b'kinda smiled and said, Kick the horse in the side withwere colorful years in that one and the other side will probly go too! NeedlessApache Junction.to say, all the Cowboys got a real chuckle out of that one at my expense. But now on top of all that, the Bishops And there were many western weddings, parties andalso owned the Tule outside steak cookouts also held at the ranch. Afterward,Springs Ranch in the folks would invariably gather around the huge campfireApache Sitgreaves to listen and tell stories about the mountain and its gold,National Forest of or Cowboys and gunfighterseven some of the bestGreenlee County. The Cowboy poetry to be recited anywhere. Anyplace thecarrying capacity of Bishops were, interesting people seemed to accumulate. the ranch is 50-117 head. It is accessed by These early years saw many visitors to the areaa rugged single lane spending their time specifically searching for the elusivedirt road surrounded Dutchman gold. Unfortunately, many of those sameby beautiful mountain folks got themselves lost, or otherwise in need ofvistas. The terrain rescue up on the Superstitions. The first sheriffs posseconsists of moderate was established about this time for just that reason. Itto deep canyons and was comprised of Cal Hill, the pastor at the Presbyterianrocky mountainsidesTule Springs Ranch in Greenlee CountyChurch, Bob Bishop, the pharmacist, and Leo Frazier, awith limited roads making this a horseback ranch. The devoted church member and friend. These men were theheadquarters are situated in a private valley. at the foot of the Superstition Mountains below the primary early contributing factors to the success of theFlatiron. They were true "cow people" who held to posse now known as Pinal County Search and RescueOften people signed up to leave the bright shiny busythe old traditions of your word was your bond and (SAR). Folks around town just called them the Deaconworld behind at the upper gate to ride the next few milesa handshake sealed the deal. They were very much a and his Disciples and where you saw one you could betdown to the headquarters where they could help withpart of this area\'s history. I miss them and those fun on seeing the other two. Each owned a pickup truck withranch chores, gather cattle, and otherwise learn whattimes but am happy that I was able to share some of it their badge number on their vehicles license plate. Mostcowboying is all about. No phones, no TVs . . . just likeall with them. Today every time I hear somebody say mornings they met at Cobbs Restaurant (now defunct)the old days. meanwhile, back at the ranch it conjures up so many for coffee and parked their trucks in badge numberstories I could tell about the history, people, and good order. Their badge numbers were 77, 78, and 79. I have to say the Bishops were some of the first people Itimes I had up at that ranch. It played a very important met when I returned to Apache Junction after a 15-yearpart in my life and my memories are still just as vivid Joy said she recalled when she was left behind to tendabsence. My family and theirs often worked (played)in my minds eye today as they were the days when they to the drugstore while Bob, Cal, and Leo rode off totogether at the cookouts and I got to tell stories, alongwere made. find and or bring the lost and wandering folks back towith Bob at the campfire.safe harbor. She was also the church secretary at theThe MeanwhileRanch is currently undergoing time and kept the books so she was pretty busy all theBob and Joy are both gone now even though the oldremodeling with limited availability. Please go to time at one thing or another. Needless to say, thoseranch headquarters still stands as it always has, quietlyMeanwhile-Ranch.com to request additional information. PRIME RIBFRIDAY & SATURDAYArizonaRealCountry.com January 2021 9'