PK M A G A Z I N E Our featured home: Mia Dia Ranch Mike & Cathy Garrison take us inside their beautiful home, custom built for entertaining.Spring Edition 2022 Inside: Locals Living Their BEST PK Life
4 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 Table of Contents Cover Photo: Mike and Cathy Garrison, center with their sons Michael (left) and Trevor (right) Garland Bend Seven generations and 150 years on this special, ancestral land Mia Día Ranch The Ultimate Entertaining Space in Sp t ’ W ld From PKto BeijingThe Olympic spirit's alive and well t PK! The 'PK Chainsaw Massacre': Not what you might think! PKbecominga live music mecca All of this plus much more inside! including business briefs, fishing news, and other stories about locals living their best lives. Page 13 Page 7 Page 36 Page 20 Page 50
Note 6 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022
Vol.2|No.1Spring2022 Publisher: KimNussbaum ContributingEditor: JohnJarvis DigitalEditor: KimNussbaum ContributingWriters: SteveNussbaumMichaelPearce ContributingPhotographers: KatieErikaCarterNussbaumMichaelPearce Distribution: DigitalMailedtoPaidSubscribers2,500distributedthroughstrategicracklocationsreplicaeditioncanbefoundonourwebsitepk-magazine.com
Thankyoutoallofouradvertisersandreadersforyoursupport.Bewell! Kim Publisher's
Happyspringeveryone,we'vemissedyou! We'reexcitedtobebackforthe2022season, wherewe'llbebringingyoufoureditionsofPKMagazine. Thiseditionmaybeoneofmyfavoritesbecauseit'sfulloflocalstoriesaboutlocalpeople livingtheirbestPKlives Somewillmakeyousmileandifyou'relikeme,somemaymake youalittlemistyeyedbecausepeoplereallyopeneduptousandtoldustheirstoriesand theyaresoincrediblyawesome!
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PKinfo@pk-magazine.com940-573-7170MagazineisproducedbyTheUPSStore7355KSNFamilyInvestment,Inc.101NFM2353Unit101Graford,TX76449940-573-7170 StoryIdeas? info@pk-magazine.comSendthemourway! NextIssue: May/June2022 We're back! Welcome to the Spring Edition of PK Magazine!
If you haven't been to a gathering at Mike and Cathy Garrison's Mia Dia Ranch, well you probablyjusthaven'tmetthemyet
Theyareasgenuineastheycomeandtheyknowathing ortwoaboutentertaining. We'lltakeyoubehindthescenesofthehometheybuilt,where everyspacewasdesignedwithentertaininginmind I'vealwayswonderedwholivesalongtheBrazosRiver,knowingtheremustbearichhistory, withfondmemories...memoriesonlytheycouldtell;andtheydid! Besureandcatchthe storyinsideandlearnthehistorybehindsevengenerationsand150yearsontheancestral landabovethebendalongtheBrazosRiver
We reached out to readers and asked them to submit nominations for our new feature, CommunityChampions. Ihatetospoilit,butthereisatruePKChainsawMassacreamong us,butit'snotwhatyouthink! Checkoutthestoryonpage36andbeamazedandgrateful for our inaugural community champion! Who will be next? I don't know, keep the nominationscoming! Asacommunity,wetrulyneedtospotlighttheseindividuals.
BTW,this isoneofthosestoriesItalkedaboutthatmadememistyeyed Talkaboutmistyeyed checkoutourstoryonpage20aboutalocalfamilythatcheeredon theirOlympianfromPK Wewereinvitedbehindthescenestothe5:00AMneighborhood watch party and it was so special, it felt as if we were there live, in Beijing. It's a heartwarmingstorywehopeyouenjoy! Don'tyouloveithowPKisbecomingourownlittlemusicmecca? Seepage50onhowlocal businessesarebringingliveentertainmenttoPK,eachintheirownway. Andwhateveryou do,getoutandenjoyit,oryou'retrulymissingoutonlivingyourbestlife,PKStyle! TherearesomanymoreLOCALstoriesinsideforyou,wehopeyouenjoythem! Ifyouhave anideaforalocalstory,pleasefeelfreetoreachouttous,aswe'reworkingonourMay issuenow!
aged,ofhomesstrongabovethatsamebendintheriver.ScatteredaboutarethathavebeenpasseddownthroughthegenerationsGarland’sdescendants.Mostofthemaresmall,alittleandusedforfamilyreunions,weekendsandvacations.
Pictured left: Pat Borman; her daughter, Judy Cotter with her husband Paul Cotter; Phil Bob Borman, and his wife, Deanna Borman's family has lived on Garland Bend since the 1870s.
Story continues...
Garland Bend Seven generations and 150 years on this special, ancestral land Story and photos by Michael Pearce servedkeepbuiltthatsteep,FamilyloresaysWashingtonLafayetteGarlandcametothejaggedlandscapeabovethebendontheBrazosRiverbearsthefamilynamebackin1873,settlingintoacabin20yearsbefore.Itsnativetimberswerethickenoughtooutanyweather,whileagunportnearonecornertodeterunwantedvisitors.
Roughly 150 years later, Garland’s descendants still stand
8 | PK MAGAZINE |SPRING 2022 releaseandexpectedbucket,childrencommoditytransportationAtneeded“Youbathroomdidn’tandWashingtonInstandsandThegrandfather,familySomedaysremembrancesstoriesEightonFortIncould,toGarlandexceptBormanchildrentheBorman,in“I“Ishegranddaughter,fineBorman,Buttheundisputedmatriarchoftheclan,90-year-oldPathaslivedinretirementforabout30yearsinahomeatGarlandBend.She’sGarland’sgreat-andshecan’trememberatimewhendidn’tlongtobeonthatpatchofland.loveeverystickandeveryrockonthisplace,”shesaid.alwayshave,andIalwayswill.NomatterwhereIwaslife,Icouldn’twaittogetbacktohere.”whosaidhermotherhadasimilarbondwithland,haspassedalongthosesentimentstoherownandgrandchildren.spentmostofheryoungerdaysinFortWorth,forafewDepression-erayearswhenshelivedonBendasachild.It’swhereherparentsretreatedcopewithherfatherlosinghisjob.Assoonastheythough,theymovedbacktoFortWorth.heryouth,BormanmadethetripbackandforthfromWorthwithherfamilyinavenerableFordModelT,roadsafarcryfromtoday’shighways.decadeslater,BormancanstillspendhourstellingoftheGarlandBendofyesteryear.Mostofthoserevolvearoundweekendsorsummerspentwithhergrandmother,GraceGarland.ofthenightswerespentinthe“Searshouse,”thenamefortheSearsandRoebuckhouseherGeorgeGarland,hadassembledin1909.housearrivedbyrail,inakitthathadpre-cutboardstheneedednumberofnails,nutsandbolts.Itstilltothisday,rightwhereitwasbuilt.herchildhood,shesaid,littlehadchangedsinceGarlandfirstcametothecabin.Electricityindoorplumbingweren’tevenadream,andsherememberhavinganouthousetousefortrips,either.justwentoutinthetreesanddidwhateveryoutodo,”shesaid.thattime,horseswerestillamajorformofandlabor,andwaterwasawell-earnedthateveryoneworkedtoobtain,shesaid.Forwhoweretoosmalltohandleanadult-sizedtheywerehandedsmallercontainersandtohelp.Itwasthesameinthehugegardensattheriver,shesaid,andtherewasnocatch-and-fishingbackthen. continued from page 7
TopPhoto: Picturedfromtheleft,GarlandGriffitt(Pat Borman's Brother); Pat Borman and Borman's cousin Ruthie(RuthPanzera)
BottomPhoto: Picturedfromtheleft,Chick(Borman's boyfriendatthetime;PatBormanandhersisterDotty andDotty'shusbandJim. These photos were taken in the same place as the recentphotosfeaturedinthisstory. Photos contributed by Judy Cotter
PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 | 9
story continues on page 10
Pat Borman, left recently spent time along the Brazos River at Garland Bend with her daughter Judy Cotter andSonPhilBobBorman. Sheretiredthereabout30 years ago. A deep attachment to the land has daughterandsonplanningtobuildontheland.
Borman credits high fish populations in the Brazos for much-needed income during otherwise lean times. Her exploredOtheracrossTheytheashouse,Recently,weimportant.butofhere,”“ItSuchlaundry.BormanreturnedfashionedblanketsBeforepails,Manyruggedhusband,shesimilarBormanchuckle.“Ibuilt.temporarytoanywhereherbelow.river,fun,Whenreallytimes“Shetograndmother,wholostherhusbandatanearlyage,tookchargingpeopletofishfromtheirsectionofshoreline.charged$1percarand$2torentaboat,andatitwasbumpertobumper,”Bormansaid.“Peoplehadalotoffunthere.”herworkwasdone,Bormanwouldhavesometoo.ShesaidshestillremembersswimminginthepeekingoverbouldersandseeinghugecatfishShecouldslideonclaybanks,listentoechoesofshoutsinthecanyon,andrideahorsejustaboutshewanted.Thatincludedgettingtheanimalhaulheronaspanof2-by-12-inchboardsonabridgeacrosstheriverasthedamwasbeingguessIneverhadtoomuchsense,”shesaidwitha“ButIsurehadalotoffun.”insistedthathersevenchildrenshouldhaveexperiencesonGarlandBend,andsaidsheoftentookthemfromFortWorthonherown,sinceherJimBorman,wasn’tasenamoredwiththeconditions.ofhermorningsbeganat3a.m.,gettingdiaperbottlesandothersuppliesreadyforthetrip.daylight,thechildrenwerecarefullywrappedinandplacedonamattressBormanhadinthefamilystationwagon.Theyoftenwellafterdarkonthesameday,whichleftburningthemidnightoiltounpackanddowasawayoflifeforheryoungfamily.wasalmostlikeareligionforher,gettingusdownsaidJudyCotter,Borman’soldestdaughter.“Noneuscanrememberthefirsttimeweweredownhere,wewereraisedknowingcomingdownherewasItwasahugepartofwhowewereandwhatdidasafamily.Itwasagreatchildhood.”standingalongtheBrazosneartheirmother’sCotterandherbrother,PhilipBorman,laughedtheytalkedabouttheirTomSawyer-liketimesamidmountainsandtheriver.mentionedskippinguntoldnumbersofstonestheBrazosandswimminginthedeeppools.times,theysaid,theyjustwanderedoffandthemountains.
Phil Bob Borman and his sister, Judy Cotter, laugh about stories from their childhood when they spent weekendsandsummervacationsinthehousebehind them. Their greatgrandfather ordered this house in kitformfromSearsRoebuck&Co.in1909.
continued from page 9 andchildrenGarlandManyofshe“AllTheirself-reliance,toughness,adults.youthsCotterenjoyingbutsnow.outOtherjustsorattlesnakesdealinggettinghavingIfduringwouldalreadymotherCotterrelativesdays,CotterhercheckedTheus.”problem,freedom.kidsmeetsignals,findalways“Wejustroamedandfelttotallysafe,”Cottersaid.“Momtoldusifwegotlost,justtogodownhillandwe’dtheriver.Iftheywantedustocomehome,theyhadlikehonkingacarhornthreetimes,andwe’dallatMam-aw’s(hergrandmother’s)trailer.Notmanythesedays,orevenbackthen,knowthatkindofIttaughtushowtobeindependent.Ifwehadawefiguredouthowtosolveit.Itwasgoodforfamilyalsohadrelativeswholivedclosebyandonthemonaregularbasis,Cottersaid.Sheandsiblingsspentfuntimeswitharmiesofcousins,said,andjustliketheirmotherinheryoungertheysoakeduptalesoffamilyhistoryfromagedontheland.andherbrotheralsomentionedtimeswhentheirwoulddropthemoffattheSearshouse,whichwasindisrepair,withafewbagsofgroceriesandleavethemtofendforthemselvesforafewweeksthesummerorwinterbreaks.therewasworktobedone,itwasdonefirstwithouttobeasked,theysaid.Theyenduredafriendbittenbyasnakewhileattheriver,aswellaswithbrokenbones,uninvitedraccoonsandattheoldhouse.Wintertemperaturesgotlow,theysaid,thattheysometimessleptfourtoabedtryingtostaywarm.sharedmemoriesincludedtimestheroadwashedafterarainorwasshutdownbyheavy,driftingFallentreescouldblockthetrail,too,Cottersaid,theytookitallinstride,dealingwithproblemsandtheadventureofitall.andPhilipBormansaidthetimetheyspentasonGarlandBendhelpedmakethemsuccessfulItwasthere,theysaid,wheretheylearnedindependence,adeeploveforfamily,andtoo.motheragreedwiththeirassessment.sevenofourkidsputthemselvesthroughcollege,”said.“Theyworkedandearnedit.We’reprettyproudthat.”ofBorman’sgrandchildrenwerebroughttoBendasoftenaspossible,andCottersaidhergainedthesamebenefitsfromtimeworkingplayingtherethatshehadinheryoungerdays.
Like their mother, some of Borman’s children spent much of their adult lives planning to retire on Garland Bend. All seven of her children were given land on special,comingShe,generationandGarlandnewcouldgrandchildren,generationsmallresidence.constructionCotterhouseareGarlandBend,andPhilipBormanandhiswife,Deanna,livingwithhismotherastheymakeplanstobuildathere.andherhusband,Paul,haveahouseunderupthemountainfromhermother’sTheviewisspectacular,andeventhoughit’sahouse,itwillcertainlyhaveroomforanothertovisit.Asofnowtheyhavenobutoneoftheirsonshastoldthemthatchangeinthenextyearortwo.ThatcouldstartabranchonthefamilytreeWashingtonLafayettesproutedsevengenerationsand150yearsago,nobodyismoreexcitedatthethoughtofanewroamingGarlandBendthanBorman.morethananyone,knowsthekindofchildhoodthegenerationsofherfamilycanenjoyonthatancestralland.
Pictured Above: Photo by Michael Pearce “I love every stick and every rock on this place, I always have, and I always will. No matter where I was in life, I couldn’t wait to get back to here.” Pat Borman end
Phil Bob Borman helps his mother, Pat Borman, as they leave a house where all spent many weekends and summer vacations on Garland Bend. Pat Borman's grandfather assembled the house from a SearsRoebuck &Co. kitin1909.
PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 | 1 3 Mia Día Ranch The Ultimate Entertaining Space in Sportsman’s World Photo by Erika CarterDrone footage of Mia Día Ranch, in Sportsman's World, owned by Cathy and Mike Garrison too.locationspace,withandThemiddleabout.biggestThewhatIneveryissueofPKMagazine,wefeatureaniconichome.Butisitthatmakesahomeiconic?structuresthatmakethelistaren’tnecessarilytheorgrandesthomes,butthey’retheonespeopletalkThisissue’siconichomeisa20-acreranchetteintheofSportsman’sWorld.homeanditssurroundingbuildingsareownedbyMikeCathyGarrison.Thecoupleboughtthepropertyin2011planstomakeitafamilyretreatandentertainmentandtheGarrisonshavecreatedtheultimateparty–andtheyhaveplansformoreentertainmentspace, surroundingthatSportsman’sInParkheMikesinceandareaTheGarrisonsownaconstructionbusinessintheFortWorththatspecializesininstallation,serviceandsalesofretailfleetfuelsystems,andthey’vebeenworkingsidebysidebeingmarried40yearsago.Garrison’sfamilyhadbeencomingtoPKforyears,andrememberscampingandfishingatPossumKingdomStateinhisyoungerdays.2011,rightafterthefiresthatdevastatedtheareaaroundWorld,thecouplegotwordofa15-acrespacehadbeendevastatedintheblazes.Thehomeandstructureshadburned,andmanyofthe Story by Steve Nussbaum Story continues
custom-carvedanchoredThesmallmainquiet,breezeway,TheybedroomsOnedecoratedloft-spacelittleandmainTheeveryonethenights,theirandlargeAfterspacealsohaveanddryerforguests–it’soneofthreesetstheGarrisonsontheirpropertyforgueststouse–andthere’salargeslidingglassgaragedoorthatcanopentheuptotheoutdoors.buildingtheSheBarn,theGarrisonsconstructedaoutdoorspacethatfeaturesafireplace,grillspacepizzaoven.Theirpizzapartiesarepopularamongfamilyandfriends.Theyhostmake-your-ownpizzawhereguestsmakecustom-madepizzasunderbeautifulWestTexassky,whileMikeGarrisontreatsoflegaldrinkingagetohisfamousmargaritas.nextbuildingprojecttheGarrisonstookonwasthehouse,whichwasmadetowelcomelotsofpeopleyetstillbebeautifulandcomfortable.Itmeasuresaover2,100squarefeet,withtwobedroomsandabedroom,andtheinteriorisbeautifullyinaTexaschicdécor.oftheuniquefeaturesofthespacearethetwooneithersideofthelivingandkitchenspace.areseparatedfromthemainhousebyasmallsoifanyguestsneedalittlemorepeaceandtheywon’tbebotheredbythecommotioninthepartofthehouse.Eachbedroomsuitefeaturesacoffeebarandstackablewasheranddryer.mainlivingspace,meanwhile,iswideopenandbybothabeautifulstonefireplaceandawooddiningtable.Thespaceisfilledwith
1 4 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 continued from page 13
Photo by Kim Nussbaum Photo contributed by Cathy Garrison
One of the many grand features of the "She Barn" is the large commercial grade kitchen, complete with a soft serve ice cream machine, which is a huge hit among guests. Cathy Garrison enjoys treating her guests to ice cream in 14 ounce custom "She Barn" cups with more toppings than one could ever imagine
The She Barn’s restroom features a stackable washer
The Garrisons love hosting friends under their outdoor space that features a fireplace, grill space and pizza oven. Most popular, are their make your own custom made pizza nights. Where guests craft their own pizzas to their likings. Mia Día ranch is always decked for the season, as you can tell by the pumpkins and lighting
beautiful trees had been destroyed or damaged. Mike
acommercialBarn.”completea1,200-square-footTheultimateFromfromOncetheTheythemselves,landweeksCreekwasn’tpeacefulCathythatremainingmeanwhile,theGarrison’sskepticismaboutthepropertystemmedfrombarrenlandscapeleftbythefires.Hiswife,wassoldbytheslopingacreageandthedriveway,aswellasafewdamagedoaktreeshadsurvived.Garrisonknewtheycouldmakethespaceintothefamilygetawaytheyhadhopedfor,anditfarawayfromPossumKingdomLakeandBluffMarina.Thecoupleboughtthepropertyjustafterthefireandimmediatelybeganclearingthethemselves.TheGarrisonsclearedfiveacresbutquicklyrealizedtheyneededsomehelp.endeduphiringsomeoneelsetocleartherestofland.thepropertywascleared,theygotsomeadvicetheirneighborsonsavingtheremainingtrees.there,theywereontheirwaytobuildingtheentertainmentspace.firststructuretheybuiltontheirpropertywasabarntostoreequipmentandtouseasgatheringplace.Itsincehasbeentransformedintoaentertainmentspacethattheycallthe“SheThemetalbuildingincludesacompletekitchen,alargelivinganddiningspace,andloftbedroomspace.Thespaceisfillednotonlywith
Photo by Kim Nussbaum Photo contributed by Cathy Garrison
PK MAGAZINE | LATE SUMMER/SPRING 2022 | 1 5
foldedthathangingMikeThemostguests.frozencommercialAlsofeaturesbaseAdditionsuptheassemblingbeforeThereplied:ownerKansas.realThethetoGarrison’scharacter.uniqueartandevenhasasmallhorseinthecornerforTheentirepropertyisfilledwithCathyextraordinaryvisionofbringinguniquedesignthespace.It’sthoseuniquedesigntouchesthatmakespacesfun.nextstructureonthepropertywasthe“SiloBar,”agrainsilothecoupleorderedfromacompanyinCathyGarrisonsaidthatwhenshetoldtheofthesilocompanywhatshewanteditfor,he“Neverhadanyonedothat.Sendmepictures!”siloarrivedonpalletsandhadtobeassembledtheycouldbuildthecustominterior.Ashewasthesilo,MikeGarrisonreducedtheheightofstructureby2feetforsafety,figuringitwouldstandtothearea’sWestTexasweatherifitwasn’tsotall.tothesiloincludedastoneborderaroundtheandabeautifulirondoor,andthecozyspaceinsidealoftbedroomspaceandbathroom.insidethesiloisafull-servicebarthatincludesamargaritamachine,andMikeGarrison’smargaritasareahitamongthecouple’spartyGuestscanfindMikeGarrisonbartendingatoftheirgatherings.siloisfilledwithfamilymemorabilia,too,includingGarrison’sguitar,banjoandfiddlecollectiononthewall.Healsohasaframedharmonicabelongedtohisdad.ThespecialspaceincludesaandframedflagthatcommemoratesCathy
Cathy and Mike Garrison enjoying an intimate concert with Pat Green on the stage with 125 guests under the draping lights for Mike's 60th surprise birthday party The stage was designed for entertaining their guests and includes a movie screen that opens up for upcoming popcorn and movie nights.
property.ThetoMichael,plantheherpulledandItinGarrisonforputtingespeciallyTheyspaceThedesigncrystalgreenhouseintimateThepopcorncoupleperformancewastheirRecentlytheGarrisonsaddedastageandopenspaceonpropertyforbandsandentertainment.ThespacebuiltthisyearandalreadyhasbeenthesiteofabycountrymusicartistPatGreen.Theplanstousherinmovienightswithpizzaandlaterthisthisyearwhentheweatherwarmsup.propertyalsoincludesaluxurygreenhouseformoredinnerpartiesandevents.Theynamedthethe“PricklyPear.”It’sdecoratedwithachandelier,customwoodtablesandauniquethataddscharactertothespace.couplealsorecentlycompletedacustomdiningunderthetreesinfrontofthemainhouse.alsoarefantasticpartyhosts,andChristmasishugeforthecouple,withCathyGarrisonup14treestocelebratetheholiday.Topreparethemagnitudeoftheiryuletidedisplay,MikestartspullingthedecorationsoutoftheirbarnAugust.isn’tjustChristmaswhenCathyGarrisongoesabovebeyond,though.InNovember,sheandherfamilyofftheultimatesurprise60thbirthdaypartyforhusband,withathemefortheeventborrowedfrompopularTVseries“Yellowstone.”TheyconcoctedatogetherhusbandtoAustintovisittheirson,afterwhichthetwomenwouldthendrivebackPKtogetherintimetospringthesurprise.eventtookplaceunderthedrapinglightsontheirCathyGarrisonservedbarbecuefromTrevino’s
The Silo Bar features a full service bar that includes a commercial margarita machine, and Mike Garrison's frozen margaritas are a hit among the couple's party guests You'll typically find Mike Garrison behind the bar bartending The silo is filled with family memorabilia, too.
Pictured left to right: Mike Garrison, along with daughter in law Jaime, son Michael, wife Cathy, son Trevor, Taylor and Lauren Benton, Coleen & Joe Garrison, and Country Music Artist, Pat Green
Friends and family gather in The Silo Barn, along with Country Music Artist, Pat Green to celebrate Mike Garrison's 60th surprise birthday.
back.smilesThelife.”enjoypartiesWhenevenschedulesAhostsOnebroughtgotsuccumbingwasoutwhohostedOneoffDavidsonbooth,Davidson-themedVegas,Fordecorationsreprievefromthestressesofthepandemic,withthemedanduniquepartyfavors.MikeGarrison’s50thbirthday,thecouplewenttoLasonlytoreturnhometoafull-blownHarleyparty,includingafoodtruck,aphotofakeHarleyDavidsontattoosandHarleyT-shirts.Onceagain,CathyGarrisonhadpulledthesurprise.ofthemostmemorableeventsthecouplehaswasaneventforMikeGarrison’sbrother,Jim,sufferedfromALSandjustwantedtospendtimeattheranchwithhisfamilyandfriends.JimGarrisonabletospendaboutaweekattheranchbeforetohisillnessinNovember,butknowinghetospendtimeenjoyingthesolitudeoftheranchsomecomforttothefamily.ofthereasonstheGarrisonsmightbesuchgoodistheirdesiretolearnandexpandtheirhorizons.fewyearsback,theybothmadetimeintheirbusytoattendculinaryschool,andMikeGarrisontookbartendingclasses.CathyGarrisonwasaskedwhysheloveshostingsomuch,shereplied:“IjustwantpeopletocomethemselvesandgetawayfromallthestressesinGarrisonshostpartieswithease,andtheirwarmandhospitalitymaketheirguestswanttocomeduringgatheringsThenobodyValentine’sneighborsGarrisonItsupporthowevent.localcustom-madeCathybusinesses.ThetheMike“No,wantedthemembersAsasked,lights,GarrisonUponGarrison’snight,signageinCraftSmokehouseforalltheguests,whoweredressedtheir“Yellowstone”best,andthepartyfeaturedanddécordepictingtheTVseries.Itwasabriskbutabout125guestsgatheredtocelebrateMikebirthdayandlistentoGreen’sconcert.arrivingtohissurprisebirthdayparty,Miketurneddowntheroadtohishomeandsawcarsandatourbus,soheturnedtohissonand“Whatisshedoing?Whosetourbusisthat?”theyturnedpastthegate,friendsandfamilylinedthedrivewaytowelcomethetwomentoparty.CathyGarrisonaskedherhusbandifhetogoinsideandchangeclothes,buthereplied,Ijustwanttotakeitallin.”Garrisonsaidhewasinshockforthefirsthour,butwholeeventwasabirthdaytoremember.GarrisonsarepassionateaboutsupportinglocalForherhusband’sbirthdaycelebration,Garrisonalsousedalocalflorist,alocalbakery,signagebythelocalUPSStoreandhiredphotographerErikaCartertotakepicturesoftheShesaidsheknowshowhardeveryoneworksandstressfulthingscanbe,soit’simportanttohertothelocalfolksfirst.shouldbenosurprise,then,tohearthatCathyisknownamongherSportsman’sWorldas“thebestpartyhost,”andatarecentDayhappyhourmanyguestsnotedthatdoesitlikeher.Garrisonshavebeguntoresumetheirhappy-houragain,aftertheyhadtobetoneddowntheCOVID-19pandemic.Theirhappyhours
Photo by Erika Carter
during the pandemic were limited to 12 people, and everyone had to be outside and maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet from each other. Even with those restrictions, the smaller gatherings were a small
MiDia Ranch
The main living space inside The Garrison's home is wide open and anchored by a beautiful stone fireplace and custom carved wood dining table The space is filled with unique art and pieces Cathy Garrison has a vision for finding Custom carved wood dining table. Bar area inside the main home. One of the many entertaining spaces enjoyed by guests is this custom built fire pit with seating. The Silo Bar arrived on pallets and had to be assembled before they could build the custom interior. The silo features a loft bedroom, bathroom and full bar
The property features a luxury greenhouse for more intimate dinner parties and events The "Prickly Pear" is decorated with a crystal chandelier, custom wood tables and a unique design that adds unique character to the space.
Photos by Kim Nussbaum
dough
Any way you slice it.... Mike and Cathy Garrison know how to entertain! Here are snapshots from a pizza party at Mia Día Ranch where guests crafted their own pizzas for the pizzaoven Another example of Possum Kingdom residentslivingtheirbestlives.
Tom Jordan Mike Garrison prepares the oven
Claudine Wells Shannon Truesdell Linda Jordan Carolyn Yakubanski by Cathy Garrison
Photos contributed
Melanie Truesdell
Cathy Garrison and Paul Wells Mike Garrison preparing the
Story by Steve Nussbaum | Photos contributed by Valerie Gribble Photos to the left: Dalton Gribble and his wife, Ashley Cain Gribble enjoying beautiful Possum Kingdom Lake Top Right: Family Dinner at The Cliffs Restaurant. Left to right: Ashley's parents, Darlene and Peter Cain; Dalton and Ashley; Dalton's parents, Valerie and Daron Gribble.
withGribbleIngoalhusbandtheirTheLovethoughtInstagram,world-classbutTheheadedworldmeanwhile,DaltonfromlawbeenCain-GribbleOlympics.ThisyearmarkedthefirsttimetheduohascompetedintheandherhusbandliveinFortWorthandhavemarriedforalittlemorethanthreeyears.Herfather-in-describesthecouplethisway:“Youcan’tfindtwopeoplemoredifferentworlds.”GribbleisintheoilbusinessinWestTexas.Hiswife,trainsforskatingsixdaysaweekandtravelstheskating.AsDaronGribblejokinglysaid:“WhileAshleyistoParisforanevent,DaltonheadsouttoMidland.”youngercouplemetatasushirestaurantinFortWorth,DaltonGribblesaidhehadnoideahiswife-to-bewasafigureskater.Hesaidhelookedheruponsawherpostsaboutskatingandimmediatelytohimself,“I’vegotnochance.”persevered,though,andtherestishistory.Gribblessaidtheyhavethoroughlyenjoyedfollowingdaughter-in-lawonherjourneyofalifetime.HerisherbiggestfanandlovedwatchingherreachherofbecominganOlympian.January,duringtheU.S.nationalfigureskatingfinals,theclangatheredatSecondRodeoBrewinginFortWorthseveralfriendsfromthePossumKingdomLakeareato
From PK...
2 0 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022
securingwonCain-GribblecompeteDarlenetechnicalinCain.WinterPeterherPeterCain-GribblecominginlawTheyfamiliar.”competitors,skatingViewersbitThispastFebruary,theWinterOlympicsinBeijingtookonamoremeaningforalocalfamily.inthePKareawhotunedintowatchthepairsfigurecompetitionmighthaveseenthenameofoneoftheAshleyCain-Gribble,andthought,“Thatsoundswouldberightforthinkingthat.She’sthedaughter-in-ofDaronandValerieGribble,whoarelongtimeresidentsTheCliffs,andherhusbandisDaltonGribble,whogrewuptothelake.hasbeenskatingherwholelife.Herparents,andDarleneCain,arecoachesfortheirdaughterandskatingpartner,TimLeduc.Caincompetedinpairsfigureskatinginthe1980OlympicsinLakePlacidwithhispartnerandsister,LizHehelpedcarrytheOlympictorch–whichhestillhasthe2000SummerOlympicsinSydney,andhewasaspecialistinthe2014WinterOlympicsinSochi.CainworksandtrainsstudentswhoaspiretointheOlympics.andLeducaretwo-timeU.S.champions.TheytheirsecondU.S.championshipinNashvilleinJanuary,theirspotontheU.S.Olympicteamintheprocess.
to Beijing, watchForweretwoCain-GribblejusthusbandunderCain-Gribbletheirhigh-fivestoCain-GribbletheBysetemployeesWhenaskbartenderthetocelebrateabirthday.Whileatthebar,DaronGribbleaskedbartendertochangethechanneltofigureskating.Thelookedathimandsaid,“We’veneverhadanyonetochangechannelstowatchfigureskating.”theyfoundoutwhyhehadmadetherequest,theobligedandchangedthechannel,andtheyeventhegroupupsoeveryonehadagoodviewofthescreen.theendofthenight,150peopleinthebarwerewatchingscreen,andthebarwentsilentforfourminuteswhileandherpartnerwereontheice.Thepairskatedperfection,andthecrowdinthebarwentcrazywithhugs,andchantsof“USA!”becausetheyhadachievedgoaltobecomeOlympians.spentthreeweeksinBeijingtrainingandlivingastrictCOVID-19pandemicprotocol.Sheandherwouldtalktoeachothereachday,whenonewasgettingupandtheotherwasgoingtobed.andherskatingpartnercompetedonthelastdaysoftheOlympics.Afterthefirstday,theskatingduoinseventhplacewithhopesofmakingthemedalround.thelongerfree-skateevent,theGribblesconductedapartyattheirhomeinTheCliffsthatbeganat5a.m.
PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 | 2 1 the Olympic spirit's alive and well at PK! Story continues on page 22
Pictured above: Ashley Cain Gribble and her skating partner, Tim Leduc are two time U S champions They won their second U.S. championship in Nashville in January, securing their spot on the U.S. Olympic team in the process.
Daron, Valerie and Dalton Gribble proudly support their Olympic skater, Ashley Cain Gribble.
lovesherWhenbutandroomDaltonmeValerieWhenshareslippersthoseskateStates.becauseofthetimedifferencebetweenChinaandtheUnitedAbout25closefriendsarrivedearlytowatchthefinallive,andtheGribblesandfriendsfixedbreakfastforallwhoshowedup.Manyinthegroupwerestillintheirandpajamas,buttheyallwantedtobetheretointheexcitement.thetimecameforherdaughter-in-lawtoperform,Gribblesaidshejokinglytoldherguests,“Don’ttalktoforfourminutes.”Gribble,meanwhile,satnexttohisdadatthediningtable,watchingtheskatingpair’severymove.Hiswifeherskatingpartnerendedupfinishingineighthplace,theroomfuloffriendscouldn’thavebeenprouder.Cain-Gribbleisn’tskating,whichisveryrare,sheandhusbandlovetocometoPossumKingdomLake,andshetotakeinallPKhastooffer.Thecouplelovestogo
Story boating,waterskiing, jetskiing, kayaking, hiking, fishing and Darongolfingwhenthey’retogether.Gribblealsorecalled a time when he took his daughter-in-law outtothegolf courseatTheCliffs, andshe hit a beautiful iron shot about 150 yards. What was
continued from page 21
Photos by Kim Nussbaum
Pictured left to right: Daron and Dalton Gribble watching the skating pairs every move in their Olympic free skate while the sun rises on Possum Kingdom Lake. Valerie Gribble watches intently as her daughter in law, Ashley Cain Gribble, skates in the Olympics, surrounded by friends. Friends and family gather before dawn at The Gribble's home to watch Ashley Cain Gribble, and skating partner, Tim Ludac compete in the Olympics.
brightevents.thosebeautyGateoutlawDaronaremarkableisthatitwasthefirsttimeshehadeverpickedupclub,hesaid.andValerieGribblearethrilledthattheirdaughter-in-lovesallthingsPK,andthattheirsonlovestobringhertoPossumKingdom,wheretheycanhangoutatHell’sandenjoyanadultbeveragelakesideattheLushResort.PossumKingdomLakeattractspeoplefromallover,andtheoftheareamakesvisitorswanttocomeback,evenwhohavetraveledtheworldcompetinginsportingForacoupleofweeks,too,theOlympicflameshonefortheGribblefamily.
Story by Steve Nussbaum | Photos by Erika Carter time.workedexampleDistrictThetheForBrazosdivestitureCarolynpurchasedfamilytheTheonfacility.fingertheEarlyKorkmasatchiefToandbetterhometo(ESD1),TheaboutAssociationThankfully,entitiesSometimesitseemsasthoughlargeorganizationsandgovernmentcantakeforevertoaccomplishacommongoal.thiswasnotthecasewhenthePossumKingdomLake(PKLA)approachedPaloPintoGeneralHospital(PPGH)buildingafull-serviceclinicatPossumKingdom.boardmembersofPaloPintoEmergencyServiceDistrictNo.1theorganizationthatoverseesfireandemergencyservicesthelakeareaofthecounty,knewtheyneededtofindanewforambulancecare.TheyalsofeltitwastimetoestablishhealthcareoptionsforboththeGrafordareaofthecountyPossumKingdomLake.accomplishthis,theyapproachedRossKorkmas,thehospital’sexecutiveofficer,withtheideaofbuildingafull-serviceclinicPK.Evenduringthesetimesofshrinkingruralhealthcare,thoughtitwasagreatidea.on,theboardmembersaskedKorkmaswherehewouldbuildclinic.Whentheypulledoutalakeareamap,KorkmasputhisontheexactlocationESD1wasconsideringforitsnewThelocationisjustbehindGrahamSavingsattheentranceHighway2353.talksmovedquicklyfromthatpoint,andinamatterofmonthslandwasacquiredandplanswereinplacetobuildafull-servicehealthclinicandnewhomeforESD1.ThelandwasfromMikePatterson,andthebuildingwasnamedafterandMontyLandandMikePattersonfortheirworkontheofthelandaroundthelakeseveralyearsagofromtheRiverAuthority.arelativelylowpriceofabout$35,000,ahelipadwasaddedtositeforemergencycareflightservicetolargerareahospitals.LandPattersonCenterwhichhousesEmergencyServicesNo.1andPossumKingdomFamilyHealthisagreatofhowthehospital,thecountyandconcernedcitizensalltogethertobuildalife-savingfacilityinashortamountof
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Story continues on page 26 Meet the staff: Pictured at top: Madonna Cortez, LVN Center: Joshua West, Nurse Practitioner Bottom: Madonna Cortez, LVN; Joshua West, Nurse Practitioner; and Shaton Atchinson, Receptionist.
Lake Palo Pinto General Hospital and Emergency Services District No. 1
team up to save lives at Possum Kingdom
Story
continued from page 24
newlivesAtchison,atthosetoThehegotworkingtheroomsWesttwonurse.Grahamcertifiedpractitioner,medicalPossumfurthercountrydifferentattractingKorkmasbothlargeandsmallcommunities.saidthediverselivingoptionsintheareamakemedicaltalenteasy.Theareaoffersmanylifestylechoices,hesaid,fromthelakelife,andranchliving,asmall-townlife,orgoingeasttogetamoreurbanexperience.KingdomFamilyHealthisstaffedbylocalprofessionals.JoshuaWest,thelocalnursebecameanursein2008andbecameasanursepractitionerin2019.Helivesinwithhiswife,Trina,whoalsoisaregisteredTheyhavebeenmarriedfor24yearsandhavedaughters,ages19and22.acquiredhisextensiveexperienceinemergencyandsurgicalsettingswhileworkinginGraham.AtbeginningoftheCOVID-19pandemic,hebeganatanurgentcareclinicinWichitaFalls.WhenhewordofthenewclinicopeningatPossumKingdom,saidhejumpedatthechance.entirestaffisfromtheareaandhasbeenrecruitedservethePossumKingdomLakecommunity.OneofstaffersisMadonnaCortez,alocalnursewholivesPKwithherfamily.AnotherstaffmemberisShatonwhoservesastheclinic’sreceptionist.AtchisonoutsideofGrahamandsaidsheisthrilledwithherpositionattheclinic.
The LandPatterson Family Clinic opened just after Thanksgiving, and the response to its services offered hasbeenverywellreceived.Theclinicisnotjustaplace to be seen for immediate care, but a fullservice family clinic, although patients who need radiology treatment still have to go to the hospital’s urgent care unit in MineralWells. Oneofthekeyadvantagesofthenewclinicisthatarea patientscantransfertheirprimarycaretothenewclinic, whichcouldsavethemtimeandmoney. Theclinic’sEMTservices,helipadandfamilyclinicsareall housedinonefacility,whichisawinforallinvolved,and it’sdesignedforexpansionastheareagrows. The clinic is a great new asset to the Possum Kingdom Lakearea,andpeopleintheareaaretakingadvantages of its services In December, the first full month of operation, the clinic served 77 patients In January it served 88 patients, and in February the clinic saw 58 patients. At the time this article was written, the clinic had airlifted 4 people to other facilities for emergency care. Possum Kingdom Family Health is a walk-in, fullservicefamilyclinic.
OpenTuesday-Saturday 8a.m.-5p.m.(closednoon-1p.m.forlunch) 55SouthFM2353 Graford,TX76449 (940)6642169 Mark your calendars for the annual Hell's Gate Fireworks Show Saturday, July 9, 2022 POSSUM KINGDOM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2 6 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022
Korkmas lives at Possum Kingdom Lake with his wife, Kelly, and their two daughters. Korkmas has been in hospital administration at several different hospitals in
Steven Davies, (R) of Burkburnett, also caught a bass of 13 20 pounds from PK on February 12. Like the other two, it will be released back into the lake.
Story continues on page 30
state’sAlloneandthanAtcatchingfishermananotherday,caughtOnmaketheirbackShareLunkerThanksyears.othersForlargemouthbassweighingmorethan13poundseach.reference,eachofthebassarebiggerthananyreportedascaughtatthelakeinthepast31totheTexasParksandWildlife’sToyotaProgram,allthreefemalefishsoonwillbeswimminginthelake,aswillmanythousandsofgeneticallyblessedprogeny.TheirreturnshouldthefutureofbassfishingatPKevenbrighter.Feb.12,fishermanRandyPalmerofArlingtonabassthatweighed13.38pounds.ThatsameanglerStevenDaviesofBurkburnettlandedbassthatweighed13.2pounds.Sixdayslater,MontanaHandofWeatherfordreportedalargemouththatweighed13.06pounds.thetimeofHand’scatch,ninebassweighingmore13poundshadbeencaughtinTexasthisyearthreeofthosecamefromPossumKingdominjustweek.threebigfemalefishqualifiedas“legacy”fishintheToyotaShareLunkerProgram,whichcarefully
2 8 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022
Possum Kingdom Lake became the talk of Texas bass fishing in February, when anglers landed three
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transports females that top 13 pounds to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens in hopes of preserving great genetics. They’ll be paired up for spawning with a male offspring of previous ShareLunker fish. The huge female fish then will be in“Hopefullysaid“It’softenavailabilityAnotherblooms.oflittlehabitatsalongPossumnotWildlifeTomsuper-breedingreturnedtoPK,andupto20,000fingerlingsfromeachwilljointhem.Lang,outreachdirectoroftheTexasParksandDepartment’sInlandFisheriesDivision,saidit’sbyaccidentthatthethreehugefishcamefromKingdomthisyear.Langsaidthedepartment,withlocalbassclubs,hasworkedtoimprovefishinprimeareasofthelake.Thesehabitatsallowfishtogrowbig,whilealsoattractingbasstopartsthelakenotnormallyaffectedbydeadlyalgaegoalhasbeentoincreasethesizeandofassortedsunfish,onwhichhugebassfeed.reallynicetoseewe’vebeendoingthingsright,”Lang,whoonceservedasthelake’smainbiologist.thismeanswecanexpectbigger,betterbassthefuture.”
Montana Hand, of Weatherford, landed PK's third Toyota ShareLunker Legacy bass, weighing 13.06 pounds on February 18. Randy Palmer's 13 38 pound largemouth bass is the largest reported from PK in 31 years. The Arlington angler caught it February 12.
Fishing PK Story by Michael Pearce Photos courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
3 0 | PK MAGAZINE | LATE SUMMER/SPRING 2022 Story continued from page 28
As well as within PK Lake, anglers are reminded of the potential for great fishing in the Brazos River below PK dam. Casting from a kayak is a productive way to catch a variety of species from the river.
weighedalsospeciesthrowcatchfishingfloatinginswimmingskillet.fishbrutescouldasThechannel,aroundpiecewhichinmakebutCrappiepopularwhenspring,uppopulations.BrazosSandbass,alsoknownaswhitebass,arenativetotheRiversystemandflourishonPK’sgoodshadMauksaidthefishshouldhavegoodrunstheBrazosRiverandothertributariesintheearlyandanglerscanexpectquantity–andqualityitcomestothesefishthatfighthardandareonmanydinnertables.andsunfishalsoareplentifulinPK,Mauksaid,alackofshorelineaccessanddeepwatercoulditdifficultforanglerstoaccesscrappiespawningtheshallows.Thelakealsohassomelargebluegill,canbeespeciallyfunforchildrentocatch.Aofwormonasmallhookbelowasmallbobberboatdocksisallitusuallytakestolandone.PKholdsnicecatfishpopulations,andMauksaidtheblueandflatheadcatfishareingoodnumbers.lakedoesn’tproducethenumbersofhugecatfishinsomeotherTexaslakes,however,andtheculpritbethefishkillscausedbythealgaeblooms.Mauksaidhe’sconfidentthelakewillgrowsomerealintime,though,adding:“There’snoshortageofthat’llputaseriousbendinarodandgowellinaAtleastafewtruegiantsmayalreadybearound.”MaukalsopointedoutthegreatfishingopportunitiestheBrazosRiverbelowthedamatPK,whetheritbeinacanoeorkayak,castingsmallluresorwithbait.“It’sagreatfishery,”Mauksaid.“Younameit,youcanitdownthere.It’snotunusualforustogodown,alittlespinnerbaitandcatchseventonineoffish.Ireallylikebassfishingdownthere.It’swhereourstaterecordstripedbasswascaught.It53pounds,sohangontoyourfishingpoles!”
times.lengththeafast,severalStripedlargemouths.fishbiologistssufficient,years,populationMauk(blooms).beenwiped“Unfortunately,occasionally.aroundlotit’ssaid.“ThefishthosegoldenreboundedMaukmega-bass.supervisor,RobertMauk,TexasParksandWildlife’sdistrictfisheriessaidPKLakeholdsmorethanjustafewsaidthelake’slargemouthbasspopulationhassincetheoccurrenceofseveraldeadlyalgaebloomsbetween2001and2010.Eachofbloomsblanketedthelake’ssurfacewithdeadfrommanyspecies,hesaid.lake’s(largemouth)basspopulationisgreat,”Mauk“Thereareallsortsofyearclassesinthere.I’dsayprobablyourbestbasslakeinthisdistrict.There’saofdiversityinsizes.Weseeafairamountofbass8pounds,anddouble-digitbasshappenitlookslikethegoldenalgaecompletelyoutthelake’ssmallmouthbass,butmorehavestocked.We’veneverfoundonesincethealgaeIt’sthesamewithspottedbass.”creditedthecomebackofthelargemouthbasstobeinghelpedbystatestockings.For21naturalproductionatthelakehadbeenbutthealgaebloomschangedallthat,soaddedfast-growingFlorida-strainbasstothepopulation,aswellastraditionalnorthern-strainbassarethesaltwatertransplantsstockedinTexaslakes,Mauksaid,addingthattheygrowgetlargeand“pulllikenuclearsubmarines.”PKhashealthypopulation,Mauksaid,andthisyearmanyoffishshouldbeoverthelake’s18-inchminimumlimit.Headdedthatthefishingcouldbegreatat
Photos courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
PKfishingforecast
Nomatterhowyoulookatit,PossumKingdomLakeisoneoftheprettiestplacesinTexas.ThetallcliffsatHell’sGate,the longstretchesofclearwaterandits300milesofoftenruggedshorelineallattesttoitsbeauty. ButMikeRhodesthinkshiswayoflookingatthelake flyinginsideamodernversionofa classicbiplane isthebestwaypossible.Hisplaneisa1991WACO,modeledaftera1935 sportplanedesignedforgivingairtours.Thefrontcockpitseatstwopassengerssideby side,whileRhodessitsafewfeetclosertothetail.
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Story
Story by Michael Pearce Photos courtesy of Jeremy Down)
continues on page 84
Possum Kingdom Air Tours
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Possum Kingdom Air Tours gives a unique look at the PK region. The replica of a 1935 biplane takes guests low enough to appreciate the many beauties of the region.
While the plane has the feel of an old biplane, Rhodes noted that his aircraft sports all the modern improvements in materials and safety features. “I guess it’s similar to a new company bringing back the classic Ford Model A, but making it with better materials and safety considerations,” said Rhodes, owner of Possum Kingdom Air Tours “It still has the original feel, though ” Rhodes has been a pilot since he was 16, and a job with an aircraft manufacturing company has him piloting planes almost every day. He bought the biplane in 2020 as a way to put some fun back into flying, and he added that he likes to see the smiles and excitement of his clients who have never flown in a biplane “It’s a completely different experience,” Rhodes said. “I guess you could compare it to riding in a convertible compared to a regular car.”
The 'PK Chainsaw Massacre': Not what you might think!
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Photos contributed by Bryan Harveston Texas,Harveston,“apocalyptic”CraftKingdomTheHarvestonRoadalongdestroyed.withowner,BryanfiresgiventheThe“PKChainsawMassacre”isnotaghosttaletoldaroundcampfiresatCampGradySpruceIt’sactuallythenametooneman’smissionthatbeganafterthedevastatingthatroaredthroughthePossumKingdomareain2011.Harveston,alongtimePossumKingdompropertyisclearingouttreesthatperishedoveradecadeago,agoaltorestoresomeofthebeautythoseblazesHe’sbeencuttingdownunsightlydeadtreesHighway16fromGainesBendallthewaytothePark36junctionbytheoldracetrack.alsohasclearedtreesalongthewalkingtrailatHarbor,aswellasonScenicPointRoadtowardPossumStateParkandthemarinanearHemmingway’sHouserestaurant.Heaimstotransformthelandscapeareabacktoitsoriginalbeauty.whoisinthehorizontaldrillingbusinessinEasthasbeencomingtoPossumKingdomsince1999and doingHarvestononmadetoalongcourseHedayownnewback,HetreesthatonhasownedpropertyinTheCliffsResortaswellasTheRanchPossumKingdom.Itwasn’tlongafterthosefiresin2011helookedoutfromhispatiotoseeallthedead,burntmarringhisbeautifulview.saidheknewitwouldtakeyearsfornewtreestogrowsoheconsideredsellinghispropertyandfindingalaketocallhome.ButheoptedtotakemattersintohishandsinsteadwhenhestoppedinMineralWellsonetobuyacheapchainsaw.startedwithafewtreesinthecanyonsnearthegolfatTheCliffs,thenproceededtoclearfourholesthegolfcoursethatrunadjacenttoHighway16downthebridgethatcrossestheBrazosRiver.Fromthere,hehiswayupthescenicoverlookalongthesharpturnHighway16.saidlandownershavebeengratefulforwhatheisandappreciatehiseffortstorestorethenatural
Story by Steve Nussbaum
enjoyableHarvestonsufferstireddamagedhistoricRivertheHe’stheuglytheydamagedHisitsBrazosbeautyofthearea.Headdedthathe’shadtoworkwiththeRiverAuthorityseveraltimestogetaccesstosomeofproperty.goalistogetridof90percentofthedeadtreesineacharea,reasoningthatfolkswon’tevennoticewhenlookataclearedarea.Hesaidhewantstogetridofthegreypatchesandrestorethenaturalgreenbeautyoflandscape.takenonotherbeautificationprojectsintheareaoveryears,too.TravelersalongHighway16acrosstheBrazosbridgeandupthesharpturncan’thelpbutseethestoneretainingwallthere,butthewallhasbeenmanytimesbyerrantmotorists.Harvestongotofseeingthedamage,sonoweverytimethestonewallanotherindignity,hegoesouttofixit.considersthetreebeautificationprojectanpastime,evengoingsofarastodescribeitas
“chainsaw yoga.” The work is hard, but it’s also good
Coryendedwound,waysaw,ThenribswhencuttingOnHe’spantschainsawsandexercise,hesaid,addingthatit’shelpingkeephimphysicallymentallyhealthy.He’sgonethroughnumerousovertheyears,aswellastoomanypairsofworktocount.evenhadafewaccidentsalongtheway.oneoccasion,hewasstandingonsomebrushwhiledownalargetree,andthetreeflippedhimintheairitcamecrashingdown.Heendedupwithdamagedfromthatincident.therewasthetimehecutthroughhisbootwiththeandknewhehadcuthisfoot,too.HarvestonmadehistoTheTradingPosttogetsomethingtoputonhisbuthedidn’trealizehowbaditwas,becauseheupleavingatrailofbloodthroughthestore.Gentry,owneroftheTradingPost,tookHarvestontoa
Top Left: Bryan Harveston takes it upon himself to rebuild the historic stone retaining wall along Highway 16 when he finds it damaged.
Bottom Right: Harveston working to clean up the dead trees he cleared near the PK Cross.
Top Right: The retaining wall prior to it being damaged and before Harveston cleared the dead trees in the background.
Story continues on page 38
C MMUNITY Champions Publisher'sNote: We reached out to our readers for nominations for Community Champions. magazines.willsubjectpleaseIfChampion!beingTHANKOnyoga"HarvestonCongratulationsandTHANKYOUtoBrianforbringingyour"chainsawtoPossumKingdom.behalfoftheentirelakecommunity,YOU,andcongratulationsfornamedourinauguralCommunityyouknowofacommunitychampion,emailinfo@pk-magazine.comwithlinecommunitychampion.Webefeaturingmoreinfuture
3 8 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 Story continued from page 37
Harvestonmovies.nothingchainsawclimbingSolaughedPKtoLatereachfellow,staringheancertainHarveston’sKingdom.commitmentthatandButaaGentryinjury.suppliesbackroomandstartedpullingfirst-aidofftheshelftomendthetoldHarveston:“Youdon’tneedgrocerystoreforthisinjury.Youneedmedicalclinic”!hesoonhadHarvestonbandagedreadytogo,andGentryadmittedhe’simpressedwithHarveston’stobeautifyPossumeffortshaveearnedhimasortofnotoriety.OnenightatupscalerestaurantinHighlandPark,noticedagentlemanacrossthewayathim.Hedidn’trecognizethebutthoughtmaybetheyknewothersomehow.thatnight,themanwalkedoverHarvestonandsaid,“Aren’tyouthechainsawguy?”Atthat,theybothandintroducedthemselves.ifanyoneintheareaseesaguyoutofacanyonwithaandwearingheadphones,it’slikethescarystuffinhorrorIt’sjustlocalresidentBriandoinghis“chainsawyoga.”
PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 | 3 9
Longtime home builder Bret Jordan always had his eye on withventure,night.TheMarina.of-the-ordinarybusinesstheWorthJordanpropertiesJordanrestaurant,ThegotHebehindthepropertyoffFM2353thatwrapsaroundtoParkRoad36thePKPlazashoppingcenter.justdidn’tknowwhathewantedtodowithitifheeverthechancetobuyit.vacantpropertyhadbeenthesiteofTheWindswhichburneddownintheearly2000s–andknewitwasoneofthelastremainingcommercialavailablewithlakeaccess.andhispartner,JustinAnderson,wholivesinFortandisintheoilandgasbusiness,wereabletobuylandinFebruary2020.Afterconsideringseveralideas,theyfinallysettledonthecreationofanout-RVpark.Itsname:Petey’sRVResortandbusinessgotitsnamefromadreamJordanhadoneHehadbeencontemplatingwhattocallthenewandheknewhewantedittobeeasilyidentifiedoneword.Heawokewith“Petey’s”stuckinhishead,
use.alsomakeandThealsoshowerlaundrygate.entercampers,campsitesoptions,TheAndersonofThecombinedandthetwomencementedtheresort’smonikerwhentheythenamewithafuncaricatureofapossum.plansforthebusinessthenwentthroughtworevisionsengineeringandsepticsystemstudiesbeforeJordanandcouldbeginconstructionlaterin2020.PossumKingdomLakeareahaslotsofcampingandRVbutPetey’soffersamenitiesthatotherlocaldon’thave.Thebusinesscaterstohigher-endandoneofthefirstthingsthey’llnoticewhentheyPetey’sisthebrand-new,modernbuildingatthefrontInthebuildingaretheoffices,afitnesscenter,afacilityandabusinesscenter,inadditiontoaluxuryandbathroomsforalltheresort’sguests.There’sanon-sitedogparkforpoochesatPetey’s.propertyofferspavedconcreteroadsandcampingsites,newsodand106largeoaktreeshavebeenplantedtosureeverycampsiteisenjoyable.Thecampgroundofferswateraccessanda48-slipmarinaforcampersto
Petey's RV Park and Marina a dream come true
Story by Steve Nussbaum
Story continues on page 42 4 1 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022
Thetheseeither:statesadvance.skyrocketed,Acrossplayground,PlansrestaurantsandlocationduringJordandoesallowcamperstoleaseaspaceforupto30days.andAndersonalsohopetoattractwinterTexanstheoff-seasonwith90-dayrentaloptions.Theisperfectforcamperslookingforboating,fishinggolfing,aswellaseasyaccesstoalltheretailandinthearea.forthesecondphaseofthebusinessprojectincludeaswimmingpoolandeventspace.thecountry,thedemandforRVcampingsiteshaswithRVparksbeingbookedmonthsinA2021reportbyToplineNorthAmericanCampingthatit’snotjustBabyBoomersenjoyingRVcamping,Twenty-twopercentofpeoplethatareRVcampingdaysaremillennialsandGenerationXers.demandforRVcampingstartedtakingoffin2017,butit
4 2 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022
business
offer permanent sites,
Petey’s will cater to those wanting to stay for shorter periods. The doesn’t but it
time
lake.campingcampingbuiltPetey’shistory,thecameworkedlandfamilyNicklasresidentToeachinwastheCOVID-19epidemicthatfueledahugegrowthspurtthepractice.Morethan40millionpeoplegoRVcampingyear.helprunthecampsite,JordanhashiredlongtimePKJohnaNicklasastheofficemanageratPetey’s.haslivedatPossumKingdomsince1995,andtheofherlatehusband,JimNicklas,soldpartsoftheirtotheBrazosRiverAuthoritytobuildthelake.Nicklasinrealestatelocallybeforeretiringin2019,thenoutofretirementtobeapartofthepark.Herloveoflake,combinedwithanextensiveknowledgeofthelake’sshouldbeagreatbenefitforalltheguestsatPetey’s.RVResortandMarinaisoneofthelargestprojectsatthelakeinthepastseveralyears.ThedemandforRVisgrowing,andthebusinesswillofferanewtypeofexperienceforthosewantingtoenjoyourbeautiful
Petey's RV Resort & Marina is now open Website: peteysrvresort.com 109 N FM 2353 |Graford, TX. 76449 1 844 PeteysRV (738 3977) Email: info@PeteysRVResort.com
Cowboy Heaven
Norman Caudill already has seen what he hopes cowboy
sometimestributaryCaudillthethePKborrowedsaid.So,cattleCaudill“BacknecessaryroadtheAwherefilledhadoccupation,Thefamiliesthethefilled.Hisgrandfather’sranchandhomewereswallowedbylake’srisingwaters,andCaudill’sancestorsmovedfromarearatherthantrytostartanewnearby,justlikeotherdidthatlivedinthesamearea.lakeaddedobstaclesontopofanalreadychallengingCaudillsaid.Herecalledatimewhenhisdadabout40headofcattleonthenorthsideofthejust-lake,buttheherdneededtobeonthesouthside,hisfamilylived.traditionalcattledrivewasn’taviableoptionbecauseofnewlakeanditsbacked-uptributaries,andthelimitedsystemofthetimemeanta100-miletripmightbetorelocatetheherd.then,youjusthadtodowhatneededtobedone,”said.“Wehadtofiguresomethingouttogetthoseacross.”ratherthanacattledrive,theyhada“cattlefloat,”heIngroupsofthree,thecattlewereloadedonabargefromtheCostellofamily,ofwhichalargeislandinisstillknownbytheirlastname.Asmallmotorpushedheavilyladenbargeacrossthelakeagainandagainuntilentireherdhadcrossed.alsorememberedtakingasmallboatacrossatogettotheone-roomschoolheattended,withjusttwootherstudents.Hismotherwasthe
Story and photos by Michael Pearce
4 6 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022
Norman Caudill remembers working cattle from horseback on vast family lands now below PK Lake. Now almost 90, he uses a pick-up to check on his herd of 200 cows scattered amid much smaller pastures.
Thatpretty“That’s“I’vedescribe.ForrailroadtalkedgrasstheDuringprominentfirstCaudillwithinwasveryhorseOctober.“MyPossumHeheavenwillbelike.grewupinit,amidthepartofPaloPintocountrywhereKingdomLakenowsits.gosh,itwasspecial,”saidCaudill,whoturns90in“Youhadtobetheretobelieveit.Youcouldrideainanydirectionasfarasyouwantedtogo.Wehadfewfences.Onmygrandad’sranch,theBrazosRiverabouttheonlyfence.Thereprobablyweren’t10families20miles.”hasbeentoldhisgreat-grandfatherwasoneofthetosettleandranchinPaloPintocountry,andamountainbearsthefamilyname.arecentvisit,Caudillrecalledridinghorsesacrossfree-flowingBrazosRiverwherethelakenowsits.Thewasoftengood,andthecattlefat,hesaid.Healsoofhisfamilydrivingcattle20-plusmilestotheinGraford.Caudill,hismemoriescontaindetailsfewotherscanoutlivedabouteverybodywhowasthere,”hesaid.alongtimeago,andbackthenthepopulationwasthin.”populationhespokeaboutgotthinnerasthelake
he“Iprairie.lakeshore,theThe“neighborlybuttheHe“Every“MydoingStill,chargehundredsConstantin,Thehavearound,”“SeemsmanyCaudillJohnsonTheButteacher,hesaid.thelakehasn’tbeenalldisappointmentforCaudill.usedboathisdadbought,sportinga35-horsepoweroutboardmotor,wasthefirstskiboatonthelake,said.Hesaidhelearnedtoskibehindit,thenhelpedneighbors,familyandfriendslearntoski,too.likeIdroveamillionmiles,justgoingaroundandhesaid.“They’dgetupforabitandthenfall.I’dtoturnaround,andwe’dstartover.”comingofthelakeheraldedthearrivalofCampthescoutcampthatdrewBoyScouttroopsfromofmilesaway.Caudillwashiredasthemanagerinofupkeep,anditwasajobheheldfor20years.hefoundtimetoworkatwhathisfamilyhadbeeninthePaloPintoregionforacentury:ranching.daddygavememyfirstcowwhenIwas7,”Caudillsaid.daysince,I’veownedandworkedcattle.”saidheworkedasacowboyonjustabouteveryranchinregion.Sometimeshewaspaidto“dayhelp,”hesaid,othertimeshediditforfreebecauseitwastheway”amongcattleranchers.wide-openpasturesofhisyoutharegone,though,andlongfingersofcivilizationhavereachedfirstfromthethenoutintowhatusedtobeprimegrazingsometimesdrivedowntowardsSandyBeach(nearwherelivedgrowingup),”hesaid.“Drivingdowntheroad,Ican
PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 | 4 7
Caudill’sThere’swiththemblowingdon’tkeeps“Ithat,quitting.EvenCaudilleveryCaudillattachmentsell.get1,400,”“IimpossibletohomeEverygoing.”don’ttherelookataspotandremembersomanythingsthathappenedwhenIwasakid.Itcanbekindofdepressing,butIknowanyotherwaytogobutforward.Wekeepothermorning,Caudillandhiswife,Kay,leavetheiroutsideGrafordandheadoutinaweatheredpickupfeedcattleatseverallocations.Sizabletractsarealmosttofindtorentforgrazing,hesaid.usedtohave6,000acreshere,butnowwe’redowntoCaudillsaidashiswifeopenedagate.“Thesethingssplitupwhensomebodydies.It’smostlygrandkidsthatTheydon’thaveanyattachmenttotheland.Theirmainisforthemoneytheygetforsellingitoff.”owns200cows,whichcalveannually.Thelineageofcalfgoesbackthroughseveralgenerationsofcattlehasowned.thoughhe’salmost90,CaudillsaidhehasnoplansofBadhealthistheonlythingthatcouldmakehimdohesaid.justknowthatIreally,reallylikemycattle,”Caudillsaid.“Itmymindbusywonderingwhatweshoulddonext.Iknowanythingbetterthanpullingintoapastureandthatsiren(tocallcattletofeed.)Ilovetowatchallofcoming,allthosecowsandtheirbabycalvesrunningthem.”nodoubtthattherewillbeplentyofcattleinversionofcowboyheaven.
One of the greatest joys in Norman Caudill's life is watching as cattle gather for the feed he gives them. He has no plans for retiring, even though he'll be 90 this year.
Norman Caudill was only seven when his dad gave him his first cow. Caudill has owned cattle through the 83 years since.
towideduringAllusefindingaVerdi,extrafee,”saidJanVerdiofBoondocks.whohasownedBoondocksfor10yearsandhasbuiltrapportwithalltheareatalent,saidshehaslittletroublegroupswantingtoplayatPK.ThebusinessownersYouTubetofindlocalgroupstoperform.theseuniquevenuesofferlargerbandsandeventsholidayweekendsandkeylakeevents,leadingtoaanddiverselocalmusicscene.It’sagreatwayforfolksenjoybeingatthelakewellafterdark.
For local music happenings, see pages 49
Story by Steve Nussbaum there’s
4 8 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022
a variety of OverrestaurantsandbarsatPKofferinglivemusic.thepastyearseveralnewvenueshave opened up, offering live entertainment year-round. It really doesn’t “Ithemselves.venuesThethebringingManygoodThecommunity,”“WerelaxingThey’llmatterwhattypeofatmospherefolksarelookingfor,either.beabletofinditatthelake,wherelivemusicandgohandinhand.alldoitalittledifferently,butithelpsbuildalivemusicsaidFeleciaOngleyofPKIcehouse.venueownersandmanagersagreethatlivemusicisforbusiness,attractingpeoplefromalloverthearea.oftheartistswhoperformhavetheirownfollowing,inlocalfansandcustomersaswellasvisitorsfromDallas-FortWorthmetroarea.businessownersallstrivetouselocaltalent,whilesomeusebookingagents,othersbookthebandsbookmyowntalentandwouldratherletthebandgetthe
PK becoming a live music mecca
On any given Friday or Saturday night,
" We all do it a little differently, but it helps build a live music community," ---Felecia Ongley of PK Ice House
https://www.facebook.com/foxhollow.possumkingdom 4705FoxHollowRoad,GrahamTX76450 (940)5491801 PossumHollow:Offeringlivemusicformorethan20 years. Wellknown local artist Howard Lee has been playingPossumHolloweverySaturdaynightforthepast 12years.Leeplaysalltypesofmusicandtakesrequests fromthecrowd.PossumHollowhasasmallinsidedance floor PossumHollowisafullservicerestaurantandbar
PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 | 4 9 Local Live Music Happenings around PK
WEST SIDE: offeringawidevarietyofdiningandbeverageoptions, withlakeviewsandaccess https://wwwpossumhollowcampnet 4801PossumHollow,GrahamTX76450 (940)5491873
EAST SIDE: Boondocks:Oneoftheoriginalrestaurantsandbarsin theareaofferingliveentertainment.Atruelakebarwith afunatmosphere.Boondocksfeaturesawidearrayof artists playing country, rock and “red dirt” country. Boondocks features a large indoor stage and dance floor,withlivemusiceverySaturdaynight It’soneofthe fewplacesthatofferskaraokeonFridayevenings Open late every weekend until 1 a.m. Music and karaoke usuallystartaround8:30p.m. https://boondocksbarandgrill.business.site/ 501FM2353,GrafordTX76449 (940)7792200
WorldFamousFoxHollowRestaurantandCantina: OfferinglivemusiceveryFridayandSaturdayevening Foxy’sCantinaisafullservicerestaurantandbaronthe lake, with a brandnew outdoor stage. The business offers a large, covered seating area and a relaxed atmosphere.Boaterscanparktheirwatercraftjustafew feet from the restaurant and bar. Artists perform indoors from October through March The venue features mostly country artists playing new and traditional country songs, and it’s a great atmosphere justafewfeetfromthelake.
5 0 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022
PK General Store: PK General Store is a long established local grill and convenience store, but new ownersChadandNicoleMorrillhavetakentheproperty throughacompletemetamorphosis.Itstillservesasa fullservice convenience store but the Morrills have added homemade pizzas and other items to the grill menu.PKGeneralamenitiesincludeanindoorstageand agreatspacetoenjoyafreshpizzaandcoldbeerduring the winter This spring the new owners opened “The Corral,” which is a covered patio for relaxing and enjoyinglivemusic.TheMorrillsalsohaveaddedahuge stageforlargergroups,withdancespaceandalarge areaforpatronstobringtheirownchairsandrelax.The outdoorspacehasroomformorethan200peopleand can host larger events by flipping the stage so that it facestheyard.PKGeneralStoreservescoldbeerand wineoutsideandwilladdmixedbeveragesthisspring. The business also has added a unique container bar outsideforeasyaccessforcustomers.PKGeneralStore isaplacetotakethewholefamilyandenjoylivemusic underthebeautifulPaloPintoskies https://www.facebook.com/PKGeneralStore/ 2503Highway16,StrawnTX76475 (EntrancetoSportsman’sWorld) (940)6593394
PKIceHouse:PKIceHouseisanewcomertothelocal foodandentertainmentscene,openinginAugust2021.
Hemmingway’s featuresalargewinelistandcraftcocktails,aswellas livemusicbothindoorsandoutdoorseveryFridayand SaturdayeveningbeginninginMarch.Themusicalvenue featuresacousticbluesandupbeatcountryartists. https://wwwhemmingwayscrafthousecom/ 3415ScenicPointRoad,GrafordTX76449 (940)7792522
Pictured to the right: Rustin & Audrey Goodgion enjoying pizza and live music at PK General Store PalmerAnthony, liveonstage, atPKGeneralStore
EAST SIDE (continued):
Live
available PKIceHousewillbeaddingfullbarservicethis
Local Music Happenings around PK
Hemmingway’sCraftHouse: Hemmingway’s offers a more upscale dining and bar experience, but it’s still “lakecasual.”Hemmingway’sislocatedrightonthelake, with a beautiful, treecovered stone patio bar and a beautiful,rusticinterior.Hemmingway’scanbeaccessed byboat,andthosewatercraftcanparkrightoutsidethe restaurantinoneofninecourtesyslips
It features comfortable indoor seating with small gathering spaces for private parties. There’s also a covered outdoor bar with warmers during the winter months Thebusinessalsohasahugeopenyard,witha covered stage and dance space PK Ice House has a definite Texas vibe, and it’s family friendly and dog friendlyoutside,too.Themusicvenuefeaturesmostly Texascountryartists,withadditionaleventsthroughout theyear.Themenuiscasual,withcoldbeerandwine
Enjoythelive music PK has to offer!
spring It offers live music every Friday and Saturday nightfromMarchthroughSeptember,butonSaturdays onlyduringtheoffseason. https://pkicehouse.net/ 359FM2353,GrafordTX76449 (940)7792655
MichaelAvidon awarded2021 GrandCenturion Award. Michael Avidon was recognized as the #20 agent in the world in sales volume by Century 21 Real Estate, phenomenal153,000the2021“WhatCenturyMikeLLC.Bowman,brokerandownerof21inGrapevine,TXstatesMichaelaccomplishedinisamazing.Toberankedintop20intheworldoutofoveragentsin86countriesisafeat".
LocalreturnedFridaywithprovidesarea.toGrahamopenedupasatellitefacilityservethePossumKingdomlakeThismuchneededserviceprofessionaldrycleaningeasydropoffMondaythru7am-1pm.Allordersarewithintwodays.attorney
Rhonda Haynes has to add along FM 2353 By Steve Nussbaum
more small businesses
Avidon and his wife Claire have three children and live at Possum Kingdom Lake full time. Avidon began his career in real estate in 2014. Avidon states he has a passion for helping others and real estate allows him to pursue that passion.
PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 | 5 1
hastheandhousedabankuntil2012whenAlanSabrinaboughtthebuildingandadjacent3.8acres.ThebuildinghousedSabrina’s
Alan and Sabrina Sparkman have expanded a commercial space along 303 FM 2353. The stone building Coldwell Banker Real Estate office since 2016. They took out the old bank drive through and expanded the Recentlyspaceformoresmallbusinesses. Master Cleaners out of
sopermanentneedpermanentcommunity.openedalocalofficetoservethelakeAsthegrowthofresidentsincreasestheforservicesdoes,too.Asthelakepopulationexpandsdoneededservices. PK Business Briefs Existing commercial space expands
This past October Jo Lynn Miller traveled to Hoover Alabama for the lakeagentstwelve-monthtopMillerandLakeHomesRealtynationalmeetingsconvention.Atthosemeetings,waspresentedtheawardforproducingagentforthepastperiod.Millerbeatoutnationwidewhosellprimarilypropertiesacrossthecountry.
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PK Business Briefs
Jo Lynn Miller recognized as top seller by national broker
Pictured Above: Jo Lynn Miller receives Lake Homes Realty's national award for top producing agent for the past twelve-month period by Glen Phillips, CEO.
Miller joined Lake Homes Realty in 2018. She is actively involved in the community. She is on the PK water supply board, an officer with the PK Women’s Club and is active in Lakenumerouslocalevents.HomesRealtyis the nation's largest lake-focused real estate company. Lake Homes Realty provides full-service, multi-state real listed,moreandestatebrokerageservicesin34statesgrowing.LakeHomes.comhasthan70,000lakepropertiestotaling$30billion. Inc. Magazine has ranked Lake Homes Realty as one of the fastest-growing companiesforthepastfiveyears.
Miller grew up in Wichita Falls and enjoyed coming to Possum Kingdom as a kid. She moved to the Possum Kingdom Lake area in 2007. In 2009 Miller went to work for longtime PK realtors, Linda and Barry Johnson. Johnsons.thoseSheattributesmuchofhersuccesstoearlyyearsworkingforthe
Bluff Creek Marina wins national award In October 2021, Marina Age Magazine awarded Bluff Creek Marina their small marina of the year award. Marina Age magazine is an industry leading magazine devoted to marinas and boatyards. Bluff Ongley.Pendergraft;picturedMarinacorporatecountry.VIPbeingimpressivecountry.CreekwaschosenfrommarinasacrosstheBluffCreekwasrecognizedforitsgrowthandexpansionsinceacquiredbyVIPMarinasin2012.Marinaowns13marinasacrosstheThelocalfacilityhasbecometheheadquartersfortheentireVIPgroup.Acceptingtheawardareasleft:BrandonPendergraft;KatieDanOngley;andFelecia Send your Business Brief news to: info@pk-magazine.com Subject Line: Bus. Brief
PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 | 5 3
‘Thumping’thedinnerbell
Story and by Michael Pearce
For two hours, Possum Kingdom Lake fishing guide T.J. Ranft stared at slack lines in the water. His high-tech fish
fertilewerelonger.long,bassThebeganexplainoverstartedrulesRanftofbelowfindersweretellinghimthatabigschooloffishwasdirectlyhisboat,butallthefishseemedtohaveabadcaselockjaw.endedthestalematebybreakingoneofthecardinaloffishing.Insteadofbeingquietintheboat,hetappingonthebottomofhiswatercraftoverandwiththetoeofhisboot–andthen,ashebegantohisactionstohisbewilderedguest,therodtipstobuckwildly.fightswereimpressive,withtheanglerscatchingsand(alsoknownaswhitebass)thataveraged15inchesaswellasstripedbassthataveragedabout4inchesThefish,assilveryandbrightaspolishedchrome,asfatasfootballsfromthegoodlifewithinthelake’swaters.
Photos
From his cowboy boots down to his hometown roots
schoolsUsingstripersfishlivelyanywhereButsaid.attainedThebeenwhenRanftkindcouldbeinggrandfather“I’veschools,sandfeedingonshad,theirfavoritefood.Bothstripedbassandbassarevoraciouspredatorsthatprefertofeedinandthecompetitiontogetamealcanbeintense.hadseveralclientscommentonhowtheirfatheroralwayslecturedthemontheimportanceofquiet,”Ranftsaid.“Thenoutheretheylearntheyhavecaughtmorefishhadtheymademorenoise.It’soffunnywhenyouthinkaboutit.”hascountlessanecdotesofhowfasttheactioncanbehe’sthumpingforclients,andhesaidtherehaveseveraltimeswhenhe’shadeightlinesactiveatonce.legallimitoffivestripedbassperanglercanbeinlessthananhourwhenthefisharebiting,heagreatdayfishingisn’tassimpleasmotoringtojustonthelakeanddoingtheanglingversionofaIrishjig.Anoldaxiomsaysthat90percentoflake’sliveinjust10percentofthewater,andoftentimesandsandbassareevenmorecongregated.electronicfishinggear,Ranftsaidheoftenfindsoffishclosebyunderwaterstructures,suchasa
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The technique Ranft employed to entice the fish is called trick“thumping,”andhistheoryisthatthesoundsandvibrationsthefishintothinkingaschooloftheirownisfeeding
cheaper to hire experts such as Ranft a few times a year
PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 | 5 5 bend in the old Brazos River channel, or near submerged boatmyfish“It’sbrushortrees.notuncommonforoneendoftheboattobereelinginwhiletheotherendcan’tgetahit,”Ranftsaid.“Oneofmostimportantjobsisbeingabletokeeptheentireoverfish.” Fishingtherightbait
certainlyThecatchingthatthinkbroomsticksfor“Ithebefore,anotherbootcatchOnmorethanitistomaintainafishingboat–andtheyaveragefarfishandfilletsperday,too.hisrecentfishingtrip,RanftandhisguestcontinuedtofishaslongasRanftkeptthumpinghissteel-toedagainstthebottomoftheboat.Theychangedtolocationjustbeforesundown–and,justlikenothingtookthebaituntilRanftstartedthumpingbottomoftheboat.justusemyboot,butpeoplecanbuyelectricthumperstheirboats,”Ranftsaid.“Somepeopleuseoldoroldfishingpolestodothetapping.Idon’titmakesmuchdifferencewhatyouuse,butIdoknowdoingthethumpingcanmakeahugedifferenceinfish.”gallonbagoftastyfilletshesenthomewithhisguesthelpedproveRanftright. page,Ranftguideservice.comtheofRanft,whohasbeenguidingonweekendsandholidaysmuchhisyounglife,ishopingtogointothebusinessfulltimeinnearfuture.Tolearnmore,visitthewebsiteortheRanftGuideServiceFacebookorcall(940)452-8439.
steadyclients,combinedRanft’spossiblebait,home.andKeepingbig,bust.hisRanftRanftHavingtherightbaitisalmostasimportantasthelocation,said.usesliveshadtocatchthestripersandsandbassonfishingtrips,butfindingthemcanbeeitherboomorHesaidhecatchesshadfromthelakebythrowingoutcircularfishingnets.theshadaliverequiresmoving,oxygenatedwater,Ranftkeepsaseriesofhuge,circularbaittanksbyhisThisstockpileofshadgivesRanftquickaccesstowhichallowshisclientstogetinasmuchfishingaswithnotimelostsearchingforbait.understandingofthecomplexitiesoffindingfish,withhispenchantforacquiringbaitforhisaretwobigreasonswhyhisbusinesshasshowngrowth.Casualanglersalsoarelearningthatit's
Renowned National Artist, comes home to his family roots
everythingsaid.“It’slookwiththethewatchesWhenshallowsbaldprayer,BormannamedasonPhilBobBorman’sdaysoftenbeginshortlybeforedaylightabendoftheBrazosRiver,amugofcoffeeinonehand,hestrokesthefurofhisdog,anAustralianshepherdPenniPearl.cansitsosilentandstill,hismindoftendeepintothatheseemstobecomepartofthelandscapeaseaglesflyoverheadandschoolsofminnowscruisetheafewfeetaway.hiseyesopenfromhisprayersession,Bormansteamrisefromthewater,takingineverydetailasrisingsunslowlypaintsthetowering,jaggedcliffsacrossriverinthekindofbrilliant,glowingdaylightthatcomesthefirstminutesofsunrise.Tohim,scatteredcloudsaswhiteassnowandasfluffyascotton.probablythemostbeautifulplaceI’veseen,”Borman“IalwaysknewIbelongedbackhere.Thisplacehasinthisworldthat’simportanttome.”
Garland Bend artist, Phil Bob Borman, recently finished Summer Sky, Evening Prowl It sold the day after arriving at a gallery in Fredericksburg. The nationally known western artist pulls from experience as a cowboy, cowboy poet, singer songwriter, government trapper, ordained circuit minister and forest fire fighter for his creations.
Story and photos by Michael Pearce
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Hisyears,toHeturns.hisWesternBormanyearningbeenForhisdevelopedtheas“Thisplace”iswhere,growingup,heoftenroamedasfreetheComancheIndiansdidwhenhisfamilyfirstarrivedinPaloPintomountains150yearsago.It’swhereheadeepappreciationfortheoutdoorsandhonedbeliefinahigherpower.mostofhis60years,theconstantsinBorman’slifehaveadevotiontohisfamily,aferventloveofGod,andatobeamidnatureandart.isanationallyknownlandscapepainterandsculptor,andtheroadhe’stakentothepinnacleofcareerhasbeenlong,diverseandfilledwithplentyofwasraisedmostlyinDallas,andhistrailsthroughlifeledanartdegreefromSulRossUniversity.Intheensuinghewasacowboypoetandsinger-songwriter.daysalmostended,though,asagovernmenttrapperof
Since they arrived, he has found an inner peace that’s helped him personally and professionally, and his wife didn’thavetoasktwiceiftheyshouldsettleonhisfamily’s land Borman’s studio is an old garden shed erected near his mother’s house, and his wife handles the business end of selling art They plan on building their “happily ever after” homenearby Bormansaidwalkingthesametrailshedidasachildhelps himclearhismindof“painter’sblock”andfindinspiration, and the prayers come as easily to him as they did half a centuryago For Borman, his days seem to go much better when he starts at the bend of the Brazos, a short walk from his studio,andonarecentmorningthetemperatureswerein thelow20s.Bundledinwoolandsippinghotcoffee,hesat through the entire show of sunshine spreading up the valley Soonafter,hehadapaintbrushinhandathisstudio and that finished painting sold the day after it arrived at a galleryinFredericksburg. “I’ve been blessed to see so many beautiful places in my life,”Bormansaid.“But,intheend,I’mbackwhereIbelong.”
More information about Borman’s art can be found at philbobbormanfineart.com.HealsocanbefoundonFacebook andInstagram
tiny Borman said it’s a reminder of where they are in comparisontoGod’screations
Since becoming a fulltime artist, Borman has lived in a variety of locations known for their art scenes in the West and Southwest Last year he and his wife, Deanna, came backtothePaloPintoMountainstohelphisagingmother andfather Hisfatherhassincepassed
Phil Bob Borman starts many days on the banks of the Brazos River, where his family first settled in 1873. Having traveled around the American west for most of his adult life, he's back to stay, where he made so many memories as a child and young adult.
problematic coyotes and mountain lions. A mountain lion had pulled a trap into a horrible thicket, and Borman had “Inochoicebuttocrawlin.heardtherattleofthe trap and chain, looked up and there it was,” said Borman, shaking his head a bit as he retold the story. “It made a swipe with a front paw that AnythatexperiencesBorman“IAmericanpaintingasculpturesprayersBormannewbornofwhenpursue“OneBormanwasWesternThroughacrossBormanandLater,fromBormanpassedsoclose,Ifelttheaironmyface.”saidhequicklyendedtheconfrontationwithshotshisColtrevolver.asanordainedminister,hewasacircuitpreacher,healsofoughtforestfiresinNewMexico.Additionally,workedasacowboyatseveralwell-knownranchestheAmericanWest.allthoseyears,hecontinuedhisloveofcreatingart.Eventually,ahigherauthorityconvincedhimittimetogofulltimeintosculptingandpainting.saidhisartisticcallingcametohimduringaprayer.daytheLordtoldmeitwastimetobeanartist,ittothefullest,”Bormansaid.“Igottothinking,Igotolderitwouldbeaheckofaloteasiertogetoutbedandwalktoastudiothantosaddleupandcheckcalvesinablizzard.”saidittook35to40years–andseveralthousand–torefinehiscrafttowhereitisnow.Hissellwell,andoneinparticularwaspurchasedbymemberofEngland’sroyalfamily,buthisspecialtyisthebroadlandscapesandskyscapesoftheWest.honestlywanttoshowGod’sgloryineverypaintingIdo,”said.“TheLordgavemesomanywonderfulinsomanywonderfulplaces.Iwanttoshareoneskyscapeorlandscapeatatime.”livestock,wildlifeorpeopledepictedinhispaintingsare
PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 | 5 7
The two seem to be the perfect traveling pair, too. At a business.saidplannedInThecoupleKingdomfirm’sincludesKingdomTexaswasJordan,other.Theydofellride.overHollowayforrecenteventinNebraska,whichwasanimportantqualifierTheAmericanRodeoatAT&TStadiuminArlington,Texas,endedupwithacaseofvertigo,soJordantookthedrivingdutiesandgotherpartnerreadyforherbigThetablesthenturnedrecentlyinWaco,whenahorseonJordan’sfoot,andthistimeitwasHolloway’sturntoalltheworktogetherbusinessandridingpartnerready.maybecompetitors,buttheystillcancountoneachwhohasbeensellingrealestateatPKsince2012,aparalegalforTarrantCountyandMcLennanCountyinbeforeopeningtheClarkRealEstateGroupatPossumofficeinFebruary2020.Holloway’sbackgroundworkingatClarkRealEstateinmarketingattheWeatherfordofficebeforejoiningJordaninPossumthispastAugust.Shesoldherfirstpropertyjustaofmonthslater.twosaidtheyhavenoplanstoslowdownanytimesoon.fact,Jordan’shusband,Bret,recentlyaskedherwhenshetoquitracing,towhichshereplied:“WhenIdie!”Bothwomendescribebarrelracingasasportforlife,andtheylovethecompetitionbothinthearenaandin
Local PK Real Estate Agents Partners in the office and in the arena
When local real estate agents Mindy Holloway and DeeDee Jordan were asked the question, “What’s more competitive, $6,000$14,000largestonRodeoprestigiousHollowayjustbusinesseachWells.whileevents.ThelocalTour.ProfessionaltravelingFortimeyears,Itandtherealestatebusinessorbarrelracing?”theybothlaughedanswered,“Both!”turnsouttheirfamilieshaveknowneachotherfor20andbothhavecompetedinbarrelracingsincethetheycouldwalk.thepastsixyears,HollowayandJordanhavebeenthecountryashaulingpartnersontheWomen’sRodeoAssociation(WPRA)ProBarrelRacingSinceAugust2021theyalsohavebeenpartnersinthePossumKingdomrealestatebusiness.twosharesevenhorsesthattheyrideindifferentJordantrainssomeofthehorsesinGainesBend,HollowaytrainssomeofthematherhomeinMineralTrainingthehorsestakesupto15hoursoftheirtimeweek,butbothwomenagreethatit’stheirrealestatethattakestoppriority,sosometimesthehorseshavetowait.andJordancompetedattheirbiggestandmosteventthispastOctober,attheWorldChampionsAlliance(WCRA)inLasVegas.Thetwoofthemfocuscompetingineventswithtop-tiercompetitionandthepurses,andthelargestpurseJordanhaswonisataneventinStephenville,whileHollowaywoninLasVegas.
Story by Steve Nussbaum
5 8 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022
Photos contributed by Dee Dee Jordan and Mindy Holloway Pictured left: Dee Jordan; Middle: Mindy Holloway; Right: Jordan and Holloway
We're glad you're finally here! In case you missed it, scenes from the Christmas Boat Parade: The parade started at The Cliffs Marina and Bluff Creek Marina, with an end point at Lush Resort for awards, fun, food and drink Photos contributed by Jeremy Hurst
PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 | 6 1 Never a dull moment on beautiful, Possum Kingdom Lake!
6 2 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 Thank you To our volunteer fire departments! Pictured below, PK East VFD held training for the new ladder truck that the auxiliary purchased for the PK Community. The training was attended by Graford VFD, Palo Pinto VFD and PK East. Donations are always needed and appreciated to keep all equipment in proper working order. To find out more about how you can help: pkvfd.com Photos contributed by Dale Marsh, PK East Fire/EMS board president
PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 | 6 3 POSSUM KINGDOM AUXILIARY The PKVFD East and West Auxiliaries receive donations of new and gently used items which are then sold at Flea Market type sales. These donations are tax deductible and all proceeds from their sales go to to the PKVFD. PKEastDonations TheAuxiliaryacceptsdonationseverySaturdaymorning from9:00amuntilnoonthroughouttheyear(excepton Saledatesshownatright)at142LaVillaRoaddonot leavedonateditemsoutsidethebuildingorfirestation. TomakearrangementstoleaveitemsattheLionsClub,call CarolStanfordat817-526-1963 PKWestDonations Fordonations,salesorquestionscontact: Sue940-549-6526orLinda940-549-8101 YOUR DONATED GOODS HELP SUPPORT OUR FIRST RESPONDERS PK WEST SIDE SALES DATES: May 27 & 28 (Memorial Day Weekend) September 2 & 3 (Labor Day Weekend Possum Kingdom Fire and Ambulance Auxiliary (East Side) manages several sales throughout the year from donated items. Sales time is 9am to 4pm JANUARY 15 FEBRUARY 19 MARCH 19 APRIL 16 MAY 21 JUNE 18 PKVD East and West Auxiliaries welcome your donations of gently used items and clothing for their sale dates JULY 16 AUGUST 20 SEPTEMBER 17 OCTOBER 15 NOVEMBER 19 DECEMBER 10
6 4 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 ScenesfromMardiGras2022Parade
Photos by Katie Nussbaum
PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 | 6 5 ScenesfromMardiGras2022Parade
Photo Courtesy of Vee Hanssen
Photo by Katie Nussbaum
6 6 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022
Onetraditions,andsheknowsthembothwell.ofthosetraditionsisranching.She’s married to
themquiltCaudillpassedofdesigns,Quiltingwarm.scrapstheTexaswhichTheinbreederherranchingNormanCaudill,amemberofoneofthemoststoriedfamiliesinthePossumKingdomregion,andson,ClintBrown,isalongtimecowboyandhorsewhohasworkedonsomeofthebestranchestheLoneStarState.secondtraditionisquilting,atypeofsewinginCaudilldisplaysherexpertise.Quilting’srootsinextendpossiblyasfarbackasraisingcattle,andpracticelargelybeganasawaytopiecetogetherofmaterial,includingfeedsacks,tokeepTexanseventuallyevolvedintoanartform,withfancyandhomemadequiltsaretreasuredbecausethehandiworktheyrepresent.They’refrequentlydownthroughgenerationsasvaluedheirlooms.broughthertwopassionstogetherbymakingathatshowcases55ranchbrands.Manyofarefrom
Ranching & Quilting
and
Kay Caudill loves two of Texas’ most endearing
A passion for the two combined
Story photos by Michael Pearce
generations of Norman Caudill’s family or the places he withthatCaudill,namesranchesAfromdeterminecouldhistory.Cattlewouldsaid.(brand)“Weincludestheworkedcattleasayoungerman.OnthequiltaresomeofrancheswhereBrownhasworkedasacowboy,too.ItnearlyalloftheranchesinnorthTexas.werejustsittingdownonenight,andwewroteourandjuststartednaminganddoingothers,”Caudill“Wejustkeptongoingandgoing,soIthoughtitmakeanicequilt.”brandsareanimportantpartofTexas’ranchingTheybeganasawaytomarkcattlesoownershipbedeterminedonopenrange.It’safastwaytowhothecattlebelongtoshouldtheyescapeamodernpastureorgetstolen.brandrepresentsmuchofaranch’sidentity,andwerefarbetterknownbytheirbrandthantheoftheirowners.whosaidshefindsthebrandsfascinating,foundquiltingcametohereasily.Asateen,sheworkedher
Kay Caudill combined her love of all things ranching and quilting on a quilt that represents some of north Texas' top ranches of all time
6 8 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022
MosttoothercompletingsometimesherCaudillstarted,she“YouquiltsCaudillreallytimesshirt.She’dsat“Shedemand.whomother,whowasatalentedseamstressinherownrightmadewesternshirtsandjacketsthatwereinhightaughtmysisterandmetosew,”Caudillsaid.“Sheathermachine,andoneofuswouldsitattheother.dosomethinglikehandusapockettosewonaAfterweweredone,she’dlookatitandsomanysay,‘It’snotperfect.Takeitoffanddoitagain.’Iappreciate,now,thatshewaslikethat.”decidedtofocusherseamstressskillsonmakingabout20yearsago.candosomanydifferentthingswithaquilt,really,”said.“They’realotoffun.Youjustsitdownandgetandkeepputtingthingstogetherasyougo.”saidshehasnoideahowmanyhoursittookfortomakethequiltwiththebrands.Shesaidthatshe’dsitdownforjustanhourafterherworkshiftasaruralmailcarrier.Afewtimes,Caudillwasabletodedicatemostofadayquiltingonceranchchoresweredone.oftheworkwasdonewithasewingmachine,she westernshop),”“Itmanydaughters,Historically,iron.theThespannedwithHollywoodwasCaudill’s“101”OneCaudillhand.said,butsheaddedthatshe’sdonemanybabyquiltsbyAllherchildrenandgrandchildrenhaveherquilts,said,andshe’smadeseveralmoreforherfriends.ofthesquaresisn’tactuallyabrand,though.Thestandsforthe“101RanchWildWestShow,”whichmotherranawaytojoinasatrickriderwhenshe16.AnagingBuffaloBillCodyandseveralearlycowboys,suchasTomMix,alsospenttimetheshowthroughitsyearsofexistence,whichfrom1905to1939.quilt’sbackgroundisthecoloroftannedcowhide,andsymbolsarethecolorthat’sleftbyarealbrandingsewingwasacraftthatallmomstaughttheirandCaudilllamentedthatshedoesn’thearofnewquiltersanymore.Suppliesarealsohardtofind,too,shesaid.usedtobeitseemedlikeeverytownhada(fabricCaudillsaid.“Therewereevensomethatwerejustfabricstores.Youdon’tseethosethesedays.”
Story continues on page 70
7 0 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 Continued from page 68
Caudill said someday that the brand quilt will go to her son, the cowboy She said it will have special meaning because it was made by his mother, but also because it representssomeimportantpartsofNorthTexashistory. Brands come and go, and ranches change owners, which oftenbringsanewbrand ornobrandatall InPaloPinto County, dozens of houses are popping up where cattle once grazed on bygone ranches, but Caudill likes that her soncanrefertothequilttolookbackathistory.
Kay Caudill, pictured above and to the left, is still actively involved in cattle ranching with her husband, Norman.
Photos by Katie Nussbaum
7 2 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 ScenesfromMardiGras2022Parade
Photos by Katie Nussbaum
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Photos by Katie Nussbaum
7 4 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 ScenesfromMardiGras2022Parade
Photos by Katie Nussbaum
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glassy and reflective day. Photo
Hell's
7 6 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 Finalists in PK Magazine's Photo Contest Never a bad day at PK.
photo while driving
page 77
on a
at sunset
Photo by Susan Messer
Winners announced
God's Beauty by Beverly HVinson oney Harrell this down Highway and Gaines Bend with Honey Harrell. Gate cove super by Honey Harrell. on
captured
a rain shower off in the distance. Sunset at Hell's Gate never disappoints Photo by
16 between Sportsman's World
PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 | 7 7 PK Magazine invited readers to showcase their work by entering our photo contest Professionals and amateurs alike were encouraged to submit PK images that feature landscapes, wildlife, recreation and family events that depict the beauty and fun of Possum Kingdom Lake. The winning photos will receive a premium canvas gallery wrap of their photo. Andthewinnersare: SunsetatHell'sGate byHoneyHarrell NeverabaddayatPK bySusanMesser God'sBeauty byBeverlyVinson Congratulations to all! To claim your Canvas Gallery Wrap, please stop by The UPS Store in PK Plaza, present your ID and we'll move your beautiful photo to production for you!
4th of July 2021 in Hell's Gate, waiting for the fireworks to begin. Eric and Kayla Bennett. Photo submitted by Michele Bennett. Cason Cockrum, grandson of Jo Lynn Miller, enjoying lake time. Photo submitted by Jo Lynn Miller
Say Cheese!
Jolie Everson enjoying time on the lake Photo submitted by Linda Anderson Maggie Vinson, enjoys night fishing at Ritchie cabin in The Hills Above Possum Kingdom Lake. Photo submitted by proud grandmother, Beverly Vinson. Would you like to be included in Say Cheese? Submit photos to info@pk magazine.com with a subject line of "Say Cheese" Must include caption, names as pictured left to right in the photo and name submitting photos. Photos must be high resolution. Thank you!
Lance and Tina Evans. Tina is Melody's living kidney donor Melody Macha with life long friend, Tina Evans This photo was taken on PK Lake one year prior to Melody's kidney transplant.
Snapshots of local PK Residents living their best life at beautiful Possum Kingdom Lake.
Photos submitted by Melody Macha
Camber Holland, having fun at PK while fueling up at Bluff Creek Marina. Photo by Melody Macha
Pat celebrated his 69th birthday all over Possum Kingdom Lake!
PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 | 7 9
A fun day of fishing. Pictured left to right: Winslow, Gary and Charlie Ann Grossman
Photo submitted by Winnie Grossman
PhotosubmittedbyPatMurchison
Pat Murchison pictured here with Gil De Cardenas at Lush Resort
The Catmasters Captains: Bryan St Ama, Jesse Swanson,TyeNall.
8 0 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 Never Miss An Issue Subscribe Today! PK Magazine will publish 4 issues in 2022. In order to make our mailing list for 2022, go to our website: pk magazine com 4 issues for $14 Complimentary copies will also be available around the lake in late March 100% Local Stories PK Magazine is produced by The UPS Store at PK Plaza 940 573 7170
PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 | 8 1 ScenesfromMardiGras2022Parade
Photos by Katie Nussbaum
8 2 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 ScenesfromMardiGras2022Parade
Possumkingdomlandscaping.com | Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
8 4 | PK MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 Story continued from page 34
Photo by Michael Pearce
secondRatesduringHeleastof“Quitethough.vertically.littleRhodesbeingmostmph.FlightsPossumRhodescouplewhattohenewHisprettytoPeoplegrandfather.flights“ITheweekendsTheairtoursusuallylastabout20minutesandareofferedonandevenings,weatherpermitting.flightshaveappealedtoallkindsofpeople,Rhodessaid.guessIdon’treallyhaveatypicalclient,”hesaid.“Alotofaregivenasgifts.IhadsomeonegiveaflighttotheirHewasinhis90sandaWorldWarIIfighterpilot.giveflightsasgraduationgifts.Somehaveusedaflighttakeachildupontheirfirst-everflight,whichseemslikeagoodidea.”clientsalsohaveincludedcoupleslookingforsomethingandspecialtoaddtotheirdatinglives.Rhodesnotethatoncebookedanengagementflightforamanwhoproposedhisgirlfriendduringtheflight.ThemanhadletRhodesknowheplannedtodo,sothetripendedwiththehappycelebratingwithfriendsattheairportinGraham.saidthathe’llalsomeetpeopleattheairportatKingdom,ifthat’stheirpreference.oftentakeplaceatabout1,500feetup,andaround100Asmallwindshieldinfrontoftheguest’scockpitblocksofthewind,Rhodessaid,butitstillallowsthefeelingofintheopenair.saidheaddsalittleexcitementtomostflightswithsurprises,suchastightturnsthathavetheplaneflyingTherearenocompleteloops,stallsorsteepdives,afewpeoplesaythosetightturnsaretheirfavoritepartaflight,”Rhodessaid.“Mostofmyclientsobviouslyhaveatabitofanadventurousattitude.”addedthatheisinconstantradiocontactwithhisgueststheflightshouldflightadjustmentsbeneeded.are$200forthefirstperson,plusanother$40ifapersonalsoisontheflight.
Professional pilot, Mike Rhodes, and his replica of a WACO 1935 Sport Plane. the plane carries two passengers, sitting side-by-side in the front cockpit.
Photo courtesy of Possum Kingdom Lake Reporter, Bryce Gentry
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