Ode to dirt roads

Things they are a-changing. When we first moved to Fish Springs back in 1981, all of the roads were dirt. Not just plain old dirt, but the kind that is full of bumps, pot holes and big clouds of dust. Each time there was a public meeting over at the volunteer fire house, people would bring up their concerns about the bad condition of the roads. Other residents said we need to keep them just the way they were because if the roads were paved, many more people would move out here. They are also relieved that city folks often like to speed while country folks liked a slower-paced life and don't drive so fast.

Slowly, but surely, the dirt roads became paved, especially on the south end of Fish Spring Flat. Then a few weeks ago the county road department's big trucks started coming up toward where I live at the far north end of Fish Spring Flat. Tractors, water trucks, graders, belly-dumps and rollers " I enjoyed watching them as they graded and watered and rolled the reground asphalt into the road. Then it was oil sealed. Wow, what a difference! Thank you, Douglas County Road Department. Get ready to slow down for the mustangs.

Paul Harvey summed it up with this essay on dirt roads. It's called an "Ode to Dirt Roads."

"Dirt roads build character. People who live at the end of a dirt road learn that life is a bumpy ride, but it's worth it, if waiting at the other end is home, a loving spouse, happy kids and a frisky dog. Our values were better when our roads were worse. People didn't worship their cars more than their kids. And motorists are more friendly and courteous on a dirt road. You don't tailgate or the guy in front of you will choke you with dust and pelt you with rocks. Dirt roads teach patience.

"If it rains and the dirt road gets washed out, you get to stay home and have some family time. Most paved roads lead to trouble, but dirt roads are more likely to lead to a fishing creek or a swimming hole. Criminals do not go two dusty miles to rob or rape if they know they'll be welcomed by five barking dogs and a double-barrel shotgun. Living at the end of a dirt road, the only time we lock our car is in August, because if we don't, some neighbor will fill it with too much zucchini."

Goodbye to our dirt roads.

In sympathy

Fish Springs lost one of our longtime neighbors on June 25 when "Yetcha" Mayfield passed away. She and her husband Joe moved to Fish Springs 26 years ago when it really was out "in the sticks." It seems strange that she died the very week that reground asphalt finally came down Bobwhite Lane where she lived.

In the old days, her three daughters, Debbie, Kelly and Joanna, had to stand in line to use the telephone as Fish Springs had party lines at that time. Joe has retired from Bently now but Yetcha had continued working and she had a lot of close friends at her job at C.F.I. in Carson City.

She and Joe celebrated date night each Thursday evening with many friends at the Full Belly Deli in Gardnerville. She will be missed.

Yetcha and Joe and all the kids and grandkids really enjoyed camping out. Their favorite camping places were the Walker River Resort, Topaz Lake and Camp Richardson at Lake Tahoe. Yetcha was an excellent cook and everyone loved her biscuits and gravy and macaroni and potato salads. She was a strong woman and she really loved her grandkids. There are so many happy memories.

There will be a memorial service at the Crossroads Church, 1788 Pinenut Road at 1 p.m. today. A celebration of life follows at 2-5 p.m. at the Lampe Park pavilion.

n Linda Monohan may be reached at 782-5802.