“Many Stones”… “Dual Sport Riders”… Terlingua, Texas

Saturday, October 20th, 2007

There is so much going on here lately on weekends, considering where we are it is an amazing fact for so many to come here! Not like it is a destination for the day, not a simple ride… and still, the town is busy this weekend with about 150 “dirt riders”. It is the TRH National AMA Suzuki dual sport ride. This year the 11th one in memory of Burl Hughes as the picture shows above the gathering and start area. I never met the man, he was “the” organizer, I iwsh I had as I read the stories regarding his unique character and personality. He is missed by all.

Their start was around 8am… or 9am… or whenever it happened! Gathered by Kathy’s Kosmic Kowboy Kaffee for breakfast, it was a bit of a welcomed chilly morning for the both of us. Kathy even made it out of her trailer/kitchen… I think she just wanted some hugs after serving so many their first meal of the day. Yes, she is the “lady” in “pink”… As we cannot do the ride in our rig we might be able to ride in Steve’s truck tomorrow for some more excitement and pictures.

 

Doesn’t she have a great smile? She can cook… she has taken her riding training course… she is my favorite Terlinguite! Talking about pictures… as usual Spirit is posing for the cameras… it is the only time he does not shake his head to take his Doggles off… he will keep them on forever as long as he hears the shutters… he is on his own, I just watch. It is none of my business he says…

Going backwards, yesterday, I visited the owner of “Many Stones”, Ring Huggins… I have to say one of the most interesting man I have met so far. It is not only his store which is one of the most unique gift and rock shop in the Western United States, but his Life story. Life story so full and so interesting that I will write a full article soon to be posted on “My First 100 Years”.

Going backwards, yesterday, I visited the owner of “Many Stones”, Ring Huggins… I have to say one of the most interesting man I have met so far. It is not only his store which is one of the most unique gift and rock shop in the Western United States, but his Life story. Life story so full and so interesting that I will write a full article soon to be posted on “My First 100 Years”.

Hi variety of cut and polished lapidary material which he mostly does himself is the largest in Texas. 30 years of it!… the man is not moving… it would take an enormous amount of space to do so! He is also a potter and offers many classes in various forms of pottery, displayed are also his hand painted skulls, drums, hubcaps, and leather crafts…

As if that was not enough, he raises chickens… sells eggs… grows both native and exotic Cacti… there are knives, earrings… I know that I am missing something! Yes, the nursery also includes a variety of Bromeliads and Vermiliads.

His Life story is the intriguing and interesting part, the man has actually worked part time as a rock miner in the mid 60’s helping reopen some Mines, he was one of the first river guides on the Rio Grande, has taught adult education on remote Native Indian reserves on the British Columbia North Coast and in the Northwest Territory. Native peoples are big on nicknames and his nickname with the Dene became “Many Stones”, the inspiration for the shop name.

I know that we will return soon for more stories, more pictures, the conversation being an education for all and hope that you will also stop by to talk to him and admire his incredible collections of so many items… so many that it is hard to take it all on the first visit. He will tell you about the area… some historical facts that no one knows and which you will not read in the books…

Backwards again… we had (I did!) dinner at the Crisis center the other night, aka “The Cultural Center”. Everyone brought a dish, except me who had no clue of the event till I got there, will next time, and it was my best meal here so far! You cannot beat homemade enchiladas, potatoes, guacamole, even the beans were excellent…

The locals were present in force and the conversations flowed all night only interrupted by some great local talent playing the guitar and singing some great tunes. The “Crisis Center” is exactly what it says, those dinner also help raise much needed funds for their operation, it is a great cause and can’t wait to participate in the food preparation for the next event…

“Living under the Stars”… wandering from Deserts to Mountains in proximities of little towns like Terlingua, Halfway, I think the Journey has come together nicely without a time frame or schedule, just flowing with the various events around us, the great empty spaces to explore with the ability to tell you all about it… as you might decide one day to also attend and discover with your own senses. Keep in mind that one of our destination soon will be Moab, Utah!

Next weekend is “Viva La Historia 2007”… in the Ghost Town of Terlingua. Three days of festivities inviting everyone who ever lived, worked or were born in the Chisos Mine area to come back for a weekend.

Will be there also!

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You contributions more than ever are keeping this site alive. If reading it is worth $1 a month… Each of you can make a difference on how long this will last… the PayPal (contribution) button is above to the right… snail mail address is below. We always “thank you”.

Ara Gureghian

853 Vanderbilt Beach Rd #245

Naples, Florida 34108

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You be well… always.

Ara & Spirit

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