lets play some stuff

“Let’s play some stuff ‘

We got to Quartzite and found ourselves a camp site in La Posa South, a huge B.L.M campground, just 2 miles outside of town. To say there was over half a million (reported) people camped around the town the place did not look crowded. We got our camp set up and as is our custom, we flew the flag of St George on a pole on the back of our bus. I was throwing the ball for Ginger when one of our neighbors came over to say hello. She had seen our flag and was under the impression we “worked “for the Red Cross. Jennie was from Jerome , Idaho and had been coming to Quartzite for over 20 years, “ ever since Ralph retired “.We were passing the time talking of this and that and her husband Ralph came to join the conversation.Ralph was 83 and a retired heavy equipment operator. I have to say I hope I look as good as this guy if I ever get passed 80. Both he and his wife looked fantastic for their ages. The talk turned to music as Ralph played guitar and his wife played fiddle, “she sings some, as well “added Ralph. I told Ralph I was learning guitar so he said let’s get together and play awhile. I warned him I only knew 6 chords and he said that’s all you need.

At two in the afternoon I wandered over to where they were camped, guitar in hand and songs I knew hastily scribbled on some paper (I haven’t mastered remembering chords or lyrics yet).We set up our chairs out of the wind and started to play. Ralph would tell me the chords and off he would go, playing and singing. The tunes were a mix of old country and honky tonk.I have to state, this was fun as fun could be. There is nothing better than to be sitting out in the sun, playing music, singing and listening to an old timer talk about days gone by. Then he asked if I knew any songs and did I want to sing. I had a mix of old Johnny Cash and Elvis. Simple 3 chord stuff that was idiot proof. I asked if Ralph if he wanted to see my music and he said no, “he would just join in as I played “.My embarrassment at being in the spotlight faded and I was soon singing away and managing to strum chords at the same time. Then Jenny came to join us. She brought her fiddle out and played along with us. She also sang. Jennie had an amazing voice. Although I must point out she apologized for it not being what it used to be. You could have fooled me.

Just then a guy came walking over and stood looking as we played. Perhaps it was my dulcet tones drew him in? Then he asks if he could borrow my guitar. I passed it over. Bang! I wish you could have been there to hear this guy play. His Incredible picking, playing along to Ralph’s rhythm had to be heard. I just sat there stunned, in admiration. After this fine display, he tells us his name, Chuck and says “if it’s ok with us, he is going to get his guitar and join us “.We agree to meet later on and do it again.

We got together the next afternoon .Chuck brought the rest of his camp. Bob and Mary, they supplied conversation and a new friendship was born. We proceeded to played into the evening. My fingers were killing me by the time we were done but so what. You don’t get opportunities to do this every day. At one point Jennie was singing and Chuck asked if he could “pick it “as she sang, “be my guest”, said Jennie. What followed was a delight for the ears. Chuck playing up and down the neck of his guitar, going off on tangents then coming back in to Ralph and my rhythm playing. At one stage Ralph was playing harmonica, Chuck was picking and I was left to keep the rhythm going. I almost felt like a real musician. The night saw us ad-libbing to house of the rising sun. Something about “don’t let your son grow up to be a plumber”,(You had to be there).Even Annette got in on the deal, singing her own version of Bob Segers “old time rock n roll “.

In the two days I played music with Ralph and Chuck I learned a lot. Not least of all to “practice, practice then practice some more “.I was sad we only had the two days. I would have liked to stay longer and get to know these men better. Sometimes, it’s the simple things, some strangers, a guitar or two, a fiddle and a voice. Throw in a campfire, a hot desert night and there you have it.