Traveling the Backroads

We left Sisters this morning and are headed for Southern California to see our newest grandchild - Lizzie. Frank and I really enjoy road trips, and generally try to take as many backroads as possible. Today was no exception. For lunch, we stopped in a very small town named "Adin". As we drove through this small hamlet of just over 500 residents, we noticed a roadside cafe (Oney Frosty In Town) advertising a peach milkshake-and since we had never had one - we make a quick u-turn and stopped for refreshments.



Naturally, after seeing the full menu, we succumbed to the "fat farmer special". I have to tell you that the cheeseburger was probably the best hamburger that I've had in the past 10 years! Curly, the owner, and his brother came out to visit - pulled out chairs - and sat down to chat! First of all they were quite taken with Frank's Mach 1. We learned that Curly used to be a "custom farmer" and was a hay baler for 16 years. He just purchased the family run cafe two years ago.

These folks were quite friendly and told us about some of the local history of the area. Apparently the last recorded lynchings in the state of California occurred in the nearby town of "Lookout" in the early 1900's (they thought the year was 1917). Apparently the vigilantes hung an entire family for stealing tomatoes and horses. It seems that they (the vigilantes) broke into the jail and carried off the thieves in gunny sacks. We were told that if we visited the old blacksmith's shop, we would see the actual rope that was used in the hangings. He told us that in the past, the local folks (relatives of the vigilantes) didn't like to talk about it. However, now that most everybody who had participated had died off, folks were more willing to discuss the affair.

Needless to say, we enjoyed our time with Curly. While we were chatting a woman drove up. Without hesitation, she headed directly for our table and pulls up a chair with "I think I"ll join you". She had driven up from "Bieber" - a town just down the road but liked coming to Oney's where she "could be anonymous". You've got to love these people!

If you are ever in "Adin" you've got to stop here and say that Frank and Judy sent you. I am including one more picture of Frank next to the welcome sign for "Bieber".
Frank's family name dates back to the 1700's when the three "Bieber" brothers immigrated to America. Their name was Americanized - hence "Beaver".

Sister's Music Festival

What a great 3 day celebration. The young - the old - and music lovers of all genre's enjoyed this celebration of folk music. My personal favorite was Ray Wylie Hubbard - but then one must realize that my Daddy was a Texan, and I was raised watching Hoffman's Hayride every Sunday evening.

Ray was a master "showman" who easily engaged the audience with his friendly style, deep resonant voice, and an invitation to sing-along. Group participation was maximized during a rowdy rendition of "Snake Farm". I ended up buying two of his albums!

The setting was very informal with tents pitched in the village square, Bronco Billie's, and The Art Works. A young folk singer named Ellis was particularly popular at this festival. Another group that I especially enjoyed included "Po' Girl" - a group from British Columbia. The singers had bright rich voices and each played a number of instruments including banjo, flute, accordion, and guitar.

Frank's favorites included the "Ty Curtis Band" - they played a "mean" guitar and harmonica that would please any Eric Clapton fan. According to our local paper, this band recently was voted second in a National Blues competition. Another group that he particularly enjoyed was the "Hot Club of Cowtown". The instruments included one violin, one bass, and one guitar - but my goodness - they put out more "foot stomping" sound than you could believe. They produced an amazing eclectic mix of music that is best described as "Texas swing".

Sunday afternoon we were exhausted - but had a great time. The weather was in the low 80's and of course we needed to cool down with homemade ice cream from one of the local shops.