Perote Puzzle Rally & Octagon House
April 25, 2009
Perote. You know, that little place near Smuteye.
That was the reply given to Andy Martin when he asked where Perote is. With a blank stare, he said, “Well, that clears that up.” I had no idea where Perote was. Maybe I still don’t. Bill and Barbara had put together a puzzle rally leading us from Montgomery to Barbara’s family’s tree farm way out in the boonies , uhh Perote.
It was a great backroads drive to a part of the state we seldom take our cars to. The puzzle rally was loads of fun. Tommy, my naviguessor was very thorough. But we missed a clue. What color is the slide in the playground became what color is the playground. So we partially blocked the road as Tommy wrote every color we could see. That’s about when I noticed the cow catcher grill alongside my MGA. The Deputy slid alongside with blue light flashing and asked, “What in the world are you doing? Don’t you know this is a blind curve?” So we, with his friendly gestures, decided to ease on down the road. 
The great drive ended with lunch on the tree farm. TheBerg’s were great hosts and shared stories and history of the place. Bill even offered to take us on the hike to the back pond. There were no takers. After a few too many brownies, the awards were presented.
A three way tie for first! Andy & Bobby, David & Tommy, Tom & Laurie all tied. Tommy was rewarded for his extra efforts. The extra point landed him and David in the official first place. Thrilled, they received the first palce trophy – a left over chocolate Easter bunny. There were no tears however – second and third got the same keepsake for the mantle.
Pam was awarded last place. I guess Bill was right. Pam ran the route alone. She really needed a naviguesser. Proudly, Pam showed off her trophy, soon to be on her mantle – or wrapped for our dirty Santa! An awesome can of Pig Brains!
Off to the Octagon House we went. This historic house was built in 1859-1861 by Benjamin Franklin Petty. He was Barbara’s grandmother’s grandfather. The house is the only octagon shaped house in Alabama and one of only a few in the South. We found the tapestries, the room shapes and the climb to the top to be most interesting. 
Also, of note were the bathrooms and kitchen built away from the main house.
We finished the day with the drive back to Montgomery and helping our ace mechanic – Hamer – load up his Triumph TR-4. She died at the start of the rally. Bill had came prepared, he had tow ropes, water, and tools in his Jag. He just hadn’t planned on a dead car at the starting line. Hamer & Shirley came in the SUV instead.
A great day and we all eventually made it back – from a place call Perote.
You know – down near Smuteye.