The Adventures of Fric and Frac: Adventure 325: Catalina State Park/Post G

We're getting close to respectable

Last evening, past posting time, we met Joe Dix for dinner at El Charro's, an iconic Tucson restaurant opened in 1922. The restaurant, simply fabulous, holds the distinction of being the oldest restaurant run by the same family in Tucson (And perhaps Arizona). Joe Dix, a neighbor boy (Now neighbor man) lives down the street from us in Spokane. He's been coming to Soup Night since he was little, and I had him in my class when he was a seventh grader. Now he's a sophomore at University of Arizona. It was fun to see him, and even more fun to hear of his dreams. It makes me smile to hear such an optimistic view of the future. I have no doubt he will reach many of his goals. This morning, we awoke to the kind of bright warm sunlight that makes us yearn for this area, so we took advantage and rode 25 miles along the trail. We stretched our time to just over two hours. 25 miles is on the low end of a respectable ride for serious bikers, which means we're happy with our progress. Along the way, I spotted some stunning graffiti pieces painted on a wall beside the trail. It led to the question of the day. What is art?, or more specifically, in what way is art influenced by society? This artist (I assume it was one) had a little character below his pieces stating that "this is beyond society's reach". In our world where equivocation, rationalization, and down right obtuse behavior dominates, I'm intrigued by the idea of something beyond society's reach. The Chinese artist Wei Wei has been thumbing his nose at his own society for years. His much renowned piece, which is 40' x 60' and made of neon bright children's back packs, protested the poor building practices, graft, and corruption in China which in this case accounted for the tragic death of hundreds of school children. He made his statement, but a short time later, he was accosted in his hotel room, beaten soundly, and imprisoned for a time (He's since been released-look him up-quite interesting). He certainly wasn't beyond the reach of his society. Our first amendment rights protect us in the country (For now), and even those who are vulgar and offensive are afforded the platform to express themselves. We hold dearly to this concept, emblematic as it is of our freedom. It's interesting to consider if this tenet is indeed beyond the reach of our society. I also wonder about euphemisms. I sometimes feel like I've been euphemized to death by political correctness. For example, I saw a sign on the trail today: "Please pick up dog litter". I mean, What is dog litter? A gum wrapper tossed aside by a Cocker Spaniel, an empty Starbucks cup discarded by Shitzu, a doggy treat wrapper jettisoned by a Toy Poodle. In our effort to sanitize our world for the genteel among us, we can't even say poop, let alone ****. It's like the old days when young girls perspired or "glowed". Now they sweat just like the boys, and Lord help us if we tell them they can't. In these days of misdirection, fake news, and out right lies, I, for one, am wary about being euphemized, leery of being sanitized, and distraught at the thought of being patronized. But not to worry, it's all good because the straight truth is life is good, especially today.

This is a must visit if you're ever in Tucson (They invented and perfected the deep fried Chimichanga).

Selfie of the day: Too bad of a hair day to be seen (Oh, dear vanity).

Nice shot of our dinner party.

Chicken enchiladas in mole sauce.

El Charro's famous Chimichanga.

Let freedom ring.

I can't read the message. It could be something I'd not condone, much like that line in that song about nuclear destruction, "My future's so bright, I gotta wear shades." Regardless, the balance, the color, the shading, and the composition is exquisite.