I almost didn’t go. The
wind across interstate 40 in northern Arizona was gusting over 60 MPH. My curiosity got the better of me, though, so
I tackled the drive. The route I choose
only included 30 miles of the interstate.
Even so, there was a semi on its side.
No harm, no foul. The
Subaru and I made it to Holbrook intact.
My friend Greg McKelvey is friendly with Mark Reynolds, the
captain of the Hashknife Pony Express.
These guys are riding the 62nd annual commemorative run, which
takes its honorific from an iconic Arizona cattle brand, now owned by the
Babbitt Family. They ride Holbrook to Payson,
then Payson to Fountain Hills, and finally to Scottsdale, in one-mile
increments. Greg has created a win-win situation with Mark, so that a small
group of photographers had the opportunity to do an exclusive early morning shoot with two
of the riders. In return, we agreed to
share our best work with them for publicity and personal use.
Meet Shawn Maestas (on the white mare) and Wade Carlisle (riding the chestnut).
The riders carry actual U.S. Mail, and are sworn in as Postal
Workers.
The experience was extraordinary. Though I agree with a friend who asked, “so,
why do they do it in February?” It was
good and cold at sunrise.
There were demonstrations of the mail bag hand-off, after
which (while still galloping) both riders yell “Hashknife!” We photographed horse and rider speeding
along and some quiet moments as well.
We were working for a couple of hours, but it was over
before I knew it. I was past Winona on
the way home before my feet thawed, though.
By the way, a hashknife is an old cowboy chuckwagon tool
which looks something like a mezzaluna.
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