Austin, from Pony Summit

Though Austin is only 70 miles from Eureka the MaryJane sisters took all day to get there via a visit to an abandoned gold mine. Austin is literally built into the sides of the Toiyabe mountain range. The first place we headed was Butch’s Owl Club. We had no trouble finding it as it and everything else is on the main road through town.

To describe Butch’s place one has to go back in time. What time, I’m not really sure. I could have just as easily lit up a bong as pull out a Colt six-shooter and shot the varmint dead. Anyway, Butch was out doing something and “Ponytail” Pete, the only “varmint” in the place, was minding the bar from his barstool.

The International Hotel

Now, Ponytail Pete looks like his name sounds. He had a few teeth missing and on a closer look, so were a few of his fingers! Must have been shot off!

"I could have just as easily lit up a bong as pull out a Colt six-shooter and shot the varmint dead."

A little further down Main Street we came across the International Restaurant and Saloon. Directly across the street was the Lincoln Motel. As we like to be close to the action, this accommodation was ideal. After checking into the motel and freshening up, we strolled across the street and ate dinner at the International Restaurant. It was very homey and the service and food was good.

Luckily we came in when we did, as this place got very busy. We met some hunters that recommended we visit the town of Ione and gave us directions to get there. They said we would love the dirt roads. The MaryJane sisters had their mission for the next day.

After dinner we ambled through the passageway into the International Saloon. There was Ponytail Pete shooting pool! He played well, considering he had a few digits missing. The jukebox was aged and so were the songs. The pool table was in good shape despite the fact there was a box on the floor to catch the balls. The games were free as long as we didn’t move the box allowing the balls to hit the hard floor and roll away. But if one of those dang balls hit the floor with a thud and rolled towards the jukebox, we had to pay the barkeep two bits.

Now, the bartender reminded me of Janis Joplin and Mama Cass put together and I was a bit apprehensive about ordering a margarita. So I left off the salted part. I knew I was gonna drink my margarita any way she made it and like it.

Main Street Austin

Then we met Lance and Bobby “The Kid” (names changed to protect the not-so innocent). They had been hunting all day and were ready for a stimulating game of pool. We fed the jukebox, grabbed the chalk and container of white talc powder and made sure the box was properly placed to catch the balls. Since we didn’t have to pay for games we played every song in the jukebox twice, including the bartender’s favorite. So with continuous music, bottles of suds, Mary and The Kid partnered, and Jane and Lance partnered, we commenced.

Now, this game started out by the book, mellow, and friendly. It definitely stayed friendly, but we threw the book out and got downright outrageous. It became a game of defense: who could “perform” the best distraction causing your opponent to miss his or her shot.

The Austin cemetery

Now, the MaryJane sisters aren’t usually competitive against each other. We give each other advice (when asked), high-five each other on good shots and we don’t fight over men. For defensive tricks we normally rely on the tried and true “flashing” money on the table just before the 8-ball is shot. Works pretty much every time. However, the competition between Lance and The Kid became very apparent and contagious. Not wanting our partners to be disillusioned, we found ourselves caught up in this rivalry.

We started with the flashing money defense. It did the trick, but seemed a bit tame. So when Lance was all set for a shot I balanced myself precariously by the intended pocket. Much to the amusement of all, this defensive technique worked. On my next defensive move I lowered my body to the anticipated pocket. Since this tactic would put my face in jeopardy, I pulled my shirt up for a shield. To the delight of all, this ploy also succeeded.

St. Augustine's floats above Main Street

Not to be outdone by their opponents, Lance and Jane began their own line of defense. Jane did her “Pee Wee Herman” dance, which is always a commendable distraction. Lance proceeded to do his version of “Flashdance” with his own unique choreography. But when he grabbed the talc and powdered his behind, not only us, but the entire bar rolled in laughter. Up to this point we had been oblivious to the other bar patrons. Now they were all moving their barstools away from the bar and repositioning them close to the pool table to watch our high jinks. The barkeep was looking at us with her arms folded across her chest and a grimace on her face or maybe that was a smile. I wasn’t sure if we had gone too far and she was gonna “86” the four of us.

Jane (or is it Mary) at Stokes Castle, Austin

But she said, “Honey, the only way I would kick you out is if I am tired and ready to go home.” Whew!! I think she was enjoying the entertainment. So we continued our antics until she was ready to shut up shop. The MJ sisters closed the bar, again! It was cold out and we were sure glad our lodgings were just across the street.

The next morning we visited a few antique shops in town. Jane found some nice lapis and we learned all about putting pine nuts in gunnysacks and dipping the sacks in hot springs to melt away the sap. After fueling up the car with gas and ourselves with coffee we visited Stokes Castle, or what remained of it and then headed to Ione. We were not sure what we would fine there, but Ione sure sounded like a place where we could have a “hot time in the old town tonight.”

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