Sixty-Six, for Sixty Six, Part LXI: Brandywine’s Message

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 8, 2017 in Education, Family, Hiking and Nature, Historical, Inspiration, Spiritual, Travel

July 19, 2017, Chadds Ford-

My nephew wanted to hit the trail, this morning, so after a few rendezvous snafus, due to differing GPS entries, we met at Birmingham Friends Meeting House, near the site of some of the heaviest fighting. The battle raged here, on September 11, 1777. Today, we were the only people on this little hill, south of Chadds Ford. The Brandywine Valley, today, is better known for its wineries, for the Wyeth family’s presence and for the Longwood and Main Fountain Gardens, than for one of the heaviest battles of the American Revolution.

Of course, without the battle, which showed the British victors that the war was far from over, it’s likely that all the beauty of this valley would be under entirely different auspices, today. We spent the first forty minutes of our visit, in and around Birmingham Friends Meeting House and its Peace Garden. First, though, here are a couple of views of the area that was the battle zone, 240 years ago, next month.

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What is the province of grazing cows, today, was a harrowing encampment, for men on opposing sides, but all far from home. The hospital where all, regardless of loyalty, would be treated for their injuries, was in this modest building- then and now, a Quaker Meeting House.

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Many of their fallen comrades would be buried, in a mass grave, on the south side of this cemetery. Hundreds lie here, with no regard for their ideology. All were viewed as humans, by the farmers of Birmingham Hill.

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This plaque announces the Peace Garden of Birmingham Hill.

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Again, the serenity of the day- with the distant echo of muskets and cannonade.

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This verse, by John Donne, is one of several cogent quotes, placed carefully, throughout the Peace Garden.

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William Sloane Coffin also offers a simple comment on the world of today.

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A poignant expression of love, from a local farmer to his departed wife, signifies the ongoing daily life, around the battle and its aftermath.

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After time for reflection, we headed to Brandywine State Museum, and spent an hour or so there, before walking to Washington’s Headquarters. The museum offers detailed exhibits of muskets, British rifles (which were largely responsible for the Royal Army’s early successes) and cannonry. It is, like the Museum of the American Revolution, a well-balanced institution.

In the nearby woods, this long-abandoned gazebo tells of how nature regards the vagaries of war. It grows over the remnants, and challenges us to unearth them.

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This was Benjamin Ring’s root cellar. Mr. Ring was the host to General Washington, and his troops, who camped in the fields.

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The Rings most likely stayed in this “servants’ quarters”, during the Revolutionaries’ encampment.

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Here is the main farmhouse, where the General and his staff planned what turned out to be an inadequate strategy. Much was learned from the battle, though, and it was the hubris of the British, combined with French and Polish support for the Americans, which led to the rising of the Revolutionary forces, after Valley Forge.

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With this, my nephew was off to pick up his little girl, from pre-school, and I was headed to Philadelphia, after a fabulous lunch, at this bustling, somewhat friendly establishment.

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Sixty-Six, for Sixty Six, Part LX: Freedom, Borne of Fire

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 7, 2017 in Family, Historical, Striving, Travel

July 17-18, 2017, Philadelphia-

After treating my mother to breakfast, at Saugus’ downtown cafe, Hammersmith Inn, I bid farewell to the town of my childhood, and headed towards Pennsylvania, and more family bonding. My middle brother spent a good many of his working years in Pennsyvania, lastly in the Main Line precincts of Chester Springs. Two of his children still live in the Philadelphia area. He and my sister-in-law were here visiting, so this was a natural stop, for a day or so.

I took my now customary route, south and west, stopping first at Newtown, CT, where I have been intending to visit the small reflection area, where Sandy Hook Elementary stood, at the time of the massacre of 2012. I was, of course, unable to do that last year, with my car trouble. No such issue rose this year, so I stopped, prayed and reflected, with the new Sandy Hook Elementary School behind me, and many people carrying on the business of summer school.

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Freedom allows people to make some odd choices, as those who threatened the lives of the victims’ families did, in the wake of the tragedy. Thankfully, no harm has come to any parents or siblings of those slain.

I drove down I- 84 & 81, at one point having to detour through Middletown, NY, ironically the place where I first took the dying Nissan, last summer. Again, there were no issues with my trusty Hyundai. I continued to a place which has come to feel much like home, these past six years: Glick’s Greenhouse, Oley. After a lovely welcoming dinner and some quiet time, I was honoured by this sunset:

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The next morning, with a breakfast to match the dinner, I bid farewell to my Oley family. For those who remember Cider, the Glick’s old collie, Manny- his successor, is getting the hang of greenhouse life.

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I headed south and east, into the Main Line area, and connected with my Georgia siblings, at their hotel, then went to a deli-style restaurant, in the town of Wayne. Nudy’s Cafe is a thoroughly tasteful establishment, with wonderful food and attentive, well-dressed servers.

After this repast, Dave and I headed to the Museum of the American Revolution, in downtown Philadelphia, experiencing relatively mild traffic, en route. The first sight greeting the visitor, in the area of 2nd St and Chestnut, is a statue of Pennsylvania’s founder: William Penn.

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The Museum of the American Revolution, itself, is less than a block from this little square. It is just south of the domed building in the foreground. SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

The entrance posits the challenge that may well have been a battle cry, in the years just prior to the outright rebellion.

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I stood in front of the copper engraving depicting the First Continental Congress.

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The Declaration of Independence is adjacent to the museum entrance, as well.

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Inside, the Museum offers a complete, and well-balanced depiction of the experiences of both sides, in the conflict, and of those trapped in the middle- the merchants and the Quaker pacifists. Most of the exhibits did not lend themselves to photography, being in dimmer light, with no flash photography allowed. I did get a few shots, first being the Philadelphia Liberty Tree.

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The Patriots were not, at least initially, a unified force. Disagreements between townsmen of the Northeast and woodsmen from the Appalachians and the Ohio Valley had to be mediated, with George Washington reportedly directly intervening, at least once. The boy on the lower left recalled this, in his memoirs, later in life.

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The more iconic scene, of Washington crossing the Delaware River, is also given prominence.

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The plight of African-American slaves, who were not uncommon in the northern colonies, any more than in the South, in the late 18th Century, is symbolized by this portrait and commentary by Mumbet, a Massachusetts woman, who won her freedom in court, after her master assaulted her, for having listened to a reading of the Declaration of Independence. This case resulted in the prohibition of slavery in Massachusetts. Mumbet became Elizabeth Freeman, and lived out her days in Stockbridge, a town in the central Berkshire Hills.

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The American experiment is far from perfect, but has resulted in the most diverse democracy on Earth, and still has so much to share, with those who want to study our nation’s experience. We will keep on going, experimenting, refining and retooling, hopefully so that the three generations shown below, and their fellows, will never again know oppression. SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

NEXT: Brandywine, and More of Downtown Philadelphia.

Sixty-Six, for Sixty-Six, Part LVIII: Return to Down East, Part 3- The Heritage of Agamenticus

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 4, 2017 in Historical, Matters of Faith, Striving, Travel

July 16, 2017, York, ME-

My penchant for delving into the past, of any given community in which I find myself, is fairly standard by now. As a native New Englander, I will always look at the reasons for people’s settlements. Maine began as a county of the colony, and later, of the Commonwealth, of Massachusetts. Most initial settlement in the region was, naturally, along the coast. The Penacook Abenaki people, who predated Europeans here, called their settlement Agamenticus. There is no specific definition given, for that name- but it refers to what is now known as the York River.

In 1624, Sir Fernando Gorges, representing the British Crown, established a settlement here and made it the administrative center for the District of Maine. He called it Gorgeana. Upon his death, the Massachusetts Bay Colony laid claim to Maine, and the town was renamed York.

I set out, this afternoon, to visit the three museums, over a 2 1/2 hour period. Upon the advice of the chief curator of Old York, I first went to Old Gaol (jail), as it would close first.

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It was, as one might expect, a rather unwelcoming place. The jailer lived in the facility, and was also a weaver. His loom and his sleeping quarters were in one room, on the first floor.

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The miscreants, of course, did not have such comfortable digs.

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“Have a seat” also meant something different, back then, when addressed to, say, the town drunk.

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The punishments of the day were a fair bit more severe than what we might exact for a similar offense, today. Note that there were two ways of writing the letter ‘s’.a

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The walkway between cells was not intended for easy passage.

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I would then, as now, preferred to observe the laws of the land.

Having been convinced of the earnestness of justice in Old York, I headed to Emerson- Wilcox House, which is an example of a residence which was leased from the First Parish Congregationalist Church of York, by one town merchant, Edward Emerson, a granduncle of Ralph Waldo Emerson, in 1766, for 999 years. After Mr. Emerson died, his son inherited the house, but was unable to maintain himself financially, and died penniless. The surviving women remained in the house, which was purchased by the town magistrate and constable, David Wilcox, hence Emerson-Wilcox House. Mr. Wilcox expanded the home, out of necessity, so there are two period styles of architecture in the home: Georgian and Federal. Photography is not permitted inside the home, but here are some views of the exterior.

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After a friendly and informative guided tour of the house, I passed by the Old Burial Ground, SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

and browsed the Remick Collection of York memorabilia, which include original bed hangings from one of the first homes in York. Again, there was no photography permtted inside the collection, but here is a look at the outside.

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The adjoining Jeffords Tavern, however, is photo-friendly, and gives a view of the casual side of colonial life. Maine was nowhere near as Puritanical as Massachusetts Bay Colony, being more concerned with maritime commerce, from its inception. There were several churches, which were mostly concerned with keeping the Sabbath and ownership of land.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Jeffords Tavern.

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You can see that not all the furniture is from the Georgian Period. The modern fare is for the convenience of researchers and other visitors.

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Lastly, here is the Old York Schoolhouse, now-but not then- placed adjacent to Jeffords Tavern.

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York has a plethora of places of interest, many of which are natural preserves. In the next post, the last in this series, Hartley-Mason Preserve, and York Harbor, are the focus.

Sixty-Six, for Sixty Six,Part LVII: Return to Down East, Part 2- Stonewall Kitchen and Downtown York

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 3, 2017 in Family, Hiking and Nature, Historical, Social, Travel

July 16, 2017, York, ME-

My father’s family hails from Maine, and several of us have lived in the Pine Tree State, for certain periods of our lives. Presently, one of my Dad’s sisters lives here, in York, two of her children and their families live nearby, and two other cousins liveculinary center in other parts of the state. It is Aunt Helen’s birthday, today, so this evening was spent at her home, with her youngest child, and her family, on hand for the celebration.

Beforehand, I stopped at Stonewall Kitchen, a large culinary center that celebrates Maine’s agricultural wealth and offers cooking classes. Auntie works there, part-time and is a fixture at the place. I had no trouble finding her, with help from two or three of her co-workers. Since she was at work, I busied myself with checking out the store and the well-coiffed grounds, before moving on to York’s downtown, Old York historic district and harbor area.

Here are some scenes of Stonewall Kitchen (NOTE: It is named for the iconic stone walls, that line many fields in New England.

You can see, from these scenes of the very southernmost part of Maine, why the state has exploded in popularity with travelers, tourists and people seeking to relocate.

I spent three more hours in York’s central districts. The downtown area, like that of so many New England towns, is walkable and most inviting. Here are some highlights, of the area just to the north of Old York.

I began at the town’s Civil War Monument.

The Old York Garden Club maintains the verdure, in this roundabout and at York public Library, as well as in the historic district itself.

The rushes are a natural part of York’s environment, and have been carefully preserved, just west of York Public Library, as a wetlands initiative.

After appreciating the exterior of York Public Library, and finding the building closed, for the Sabbath, I headed to Old York.

Sixty-Six, for Sixty Six, Part LI: Twisters and Turns

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on July 27, 2017 in children, Community, Historical, Service Activities, Travel

July 11, 2017, Van Wert, OH- My drive from Elkhart and Goshen was uneventful, until I reached the Ohio state line. I had an idea, that I might stay in Lima, a northwest Ohio town, with a Baha’i connection (one of the early American Baha’i teachers was from there.) That went out the window, as soon as I reached the first Ohio highway rest area. Rain began falling, copiously, to say the least. Thunder and lightning were, of course, a huge part of the mix.

I then and there decided to make my way to the closest town, Van Wert. It was the right move. No sooner had I checked into downtown Van Wert’s only motel, than a tornado alert came on the cellphone, and the motel manager began the process of evacuating her family, and all of us tenants, to the YMCA tornado shelter, across the street.

We spent about forty minutes in the Y’s basement, before the all-clear was sounded. The twister had struck a town just north of Van Wert, but left us alone. The night, after that, was peaceful.

Here is the undisturbed scene, the next morning, at Fountain Inn and at the Y.

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By now, Van Wert had grown on me, so a little exploration was in order. There are two fine breakfast places in town. I chose Truly Divine Bakery, figuring a little hubris is merited by people who have to live under the threat of tornadoes. The other place, Balyeat’s, lists itself as “nationally known”, so I also thought Divine needed a boost. The place has exemplary pastries, and marvelous breakfast sandwiches, so it was the right choice. A group of A.M. Lions was having their meeting at Divine, so that was another good sign.

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Midwest towns are, on the whole, homey, clean and standard. There are often one or two surprises, though. Van Wert has an impressive Courthouse.

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It also boasts Brumback Library, the first county public library in the U.S.

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Finally, there is the Marsh Foundation for Children and Families, serving the needs of high-risk children, since 1922, when George and Herlinda Marsh, a prominent Van Wert couple, saw the need for such a center in northwest Ohio. The spacious campus now tends to the needs of young people, from all over the country.

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So, Van Wert is a solid community, and well worth the time taken. I stayed on U.S. 30, driving through Lima, but continuing on, in the interests of time, and of not knowing when another storm would present itself. The highway did take me to two other appealing cities: Mansfield and Canton, subjects of the next two posts.

Sixty-Six, for Sixty Six, Part XLIX: One Lady’s Flame of Learning

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on July 22, 2017 in Education, Historical, Spiritual, Striving, Travel

July 10, 2017, South Bend-

The University of Notre Dame has long been the stuff of legends, particularly when it comes to college football. There is, of course, far more to this fine institution, so it was ironic that the stadium was off-limits to the public today, with intense construction work being done, in and around it. My tour of Notre Dame, courtesy of a long-time correspondent, focused on everything else that makes this campus such a great institution.

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Our tour began near the Joyce Center, a performance center, named for one of the University’s prime movers, Reverend Edmund P. Joyce.

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I am always drawn to student art. This metal dinosaur was produced by a team of Notre Dame students, and is one of a wide variety of projects, visible around campus. While I was there, several pieces were being transported to storage, saving them during the summer construction.

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Horticulture is as vital here, for aesthetics and soil enrichment, as it is at any great public place.

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I give you two views of Touchdown Jesus, the lovely, famed, and rather presumptuous, mural which faces Ara Parseghian Stadium. SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

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Rev. Drs. Joyce and Hesburgh are seen, discussing their vision for Notre Dame.

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There are several panels, along the wall of the University Library, depicting symbols from the Old Testament.

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There are four concrete pavilions, in the center of campus, honouring those who fought in World Wars I & II, Korea, Vietnam and the ongoing conflicts in western Asia.

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In the central fountain of these pavilions, is a steel ball, representing our shared planet.

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The Washington Center, Notre Dame’s administrative center, is topped by this golden dome.

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Along the central corridor of the Washington Center are several portraits, depicting the life of Christopher Columbus. An ornate crown may also be viewed, at the north end of the corridor.

My guide and I next proceeded to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The modernesque features of the interior stand somewhat in contrast to the interiors of several much older cathedrals of, say, western Europe. Nonetheless, the artistry does a fine job of telling the Eternal Story.

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The High Altar, the Altar of St. Peter and the Altar of the Blessed Mother appear, lined up.

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The Basilica’s ceiling calls attention to the Divine Sacrifice.

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This tree shows its resilience, after a sacrifice of a different sort.

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It was now time for my guide to head back to her other duties, so from here, I spent several minutes on my own.

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That time was spent in the Jordan Center for Science.

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The Center’s biological and medical research is wide in field, most notably its research into blindness. The Museum, closed when I was there, has an extensive collection of skeletons and taxidermy.

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The Sundial hearkens back to a time when naturalistic observation meant the difference between life and death.

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This has been one of the more fascinating campus tours, along with that, four years ago, of Princeton University, courtesy of another longtime correspondent. So, farewell, Notre Dame and Ara Parseghian Stadium.

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The Time Necessary

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on June 19, 2017 in Historical, Inspiration, Personal Values, Service Activities, Social, Spiritual

June 19, 2017, Cave Creek-

This morning, I read of Juneteenth, the delayed news of southern slave emancipation, and how it took two years, minimum, to reach Texas.

Shopping for water and ice, to help with a brief trip to Superior, I encountered the daughter of a friend, whom I have not visited in some time. She was mildly cordial, the consequence, I’d say, of my lengthy physical absence, from their lives. I feel the need to connect with them, at least for a few hours, before heading out of the area for nearly a month.

Driving to Sun Flour Market, for a brief visit with one of my closest soul connections, I was able to communicate all that was essential, in snippets of conversation, punctuated by intuitive insight, in ninety minutes, or so, around her busy management of the restaurant. Like me, she gets the most accomplished, in a short time, through close attention to detail, while still being able to converse a bit- and put things together. We can understand, and care deeply for, each other and for each other’s loved ones, with minimal talk.

Driving back to the Valley, I stopped at Local Jonny’s, to visit with some of my young angels. They had today off, and were nowhere to be found. A respite is always vital, if only for a day or two.

I need little of anyone’s time, or so I tell myself. A new friend, whose acquaintance I made today, has a wealth of insight into the realm of the spirit. I look forward to delving into her treasury of awareness, and its connection to my Faith,in the days and months ahead.

There is time for me to finish downsizing; time to complete a set of cotton covers for the products of Days for Girls; time to help with any fire emergencies; time, always, for spiritual growth. How much time will I have to devote to each? It’ll depend on how much is necessary, to fully and lovingly attend to the task. My lilies know this.

A SoCal Break, Day 1, Part 2: Point Vicente

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on June 15, 2017 in Hiking and Nature, Historical, Travel

June 12, 2017, San Onofre-

Since first visiting Palos Verdes Peninsula, west of Los Angeles, a couple of years ago, I have wanted to go back and actually walk a bit, from one of the overlooks, down to the beach and back. This afternoon, I chose the southern end of the peninsula, at Point Vicente, to make that hike.

The Point Vicente area is the site of a U. S. Coast Guard lighthouse, one of three in southern California- the others being at Point Loma, in San Diego, and at Point Conception, between Santa Barbara and Santa Maria. As an active Coast Guard facility, it is off limits to visitors, save for a few hours on a certain day of the week. This was not that certain day.

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Point Vicente does have a lovely Interpretive Center, operated by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. The small museum, focusing on marine mammals and other aquatic life, is supplemented by a crew of docent volunteers.

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There is also a spacious viewing platform, with a particularly fine view, today at least, of Santa Catalina.

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In between the platform and the island, however, there is much to hold a visitor’s attention. Beach plum is as plentiful here, as it used to be at the beaches of Massachusetts, when I was a kid.

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Once down to the narrow beach, it is possible to walk for about 1/4 mile, before a field of boulders renders the walk questionable, at least in the eyes of locals. SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

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Small rocks jut out of the open water, as they do all along the Pacific Coast, the result of continuous volcanic activity, over the eons.

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Kelp is also plentiful, though the mollusks which feed on it are much rarer in southern California than they were, even ten years ago.

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The rock below gave me the sense of a stranded turtle, looking seaward.

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Flowering plants, like these daisies, always seem to find a niche, whether on the shore or in the desert.

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I could not remember whether these are hydrangea or Oregon grape.

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Palos Verdes’ trail system is also part of the California Coastal Trail, which “when completed” will provide access to 1200 miles of California shore line, from San Ysidro to the Oregon state line- after which, of course, the Oregon Coast Trail takes over, clear to Astoria. I’m not getting any bright ideas, mind you, though there were four middle-aged people who made the trek from Crescent City to San Ysidro, in 2003. The Trump Corporation has even granted an easement across its National Golf Course, south of Point Vicente.

Point Vicente, by the way, got its hybrid name from Captain George Vancouver, after his friend, Friar Vicente, when his ship rounded the peninsula, in 1790. The connection, then, is with Mission San Buenaventura, some 92 miles to the north northwest.

A good day’s exploration done, I called it a rest, and headed southward, arriving here at San Onofre State Beach, a bit after 7 PM. Tomorrow will bring a more sanguine visit with a friend of several years and a bit of collecting ocean water.

Single- Track Through Paradise

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on May 30, 2017 in Assistance, Hiking and Nature, Historical, Inspiration, Spiritual, Travel

May 28, 2017, Cave Creek-

I have now gone from one point of angels to another, meaning from Superior to Cave Creek, via Globe and the Apache Trail. This road (AZ Highway 88) is mostly single track, offering enough room for vehicles heading one way to pass, whilst those going in the opposite direction wait their turn. It’s good for people to do this, at least a few times in their lives. I last drove the AT, in 1983, with Penny in tow. She was petrified and made me promise never to bring her there again. Today, she and my other spirit-minders made sure I paid close attention. With scenes like the one below, it might not have been so easy, had my main focus not been on the well-being of everyone on the road, including yours truly. Fortunately, there were also plenty of turn-outs.

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There are two lakes along the Apache trail, between Roosevelt Dam and Goldfield. Here is a view of Apache Lake. When I taught at Villa-Oasis School, in the late 1970’s, this was one of the places groups of kids were sent for camping weekends.

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Imagine how the Salt River must have flowed, before these reclamation projects took root.

At Fish Creek Hill, I drove up a 10% grade, made doable by the dryness of the road, and the cautious courtesy of all comers. One is rewarded at the top, by amazing views of the Superstition Wilderness.

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Fish Creek Canyon looks like a fun place to hike and camp- in November.

I drove on, and found the pavement had resumed, about 1 1/2 miles west of the overlook. So did one young man behind me, who chose to pass, on a double yellow line, in a 15-MPH curve zone. The look on the face of the driver who had to stop and wait for him was classic. I would not want to be on approaching driver’s bad side. Itchy Foot was the only one who broke courtesy, on the 44-mile drive.

I stopped at Tortilla Flat, a small tourist haven, close to Lost Dutchman State Park, in the heart of the Superstition Wilderness. Siphon Draw and Boulder Canyon are two popular hiking trails, accessible from Tortilla Flat. Again, late Fall and early Spring are the best times for this area. Tortilla Flat does offer a wide variety of cool treats, and I thoroughly enjoyed a sarsaparilla float.

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Back in 1900’s Arizona,, sidewalks, and even some roads, were made of planks.

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Having had a nice relaxing break, I headed on towards Apache Junction, then up through the Valley, to pay my Memorial Day respects to Penny.

There is one more attraction on the Apache Trail, before one gets to Goldfield (another, slightly more upgraded “ghost town”), This is Canyon Lake.

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Each of the lakes and vista points along the Apache Trail is worth a day or two, in comfortable weather. People, nonetheless, go there, even in the heat of summer, at least where there is water. Looking back, I spent most of my summer days in and around water, as a child and young adult, so the appeal is a no-brainer. It beats being inside.

I stopped at the Cemetery, anchored Penny’s flag, and one other, and thought of how fortunate I’ve been, with her presence, since 1980, and since 2011.

As I pulled up to Local Jonny’s, a lovely young woman, who seemed to be an advanced medical or law student, given her heavy briefcase, was securing her dog’s leash to the gatepost. There weren’t many inside, so Alicia was glad I stopped in, and in ten minutes, I had the last of her pitcher of iced tea and a cilantro chicken salad was placed in front of me. Jonny’s salads are good for two meals, so I have Monday’s lunch in my cooler, as the drive back to Prescott begins.

Having angels surrounding me, in all directions, including above, is a comforting state of affairs. Oh, and an e-mail from the chief of department leaves the door to my staying in Prescott ajar, at least.

Tonto National Monument and Roosevelt Lake

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on May 29, 2017 in Hiking and Nature, Historical, Travel

May 28, 2017, Roosevelt, AZ- The day started with a wait to check out of Copper Mountain Motel, Superior. It was uncertain whether Ms. Amy would be up and at ’em, as stuff was going around, and had stopped at her doorstep, yesterday. Well, she was over it, by 8:15. I checked out of my superb room, with its reminder of what we are, as a nation.

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Globe, and breakfast, were next. I spent about an hour with John and the dogs, watching as a hapless, and hopeless, individual ran over John’s flush hose, while trying to park at the RV clean-out station. Some folks are worse off than I am, it seems. We found the Copper Hen to be closed, so it was off to Judy’s Cook House, on the west end of town. A few billowing clouds showed that the Pinal Fire was still a threat to the area, but was yet far from structures. I heard nothing from the Red Cross, all day, so the fire is apparently being kept away, on this end. Judy’s gave us a satisfying breakfast, and after solving a few of the world’s, or at least Globe’s, problems, John had to go straight back to customer service, at the Batting Cage, and I was on to Tonto National Monument, and Roosevelt Lake.

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The Batting Cage and RV Park are across the tracks from Globe Station. Trains aren’t very frequent, these days.

Roosevelt Lake was named for Teddy, who of course had much to do with the reclamation of the West, as well as establishing places like Tonto National Monument. It is visible from several points along the trail to the Lower Tonto Ruins, as well as offering four different recreation points. The northernmost of these has a Visitor’s Center, which is closed for the holiday weekend. The second photo below shows the marina near the Visitor’s Center.

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Now, more about Tonto National Monument. Here is a glimpse of the Upper Ruins, which are closed until November, due to the heat factor. It takes 3-4 hours, roundtrip, for the guided tour. SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

The Lower Ruins trail is open year round, so I enjoyed that area, as well as the indoor exhibits. As I said earlier, views of Roosevelt Lake are plentiful from the trail. The Huhugam, and the Salado people who replaced them, made good use of the then-free flowing Salt River, whose waters comprise Roosevelt, Apache and Canyon Lakes. SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

Here are some views of Lower Tonto Ruins. Much of the wooden beams and braces are the original mesquite and ash used by the Salado people, in their construction.

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Caliche, a calcium-based clay, is sticky when wet and hard as concrete, once dry. It was the prime building material for the Salado people.

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The docent told us that these beams are original Salado work, dating from 1150, or thereabouts!

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Nooks and crannies abound, in the Lower Ruins.

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There certainly seems more room in this complex, than in the Huhugam dwellings at Tuzigoot and Pueblo Grande.

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Below, is a kitchen cave. Note that mano and metate are both caliche.

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Amaranth was one of the Salado people’s staple foods. It is the bright red plant shown below, and was also used in dyes.

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Having had a brief, but brisk, hike up to the ruins and back, I headed towards Roosevelt Bridge and Dam, two miles further north. The Dam was dedicated by its namesake, Theodore Roosevelt, in March, 1911.

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The Bridge was completed, and opened, in October, 1990, after eighty years of vehicles being driven atop the dam. Penny and I did so in 1983, and after we continued on to Apache Junction, via AZ Route 88, she made me promise never to do that again, with her in the car. You will learn why, in the next post.