lutheran Pastor Paul Schaffer substituted at the last minute and saved the day. Pianist Carolyn Steinbuck played a beautiful Bach Sarabande. She had to borrow a car from Janet Morris to get to the church, though, since her own is still being repaired. After the service, a group had brunch at Sue Matson's Roadhouse Cafe. The church plans to hold services once or twice a month. Look for Isabel Petty's white sign outside the church building for service times. The next service will be on Easter Sunday, April 19th at 5:00 PM. Everyone is welcome.

Fyador, Ramone's wonderful Golden Retriever and best bird dog he has ever owned, had to be put down last week. Fyador had an inoperable tumor. Ramone and local vet, Doug Blaine, walked the dog out to the point behind the Post Office and there, at sunset, high above the surf, they reminisced with Fyador, about those good old days of pointing birds. Finally Doug administered the shot and, after a while, Ramone carried Fyador back to the front seat of his pickup for one last ride up Philo/Greenwood road.

Ramone buried Fyador in the flower garden and saluted him with three rounds through the ol' twelve gauge pump. The next morning, Ramone happened to look out the kitchen window and there, standing on the fresh dug mound, were six quail.

April 2nd

Food, fun, and fabulous finds will again be featured at the Greenwood Civic Club's sixth annual rummage sale to be held Saturday and Sunday, April 4th and 5th at the Elk Community Center from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. As a new feature this year the proceeds of the sale will be shared between the Children's Activities program, sponsored by the Elk Community Center and a new Scholarship Fund. This scholarship will be given to a deserving senior in the Greenwood/Elk area towards further education in the field of his/her choice. If no deserving senior is available, the fund will roll over to the following year. Also, this year, for the first time, new merchandise will be put out for sale on Sunday, April 5th.

George Montage, current school board member, called to remind me to remind everyone else that there will be a school board meeting, April 9th, at the Greenwood/Elk Community Center at 7:00 PM. This is an important meeting concerning the fate of our elementary school and he urges everyone to please attend.

Bill Edison reports that the Community Center addition has cleared all the hurdles and construction will commence June 22nd. Bill is casting about for an appropriate name for the new addition. The Wilson Womb? Del's Dorm? Crusier's Castle? Prue's Powder Room?

Changing hats from Vice President, Community Center Division to, "Baby Doc", Greenwood/Elk's very own Baseball Commissioner, Bill reports that he has finally found the brass spittoon. It was being used as a bacon grease reservoir in the kitchen of the Roadhouse Cafe. You may recall Becky Matson won the spittoon last year. Now the games are once again almost back on track for the Annual Mother's Day Great Pepper Martin Baseball Extravaganza. Still in hiding is the Greenwood Elk, the coveted wooden statue, cobbled together by John Frankel, years ago. Once Bill locates that, there will be no stopping him from inflicting upon us his version of what baseball should mean to us poor captive locals who couldn't care less.

The Senior Center, Fort Bragg, sent me the words to "Who Threw the Overalls in Mrs. Murphy Chowder". If you need a copy, drop me a line. Thank you.

John Terwilliger, who was ticketed for "dog at large" on what we use to consider 'our beach', had apologized to Ranger Kevin Joe and the rest of the community for raising such a stink over the issue. He decided to just pay the fine, so he called the court to find out how much.

"$228.00. $76 dollars per dog."

Now John has second thoughts and will appear in the Point Arena court May 6th. Various town folks are planning to attend to provide moral support, although the feeling is with 'Vinny' on the bench, it is a lost cause.

The good news is that the Park Service has been so disseminate by budget cuts that they won't have the man power or energy to enforce such frivolous 'laws' and they will get back to picking up tourist trash for a living, which us locals use to do before being insulted by Parks and Wrecks.

Yeah, I'm mad.

My dog just cost me $88.00 in medication because of a skin irritation, the first time this has happened in her five years of life. Before the enforcement of "Leash laws" I took her down for a swim in the ocean twice a week and her coat was healthy. While down there I would pick up the tourist trash as I came across it and haul it out. I wasn't the only local around here who did that because of love for our beach.

Well, to hell with that. That's Parks and Wrecks job.

And finally,

Sascha Van De Loo and Jorn Morrisse were two young Germans who saved their money to come to America and tour the states. They arrived in San Francisco, bought an old Mercury station wagon and hit the road. They had four months and planned to make a guide book for their fellow countrymen. Jorn writing the words, Sascha taking the photos. They headed up the coast.

They arrived in Elk early Sunday morning, looking for a cup of coffee. Everything was closed so they found a spot, South of town, overlooking the sea. It was six thirty in the morning. Sascha decided to hike the steep trail down to the small beach below. Jorn elected to sleep in the station wagon. At Eleven o'clock, Jorn woke up and went down the trail looking for Sascha. He found him on the beach asleep, but Sascha wasn't asleep. It was the end of their vacation. Sascha, twenty two years old had somehow slipped and fallen to his death.

It took the Elk Volunteers three and a half hours to bring the body back up the cliff. Jorn decided to go back home to Germany.

April 9th.

Last Sunday, March 29th, while I watched the recovery of the 'body', South of Elk, I noticed a young man, sitting a way off on the hood of a car, looking out to sea. I finally went over and offered him a cigarette. I asked if he was hungry or wanted a cup of coffee. He said he was hungry and would like coffee but he doesn't eat meat. I said I would be right back.

I went to the busy Roadhouse Cafe, slipped in the back door and asked Wayne Walker if he could make a toasted cheese sandwich to go and Paulo Ferreira, the waiter, if I could get a thermos of coffee.

In short order I was back to the recovery scene and gave the young man the food. While he ate we talked some. His name was Jorn Morrise, his friend, who had fallen to his death onto the beach below, was Sascha Van De Loo.

The keys to their car were missing, they had been in Sascha's pocket.

I offered him a place to stay and the use of my phone and when the recovery was complete, we drove over to Saint Anthony's Point. I gave him some beer, then he took a nap. In the evening the Huckaby's invited us over for dinner. Later, Jorn tried to call Germany. It was too early over there and he finally went back to bed, jet lag, and the loss of his friend...too much.

The next morning he reached his mother in Germany and later we got the Mendocino Locksmith to come down and make keys for the car. Joel Waldman stopped by to offer dinner.

More calls back and forth to Germany, calls from the Sheriff, calls to the Consulate in San Francisco. Jorn tells me that Sascha's father is coming.

Wednesday, as I am closing up the Elk Garage, a rental car pulls up and a red eyed man and two crying women come into the garage.

"Are you Ronn Blumqust?"

Sascha's father, mother, and sister had arrived.

I directed them to Saint Anthony's Point where they could find Jorn.

I closed the garage and hurried over to the Harbor House to see if it was possible to add five people to their seven o'clock dinner list. No other place in town was open and the Elk Market was closed.

Harbor House receptionist Marge Zigler said, "Well...okay."

We arrived at the Harbor House one half hour later, had some wine and a wonderful dinner, which they mostly just picked at. They had received the disastrous phone call thirty six hours earlier, in Germany, and had been traveling ever since.

When Sascha's father, Karl, asked for the dinner bill, we were informed it was on the house!

The family soon retired to their accommodations at the Griffin House and Jorn and I walked back to my place.

The next morning I called my landlady and asked if I could put these folks up in their house at Saint Anthony's Point.

"Yes, of course."

Thursday and Friday involved getting Sascha's back pack, sleeping bag, passport, and wallet from the Sheriff and having the body cremated at the Chapel by the Sea in Fort Bragg. Also a trip to Ukiah for necessary paperwork.

Jorn left Friday for San Francisco to try and sell the car and change the airline ticket.

The Van De Loo family left for San Francisco, then on to Germany, Saturday morning.

They left a letter, written in German, for the town of Greenwood/Elk which was translated by Rosie Acker:

"Thank you."

"The extraordinary sympathy and help given to us by the people in Elk helped us to cope with our biggest pain.

"A special thanks to the people who recovered Sascha as well as Leslie Lawson, Rosi Acker, Gerry Blaire, Lieutenant Cove, and our friend Ron.

"Even though the circumstances were very tragic, we have fond memory of Elk and, for sure, we'll return for a visit.

"To the owners of Saint Anthony's Point:

"We've had really hard times in America, especially in Elk, where Sascha died.

"But the possibility to stay in your house even though you don't know us was a big help.

"It was good for us that we did not have to stay in a hotel where we couldn't behave the way we felt like; in your house we could cry and think and laugh - and nobody stared at us.

"Your place showed us the beauty of this area so that we do not have only bad memories when thinking of the sea, America in general, or Elk, where we lost Sascha.

"Thanks a lot for your friendliness.

\tab\tab Karl, Marie-Luise, and Tanja Van De Loo

I will also add, at the request of the family, a big thanks to Fire Chief Bob Matson, the Elk Volunteers', Ed Bird, R.D. Beacon, Charlie Acker, Ron Karish, Jamie Roberts, Greg Spitler, George Lawrence, Harolde Searles, Lee McKnight, David Gates, Gary Moran, Ken Hofer of Fish and Game, and County Sheriff G. Hudson, for their care and time in the recovery of Sascha.

Finally, let me say I saw a stranger, sitting on the hood of a car. He was alone, heartbroken and knew no one. I offered a little help and in time, introduced him to the people of the village of Greenwood/Elk, who in turn, threw open their doors, as I knew they would. It's just that kind of place.

Best wishes to my wonderful new friends from Germany and especially to Jorn, who I hope can one day return for happier times.

April 16th.

There will be Easter Services at the Methodist Church in Greenwood/Elk, Sunday afternoon at 5:00. pastor Dowdy conducting.

The Catholic Church, I'm sure, will have services also even though it is getting a new foundation under the West side of the building. The Greenwood Civic Club wants to thank everyone for their generous contributions to the recent Annual Rummage Sale. It was the largest sale yet, taking in approximately $2950.00. A special thanks to the Edisons' for their donated wood stove which brought in $450.00!

The raffle winners were as follows;

1. Redwood clock, Erna Smith.

2. Answering machine, Claire Melrose's father.

3. Alarm clock, Lea Almonrode.

4. Vase with silk flowers, Kevin Joe.

I noticed dirt being scuffed around at the site of our future post office, across the street from the post office. Probably perk tests.

Steve Acker is thinking about building a house between his brother's house and the Elk Gas Station.

Roff Barnett is still trying to get the go ahead on building up to seven houses behind town, over towards the sub station.

Construction on the addition to the Community Center building should be starting in a month or so.

The installation of tanks, pump, and apparatus on the new fire truck is coming along.

Tree work and interior modifications are underway at the duplex on the 'S' curve North of town. That structure was recently sold to some folks from Ukiah. They plan to live here.

Meanwhile, in the midst of all this, Bill Edison is trying to get his Field of Dreams mowed in preparation for the Pepper Martin Baseball Extravaganza this coming Mother's Day.

The flowers are out, the sap is up, and our winter hibernation is definitely over.

As for myself, well, I need a break. Three months of gas pump jockeying and all the rusha-rusha in our little town has convinced me it is time to take off. Lolli has spring break next week. Ed and Suzanne McKinnley have their bus ready to go, so it is time to head out and get straight.

Our plans are to get to the Basque Restaurant in Bakersfield before closing time, enjoy a fine dinner and then slip over Tehachapi Pass for our first night amongst the Joshua Trees. The next morning Ed wants to sky dive at the Mojave Airport while I study the finer print on the topo maps. By the time Ed is back on the ground I should have the general direction picked out.

I seem to remember reading about a place called Anvil Canyon, located up a bad, lonesome road in the sticker bush and granite rock country, somewhere Northeast of Mojave, between Panamint Valley and Death Valley.

As I recall, the story tells of a lost group of pioneers who finally staggered up out of Death Valley, trying to save their lives, and came across a one hundred pound anvil lying in the dirt. No one knows who the poor bastard was who had hauled it so far, only to finally have to give it up...or die.

It seems to me like just the place to ponder the future.

April 23rd.

Gone.

April 30th.

Well, my left arm is peeling. I must have been on vacation. Driving an average of one hundred and fifty miles a day through desert country for eight days seems to do that to the hide of us soft skinned coastal dwellers.

As most of you know, Lolli and I and Ed and Suzanne headed out for spring break in our VW busses.

Two years ago spring break ended abruptly for us at the Saline Valley Hot Springs when Lolli slipped and broke her leg in two places. We had just finished enjoying Ed's world famous barbecued chicken with "Nook Mom" sauce, and were heading back to the hot spring for another soak when tragedy happened.

Well, this time we decided to proceed boldly, tempted the fates, continue from where we left off by having Ed cook up,

\tab "Nook Mom, Part Two, the Adventure Continues".

So, there we were, camped for the evening at the Trona Pinnacles, Ed cooking the chicken on the "barbee" and defiantly slathering on the "Nook Mom". The dinner was as good as ever and as a result we only experienced two flat tires, got stuck in the sand twice, and were bracketed by two earthquakes!

That "Nook Mom" is powerful stuff.

So, where did we go?

Well, first to Bakersfield for the Basque restaurant feast, then over the hill to Mojave and up Jaw Bone Canyon for the first night.

Butterbretch Canyon Bird Sanctuary the next morning for Suzanne.

California City Airport that afternoon so Eddie could jump. Then on to the Desert Tortoise Reserve.

We visited the mining town of Randsburg and then drove out to the Trona Pinnacles for the infamous "Nook Mom".

Anvil Canyon, where I thought we were going, turned out to be on a Military Reserve, so, North to the Panamint Valley and Ballarat.

We tried to get up Surprise Canyon to visit Panamint City but the canyon was still washed out from the 1985 flood. We went up Wildrose Canyon to the charcoal kilns left over from the old mining days and back down to the North end of Panamint Valley for the night. The desert flowers were at full strength.

The next day we found Death Valley to be one hundred and six degrees with gale force winds at the Southern end. The Tecoupa Hot Springs were a real treat after that.

And on and on. You know how travelogues are.

In the Eastern Mojave Wilderness we saw three Desert Tortoise. Two big ones, about fourteen inches in diameter and one youngster, around three inches in diameter.

We were in the Mitchell Caverns the day after the Desert Hot Springs earthquake. The Park Ranger went into the cave first to make sure it was safe! We saw one rattle snake but Suzanne and Lolli was making so much noise, hollering at Ed and I, that we didn't get to identify what kind it was. Later on we saw a five foot long Coachwhip snake, a Golden Eagle, a Hooded Warbler, a coyote and on and on, you know how travelogues are.

We swam at Dirty Socks warm springs and soaked at "The Tub" and "Travertine" hot springs.

It was a wonderful vacation. One of the best ones yet.

It wasn't until we cleared the Sierra's crest that we heard about the earthquakes in the Lost Coast area.

And now, back to work. Back to Greenwood/Elk. Back to this beautiful area which seems even more beautiful than ever. And back to the timber wars, dog leash problem, development controversies, beach fee questions and the non-elections. What we call life.

I see Laurie McGary riding the mower around the Field of Dreams, getting the ball park ready for the pepper Martin Baseball Extravaganza.

I see the Roadhouse Cafe has shifted into summer hours,

"Open Tuesday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch".

I see Mel Matson walking up the road towards the gas station.

I must be home again.

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