Jan 8 ,2005
I haven't owned a motorcycle in years. The last real motor toy I had was in the 80's and it was an ATC (3 wheeler), I loved it, but got hurt quite often. Now that I am older and more mature (we will see) I feel I can handle these toys without getting hurt (so often). On Saturday I got me a nice new shiny ATV (4 wheeler). I better take some pictures because this is the last time it will look this good.
Sunday January 9th I took it on its break-in cruse. I first started in the desert at Sugar Loaf Mountain and later in the day found myself at one of my favorite place, Mt.Ord . Although this is Arizona and I live in the desert I can be at 5000 ft in less than 1/2 hour. The snow level on the north side of the mountains is around 4500 ft.
(I'm starting to remember how wonderful it was to get out and explore the wilderness areas.)
Ok,,,,, The following weekend I really got skunked and had to work until 2:30 in the afternoon. It was a late start but a start none the less. As you can see by the time I changed my clothes, packed my truck and got to the remote area (Pine Mountain) the shadows were long.
I haven't been back in this area in ~17 years? I'm recalling land marks, "like this strange rock". And I found my super secret camping/picnicking area ! It is a large opening high in the forest with a wonderful view of the mountains below. The best part about it is there was "not a trace" that a human was ever there. * This is what it is all about !
Oh Oh ! The sky is lit-up and the mountain passes below are dark,,, Oh crap I'm way back in here and it's going to be real dark real soon ! (Did I mention that I'm alone again.) I know this isn't smart to be this far in, with it getting dark, on a new machine. See, its OK ! I did find my way back to my truck, and wasn't sitting on the couch doing nothing interesting like many other people. This trip rocked !
Second Adventure Jan 15, 2005
ATV Adventures Page #1
ATV Adventure Jan 22, 2005 @ an Area I call
"The 224" Its around the 224 mile marker !
I spent the day exploring the area around the creek and lower elevations. I thought I remembered how to get to Sunflower Mine. The road was very isolated "Primitive" they say ? We have had a wet winter so far and we have water in the creeks ! + Lots of nice places to stop for lunch.
END
At the end of the Canyon I found tracks (like small train tracks), the kind used by mine ore cars. It was a jackpot. 3 large horizontal mine shafts. The tracks always go down hill to the Mill (Mine) and sure enough there is Sunflower Mine.
At just the right altitude the wilderness is like a golf course. Use it don't abuse it ! PACK MORE OUT than you brought in ! Get off the couch !
Do something next weekend !
Going up the canyon I encountered many water crossing. Slow and steady and observe the terrain and you can see the trails. This area is historic for mining so of course I found 2 horizontal shafts
