Unable to wait for the "stinking opening day", he called, beckoning me to fish Arizona, "I can't wait until opening day...", he whimpered on the phone. I reminded Bob that half of our fishing group was busy, one was in Sacramento becoming a slum landlord and the other one was taking turns from multiple venues such as San Jacinto, happily taking care of his daughter who just given birth to his beautiful granddaughter, and Sonoma where he is helping his son repair a fixer-upper. "They won't mind. We can fish with them some other day". I stood firm against his forceful arguments and sound logic. But when he said, "Ill drive my new car and take care of the lodging". Well... what could I do! I just could not let my bosom amigo, a septuagenarian, drive alone all the way to Arizona. I felt compelled, for his safety, to accompany him. Furthermore knowing him, he might get into trouble with the notorious sheriff Arpaio.
Promptly, we found ourselves on the way to Chino Valley, Arizona. Bob was in good spirits but anxious to get going. "Let's rock and roll", he shouted. "We have many hours ahead of us, let's go!" " What's the hurry... relax", I advised him. His zeal even caused the freeway to apologize for the distance and duration between home and our destination.
With a full tank of gas, cruise control and driving skill, Bob was soon past Hwy 10. Now, we cruised down Rd. 89 towards Prescott, Arizona, along the Ponderosa forest. Unexpectedly he said, "We are almost there" "How do you know?" I asked. Exhilarated he answered, "Oh...I just remembered I have been here before". Hmmmm ...
Prescott, Arizona unfolded before our eyes... Rd. 89 giving way to Montezuma Ave. A few blocks further we parked in the heart of the historic section on Court House plaza. Our host Danny aka Angelo greeted us. He and Bob have been friends since childhood, growing up in el barrio Hayes of El Monte, Ca.
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| Above, Bob and Danny reminiscing on days of yesteryear. The time they were in kindergarten was fresh in their minds... the "travesuras" fondly remembered. |
Having adapted nicely to the leisurely western atmosphere of Prescott, the following day we decided to get out to the lakes. The first one on our list was Lynx, an ample body of water with a boat ramp.
Bob is pictured to the right, taking inventory of depth, currents, shore line, inlets and the catches of other anglers. After learning that it was stocked over three weeks ago, he advises us to pass on this one. Our next stop was Williams Lake, a much larger body of water complete with state of the art ramps, BBQ grills and plenty of shade structures.
At this lake, Bob chatted extensively with a number of anglers who had been here for hours but had no fish. By this time, were were getting hungry and realized that we had not purchase an Arizona fishing licence. Bob said, "Lets get back to town and get something to eat". " I know just the place", said Danny, "You'll love it"! We journeyed back to Waffles-N-More, one of Danny's favorite eating joints. We agreed, the menu was extensive, reasonable and appetizing. I found the biscuits and gravy out of this world! Danny preferred a bone-in slab of ham, and home made fries. Bob settled for oatmeal. After good natured table talk reminiscent of years gone by, we headed out to Danny's ranch.
Upon leaving the main boulevard, we embarked on a smooth graded carriageway. Bob, a closet lover of open fields, agricultural terrain and farm animals was overcome by pure enjoyment. He was like a kid in a candy store. He toured the onion, garlic and bean fields, all the while asking questions only a farmer would be interested in: fertilizer, water well, irrigation method etc. Danny took us to survey his fruit trees and different chile plants. " I have a surprise for you", Bob said to our host, and he took out a assortment of seeds. "I brought you these seeds. They are some of my prized specimens". Danny assured him that they would be planted, cared for and that he would send him ample samples of the harvest. They gave each other a warm abrazo.
Time seemed to be flying by, specially after a few libations among friends. It was time to feed the animals, Bob jumped on the back of the pick up truck and headed out to the barn to load hay and vegetables for the animals.
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| Animals seem to take to Bob warmly, this donkey was the first to approach and got the biggest carrot. |
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| Look at those big brown eyes focusing, loving, on Bob. |
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| Instinctively, he knew just how much hay to feed the goats. He also wanted to learn how to make goat cheese. |
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| At 75 and feeling like superman, Bob wanted to jump on a horse and ride around. Danny and I convinced him that it was not a good idea. He insisted, until I warned that I would call his daughter, if necessary. That quickly brought him back to his senses... he had another glass of Merlot instead.
Our last day was spent exploring the town and visiting historical sites. Albeit feeling a little intimidated by a whole bunch of, primarily young men, toting their guns in public. Arizona's open gun policy.
Bob was approached and asked to contribute to sheriff Arpaio's re-election campaign. "Is that the guy who makes prisoners wear pink pajamas?..." He asked smiling, "let me think about it.". After expressing our gratitude and attention afforded us by Danny, a fraternal abrazo was in order. Now we headed back home. |
