Hawthorne, NV.

Tiger and I went through Arizona a little to quick. However on our route there wasn’t much to stop and see, after Wickenburg. So we took Hwy 93 over to 163 and on to Hwy 95 north skirting California.

We stopped in Tonopah, NV. for the night and  looked  for a VFW or a Elk’s Lodge. Found both and both were closed. However while parked in front of the Elk’s lodge the newly elected ER came by to see what we were up to. J.J. LaRue is his name and explained that the post and lodge doesn't open except when they have meetings. The town is to small to support a daily opening. But JJ did take Tiger and I around the town and show us a good time and we met alot of the Elk’s at the local club called the “Banc Casino”. The next day we left going north.( Thank you JJ for a great night out.)

  Stopped in a little town called Hawthorne. Pop: 2,000. It was established in Mineral County in 1881 on the western side of Nevada. It sits at an elevation of 4,255 feet and is surrounded by several mountain ranges that protect it from extreme weather allowing for nearly 365 days of sunshine a year and relatively mild temperatures. Found the Elk’s, the VFW, and the Legion. The Elk’s and the VFW have electric and water hook ups for RVs. So we decided to stay a week or two at the Elk’s Lodge. None of these clubs open till 5pm. Since we don’t have TV and there is nothing to do, but maybe gamble at the El Capitan casino,Tiger and I spent alot of time reading books and playing in the desert.  

This is the only Casino in town and it is across the street from the Elk’s Lodge. They have one store “a Safeway”.  The views of the mountains and of the lake are picturesque. The air is pure and the climate is fresh. While playing in the desert we found some petroglyphs. Took pictures of them and the mountains. Only found one rock like this. 

The views are fantastic. Walker Lake, fed from the north by the Walker River, is the heart of recreation in Hawthorne. This lake was once part of the Lahontan Sea, a prehistoric sea that covered much of Nevada. ( can you believe it. we are standing in a prehistoric sea bed. ) Hawthorne is called “America’s Patriotic Home,” and the red, white and blue streets and flags blowing in the wind show the town’s great national pride. Part of this pride is the Army Depot, an ammunition storage site south of Walker Lake. Construction began on the facility in 1928 and it served as an ammunition staging area for World War II. It is said to be the largest facility of its kind in the world, covering more than 147,000 acres. Today, the depot employs a large majority of the residents of Hawthorne.

In 1984, after nearly 50 years without a major mishap, one of the storage bunkers exploded. The blast was contained as intended, blowing up instead of out, and the deeply feared chain-reaction causing immense damage and loss of life did not occur. In the early 1990s a bunker detonated for no discernible cause, unless it was provoked by a lightning storm the previous day.

We thank the Elk’s Lodge members for their hospitality.  We also thank the VFW for allowing Tiger to come in and meet the Vet’s. ( He really like the kids toy box ). Till later, have a good one.

Wickenburg, AZ

We left Kearny this morning, thinking of staying in Apache Junction. But once we got their it was like staying in Phoenix. We kept on going till we felt right about the stop. We make it to Wickenburg, AZ. for the night or maybe two. Tiger and I have been through this town alot of times, just never stopped to see what it is all about.  Thinking a town like this should have a Wal-Mart, we can stay in their parking lot and buy fresh food as well. Nope!!! No such luck. But they did have a Bashes food store and we parked their for a while. Made our way to old town, (across the street) and found the Legion and it was open so we stopped in an had a $2 beer. (It’s hot out). Since we were there we decided not to be unfriendly so we had another beer.

 

After breakfast of two beers we decided to walk around some and see the rest of the town. As we walked out and went around the corner, Low and behold there is the ELK’s Lodge #2160. Well now it must be lunch time,  (some where) so we went in a ordered a $2.25 beer. Now you can’t find out a bout a town less you stay and ask people. (So we did). I think about 3 more beers worth and it was time to go eat.

We had Mexican food at a Nana’s cafe. 

Now its time to go see the rest of the town. So we did. We found the library,police sta., and the park. Also a famous tree. That’s right this tree was an important part of Wickenburg, from the days of yore and still is for the tourist. I’ll let the picture speak for it’s self.      

Just cause you can’t read the sign I’ll quote it for you,“The Jail Tree from 1863 to 1890, Outlaws were chained to this tree for lack of a Hoosegow. Escapes were unknown.” They stayed their tell their sentence was up and it could be for a day for drunk or for months’ (This guy is doing life).

For centuries, the western Yavapai (or Tolkapaya as they called themselves), made the banks of this oasis their home, irrigating their crops of corn, beans, squash, and tobacco with river water. They named this place Haseyamo, "following the water as far as it goes," from which the word Hassayampa derived.

Hispanic culture and trade reached the Yavapai who were nicknamed the Cruzados because they wore their unusually long bangs in what the Spanish thought was the shape of a cross.

In the early 1820's, hunters and trappers explored the Hassayampa River in search of beavers, whose pelts were sold to hat makers back east and in Europe. Their reports helped pique American interest in the West. The Wickenburg area and much of the West became part of the United States following the Mexican American War in 1848.

An 1862 gold strike on the Colorado River near the present-day Yuma inspired prospectors and miners, predominantly from California and Mexico, to search for minerals throughout central Arizona. The names of these miners now grace many of the surrounding geographic landmarks, including the Weaver Mountains and Peeples Valley.

Among the gold searches was the adventurer, Henry Wickenburg. He came from far-off lands, lured by the dream of abundant gold. His quest was rewarded by the discovery of the Vulture Mine, where over $30 million in gold has been dug from the ground.

The old train station across the street from the Elk’s Lodge. We like this little town, you can walk to almost everything. But we have to go for now.

Till later from Tiger and Stu.

Winkelman, and Kearny, AZ.

You might ask why go to Winkelman, AZ. It is northeast of Tucson, about 70 miles. Well they have alot of old towns along this route of Hwy-77, 70, and 177. You might remember that I found Duncan,AZ this way on route 70.

A friend of mine from Deming told me about Winkelman and said it has a nice RV park next to the river and a great 9 hole golf course to play. I found the RV park. But it isn’t a RV park. It is a city park and they don’t allow ATV’s. (What else is new?) So needless to say even though the atv is on a trailer they said no way.

Just for your information the city park was the town of Winkelman (founded 1914), and is (no more). In 1991 the Gila river over flowed its banks and drowned the town. About 200 people moved out of town, not to come back again. This place is a Copper Mining town and that’s about all that’s left (Theirs one bar called the Nugget ). It has a sister city called Hayden, (founded 1909). When you go through Winkelman and blink, your in Hayden, If you blink again your out of town. Population for the two towns about 2500.

You guessed it. We went right on through to Kearny,AZ. population about 2000, Established in 1958. Has two gas stations, one cafe which serves only breakfast and lunch. One fast food hamburger place, one library, court house, an ELK’S lodge, with one RV park and a golf course. The RV park is very small so we are parked at the Elk’s lodge here. ( No hook ups, but that’s fine). This town is also a mining town and was moved and renamed in 1958. It’s original name was Ray. All that is left of Ray is hole in the ground located about 1/4 mile southeast of here.

Kearny is laid out like a clam shell laying next to a hill. And to get in or out of town you drive straight up and straight down. I would say the grade is about 70%, its steep, but short. The three buildings on the lower left of the picture is the ELK’s Lodge (Center), Library (above right), and gas station on lower left. From those three buildings moving right are the golf course, airport, and the cemetery. The distance from the ELK’s to the cemetery is 1.5 miles.Since we are staying for a couple of days, We decided to take the ATV out to the desert and play for awhile. The desert road is dirt and well maintained as you can see by the picture above. However you do have trails that the truck wouldn’t like.

As you can see the route we took was about 40 miles round the desert. We started right and went completely around to the loop. Now I’ve always thought I was pretty careful to have everything I need before I go on a trip like this. Like water for Tiger and extra food for him. Not this time, I left the truck parked and left a full gallon of water in the truck. I also carry a gallon of water on the ATV. But I didn’t check it and it only had about 2 cups of water in it. I also carry 2 (16oz.) bottles of water for me. Yes they were full. But not for me to drink, Tiger needs alot more water than I do. I also have a plug-in on my ATV for my GPS, But I left the cord with the truck. Now we didn’t discover the water shortage till Tiger needed his first drink. ( about 4 miles in). I discovered the GPS cord missing when the thing shut down because of low battery. (about 20 miles in)

Now I’m worried because I had marked the truck with the GPS and the route to get back to it. I sure am glad I have a good since of direction. I remember parking below a radio tower and went ahead and finished the loop. (since we were half way or better.) We could not see the tower, but knew it would show up sooner or later. I knew we were on a loop. One thing for sure I’m making a list of what I need because at this age the memory is shot…LOL

By the time we got back to the ELK’s we were ready for a cool one. And Tiger was happy to just sleep for a couple of hours. The ride was about 6 hours and hot, he rides on the fuel tank. How he hangs on amazes me. We both thank our special Angel for help on this one.

Till later from Tiger and Stu

Saguaro Nat. Park

Since we had to leave Paradise and go to town we decided to head south to Douglas and up through Bisbee. We hadn’t been to Douglas before so it was something to do. But there is no Douglas, per say. So did a drive thru and headed for Bisbee, AZ. This is an old town and built on the side of hills. A lot like a small San Francisco, or Grass Valley, California, very hilly and narrow streets. No place to park with doubles so had to drive straight through. I’m learning we need a motorcycle to visit some of these old towns. Never really thought about it with just the truck or family car. Well you guest it we drove through to Saguaro Nat. Park in Tucson. Know this is another Nat. Park and it has no camping or parking for a big rig . If you camp you have to carry everything in by back pack and hike to where your staying for the night.

This is a 8 mile drive up and down a roller coaster road and one way only. So once you start you can’t go back. Your dog is allowed, but only on a leash and then only walk on pavement. You can not walk the trails with you pets. 

This was very disappointing for me and Tiger. He really likes to smell the flowers. And other things. LOL

This drive also had a length limit on your vehicle and it was 35 feet. But this time they just asked the length of the 5 th wheel. So I guess he didn’t see the ATV trailer. Any way they let me drive the 8 miles of desert. We got some good pic’s of the plant life.

The saguaro begins its life as a shiny black seed no bigger than a pinhead. A single saguaro produces as many as 40 million seeds in a lifetime. Their life time is 175 to 200 years.

In summer the saguaro produces a nourishing bounty of juicy, fig-like fruits. The Tohono O’odham Indians knock them off the cacti with long poles. From this fruit they make jam, syrup, and for religious ceremonies, wine.  (Yeah! I’m religious). Saguaros also provide edible seeds and strong woody ribs that O’odham use to build fences and shelters.

The Saguaros collect water with a network of roots that lie about three inches below the desert surface and stretches as far from the main trunk as saguaros are tall. In a single rainfall these shallow roots may soak up as much as 200 gallons of water. Enough to last a saguaro for a year.

The saguaro has been called the monarch of the Sonoran Desert, supreme symbol of the American Southwest. It is renowned for the variety of odd, all-too-human shapes it assumes, shapes that inspire wild and fanciful imaginings.

The saguaro grows very slowly. In a year it could grow to 1/4 inch. In 15 years it could barely reach 12 inches. In 30 years they begin to flower and produce fruit.

By 50 years saguaro’s can be as tall as 7 feet, and after 75 years it may sprout its first branches, or arms. By 100 years they may reach 25 feet. At 150 years they may reach 50 feet in height and weight up to 16,000 pounds. These are the largest cacti in the United States.

Tiger is saying he is ready to go. It’s getting hot in this desert. So until the next time. Have a safe one from Tiger and Stu.

Chiricahua Nat. Park

We didn’t do much here. It is a lot of trails and long ones. And because I’m towing doubles the won’t let us in.

They have a 39’ length limit, with the F250, 27’ 5th wheel, and 5x8 trailer for the ATV, we may have been close to the limit..LOL

Their spaces for camping were full for the evening. So we moved 5 miles northwest of the park to find an area that was BLM land and it’s location was told to us by a couple from the Fort Bowie hike. Thanks to Bob and his wife we found a great place to camp.

We had shade, camp fire, water and a nice place to ride the ATV.(and we did). There is no reason to leave such a paradise.

 

Can you believe it, the water was clear and running like it would in Oregon or Paradise, California. It taste was sweet and reminded me of home. Tiger had to play in it and get all wet and then he had to jump all over me, so we both ended up wet. Just a great time for him to play in the real world of trees and water.

Was ready to get the fishing pole out but didn’t see any fish. The water was clear and if it had fish we would have seen them. ?(No fresh fish tonight). 

 

 

 

Tiger and I were camped about 100 feet from this creek and really enjoyed the sound of rushing water next to the fire place while we cooked diner and relaxed. ( of course with a cocktail)..The only way to fly….LOL

Tiger is on the other bank there some where. Just checking things out. We stayed the night, and the next day I noticed the refer wasn't working and everything I tried didn’t work to get it going, except running the generator. I was using propane. So instead of staying in paradise for years we had to leave to get the refer repaired or at least buy ice for the food before it all spoiled. However the refer started working as we drove. That was nice, saved money. I guess we weren't  level and by the time we knew what was wrong, we were far away from Paradise.

We did buy our senior pass ($10.00) and it is good for life. So on to Saguaro Nat. Park in Tucson.

Later Tiger and Stu.

Fort Bowie

It’s that time of the year for Tiger and I to go on the road. We are both ready to see some more of the country. This time I think we will Boondock and take in the National Parks that are along our route to were ever “America”. Since we are moving northwest at this time we will see Fort Bowie, AZ first.   So we decided to hike the three miles round trip, and glad we did. There is a lot you miss if you don’t do the hiking. It was early in the morning so not hot yet.

  The Apache Pass Stage Station was built of stone in July 1858. A chance to rest and have a meal- bread, coffee, meat, and beans- for fifty cents. The Butterfield Overland Mail route was discontinued in March 1861.

This is the area that the battle took place for Apache Pass in July 15-16,1862. Below is a Chiricahua (Cheer i cow a) camp. They believe the name Apache comes from the Zuni word “apachu” meaning “the people”. The Chiricahuas speak “Athapaskan” language. Believed to have migrated from Canada in the 1300s.

The Chiricahuas Apache’s of southern AZ. and northern NM. were subdivided in to four bands: Bedonkohe,Chokonen,Chihenne, and Nehdni.  Total population ranged from 1000-1500 people. The largest practical unit was the “local group” of about 30 extended families.

Geronimo was a “Bedonkohe” related to the Mimbres of New Mexico and was a highly respected medicine man.(never a Chief). Cochise was a “Chokonen” Chiricahua leader (a Chief) and resided in the Apache Pass areas and Dragoon Mountains of AZ.

Fort Bowie(#1) was established on July 28,1862, it’s first garrison was Company G, 5th Regiment California Volunteer Infantry. Recruited in Placerville California.

Fort Bowie (#2) this second fort built in 1885 and had kerosene lamps,tennis court for officers, flushing toilets, and ice machines.

With Cochise armistice of 1872, and the surrender of Geronimo in 1886, Fort  Bowie was abandoned in 1894.

This park is free, but has no facilities for camping. And because they don’t charge a fee they don’t sell the senior passes.

So on to Chiricahua Nat. Park,till later from Tiger and Stu.