How great to read this written up! I like how you weave in the previously published story and the idea of myth without being overt about it ... obviously there was some myth in what story, and perhaps some wishful thinking. I'm kinda curious to go there now and meet Joan myself!
It took me a while to figure out how to do that. There was a line in the original story:
"It can be difficult to judge whether the Wild West stories about [the ghost town] are true or apocryphal. Perhaps that matters less than the fact that people choose to tell them, simultaneously recreating the town and adding its patina to their own histories. "
That, in turn, reminded me of the line in the movie, and that was my way in to this story.
I'm always so pleased to read stories that include meaningful exchanges with strangers. I love how "Joan" warmed up to you and the two of you ended up having a memorable conversation, especially now that you've memorialized it here. That was quite a trip you had, John, and what it wanted to reveal continues to unfold beautifully.
Have you read The Big Thirst: The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of Water by Charles Fishman? It was published in 2011 so it’s a bit out of date but still — it’s riveting.
The Western Slop and a ghost story! I love it, thanks John!
Thank you Swarna!
How great to read this written up! I like how you weave in the previously published story and the idea of myth without being overt about it ... obviously there was some myth in what story, and perhaps some wishful thinking. I'm kinda curious to go there now and meet Joan myself!
It took me a while to figure out how to do that. There was a line in the original story:
"It can be difficult to judge whether the Wild West stories about [the ghost town] are true or apocryphal. Perhaps that matters less than the fact that people choose to tell them, simultaneously recreating the town and adding its patina to their own histories. "
That, in turn, reminded me of the line in the movie, and that was my way in to this story.
And yes, you should go!
And thank you!
I'm always so pleased to read stories that include meaningful exchanges with strangers. I love how "Joan" warmed up to you and the two of you ended up having a memorable conversation, especially now that you've memorialized it here. That was quite a trip you had, John, and what it wanted to reveal continues to unfold beautifully.
Thank you so much, Elizabeth!
Nice story John!
Thanks Tey.
This is a great story, John. The landing is perfection. Thank you.
Aww Michelle, thank you so much!
Oh this is fabulous. I know where you are talking about, but haven't driven that route for a few years.
Thank you so much, Lees, glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the memories. There is stretch, on again off again, along Interstate-10 from Tucson to New Mexico that I have not seen since 2015.
What a fun story!
Thank you, Anne!
Now that's a great story AND legend John!
Thank you Paul!
John, have you visited other places where a share of water is delivered to a cistern?
Many in rural New Zealand. I guess many in the desert SW. I need to pay attention!
Have you read The Big Thirst: The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of Water by Charles Fishman? It was published in 2011 so it’s a bit out of date but still — it’s riveting.
I haven’t read that one, no. I’ll add it to my ever-growing TBR pile! Thanks Katharine.
I've stopped at all those places, I think, wandering around out there. The Western Slope is a very special place. ~J