(Article) What Every Enthusiast Should Know Concerning Gun Range Safety and Etiquette

What Every Enthusiast Should Know Concerning Gun Range Safety and Etiquette

In recent years, many highly publicized gun range accidents have drawn unwanted attention from gun opponents and contributed to the misconception that ranges are unruly or unsafe. In Arizona, a nine-year-old girl while being instructed to fire an Uzi submachine gun fatally wounded 39-year old range worker Charles Vacca. United States Navy Seal veteran Chris Kyle met with tragedy on a Chalk Mountain, Texas shooting range while attempting to aid a former Marine with PTSD. While Kyle’s death was far from a mere accident, it served in only furthering the public’s perception of the range environment as intrinsically dangerous. In light of these unfortunate incidents, more awareness and education is needed to ensure that the range experience is productive, safe, fun and respectful. After all, most of your interactions with other enthusiasts will take place on a range. While most shooters are familiar with the basic NRA safety guidelines, there is much more to range etiquette that when practiced can help to foster a safer and more respectful experience when visiting your local range.

According to the NRA, the “big three” in gun safety always applies when sharing public spaces with other shooters. ALWAYS keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction. ALWAYS keep your finger OFF the trigger until ready to shoot, and ALWAYS keep your gun unloaded until ready to shoot. However, range etiquette encompasses much more that will ensure that your day of shooting will be both productive and safe.

The first thing that should you should be aware of when planning to visit a range is that educating yourself begins beforehand. While many range officers welcome newcomers and are willing to assist you in proper shooting practices, there are limitations. It is recommended that you attend a basic firearms safety course. Some ranges will even require that you do so and submit certification prior to you being allowed to use their facilities. You can locate NRA training courses in your area by performing a zip code search at www.nrainstructors.org where you can find a wide range of courses specific to your particular skill level and firearm. These include pistol, rifle, shotgun, self-defense, and safety. They even have courses available for women or youth who sometimes feel intimidated within general courses.

Once you arrive at the range, safety begins far from the firing line. It’s a good idea to use a range bag to carry your firearm into the space. Always transport the firearm unloaded with the safety on unless you plan on using a concealed carry weapon. If so, proceed to your station after checking in and replace defense ammo with target rounds in accordance with all safety procedures. You should not be expected to unload a concealed carry weapon in the parking lot or at home. Always inquire as to your range’s rules regarding concealed carry policies while on site. Ask for a printed copy if they are available and keep yourself apprised of any updates.

The Range Safety Officer (RSO) or Range Master is the ultimate authority while you’re on the range. This is not debatable. Their instructions are absolute and you will find your experience more enjoyable by paying attention to them. They are responsible for everyone’s safety and have received the highest levels of instruction available certifying that they are more than able to handle any range situation. They are a great source of information should you have any questions while at the range and are generally happy to help. Just make sure you ask at the appropriate times when it does not interfere with range operations.

While the RSO has the ultimate responsibility, all visitors are responsible for safety. There is only one exception when visitors can direct action on the range; that is when they observe an unsafe condition. Let’s say you have dropped your firearm or notice someone pointing their muzzle in a dangerous manner. You can then call a “Ceasefire” to stop the firing action and bring the condition to the RSO’s attention where they can then remedy your concerns. Once the RSO has taken charge they will take over the range and instruct the visitors on how to proceed. All shooters have the responsibility of calling a “Ceasefire” whenever they have any safety concerns….any at all. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Besides observing “the big three” familiarizing yourself with the common range commands is the best way to ensure you’re in compliance with the RSO’s directives. We have already discussed the most important range command of “Cease Fire.” This may be called for a variety of reasons and all visitors must immediately stop all shooting when it is called by an RSO or any other visitor. The ceasefire will remain in effect until the RSO decides otherwise. Shooters will empty the chamber on their firearm, remove any magazine, open the action, and place the firearm (action up and observable) onto the bench making sure it is pointed downrange. You will then step back from the firing line and await the RSO direction. NEVER handle your weapon during a ceasefire…..NO EXCEPTIONS.

Prior to anyone going downrange, the RSO will visually check that all shooters have stepped off the line and that their firearms are benched properly. Usually, they will ask, “Is everyone clear?” You should always check the line yourself before proceeding downrange. Again, safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Once all have returned to the line, the RSO will announce, “The range is going hot.” This does not mean that shooting can resume, only that may then safely load and ready your weapon. The only command that does is “Commence firing” or “you may begin shooting.”

These safety fundamentals and range commands are only the beginning towards what we refer to as “range etiquette.” Common courtesy should be the basis, however, you may be surprised by that far too often you’ll encounter some range visitors could use some further instruction. Beyond obvious safety concerns, you only have control over yourself. Should you notice something serious, always bring it to the RSO or the range proprietor.

Here’s a basic list of tips to foster a respectful shooting environment:

-Resist the impulse to offer unsolicited advice to other shooters.

-It’s never a good idea to bring your pet. Even if your club allows restrained pets you should still consider the harmful effects to their hearing and the unnerving of other guests.

-Use range-approved targets. The range should be a tidy environment with a certain amount of consistency. It may be fun to shoot fruit, cans, or bowling balls, but most ranges will never allow such. It’s extremely unsightly in the field and environmentally insensitive.

-Always wear ear and eye protection; you and your guests.

-Never drift back from the firing line while shooting. This is a common error and will make you neighbor nervous.

-Everyone hates a brass scavenger. Never pick up brass during an active session. Never pick up other’s brass without their permission and always wait until the session is over and the RSO is aware of what you’re doing. I’ve heard stories of shooters turning around on a hot range to find people picking up their brass as they shoot! Don’t be “that guy.”

-Fire at targets only; not target stands, frames, supports or posts.

            Ultimately, range safety is everyone’s responsibility; even a duty. But with sufficient education, common sense, and proper etiquette we can help build a mutually respectful environment within the shooting community. Visit the NRA site for more information and support your local ranges so that they remain a safe, productive place for the advancement of responsible firearm culture.

Daniel Williamson

January 9, 2017

(Article) Gun Ownership in the Trump Era: What the New Administration Means for You

Gun Ownership in the Trump Era: What the New Administration Means for You

In a post-election period where 2^nd Amendment advocates are breathing a collective sigh of relief, many gun owners are wondering if the new administration’s stance on firearm issues will transcend mere campaign rhetoric into substantial protections. What is clear is that the nation avoided a Clinton White House set firmly to erode constitutional protections piece by piece through a series of sequential legislative efforts.

First, the Clinton campaign had promised to attack firearm manufacturers by seeking a repeal of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). The 2005 law, signed then President George W. Bush has effectively protected the firearms industry from liability lawsuits derived from the misuse of their products. Described by NRA CEO and Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre as “the most significant piece of pro-gun legislation in twenty years” the legislation represents an important bulwark for gun advocacy that must be defended to ensure that manufacturers are insulated against liabilities for misuse; just as any U.S.-based manufacturer of consumer products. Prior to the PLCAA, victims of firearm violence had successfully sued manufacturers and dealers on the grounds that they should have foreseen that their products would be diverted for criminal use. Imagine if automobile manufacturers could be sued for their vehicles being used in DUI fatalities. It is basically the same thing. The preservation of the PLCAA will surely be one of the most important results of the recent election.  

Additionally, we should expect the new administration to fulfill a campaign promise to promote the Hearing Protection Act (H.R. 367) that would effectively remove silencers from the National Firearms Act (NFA). Currently, enthusiasts wishing to protect their hearing must endure long waiting periods when applying with the BATF and pay a $200 tax (fine). It appears that Republican lawmakers are wasting no time on this issue as Congressmen Jeff Duncan (SC) and John Carter (TX) have introduced the bill in the House anticipating a receptive executive branch. This was immediately applauded by NRA-ILA executive director Chris W. Cox who said of the proposal, “Gun owners and sportsmen should be able to practice their sport with the tools necessary to do so safely. This bill makes it easier for them to do that.”

The self-titled “law and order president” has also promised to repeal the many executive orders signed by President Obama relating to gun purchase background checks and the “catastrophe” resulting from the establishment of gun-free zones at military bases and public schools. “I will get rid of gun-free zones on schools, and — you have to — and on military bases,” he said at a rally in Burlington, Vermont, in January [2016]. “My first day, it gets signed, okay? My first day. There’s no more gun-free zones.” This promise has found favor with the NRA which has cited this issue as a “top priority” that will help to prevent the unchecked rampages of madmen who target unprotected facilities that basically advertise their vulnerability. The reality of such legislation is that the President-elect cannot unilaterally dismantle the Gun Free School Zones Act (GFSZA) first introduced by then Senator Joe Biden in 1990 and signed into law by Republican President George H.W. Bush. The new administration will have to overcome staunch opposition, even from Republicans who have previously resisted any repeal of the law.

In regards to the ban of firearms on military bases, it’s not Congress Trump will have to convince but the senior military brass who issued it under an “agency rule” in 1992. In fact, versions of that rule had already existed for decades. The Fort Hood shooting tragedies which claimed 17 lives in 2009 and 2014 have prompted many to rethink these strategies. This will be a collective decision between Trump and his chosen Secretary of Defense James “Mad Dog” Mattis that will need to overrule the sentiment of even Fort Hood’s commander who, surprisingly, has voiced opposition. Lieutenant General Mark Milley, the U.S. Army Chief of Staff who served as the commanding general at Fort Hood, said in April that allowing people to carry concealed weapons onto military bases as a means of thwarting attacks was unnecessary. “We have adequate law enforcement on those bases to respond,” he said. Yet, as what Trump sees as an important element of his gun reform plan, the repeal of the ban will confirm what many gun owners know to be true; that only an armed citizenry can prevent the mass killings that opponents most often cite in their anti-gun rhetoric.

The President-elect has also called for the implementation of national right-to-carry protections that would cover all 50 states. Otherwise known as “The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017” the bill, proposed by Republican congressman Richard Hudson, would allow concealed carry permit holders to travel with their firearms to any other state. Hudson remarked concerning his bill, “Our Second Amendment right doesn’t disappear when we cross state lines.” In addition to preserving a citizen’s right to self-defense nationwide the bill also allows those who are wrongfully prosecuted in states other than their own to seek legal fees from that state. Admitting to the battle ahead, NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox commented “It’s going to take a lot of work. We still have to get to sixty votes due to the filibuster rules in the Senate. It’s going to be a hard fight. If we keep the pressure on the United States Senate we have a real opportunity…and a real momentum to get this done. But we need to do it now.” As the new administration moves forward on this “federal recognition” they will need to do so carefully as some advocates have valid concerns that such a provision gives too much power to the federal government concerning carrying rights.  “We already have carry reciprocity; it's called The United States Constitution. Not to mention that according to the 9th and 10th Amendments, congress does NOT have the authority to create ANY laws pertaining to firearms and according to Marbury v. Madison, ALL firearms laws are null and void and are unconstitutional” added one opponent. Ultimately, we might realize some compromise, some middle ground where concealed carry protection does so without setting a dangerous precedent to the overall constitutional concerns. This will be the real challenge as we move forward through this new favorable political climate produced by Trump’s election.

If the series of recent pre-inauguration legislative proposals are any indication, then we can be sure that the coming months will prove promising for the enacting of many of the protections gun advocates have been long-awaiting. It will be a concerted effort encompassing all branches of government but the efforts have been substantially buoyed by the election of NRA-endorsed Donald J. Trump. It is imperative that the citizenry become pro-active and voice their support for the upcoming fight on The Hill to their respective representatives. Contact the NRA-ILA to see how you can contribute to the ongoing effort of preserving your right to bear arms.

Daniel Williamson

January 10, 2017

(Article) Carnero Lake: Northern Arizona’s Best Kept Secret

Carnero Lake: Northern Arizona’s Best Kept Secret

Arizona’s White Mountains are a recreational paradise. The winter months provide ample opportunities for downhill skiing at Sunrise Park Resort, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. When the snow melts the region allows you to find that perfect camping spot whether you choose developed sites within the Fort Apache Reservation or venture out on your own into the open meadows and high mountain stands of ponderosas and aspens off AZ-260. The White Mountains has over 40 lakes and 240 miles of fishable streams affording the angler plenty of opportunities.

As for me, camping is a means to an end. My passion is fishing; particularly still-water fly-fishing in clear cold mountain lakes. Carnero Lake, located near Springerville, does not disappoint for both pursuits. It is far enough from major population centers to ensure you won’t see many people but not far off the pavement either. With excellent camping sites, superb fishing, and incredible scenery Carnero Lake is Northern Arizona’s best kept secret.

Your best opportunities for good water levels, minimal vegetation, and decent fishing will come in spring at Carnero. But I’ve had good luck in the fall, plus you get the added benefit of large aspen stands turning color and solitude. I camped for 2 days during this time of the year before seeing another person. The nights are bone-chilling so make sure you’re prepared. The contrast of brilliant yellow aspen stands against the deep green ponderosas are breathtaking. Elk bugles and howling wolves fill the night and there is no bad camping spot. Just be mindful you’re in bear country and store your food accordingly.

Make sure you take the short drive to Green’s Peak nearby. It will only take you about fifteen minutes to travel the 5 miles to the lookout where you will be rewarded by an outstanding 360 degree view from a 10,099’ elevation. Just take the FS117A that you came in on back out to the first right turn and you can’t miss it. You can hike to the top if you like but there is a fairly good road that most cars won’t have a problem with since there are many communication towers located there. The U.S. Forest Service lookout tower on the peak was registered as a National Historic site and has been in place in some form or another since 1933.

 Traditionally, the lake has experienced substantial winter-kill as it is formed from a shallow, weedy basin that poses some unique challengers for managers trying to promote a sustainable fishery here. Let’s talk about the science of winterkill so we can understand exactly what’s taking place. This may venture somewhat into a biology discussion but it is the most important factor affecting the quality of fishing each year at Carnero and other White Mountain lakes like Crescent and Lee Valley which are fairly similar.

First, some of the characteristics that make for good fishing at Carnero also contribute to this problem. The main contributor to this condition is the aquatic vegetation. In a lake that I’ve never seen deeper than 10’ at the most, the aquatic weeds take off as summer sets in. They slowly take up usable space from the trout (and you if you’re trying to work through it). This can provide good fishing cover during the spring and summer but once winter sets in can become a disaster for trout trying to hold over. When ice and snow begin to choke out the weed mass it no longer is producing the oxygen fish need. Rather, the opposite takes place. Decaying weeds depletes oxygen from the lower levels of the water column by feeding oxygen robbing bacteria at the sediment level. The more severe and longer the winter is, the more serious the situation becomes. If Carnero were deeper it would not experience winterkill. I ran into a local club member who said they were working with the Forest Service on the problem. He mentioned maybe dredging certain portions that would give the fish some sort of winter haven. I don’t know how well this work though as removing any silt would expose porous basalt and probably drain the lake even more. More extreme solutions have been proposed ranging from aeration, weed removal, herbicides, even creating a winter opening. These are all expensive, mostly temporary fixes, and moderately effective. It may take just letting the lake go dry periodically. You’ll lose fishing during these years but reduce the condition substantially. Ultimately, we may find that this is just the hand we are dealt with Carnero. Since it was built by damming Carnero Creek in 1979 we have had to just stock as needed and cross our fingers each winter and hope for the best. Luckily, the lake is very productive during the spring and summer months allowing planters to put on substantial weight in a hurry.

 One of the biggest complaints I hear from people visiting the remote lake is how weedy it is. I do not see this as a negative. In fact, I think it is a great advantage as the weeds provide good cover for hungry trout that like to use it for ambush sites. If you can get out to the middle (float tubers will have a hard time) you can sit on a weed pile and make strategic casts into several holes in the weeds. Be ready though, I’ve had some monster strikes as soon as your offering hits the top water at dusk or dawn. Let it sink a bit more mid-day and you’ll find pretty decent Rainbows holding just under the floating weed-mass. I think this is a perfect lake for pontoon boats. I used a canoe myself and found I could glide easily over the trouble spots in the lake. Use the weeds to your advantage and you’ll soon start to praise them.

Carnero is unique in that it is located in one of the most remote areas in the state yet close to a main highway (AZ-260) and only 20 miles from Springerville should you need to run to town for supplies. The forest roads in the area are well-maintained and you don’t need a 4-wheel drive to really feel like you’re off the beaten path. If it’s solitude you’re after, Carnero is it.

When the lake was built from a spring fed basin back in 1979 it quickly found favor with anglers. Downstream water users raised a fuss and started a dispute causing Arizona Fish and Game to cease their stocking efforts for many years. In 1999, the agency secured a majority of the water rights in an effort to build a quality trout fishery. The result is a highly productive 65 acre lake that can land you Rainbows up to 24” if you can learn to exploit the weedy conditions towards your favor.

You can camp right on the lake so you won’t have to spend much travel time or haul your gear a long ways like most other lakes up on the Mogollon Rim or on the Reservation. The regulations say you can use a single electric motor on the lake but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you want to spend your day pulling weeds from your prop. Also, the lake not that big, a paddle is more than enough. You’ll find good fishing just off the island towards the main part of the lake. You can also wade most parts of the lake as it’s pretty shallow. Look for the dark holes between weed masses and use leech, nymphs or damsel patterns. Keep in mind you won’t find much room to strip below the surface. Fish the top water when the hatches take off in the early morning or evening for some exciting fishing. The lake is open to artificial lures and flies only with barbless hooks. I wouldn’t try a lure though, that is unless you enjoy pulling weeds all day. There is a two-trout bag and possession limit but with the many challenges this lake has in holding fish over I would hope that catch-and-release would be your practice.

Must Have Patterns for Carnero

Here’s a list of the basic fly patterns you should stock up on to ensure success at Carnero.

-Wooly Worms                       -Wooly Buggers                     -Scud Patterns

-Prince Nymphs                      -Zug Bugs                               -Hare’s Ear Nymphs

-Peacock Ladies                     -Other small nymph patterns in black, brown, green and grey

-Various Midge patterns        -Ant Patterns                          -Adam’s Parachutes

(Article) What is Time? How You Think About it Can Change Your Life

What is Time? How You Think About it Can Change Your Life

I’m not a theoretical physicist. I’m just an average guy that began the New Year with a trip to the stationary store to buy a calendar. I entered with simple questions; desk or wall calendar, a day book perhaps. What I left with was one much more profound. What is time?

We all have a sense of it, yet ask those around you and you will discover how little we understand about the concept of time. Better still, explore the idea of time from a scientific standpoint and you will find that time is extremely difficult to explain to any amount of satisfaction. We can measure it, sure. We use it throughout our day but without ever fully appreciating its curious, elusive nature. Our lives are arranged around something so ubiquitous and, at the same time, so mysterious that even the greatest minds through history wrestled with its explanation.

Almost two and a half thousand years ago, Aristotle shared the same sentiment I felt in the Staples check-out line, “time is the most unknown of all unknown things.” Newton believed he had adequately understood time as absolute, true, and mathematical only to have his ideas challenged by Einstein’s contention that time is relative and, even more strangely, that past, present and future exist simultaneously. If the two greatest scientific minds who ever approached the subject can’t agree then what hope is there for the rest of us? Set your clock, place the calendar on the desk and hold on as we dive head-first into the rabbit-hole that is time and see if we can make it work for us.

Most people when asked will explain time as a method of ordering separate events. We wake before our day begins and we sleep at its conclusion. Time flows in a constant, single direction only to be portioned according to our imposed units of measurement; seconds, minutes, days, weeks, months, years and so on. That’s where it ends with most of us. But these are merely devices to help us interact and make time useful to us. Just because you can measure something doesn’t mean you can say what it is. Just ask any cosmologist about dark matter. They can tell you that it makes up 80 percent of the universe yet, much like time itself, can only theorize as to what it really is.

Maybe you have time management tools; software, a special app, or at the very least, the trusty standby; a calendar. You make prioritized to-do lists, set alarms and reminders and create detailed schedules to hedge your bets against the perpetual march of time. Although they may help us structure our lives and more effectively respond to time’s demands on our lives, they fall short without a clear appreciation of our greatest threat to our relationship with time………procrastination.

We have all had periods of procrastination that render us helpless. For a variety of reasons, we remain still, ineffectual, and anxious while time ever marches on. This is the conundrum. How can we make the most of something we seem to not ever have enough of? Here’s some ways that you can make time your friend while avoiding procrastination.

1.    Follow the Age-old Adage that “Time is Money.”

Financial experts will tell you that money that is available to you at the present time is worth more than the same amount in the future due to its earning potential. If you can think of available time in the same way you think of your money you will begin to appreciate it more as an opportunity rather than something fleeting and about to be lost. Consider each moment where you desire to be productive as more valuable than future moments and you will begin to seek out more present opportunities to invest your best efforts towards productivity.

2.    Avoid the Multitasking Mistake

Our modern world is full of distractions. We are surrounded by technologies that vie for our attention. We believe that we can answer emails, watch TV, post to our social media accounts and somehow work on a primary task effectively. We really can’t. Our brains don’t work that way. We are basically asking it to split our focus and attention between multiple tasks at once leading to cognitive overload and stress. A recent study even found that multitaskers eventually end up with lower density in cognitive areas of the brain. Create a space where you can concentrate on one thing at a time, shut off competing devices and distractions and  reap the productive benefits the “myth” of multitasking has robbed you of in the past.

3.    How to “Eat an Elephant”

The greater the task, the more we tend to put it off. Imagine an author sitting down to write a lengthy novel. Staring at a blank page with the entirety of that goal looming can produce anxiety (believe me, I know). But if you break up your large projects into manageable portions it begins to feel more reasonable. Hemmingway shared that when he felt overwhelmed he would just aim to “write one true sentence, and then go on from there.” How do you eat an elephant? It’s easy, one bite at a time. Break large tasks into smaller pieces and you’ll find that “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

4.    Tracking Time to Control It

Often we feel that we are forever at the mercy of time. We cannot add hours to the day. But by recognizing when “the right time” to perform a certain task is or what “time-traps” are affecting your productivity you can begin to take back control over the clock. This can be a simple as keeping a short journal where you record exactly how you spent your time throughout the day. More importantly, note how you feel while completing each task. Where you productive? What was your energy level? Where you interrupted or distracted in any way? This will help you to recognize paths to improvement just as knowing how your money is spent can help you be a better steward of it.

5.    Spend Time “Sharpening Your Axe”

Planning can go a long way toward your overall effectiveness. It may seem counterintuitive to spend extra time constructing elaborate to-do lists or extensive schedules but studies have shown that for every one minute you spend in planning rewards you with a ten minute gain in execution. Abraham Lincoln didn’t need some white lab-coat to make sense of this. He once said, “If I had 60 minutes to cut down a tree, I would spend 40 minutes sharpening the ax and 20 minutes cutting it down.” Planning is the difference between just reacting to life’s time challenges and actively making the most effective use of it.

6.    “Eat the Frog” First

We have all heard of the importance of prioritizing tasks in order to improve our effectiveness. This is usually fairly simple. We are just determining which are most important, time-sensitive, or otherwise urgent and we intend to perform those first. A productive day is not one that in which you have checked off ALL items on your list, it’s one that you have completed the urgent items that, if left undone turn to crises. Follow Mark Twain’s advice, “If you eat a frog first thing in the morning, the rest of your day will be wonderful.” Make the effort to get that task out of the way that is most urgent, maybe unpleasant, but disastrous if ignored. Find your “frog” and eat it.

We may never really know what time is, however, we don’t have to be learned physicists or philosophical thinkers to understand its importance in our everyday lives. We can begin to appreciate what it means to us personally and how we can manage it to help our productivity, stress levels, and over all well-being. Maybe it’s both complicated and simple at the same time. Even Albert Einstein, who probably did more towards furthering our understanding of time once quipped, “Time is what clocks measure.” Just thinking about our own relationship with time will reveal to us its precious nature. Spend it wisely whether at work or with your family and friends savoring the present lest it become the seed of some regret.

Daniel Williamson

January 26, 2017

(Article) The Verde Canyon Railroad: A Western Tradition Lives on in Northern Arizona

The Verde Canyon Railroad: A Western Tradition Lives on in Northern Arizona

The Verde Canyon Railroad once hauled valuable copper ore from the Jerome mines. Today, visitors are finding that the restored railway carries something just as valuable….. a remarkable “bucket-list” experience.

While attending the 1884 World’s Fair in New Orleans, Montana businessman William A. Clark was impressed enough by the exhibited copper ore sample from the United Verde Mine in Jerome that he invested $60 million to purchase a majority share. It turned out to be a wise move as the Cleopatra Hill deposit was soon to be realized as one of the richest ever found. The only problem was its location. Clark had the solution. He knew the value of rail lines through his previous experience supplying Montana miners. The die was cast. Clark soon replaced the primitive wagon roads connecting the remote outpost with an “iron road”. The 26 mile United Verde & Pacific Railway was finished in 1895 and brought the valuable ore efficiently to the company’s smelter in Clarkdale. By 1912 Clark had finished the north/south connecting line through Verde Canyon to Drake via Perkinsville where the popular excursion line runs today.

When Dave Durbano purchased the rail line from Clarkdale to Perkinsville in 1988 sight-unseen he could not imagine how the railway would eventually be transformed into its designation as one of “Arizona’s Treasures.” It wasn’t until his first ride through the Verde Canyon on a GP7 locomotive that he would become “mesmerized” by the wonderful confluence of natural beauty, wildlife, geology, and history found alongside the winding canyon-hugging route.

Tens of thousands of visitors each year venture into the winding canyon aboard the Verde Canyon Railway where Bald Eagles soar above the high-walled canyon and ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings can be seen from your choice of an open-air viewing car or a more luxurious passenger coach. The vintage rail cars are individually named after prominent Arizona towns and themed in unique interior motifs that reflect the varied regions found in the “Copper State.” You don’t have to give up modern comforts while being transported into the past aboard the train.

The 40 mile round-trip to the ghost town of Perkinsville takes you over restored trestles and through hand-carved tunnels. You might recognize scenery from John Ford’s iconic 1960’s western How the West Was Won featuring Debbie Reynolds and Jimmy Stewart filmed at and around the depot.

Each fully-restored passenger car is climate-controlled, has its own restroom and allows passengers to access the covered open-air viewing cars where you can stretch your legs or capture a photographic memory. The knowledgeable and attentive staff is available throughout the train to ensure that all of your needs are met with all of the nostalgia and panache of a by-gone era.

First-class passengers take in the majestic scenery from living room-styled seating and enjoy complimentary appetizers and premium beverages served to you at your seat. There is a champagne toast upon departure and large panoramic windows from which to comfortably take in the ever-changing views of the canyon.

Many passengers enjoy the more-traditional Pullman-style seating in Coach. There is more of a passenger-train feel without sacrificing any of the scenic grandeur available from whatever package you choose. 

You can also arrange for your own group’s private caboose complete with a personal valet, private outdoor viewing platform and cupola seats prompting one recent rider to describe the experience as “being treated like royalty.”

For those rail fans seeking a more interactive experience, the Verde Canyon RR offers a ride-along option. You can don railroad safety gear, assist the engineer and conductor with pre-trip preparations and have lunch at the Copper Spike Café before taking your seat up front in the General Motors EMD FP7 locomotive. Take the four-hour trip to Perkinsville and back in the cab and upon your return you’ll received a framed photo of you and the crew and a certificate of completion to commemorate your perfect day. Commenting on his experience “up in the cab,” Daniel O’Conner shared “This was a great introduction to all the workings under the skin and how they operate.”

The Verde Canyon Railroad departs from the depot complex in Clarkdale once a day Wednesdays through Sundays. Departure times vary so call ahead or consult the on-line calendar for complete information. Make sure to arrive early so you can preface your trip with a historical context in the John Bell Railroad Museum housed appropriately in a converted boxcar. Open 8a.m.-5p.m. daily, the museum is filled with historic artifacts from the personal collection of local historian and railroad enthusiast John Bell.

Better yet, have a meal at the Copper Spike Café at the depot where you can enjoy locale fare while waiting to begin your special day. Walk it off along the quarter-mile depot platform while learning interesting facts about the region’s people, wildlife and history from the storyboards installed along the way.

Find a souvenir, some home décor, local artwork and jewelry or even clothing available at the Boxcar Gift Store. Across the patio, you can indulge your more eclectic taste. Filled with private label wines, brews and specialty food items, the Whistle Stop @ Milepost 38 is well-supplied to provide you with that perfect take-home gift.

          Many special events are showcased throughout the year that complements the standard train tour with seasonal celebrations, wildlife migrations, and

-The popular Chocolate Lover’s Valentines Celebration each February allows you to treat that special someone to the scenic tour while indulging on mouth-watering desserts. Enjoy dipping a strawberry under the flowing chocolate fountain or share a glass of champagne on one of the open-viewing cars as you take each new view around every winding turn.

 -April 16^th this year makes for “the hoppiest celebration” around aboard the Easter Bunny Express. Children will enjoy the face painting, bunny photo-op or jellybean counting contest as much as adults will enjoy a spring-fresh Bloody Mary or Prickly Pear Margarita.

-Summer visitors can take a Saturday Night Starlight Tour where they can watch the interplay of disappearing sunlight wash across the high canyon walls. The return trip in darkness affords a breath-taking celestial journey where earth and sky meet in grand fashion.

-Wildlife lovers will enjoy Eagle Watch rides running December through May. The Bald Eagles return to the canyon each winter to breed and the railroad offers an exclusive viewing experience of our national symbol in its natural habitat.

-Nothing highlights Northern Arizona in autumn better than the railroad’s Fall Color Tour during October and November. The riparian interface along the Verde River is awash in seasonal glory as the Cottonwoods, Willows and Sycamores turn their leaves. No needs to worry about the chill as all of the cars are heated allowing you to view the colorful spectacle in comfort.

The Verde Canyon Railroad has something for everyone. Railroad enthusiasts come from all over to step back in time to a period where the west was tamed by the “iron horse.” Wildlife lovers are never disappointed as the canyon area along the Verde River is filled with over 74 species of waterfowl, raptors, and mammals. If photography is more to your liking, you’ll need plenty of film or memory cards for this trip as every turn along the route affords ample opportunity for that perfect shot. You can hold your wedding or family reunion aboard the train by arranging with the line. Regardless of the time of year or reason for your tour, upon your return to the Clarksdale depot you’re likely to agree with this honeymooner from Kansas City, “I must tell you it was fantastic! We truly enjoyed the experience.”

Contact the Verde Canyon Railroad for more information at 1-800-582-7245 or visit their website at https://verdecanyonrr.com

(Article) Second Chance for a Felon Gave an Arizona State Trooper a Second Chance at Life

Second Chance for a Felon Gave an Arizona State Trooper a Second Chance at Life

          We never know when we might be called upon to act. “That morning, I never would have dreamt that I was going to save somebody’s life let alone take the life of another individual,” said Thomas Yoxall, 43 to reporters gathered shortly after the January 12^th incident. It took place on an isolated stretch of Interstate 10 west of Tonopah. Yoxall was traveling to California in the early morning hours when he happened upon a confused roadside scene. He could see the flares in the road and a State Trooper’s vehicle with its lights on. He slowed and proceeded forward when he could see a man on top of the trooper “beating him in a savage way.”

          What happened next would forever change Yoxall’s life, and demonstrate in very real terms the power of redemption. There were many ways a person might react in this situation. They could pull over and call for help. They could ignore it and drive on. They could exit their vehicle and try to physically aid the fallen trooper. Luckily for Edward Anderson, a 27-year veteran who had already been shot twice, Yoxall was armed and sprang into action to save his life.

          Describing his actions as “visceral,” the maintenance supervisor retrieved his firearm from the center console and exited his vehicle. As the wounded officer called out for help Yoxall took a stance and issued commands to the assailant to stop. These were ignored. 37-year-old Leonard Pennelas-Escobar continued to pound trooper Anderson’s head into pavement. Worried he might hit the trooper if he fired, the good Samaritan adjusted and fired twice. “I alleviated the threat to him [Anderson]” Yoxall said in a quivering voice obviously impacted by the gravity of having been forced to take a life. “I firmly believe I was put there by God.”

          Yoxall started to administer first-aid to the officer but the suspect emerged from the shadows once again leaving him few options but to fire a second volley mortally wounding Pennelas-Escobar. Anderson survived thanks to the decisive actions of the passer-by and is recovering from multiple surgeries.

          This is where the story becomes even more remarkable. Yoxall might never have been equipped to save trooper Anderson’s life in the way that he did had his gun-rights never been restored. “I have a past,” said the hero in a DPS press conference. With his extensive tattoos, ear gauges and his own criminal history, Yoxall demonstrates that outward appearances or past mistakes do not preclude one from acting valiantly when civic duty requires.

          Yoxall received a felony theft back in 2000 when he admitted to stealing electronics from a group home where he was employed. He petitioned the judge to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor in 2003 primarily motivated by his desire to restore his right to carry. “Before this incident, I was an avid shooter. I miss owning a gun. I miss shooting with my friends as well as my son. I hope, if nothing else, you will reinstate my civil rights to include the right to bear arms once again," Yoxall wrote in his petition to the court. A Superior Court judge agreed that since his offense was non-violent and he had demonstrated reformation that he could once again own a firearm.

In his only press conference following the January incident, Yoxall alluded briefly to his past charges, "Those moments of poor judgement have not dictated my future, nor represent the person that I am today.”

Yoxall’s story exemplifies how important an individual gun owner’s readiness is. We live in an unpredictable world where we can never be sure when our preparedness will be tested. “As being a private gun owner, it is a responsibility and one that should be taken seriously so I make the effort to go out and practice,” he said when questioned by one reporter on his experience with firearms. That practice paid off when he intervened on that desolate stretch of highway.

Yoxall, who a DPS spokesman described as “humble” and “heroic” was called to the capital on February 6^th by Governor Doug Ducey who honored the good Samaritan with an official commendation for his actions last month. Ducey tweeted photos of this meeting along with the caption, “Thomas Yoxall showed unbelievable bravery a few weeks ago. Today, we're proud to honor him. He's an inspiration.

Federal law prohibits purchase or possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving domestic violence. Should a banned citizen wish to be reinstated there are several ways to go about this depending on the state in which the offense was committed. One can apply to the Governor for a pardon or petition the Court as Yoxall did. Always consult an attorney for qualified legal advice. Luckily for trooper Anderson, there are second chances afforded for people who for some reason or another have had their gun rights suspended.

(Article) Arizona Lawmakers Set To Decide On Electronic Gun Tracking Technology

Arizona Lawmakers Set To Decide On Electronic Gun Tracking Technology

State Representative Paul Boyner introduced House Bill 2216 last month in an effort to protect Arizonans from imposed electronic firearm tracking made possible by new “block chain technology.” The bill has passed the House and is now waiting on a vote in the Senate where there is sure to be vigorous debate on the implications such legislation would have on gun owners and law enforcement. With smart gun technologies advancing at an exponential rate, 2^nd Amendment advocates are looking at ways to prevent abuses that might erode constitutional guarantees.

A smart gun is a weapon that incorporates some type of safety feature that prevents its use by any unauthorized person. This has been approached using a variety of technologies ranging from RFID chips, fingerprint recognition, proximity tokens located in wearable accessories like rings or watches. While the goal of keeping firearms from being used by children, thieves or against the owner is reasonable, the state of current technologies is not without problems. Fingerprint sensors can’t be used with gloves or may fail to recognize wet or dirty hands. Proximity devices are only as effective as the care one takes in their use. That’s where blockchain technology comes in. It basically serves as a secure, anonymous and decentralized interface between the smart hardware on the gun and the user.

Let’s say you want to secure a firearm remotely. Just use your fully-encrypted app on your smartphone and it’s instantly protected against unauthorized use. Maybe you discover your gun stolen. You can use the technology to disable it in the same way but also to help locate it. A log of all attempted activity is automatically uploaded to the network.

Blockchain databases originated from crypto-currencies like Bitcoin where a decentralized or distributed ledger is maintained to record transactions. The peer-to-peer autonomous network model based on blockchain has inspired many other applications like smartgun technologies causing developers to take notice. Firearms fitted with a hardware sensor broadcast a transaction record to the blockchain database whenever that particular weapon is used. The pending legislation reflects the concerns of gun right advocates who see the new technologies as having the potential to set dangerous precedents.

Consider the position of the NRA. According to their website, the organization contends that although they do not oppose the development of smart guns and the public’s freedom to buy them, they do however oppose any legislation requiring their usage. The dangers such laws might pose to 2^nd Amendment freedoms is causing indignation among many members who see the need to approach the implications of new technologies carefully.

While blockchain’s leger is encrypted and not housed on any server, many gun owners are worried that it may be coopted to identify them or create a basis for some kind of electronic database. With some smartgun prototypes being designed to connect themselves to “the internet of things” many fear that they might be located when using firearms or even, in the extreme, that it could be remotely disabled. The current bill merely makes any individual’s participation with such technologies voluntary. In fact, should the legislation become law it would be a felony to require any person to “use or be subject to firearms tracking technology or to disclose any identifiable information about the person.” 

Being touted as “the biggest technological innovation since the PC in the 1970’s and the Internet back in the 1990’s,” blockchain is revolutionizing how we interact in a world that is increasingly complicated by interconnectivity. Boyner, who has received an “A” rating from the NRA, is strong on 2^nd Amendment issues and the proposed bill working its way through the State Legislature reflects that commitment.

Daniel Williamson

February 11, 2017