LaPrades on Lake Burton

This was another great weekend with Sugarmill Creek on Friday and The Old Pilgrim House in Helen on Saturday. Thank you Jere, Joy, Mary, Lou, John, Regina and Matt for coming to visit with me at the Old Pilgrim House.
I stayed at the lake and on Sunday I took the boat out, picked up some friends and we went to the new LaPrades for lunch on the deck by the water. It was a beautiful day and we spent most of it riding around looking at all the new houses on the lake, including the house being built for the Alabama coach. Georgia Power, the guardians of the lake, have decided not to let the water level drop this year because of the drought. That means we can enjoy the lake until the cold weather arrives.

The Old Pilgrim House, Helen, Georgia

This past Friday I was back at Sugarmill Creek and was surprised and pleased to see they are adding to the deck and also a covered area. It was good to see all my good friends once more.
On Saturday I performed at the Old Pilgrim House in Helen, Georgia. The old Pilgrim House sells really nice furniture such as aspen beds. They also rent out cabins in the Helen and Lake Burton area. This month is Octoberfest in Helen and the town is teaming with visitors. This coming Saturday, the 27th, I shall be back once more at the Old Pilgrim House around 3:00pm. Come and visit.

Harbourtown at Hilton Head, South Carolina

Today we rode bicycles and visited the Salty Dog cafe at South Beach Marina and then on to Harbourtown. The weather is perfect and the bike paths are very flat. One gear is all that's needed.

Hilton Head Island

I was home for just a few hours before heading down to Hilton Head. The weather is nice here with ideal temperatures. We are just 50 yards from the beach with a view of the Atlantic. I'm hoping to get a couple more songs finished while I'm here.
Next month I'm flying to New Mexico to perform at the "Songs of New Mexico" album release party. It will be held at K-Tao radio station in Taos on Tuesday, 13th November. Most of the other featured artistes on the album will be there. Plan to join us for a great night of entertainment.

Back to Georgia

I left DeSoto around 7:45 am Sunday morning after another great weekend at Ruffino's. I arrived in Cornelia just before 2:00 am on Monday morning. The Photograph was taken just after I crossed the Mississippi River at the welcome centre in Vicksburg. The view of course is looking west.

Songs of New Mexico. On Revolution Records

Here's the cover of the new Revolution records CD entitled Songs of New Mexico.
Musicians on the album are. Michael Hearne, Jed & Kelley, Sheryl Clapton, Don Richmond, Philip John Brooks, Mary & Mars, Vivian Thompson, Ruben Romero, Don Conoscenti, Tony Schueller, Blue Spruce Standing Deer, John Carey, Boris McCutcheon, Jimmy Stadler, Carl Struck, Ted Fox and Hired Hands.

Leaving Red River

I left Red River around 7:30am and drove to Cimarron for breakfast at the St. James Hotel. It took the rest of the day to reach Dallas and I'm looking forward to seeing all my friends at Ruffino's in DeSoto tonight. The photo was taken from the road leading up to Bobcat Pass and the Moreno Valley.

Songs of New Mexico

I spent the day in Taos. I stopped by K-tao and received an advanced copy of the new Cd from Revolution Records. It is entitled "Songs of New Mexico" This is a compilation disk and contains sixteen songs of New Mexico. My song "The St. James Hotel" is included. Other songs are by some of my favourite southwest musicians including Michael Hearne and Don Richmond. Release date I believe is mid-November.

Drive in the mountains

Today I rode up towards Midnight Meadows. The Aspens seem to be alive they are so yellow. I got almost all the way to the top before I decided the road was too rough for the Subaru. It's a five speed and the first gear is quite low so I stayed in it most of the time. I only met two four wheelers and one dirt bike all afternoon. I stopped often and sat admiring the colours. I have one more day in Red River then I leave for Dallas, Texas.

Goose Lake.

Sunday afternoon I rode with Mike and Connie up the Goose Lake road. It was rough but quite passable. When we arrived it was cold up there but we walked around the lake and hiked to the top of the ridge. The view from up there is fantastic but there was an icy wind. There was also a little snow on the path. We didn't linger too long but went back down to the lake to be entertained by the wildlife. Could it be these are the "camp robbers' Jeff refers to in his song? They really enjoyed the grapes we left for them.

The Thunderbird, Florissant, Colorado.

I had another great night at the Thunderbird. The last two nights have been really wonderful. A thank you to Doug and Elaine for coming and bringing your family to the Thunderbird. It was nice to see you again. Also thanks to Clark at Bongo Billy's, and Russ and Lavanna at the Thunderbird for providing exceptional venues. I'm looking forward to returning in the spring. I spent Saturday night in Lake George, Colorado and on Sunday morning drove back to Red River. The fall colours are stunning.

Bongo Billys, Salida, Colorado

Welcome to Bongo Billy's in Salida, Colorado. As you can see from the photo's, everyone had a great time. We used tonight to try to raise some funds to help Don Richmond with his medical expenses. Many items were donated and bid upon. Thanks to all the caring people in Chaffee County. There is another event for Don tomorrow in Poncha Springs. Thanks to Ray Seibert for taking the photographs. Saturday I will be on my way to the Thunderbird in Florissant, Colorado.

The Silver Star Mine

Today my friend Ray and I went for a hike. I believe we found the Silver Star Mine.
We found the sections of stove pipe and all the empty wine bottles plus rusting beer cans, old shoes and many things we couldn't identify. The Silver Star Mine is one of the songs that is going on the new southwest album.
Apart from bear scat, here are a couple of creatures we saw. Yes, there are snakes at 9300 ft.

Aspen trees, Red River, New Mexico.

This afternoon I took some time off and drove up the valley. The Aspen trees are starting to turn. I will experience two falls once again this year. The temperature is probably around 60 degrees today with just the hint of a breeze.

Albuquerque Tribune Video

This past June I made a video for the Albuqerque Tribune. It has just posted on their website.
Look in my links for Albuquerque Tribune Video
The video features two songs, The St. James Hotel and Porcupine Quill Blues.

Aspencade Festival 2007

Aspencade 2007 has to be the best yet. We are having record breaking attendance. The weather has been beautiful. I glanced at the temperature gauge and it showed a very comfortable 66 degrees at 3:00pm. Also performing, were the "Highway 38 Houndogs" featuring Jeff Fagan, Mike Smith and John on percussion. This is a three day event. I'm looking forward to my performance in the morning.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

This is one of my favourite cities. It's hard to believe it's a state capitol because everything is so convenient. Of course, I got to see the Bill Hearne Trio at the La Fonda hotel. The place was packed with locals and what a delight it is to watch them dance. I saw some friends from past visits and generally had a relaxing time. On Thursday I was on my way to Red River with a stop in Taos.

Leaving for Dallas

I left home at 7:00pm on Thursday, 13th and drove to DeSoto, Texas. It's about 860 miles. On Friday and Saturday I was back at Ruffino's. This has become one of my favourite venues and I always feel very welcome. I will also be stopping in October on my way to Georgia. I left DeSoto at 5:30 am on the following Monday (to miss the Ft. Worth rush hour) and headed for Santa Fe to visit with Paige and Leslie. I arrived in Santa Fe at 5:00pm.

Early morning, Lake Burton

An early morning cup of coffee at the dock. What a great way to relax. After Labour Day there are far fewer boats and people on the lake. This is a good time and place to collect one's thoughts. The people in the boat are also enjoying some quiet moments in their quest for breakfast.... or lunch.

Labor day weekend on Lake Burton.

I had another nice weekend at the Waterfall Country Club. I spent Monday relaxing at the lake and working on songs. This coming Friday I will perform at Sugarmill Creek and then I pack for my trip to Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. As it does every Labour day, the temperature dropped to a comfortable level. That's just as well, for when I reach Red River, the morning temperatures will probably be in the 20's. Now that sounds good!!!