"This place is a Gold Mine" by Stacey Lane

Off Interstate 17, peeks a sleepy western town, surrounded by cacti and wildflowers, called Black Canyon City.  Beyond the glow of the city lights, nestled in the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains in the Sonoran Desert’s Black Canyon region, a small city with rugged and majestic scenery captures the spirit of the Wild West.  With an approximate population of 3,000 people,  Black Canyon City's step back in time is just 45 minutes north of Phoenix,  encompasses 10 square miles and is home to many gems.  

The Black Canyon, named after the color of the basalt in the surrounding rock, is filled with surprises and one might say, a real gold mine.  Many a modern day prospectors still find gold here today.  At approximately 2,000 feet above sea level, winters are ideal while the summers warm up, but cool off when the colorful sunsets come out to play.

In the late 1800’s, miners carried their pioneering spirit to this lush part of the Agua Fria River,  along with soldiers, herders, ranchers and adventurers.  Originally known as Canon, its name has changed a few times over the last hundred years as its history took shape.   In its early days, it was also called Canon and simply Black Canyon. The word "City" was added in 1965 and Black Canyon City remains its official name.   Interestingly enough, it is not officially designated as a city or a town, which is a testament to the fact that folks in Black Canyon have a hankering for doing things in
a unique fashion.

Gold is considered a main reason for the community’s existence.  Black Canyon became

A Method to my Mandalas by DC

Terrie Meider had something unique to offer those who came to the art class at the Black Canyon City library on Saturday of May 17, 2014. Many of us with an interest in creativity were introduced to something new.

The mandala.

A visual piece that seemed intricately complicated and too advanced for most of us, was delightfully broken down into baby steps making us all feel by the end like authors of a masterpiece.

Terrie passed around a book of illustrations she had done that were simply amazing. The detail in her work was so professional I asked her how long she’d been drawing.

Credos from the Road – by Stacey Lane

As I was riding home after leaving my daughter and grand babies at the nearby Rock Springs Café I spotted an unusual western fence that caused me to pull over and contemplated the next cover photo for my facebook page. I could see that the clear, blue sky framing the wrought iron would make for a perfect backdrop. I pulled up to the house and saw a couple of people out front working on the yard, so I drove to the other side of the property in order to get a clear shot.

As I was snapping photos, a gentleman came to the fence and slowly opened it. We discussed the fence décor and his property and I told him what a great facebook cover I thought this would make. A slow smile came to his face, he put out his hand and introduced himself as Sonny. I had further inquiries about his property and he invited me to see more.

Just before we passed the gate Sonny turned to me and said; “One thing I would like you to know before you come in is that I am a part of the Hell's Angels. Is this a problem for you?” He asked.