Our videographer Gordon WilsonGordon’s wife Laverta, aka “Cake Lady,” builder of all cakes and tasties.Best man Ross Ellis, and wife Candy. Ross introduced me to geology, which he always felt bad about since it changed my life and led me to a late career as a teacher. He was a professor of structural geology at Western Washington University in BellinghamKeeper of the peace and owner of Cerro Gordo and Swansea … Mike PattersonMike’s wife and co-owner of Cerro Gordo … JodyThe American Hotel, oldest standing hotel east of the Sierra (until recently destroyed by fire) was a leading character of the dayMike, Jody, and son Shawn (in reverse order) in the lobby of the American HotelGuitar Frank and Penny the poker queen. Frank gave me my introductory tour on my first day in Saline ValleyMike and son Sean. Wrong place to keep boots clean?Turtle Jim Hay, who coordinated catering through Lee’s Frontier Market and Chevron station in Lone Pine below. And Pretty Penny!Desperate Dave and Delirious Donna of the CarloEl hombre FedericoMidge the mother-in-law to beThe Reverend “Sweet Dick” Richard Spining and best gal PaulaDarling daughter RenaBF Jill and Sophia AnnBrother Russ made the 3000 mile trek to a world quite different, and daughter RenaBig Bad Bill HannSoon to be brother-in-law RonPretty Paula, Brother Russ, and Roomie Robin
The Ceremony
The first reception
While a few of us schmoozed outside, the hotel was readied for the banquet.
Carolyn and her MomMother-in-law now …. she is stuck with me!Surrounded by brothers, blood and otherwiseOne big happy family nowCarolyn and MomDad and daughterDaughter and DonnaMy family of bloodWe were warned and cautioned that a shot on the balcony was a risk that was on us.
The Dinner
The catering consisted of hay bales, ice, and kegs. Guests were requested to grace us with their presence, and not presents, and particpate in a pot luck in lieu of gifts. It worked! I had a turkey smoking in the ice house, and between the ceremony and the feast, our friends schlepped chairs and tables and made way for the meal.
Turtle Jim and Mark (Mr & Mr Carver) carve up the smoked turkey in the hotel kitchen, which still had a dirt floor back then.Laverta the “Cake Lady” is long famous for designing unusual cakes to fit an occaision.A wonderful tradition. She has been feeding me ever since.Thanking the cake cook.Among many toasts which led to the next party …
Party aftermath
Once again the friends pitched in, schlepped the tables away, set chairs up on the perimeter so we could not jump up and down next to the walls, which were then separating from the floors, and the dance began, and the drinking continued. Music provided by cassette, speakers powered by an extension cord coming down the mountain from Mike and Jody’s house.
I love the picture of you with your daughter!
Wonderful seeing pictures of my Dad. What a beautiful wedding.
You are Ross’s daughter? He meant the world and much more to me.