Music to Set Your Feet A-Tap'n
Every once in a while when you are travelling you stumble over a place that
you really like. In this case it was the Blazin’M Ranch and Chuckwagon
Supper that struck Sylvia’s and my fancy. If you like great food,
and great western harmony like that of the Sons of the Pioneers, then
you will find contentment at the Blazin’M Ranch.
We were exploring the country south of Sedona, Arizona and pulled
in to Cottonwood to camp at the Dead Horse Ranch State Park. We noticed
a small sign pointing out the way to the Blazin’M, and being
hungry we headed on over. The ‘eat all you can’ buffet was
superb. Grandma Lou does a great job on the baking, and the rest of
the staff join in with the serving. Spectacular browned breast of
chicken or a piece of the tender beef simmered in a homemade sauce
will send you hurrying back to the table to get started, but not before
you’ve picked up a large helping of cowboy beans, and hot biscuits
with honey and butter.
First comes the Chuckwagon Supper, and then the music. Chuck
Mabery, the host, joins Jerry Compton, Dave Rice, and Jimmy DuFresne to
fill the hall with fine singing, and lively instrumental music. You’ll
be amazed at the antics that go on during their rendition of “Ghost
Riders in the Sky”. These boys are professionals. In 1998, Jerry Compton
and the Reinsmen were inducted into the Western Music Hall of Fame, and
Dave Rice has played with Mel Tillis and Johnny Paycheck.
The Maberys built
a small old-fashioned western town in the yard outside the entertainment
building. Not only does it provide something to do while you’re waiting
for the supper bell, but you can browse for some souvenirs, or a pair of
nice cowboy boots, or even some finely crafted jewelry. The children will
likely be more interested in Dan Mabery, fully dressed in western garb,
and seated upon a fine horse. Some lucky child will get a chance to ride
with him down along the creek.
The Wood’N’West Gallery is a relatively new addition to the
Town of Mabery. Four years in the making, the animated carved figures
are excellent. It’s fun to watch the antics of the  wooden
figures as they carry out humorous activities, such as the prisoner trying
to lift the keys to the lock with a bent wire while the jailer watches,
or a donkey trying to kick a coin into the water trough.
Another nice thing about a visit to Blazin’M Ranch is the opportunity
to tour the area. From the Dead Horse Ranch Campground it’s an easy
drive to Jerome, a historic mining town high on the side of Mingus Mountain
where there are several souvenir shops, and a chance to explore its history.
Or you can swing north to visit the outstanding red rock scenery of the
Sedona area.
Cottonwood
is located a couple hours north of Phoenix. The Blazin’M is
open Wed-Sat and closed for holidays during August and January.
Happy RVing!
For more than four decades James Stoness has travelled
the roads of North America, photographing and writing about what he has
seen. His travel articles and beautiful pictures have been published in
several magazines and newspapers. He is also the author of five western
novels.
In the “Touring North America” scenic tour series, James brings a new
concept in Scenic Travel Books. The premise that several Minitours can
be created so they interlink, makes it possible for the potential traveller
to chain several Minitours together to make a longer trip. The maps, coloured
photographs, and descriptions help you plan your trip, and enjoy your
progress along the route.
Visit James at www.stonesstravelguides.com.
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