While in Santa Fe, Linda and I stopped at the Chili Line Brewing Company to enjoy a beer and a bite to eat to close out our day and visit to this artistic mecca in the foothills of the southern Rocky Mountains. The boutique brewery specializes in smoked beers, a term I had never heard before. Although the food was average, the beers did not disappoint as I highly enjoyed a delicious stout. The highlight of the evening however was conversing with the bartender named Trevor. After disclosing to Trevor that Linda and I would be heading to Flagstaff in three days after our much-anticipated stop-off in Sedona, Trevor began offering a number of suggestions having lived in Flagstaff for many years. He recommended taking the Oak Creek Canyon Drive up to Flagstaff rather than the interstate, enjoy the breathtaking rock formations, and mosaic colors exemplified in that area. He then told us to look for a water pump on the left side of the road that spouts water. He swore it would be the best water we ever tasted and that students from the university in Flagstaff flock down there on Sunday mornings to rid themselves of ungodly hangovers with a couple bottles of its healing abilities. I eagerly decided to take him up on that and a couple of other of his recommendations for our upcoming time in that area.
The scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon is an eloquent fifty-minute excursion. With its vast array of natural wonder of red rock formations and multiple recreational activities, it is easy to understand why Oak Creek Canyon is the second most popular tourist attraction in Arizona. Linda and I were worried we would miss the water pump as our eyes darted back and forth across the road absorbing the eloquent canvas of beauty all around us. We did locate it however. The water pump itself stands totally inconspicuous at the side of the road. Its unassuming presence however is publicized by line of pickup trucks parked along the side of the road before it as people wait patiently to fill up their crates of bottles with the coveted water.
We parked behind the line of trucks and walked to the pump to see what all the fuss was about and possibly taste the water ourselves. At the front of the line with a blue pickup truck with a man filling up bottles with a clear plastic hose he had connected to the unassuming pump. I introduced myself and he initiated a hearty handshake, told me his name was Ron, and went on to explain the magnetism of the water. Ron was 70 years old and had the body of a rugby player. He said his best friend, Jack Parker; relative of Robert Parker (also known as Butch Cassidy) introduced him to the pump fifty years ago. For five decades, he has been making the nearly two-hour journey from Phoenix twice a month for his extended family. He said his grandkids won’t even consider drinking any water but what he brings back to them. He went on to explain that the water comes from underground springs in the mountain and is the second purest water in the country due to its PH balance and its minerals. He said that the water was one of the reasons he remained in such great shape for his age (he had me squeeze his shoulders to show off the muscles beneath his shirt. It was clear through his passion that Ron believed in the potency and healing power of that water. We handed him five empty plastic bottles we had collected in the car and he filled them. The water was cold and refreshing and had a definite purity to it. As we enjoyed the cold liquid, I spoke with the next few people in line to learn about their experience and devotion to the water. All of them came regularly from many miles away to indulge on the goodness of the water
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I cannot say simply drinking water has ever memorable for me but this water came the closest to that type of experience. I will never forget Ron and the other disciples of the Oak Canyon spring water. I hope I am in as good a shape as Ron is when I am 70 even without the benefit of his secret water.
