Jerome, Arizona

The road from Prescott to Jerome is not for the faint of heart.  There are about 158 hairpin curves with sharp drop-offs and very few guard rails.  I had taken it once before many years ago and I wasn't exactly looking forward to it on this trip.

But, getting to Jerome is kind of fun.  It is a very small artists community on the east side of the mountains.   And, it is really on the side of the mountain.  There isn't much of a flat spot in the entire town.  The switchbacks go THROUGH the town!

Once there, you can relax with a cold beer (to stop the shaking) and wander through various shops.

Meet Samantha from the shop that sells stuff associated with a local band called Puscifer.  She likes the band was full of information to share about them!

I don't exactly know what this person was doing in the shop.  But, he has been there a long time.

This is what it looks like just before you get to Jerome.  At this point, you've crossed the peak and are on your way down...slowly....hopefully.

There isn't much give on those rocks.  But, I found them beautiful.

Finally, you can relax at one of many eating establishments.  GRAPES...was quite nice!

Relatives

Life sometimes gets in the way of keeping in touch with friends and relatives.   Sometimes people move.  Sometimes people just get busy and drift away.

Meet Bob and Elsie!  Well...meet Bob first.!

Bob spent years in the military and retired to life in Alaska and Arizona where he had fun homesteading and prospecting.   Bob is one "can-do" guy.  I have a lot of respect for him.

Now meet Elsie!

Elsie is the only surviving sister of my maternal grandmother.   Her health is failing.  But, she refuses to give up on her hobbies and passions.
 

Bob and Elsie have been married for something like 100 years!   And, he has supported her hobbies without question.   He is quite proud of her.

 She sews and knits.  This flag is amazing.

 And, she did this owl from a photograph.

She gets up in the middle of the night and works for about 3 hrs when it is quiet.  Then, back to bed to sleep late in the morning.

It was wonderful seeing you both.  It has been much too long.

Thanks Bob and Elsie

Wrapping up Prescott, Arizona

I went for a walk around the town to get photos.  I enjoyed this back alley.  Even the dogs were welcomed.

And, if you are interested, this is the Jersey Lilly from across the street!

I was sitting in the upper level to the far left!

A GREAT t-shirt from the West

I must admit, I chuckled a bit.  I didn't buy it.  But, I sure thought about it!

 

A Prescott Local

Meet Ryan!

After watching the parade down main street, it was time for dinner.   I managed to find a nice, quiet place.  Ryan was most helpful pointing out the best items on the menu.

Thanks Ryan!

Decor at the Jersey Lilly

I liked the stained glass!

Note the saloon girl, piano player, and cards!

And, here is a card game about to get out of control.   The fella at the right may be cheating! 
 

Music at the Jersey Lilly

Meet Little Larry!

He was having a great time playing for the crowd.  I suspect this is a regular gig for him.  He knew people!

It was great music, too.

Thanks LL!

Customers at the Jersey Lilly: 2

This group of lovely ladies were out on the town.   And, they were having a lovely time.  The Lilly was filling up when they arrived and I think they got the last table in the place!

They were all "locals" in the area.  

It was a pleasure ladies.  Thank you!

Customers at the Jersey Lilly: 1

Meet Mary Lou!

She and her husband are ranchers in the area.  They both came to town to socialize with friends.

It was a pleasure meeting you, Mary Lou!

Thank you!

At the Jersey Lilly: Customers

Meet CW!

I LOVED this look.   Here is a guy who is comfortable and happy.  Great beard.  Great hat.  And, an even more awesome shirt!

Below is a close up of the shirt.

His wife was sitting with him and beamed when I mentioned the shirt.  She picked it out for him.  I so need to find a shirt like this!

He retired to Prescott after a career building hot rods in S. California.

Thanks CW!