The third in as many weeks. It must be all the rain.
The first was on the road to the Barker Wilderness. It had eight, count 'em, rattles and when encouraged to move from the road, it took umbrage. I gave up when it showed it was NOT gonna leave and furthermore what WAS it with the dead leaves on the end of the limb?
The second, like the 1st, was languidly ensconced, full length in the middle of the road. After remonstrating around its peril and getting nought but a gimlet eye, I left. I heard it mutter, "Don't let the door hit yuh, budzo."
This one understood but made it clear that it would not be hurried; I got back in the car.
The sign at the bottom said: Not Suitable For Passenger Cars. Tacked underneath was another: Road Washed Out.
But they - long ago - lost all credibility. In 2010 the same signs were posted at the ends of the Quebradas Backcountry Byway. As I mentioned in my post then, yer muddrz Cadillac wouldn't even have whimpered. The Schvoog, shod with snowtires, scampered up the hill flicking his tredz disdainfully and humming a tune to the words: Bring it On!
A splendid day! After locking horns with Grace Zamora about what I was doing on HER grazing allotment, I went into Magdalena where, stopping for an espresso, I got a tour of Studio 605.
Glen Bigelow was born 500 miles northwest of Toronto. His dad moved a lot and they soon were in California. Then to Switzerland, Germany, Hong Kong and back to Switzerland where he worked for 20 years. He has citizenship in three countries and seven movable-type printing presses. At first he was willing to let me photograph, but it got too late. You'll have to go see for yourself.
Down the street, the sign for the library pointed into a parking lot. Richard Torres was coming out and when I asked if this was where the library was...or is, he couldn't hear. After getting out of our vehicles and closing quarters, one thing led to another and I got a grand tour of the bank building he bought in 1969 when he came back from Viet Nam. Built in 1895 it was gutted by fire several years ago and he's rebuilt it completely. At age 76 he looks barely over 40! He attributes his youthful appearance to work. A heart attack and bypass surgery ten years ago has slowed him down, but he puts in a full day...albeit with a bit less heavy lifting. Eager to get to the library I didn't take photos. The bank -- now a gallery and gift shop, Richard's office and an apartment -- is on the corner of highway 60 and the street to the library. It's an interestingly designed brick building worth stopping to admire.
Exiting the library I noticed a forest road. I'd heard rumors of one that went north into the mountains and further. The map showed it going through Riley then east through Sevellita Wildlife Refuge then connecting with interstate 25. It looked like a plan until....
On my way back I stopped to chat with the road-grader operator. He said the road was completely washed out at the big arroyo at Riley; he couldn't get through in his 4 x 4 pickup. And thus, we got back on highway 60 and headed west.
A chief delight of traveling is watching the synergies unfold.
Looking for books in Cows Against Violence (scroll down to see their t-shirt) thrift store in Taos, I struck up a conversation with Katherine. She commended Jay's Unique Thrift in Questa saying she'd found some good things there.
A few days later, taking the magic circle through Eagle Nest, Angel Fire and Questa, I found, at Jay's, six books for $4.00 including Last Night's Fun by Ciaran Carson. The price for a new copy of Last Night's Fun is $877.95. I love the ninety-five cents.
I too sold things that were arbitrarily priced. But anybody can put a price; it's another to find a buyer.
Published in 1996, my copy is like new, but is marred by a dedication. In March of '97, Ephraim, with love, exhorted someone to enjoy Spring Break.
In the first few pages Carson mentions Joe Cooley (link is to bio on Allmusic.com) and how MacMahon (link is to Wiki) riffed on Cooley. I had good signal this evening and looked 'em up. One thing led to another...you know how it is with surfing. Herewith is the trail.
Last Night's Fun
Carson writes about how Tony MacMahon developed his style partly based on his admiration for Cooley.
Searching for more about McMahon, I came upon this 30-minute video.
Tony MacMahon Dublin
I was impressed, at 13:17, with Piadar O Riarda's playing. If you listen to the tune in the Dublin video (above), I think it's the same as the one below.
And now I'm starting a new circle; with almost a full moon, a bright star and some beautiful clouds and the most verdant hills I've ever seen in this part of the world; it's obviously been raining.
Rito de la Olla is a little stream not far from Taos. The area is rife with water; some cleaner than others. This was too cloudy to see through. And not a single mosquito...suspicious.
As you can see, it was leaking quite a bit so there was some question about whether the residents were still in residence.
