MESA 4 WHEELERS HORN NEWSLETTER
May 2020 Mesa 4 Wheelers, PO Box 107, Mesa AZ 85201 http://mesa4wheelers.com
MESA 4 WHEELERS STAFF President Lee Coppage 623-800-5483 After lunch we were told the next part of the trip was a Vice President Bob Nyberg 480-390-5241 challenging switch back climb. It would end up back at our Secretary Pat Jenkins 480-834-0517 lunch stop. We drove around a high knoll and then started up Treasurer Ray Jenkins 480-834-0517 the back side. The switch backs were steep and narrow and Corres.Secretary Hazel Hart 480-994-1260 some required jockying to get around the corners. My Membership Lori Moore 602-647-1685 predicament was sitting on a side hill while a Jeep I was Editor Mike Drawsky 480-502-9507 following got stuck on a corner. The Jeep in front of him failed Remembrance Gert Leible 623-869-8434 to wait, so some calling on the CB’s and a mountain hike by Trophies Clete Hruska 602-568-1140 Pat, soon brought a Jeep with a winch. Coming over the hill we Safety Chairman John Hart 480-994-1260 retraced our trail with a slight short cut at the end and then to Publicity OPEN the highway and back to camp.
Next Meeting Saturday (06-13-20) That evening we were treated to a catered barbeque dinner, For time and location, see Upcoming Runs & Events with beef, chicken and all the extras. We ate our fill and then got ready for the campfire and entertainment. OH....also door REMEMBER WHEN? 30 years ago? prize drawings! The campfire was large, hot and enjoyed by all. We had a local 4x4 Club member for a D.J. and Mesa 4 Wheelers 30 Years Ago announcer. My lucky star must have been shining on Pat and me, because we won an unbelievable five door prizes! May 4 - 6. 1990 ASA4WDC “FUN FEST” 1990 After the drawings, some people stayed to dance to the music while others went off to bed after a long eventful day. Trip Leader: Ray Jenkins Members: Ray & Pat Jenkins Sunday morning came early and the games of the day were Jack & Sandee McCullen being set up. There was: Pie Pany with egg on hood course, Brett & Hallee McCullen Blind Fold course and Poker Run. Pat and I enjoyed them all Warren Richeson even though we weren’t winners. Guests: Dave & Pat Elliott John Kiselyk After the Trophy presentations, we had some lunch and then This years FUN FEST was at Bushnell Tanks near Sunflower. visited around all afternoon. Pat and I arrived with tent trailer in tow on Friday morning. Since we were early to arrive, we got a great shady campsite When we were about to leave, we were astounded by a rescue with exra room. Friday night and Saturday morning brought helicopter landing next to our camp. A three wheeler accident many more 4 Wheelers from around the State. required the medical crew...... Boy did they raise the dust!!
On Saturday morning a line started to form with many 4x4’s. We all had a great time and wished more of you could have Jack and Sandy happened to park in just the right spot at the attended. registration table, because soon a Trip line formed behind them. Our M4W group numbered four and guests Dave & Pat Written by Ray & Pat Jenkins Elliott, whom we met at “FUN DAYS”. Edited by: Ray Jenkins Our trip started in the cool of the morning heading out to the Beeline Highway and onto Slate Creek Pass. There we made a double left and went down into a canyon that followed a creek bed. I had the first trophy offense when my antenna broke off. When Brett stopped to pick it up, he noticed that his front spring didn’t look right. Jack hammered on it for a while, but Brett decided he had better turn back. A little farther on we had to make a hard right turn up a rocky ledge (Lockers sure helped here!). We made a steep climb up to a ridge to another challenging hill and then on to our lunch stop in the shade of a few pines.
CLUB TRIP REPORTS Proposed Southern Section of the Great Western Trail (Florence to Lochiel) Saturday, April 20 thru 24th Trip Leader: Gary Keller
Members in attendance: Mike Drawsky, Norm Clark and Dave Rupal. Guests in attendance: Brian Keller, Jess Chinn, Larry Blau and Ray Andrews
Gary’s Great Western Trail Invitation
We have planned to run the last leg of Arizona’s portion of the Great Western Trail again this April. Ray Andrews and I will be running the southern third of the GWT from Florence, AZ through Oracle to the Mexican border at Taking a break at the intersection of Freeman & Willow Springs Lochiel, AZ starting Monday 4/20/2020 thru Friday 4/24/2020. This trip will allow Ray to record all the Road. necessary way points and directions to finish his GWT On day one, our first couple of hours on the road before book. The GWT trip termination point at Lochiel, AZ is stopping for a break, covered from Florence (AZ-79), east on right on the Mexican border. There is an old border Florence/Kelvin Highway, south on N. Barkerville Road, and crossing guard shack there that is no longer used. We will east on Freeman Road, to the intersection of Willow Springs pass by Fray Marcos de Niza Historical Monument, a grave yard, an old church and ghost towns of Duquesne, Mowry, Road. Washington Camp, Harshaw and historical San Rafael and Empire Ranch.
We will start in Florence, AZ, go through Oracle, Arizona and end at Lochiel, AZ, on the Mexican border to view the wall. We now have a proposed trail layout, most of which we ran last year with some major changes. My best guess is it will take five days and four nights. We started running most of the trip in pieces about 22 years ago. Most of the roads are easy 4-Wheeling. There is a lot of great scenery and history. We will camp out every night.
Arizona Trail staging area along Freeman Road.
From right to left: Dave Rupal, Norm Clark, Jess Chinn, Gary Keller, Ray Andrews and Larry Blau.
Monday, April 20th, we met up at the McDonalds in Florence to begin our five-day backroads adventure to the town of Lochiel, Freeman Road is a 30 mile stretch of county road running from at the border of Mexico. SR79 south of Florence, to N. Cam Rio, at Dudleyville.
Great Western Trail (Continued)
Our first night’s campsite was along Tucson Wash Road, 15 miles, northeast of Oracle. Our original destination was Peppersauce Campground, at the base of Mt. Lemmon. We fell Five miles, west of Dudleville, we turned right off Freeman Rd. about 20 miles short, after spending an hour straightening and headed down to Dodson Wash. Ray’s front sway-bar that was bent near Tucson Wash.
Crossing Putnam Wash we arrived at Beehive Well, at the intersection of the Grand Enchantment Trail & Arizona Trail. Tuesday, morning, we passed by the Arizona Trail staging area along Tiger Mine Road, 10 miles northeast of Oracle.
View along the Arizona Trail, with Mt. Lemmon in the background.
Unnamed spur road, running between Mt Lemmon Road and Black Hills Mine Road, 10 miles south of San Manuel.
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Off in the distance, looking east, Sombrero Butte from a side road between Old Mt. Lemmon Road and Black Hills Mine To the west of us, Mt. Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Road. Mountains.
For nearly 10 years, Ray has been documenting the progress We lost count of how many windmills we passed along the of Arizona’s portion of the Great Western Trail. His book, way! entitled “Driving the Great Western Trail in Arizona” is available on Amazon. This week’s five-day trip from Florence to Lochiel, at the boarder of Mexico, will make for the third and final edition, covering Arizona’s portion of the trail, from Mexico to Utah.
Driving through Redington, 42 miles north of Benson.
To make up for yesterday’s lost time and distance, trip leader Gary, adjusted our original route, leading us from San Manuel to Benson, along the Redington Road. Paralleling the San Pedro River, the Redington Road is a well-maintained county dirt road that can be safely driven at 45 mph. To the east, Redington Road and the Galiuro Mountains
Great Western Trail (Continued)
Mill walls from Total Wreck Mine South of camp, the Empire Mountains
Driving the Redington road gets us back on track to where we were able to make it to our planned second night’s campsite, 20 miles, west of Benson, off SR-83 and I-10.
Mill walls from Total Wreck Mine
Total Wreck Mine History:
To the north of us, the Rincon Mountains
Total Wreck mine and mill, looking west. Pima County, Arizona. 1909.
"That's its name, 'Total Wreck,' said my brother."
An early day silver mine located in Pima County. Ed Vail says: Heading south with the Rincon Mountains in the background. "Mine received its name when John T. Dillon, who discovered it, came to my brother, Walter, in 1881, to get him to make out The day’s goal was to visit the Empire Ranch and make camp his recording papers. Walter asked him for a name. Dillon at Las Cienega National Conservation Area, near Sonoita. said: 'Well, the mineral foundation is almost a total wreck,' alluding to the mixed formation. "That's its name, 'Total Wreck,' said my brother." Great Western Trail (Continued)
The mines water supply came from Cuniga Creek, two miles east, directly down from the Total Wreck Camp. A powerfully geared pump was installed there, and a 6” iron pipe laid to the top of a small hill just east of the camp. Two 50,000 gallon redwood tanks were built there, and a 4” pipe line ran through the little town to the mill and furnished plenty of water.'
The Post Office was established August 12, 1881 and closed in 1890. The population was around 200 residents in 1883, at which time its structures included five saloons, three general stores, a butcher shop, a shoemaker shop and a half dozen Chinese laundries.
Total Wreck mine tailings
Total Wreck mine and mill, looking west. Pima County, Arizona. 1909
A popular legend of Total Wreck was the story of E. B. Salsig who was involved in a shootout. He was struck in the chest by a bullet from the other assailant, but he didn't die because he was saved by a large pack of love letters he had in his vest pocket. The letters supposedly absorbed the bullet, saving the man's life. Legend says he married the woman who had written the letters.
Crossing Cienega Creek
Great Western Trail (Continued)
En route to the Empire Ranch the last 5 miles of backroad follows the Cienega Creek. This stretch of road is covered in mature cottonwood trees, offering plenty of shade for a lunch stop.
Historic Empire Ranch near Sonoita
During the 1940 and 1950s many Hollywood films were shot at
Great Western Trail (Continued) the Empire Ranch and in the vicinity. The Boices hosted numerous film stars, including John Wayne, when “Red Rive”r was filmed at the Empire Ranch.
In 1969, the Boices sold the Empire Ranch to Gulf American Corporation (GAC) which planned to build a large residential community development. GAC contracted with Pancho Boice to continue ranching the Empire Ranch under lease arrangements.
In 1974 Anamax Mining Company purchased the Empire Ranch from GAC for its water rights and mineral potential. Anamax leased the Empire Ranch to rancher John Donaldson. Neither of the planned corporate enterprises materialized, so that to this day the Empire’s lands and ranch headquarters have supported only cattle operations and further remodeling changes to the ranch house and buildings have been minimal. In 1976 the Empire Ranch House was listed in the National Empire Ranch and Adobe hay barn, west view, ca. 1880 Register of Historic Places.
A Bit of History: The Empire Ranch was originally established In the 1980s a groundswell of public support developed to in the 1860’s as a homestead ranch of 160 acres with a flat preserve the ranch and its natural resources in their pristine topped four-room adobe ranch house and adjoining adobe- condition. In 1988 a series of land exchanges put the property walled corral. In 1876 the ranch was owned by Edward Nye into public ownership under the administration of the Bureau of Fish, a Tucson businessman, when it was acquired for $2,000 Land Management (BLM), a division of the U.S. Department of by Walter L. Vail, a native of Liverpool, Nova Scotia, and Interior. In 2000, the U.S. Congress officially designated these Plainfield, New Jersey, and Herbert Hislop, an Englishman. 42,000 acres to be Las Cienegas National Conservation Area John Harvey, an Englishman from Bermuda, joined the (LCNCA). partnership a few months later. BLM entered into a lease agreement with John Donaldson and Over the next 20 years, as a part of the historic expansion of his son Mac to continue ranching on the Empire Ranch, ranching, railroads, mining and other growth in the West, Vail following modern ranching practices designed to preserve and and various partners expanded the original land holdings to monitor the LCNCA’s natural resources and also accommodate include over 100,000 acres. The Total Wreck silver mine was public recreation. In 2009 the Tomlinson family, owners of the discovered and developed, adding to ranch prosperity. The Vera Earl Ranch in Sonoita, assumed the Donaldson grazing Ranch House became an extended complex with more than lease and are ranching on the Empire Ranch today. 22-rooms and a number of outbuildings and structures were From the outset, BLM managers were committed to preserving added. Their original flat earthen roofs were later replaced with the historic Empire Ranch headquarters buildings and wooden gable roofs. interpreting them for future generations. Necessary studies were undertaken to support and specify appropriate historic In 1896, in order to turn his attention more fully to growing preservation. corporate holdings in California, Walter Vail moved his family to Los Angeles and established his corporate headquarters there. The Empire Ranch Foundation (ERF) was established as a Continuing Empire Ranch operations were overseen by Vail private non-profit organization in 1997 to work with the BLM to Company foremen until 1913 when William Banning Vail, develop private support to preserve the ranch buildings and Walter’s third oldest son, took over ranch management. He and enhance the educational and recreational opportunities it offers his wife Laura Perry Vail, and their three children lived at the to the general public. In the time since, ERF and BLM have ranch until it was sold by Vail Company in 1928. completed significant emergency repairs to the main ranch house and to major outbuildings at the headquarters. Major In 1928, the Empire Ranch was purchased by the Chiricahua long term permanent repairs to the Ranch House and Adobe Ranches Company (CRC), successor to the Chiricahua Cattle Haybarn are being specified and undertaken as funding Company (CCC). The CRC was incorporated by the three permits, while interpretation and education programs and a Boice brothers, Henry Gudgell, Frank Seymour, and Charles Discovery Trail and other visitor enhancements described Gudgell, respected ranchers known for their promotion of the elsewhere on this website are being implemented continuously. Hereford breed of cattle in the Southwest. Frank Boice and his wife, Mary Grantham Boice, moved to the Empire Ranch in 1929. Frank and Mary’s sons, Pancho and Bob, grew up on the Empire Ranch and as adults assisted with ranching operations. The Boices added many modern conveniences to the Ranch House. Propane, and eventually natural gas, was piped into the house; a large electric walk-in refrigeration unit was installed; plumbing was upgraded and cement stucco was applied to the exterior house walls. The living room, dining room, and kitchen in the family residence were remodeled. A swimming pool was installed south of the house and became the focal point for family gatherings and parties.
Great Western Trail (Continued)
Empire Ranch, main dining room
View from inside the main house
Great Western Trail (Continued)
Apache Peak
Great Western Trail (Continued)
It’s our third night and we have arrived at our planned campsite on the Las Cienega National Conservation Area near Sonoita.
After setting up camp, Norm, Dave and Mike decided to see if the road from camp, heading in the direction of Apache Peak, would lead them to its base.
Larry’s pop-up tent is always the first one up and the first one down! Larry mounted this fiberglass pop-up to the top of his LJ Rubicon a few years ago and never leaves home without it!
After driving for a half hour, Apache Peak was still far off in the distance and the road was starting to pull away. With an hour of sunlight remaining, we decided to stop and admire it from afar. Great Western Trail (Continued)
This large dry rotted log burned fairly fast, but still kept some of us up a little later than originally planned!
Thursday morning, we stopped at the Sonoita Mercantile to fuel up and replenish our ice chests. The day’s goal was to reach the sleepy town of Lochiel at the border of Mexico.
20 miles southwest of Sonoita, we entered the artisan town of Patagonia and turned south onto Harshaw Ave.
Sonoita is the place to come if you are into competing or watching high stakes Quarter Horse Racing.
Great Western Trail (Continued)
A Bit of History: The James Finley House is a historic home A Bit of History: Back in 1877, a rancher named David located on the Hale Ranch in the ghost town of Harshaw, Harshaw was grazing cattle in this area when he discovered a Arizona. Built around 1877, the house was added to the tremendously rich silver vein. In no time, the rancher-turned- National Register of Historic Places in 1974, and is now the miner called his “find” Hermosa, and people began to flock to most prominent building remaining in Harshaw. The James the area. The town that sprang up around the mine was named Finley House was originally a three-room structure built with for him. red bricks salvaged from a large smokestack in the nearby ghost town of Mowry, Arizona. It is about 100 yards from the ruins of the Hermosa Mill, and originally may have been an office for the Hermosa Mining Company. Sometime later, a porch and four adobe additions were added to the building, including a kitchen, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. Each of the three original rooms has a fireplace and windows with stone quarry lintels and sills.
Pulled over along the Harshaw Road to get a glimpse of it’s few remaining dwellings that were around during the mining boom.
Brian, Gary and Larry viewing the James Finley House from a distance. This historic home and a portion of the mining ghost town of Harshaw is located on the Hale Ranch. The ranch was started up in 1915 and still remains in the family. There is a “NO TRESPASSING” sign posted at the intersection of the Harshaw Road and the Harshaw Townsite road, leading to the ranch. Gary was introduced to the ranch owners years ago by those contacts he has made with Bureau of Land Management.
Larry, Dave and Norm, posing in the doorway of one of the last remaining adobe homes occupied during Harshaw’s mining boom. Great Western Trail (Continued)
Fray Marcos de Niza Historical Landmark, at the outskirts of Lochiel. The Mysterious Journey of Friar Marcos de Niza Marcos de Niza was the first explorer to report the Seven Cities of Cibola, and his report launched the Coronado expedition. Marcos de Niza was a priest who was sent north from Mexico City by Viceroy Mendoza in 1538-39 to search for wealthy cities that were rumored to be somewhere north of the frontier of New Spain. In early 1539 he left the frontier at Compostela and journeyed north into the unknown for several months. In the summer of 1539 he returned and wrote a report saying he had discovered the cities - in a province called Cibola (the present-day native American pueblo of Zuni, New Mexico). He said he reached the first city and saw it from a distance, but because his companion had been killed there, he returned without entering it.
Most popular writers claim Marcos reported gold in Cibola, but his original report says nothing about gold. Nonetheless, Fray Marcos de Niza Historical Landmark conquistadors in Mexico City were excited by his news and assumed Cibola would be as wealthy as the conquered Aztec empire. Marcos led Coronado's army back to Cibola the next year, in 1540, but he became the scapegoat when Cibola turned out to have no gold, and the soldiers said he was a liar.
The big mystery about Marcos is whether he told the truth. Historians have argued for centuries about whether Marcos - a priest with a good reputation - simply interviewed some natives near the present border, and turned back without seeing Cibola. Also, at issue: did he promote the rumors that Cibola was full of gold? Several prominent 20th century historians concluded Marcos did not have time to reach Cibola in 1539. They said he made up a fraudulent report as part of a conspiracy with Viceroy Mendoza to encourage the conquest of the north. Other historians have defended him.
In addition to Lochiel and San Rafael Ranch history, this is also the location of the point that Fray Marcos entered into what became Arizona in 1542, the first European to walk the land west of the Rocky Mountains, which lead to the Coronado Expedition. Today, there is the remains of a monument to Fray Marcos erected in 1939.
Great Western Trail (Continued)
The Border Gate, at Lochiel, was open daily during the seventies allowing residents of Santa Cruz (headwaters of the river) Sonora access to the US. The town’s U.S. port of entry closed down during the Reagan administration in 1983.
Lochiel is at the western edge of the San Rafael Valley, at the foot of the Patagonia Mountains and is one of Arizona's most beautiful places.
Divided by the International Border from Sonora, Mexico, the little town of Lochiel (pronounced Low – Keel) Arizona is about 25 miles east of Nogales and about a mile and a half west of the Santa Cruz River in the beautiful San Rafael Valley.
A Bit of History: The Lochiel area was originally inhabited by a small community of Mexican ranchers before a smelting works was erected in the late 1870s to serve the nearby mines in the Patagonia Mountains, bringing in American settlers. By 1881, a town by the name of Luttrell had formed and was home to some 400 people, most of whom worked in the smelter or in Border crossing, no longer open the mines, as well as five stores, three saloons, a brewery, a butcher shop, a bakery, livery stables, and a boarding house operated by a one Dr. Luttrell, for whom the town was originally named.
In 1884 the cattle baron Colin Cameron established the San Rafael Ranch about a mile north of Luttrell. That same year he managed to have the postmaster in town rename it "Lochiel", after his homeland back in Scotland. Several years after that, the international boundary between Sonora and Arizona was surveyed and it was found that half of the settlement was in
Mexican territory. The town was then split in two. La Noria An old adobe church on the outskirts of Lochiel (meaning “wheel-drawn well”) became the name of the Mexican part of town while the American side continued to be known as Lochiel.
A few people still live in Lochiel to this day. In addition to a collection of old houses, Lochiel is the site of an adobe one- room schoolhouse, a teacherage, an old adobe church, and an abandoned U.S. Customs station.
One room schoolhouse
Great Western Trail (Continued)
Close up shot of Lochiel’s, adobe church
Signs posted along the border fence “Authorized Vehicles Only”.
Driving east, along the border fence, between Lochiel, Arizona and Mexico.
Last year, there were no border patrol on duty, so we minded the signs posted along the border fence that read “Closed Area, Authorized Vehicles Only”.
This year we encountered a couple of border patrol agents as we entered Lochiel and found them to be quite friendly. Last year’s access road to the border fence was closed, so we stopped and asked a border patrol agent if there was any other public access to the border fence and he was kind enough to provide us directions to the border road and a border monument ¾ of mile east of Lochiel. When we asked him about the “Authorized Vehicle Only” signs, he said he would notify surveillance that he had given us permission to view the monument. Santa Cruz River, crossing over into Mexico
Great Western Trail (Continued)
Looking west along the border, back in the direction of Lochiel. The San Rafael Ranch House
A 15-minute drive, west of Lochiel, on the left side of the road is the San Rafael Ranch House. This ranch was used to film both “Oklahoma” and John Wayne’s western, “McClintock”.
History of the San Rafael Ranch: The San Rafael Ranch was originally an old Mexican land grant called San Rafael de la Zanja, which was sold to the cattle baron Colin Cameron and a few of his partners in the 1880s. Cameron built a two-story house to live in soon after, but it burned to the ground Christmas Eve when it caught fire from a candle Christmas tree in 1899. A year later Cameron built a new three-story brick house, even larger and more luxurious than the original, although he lived in it for only a short time.
After losing a legal battle to his neighbor over land rights in 1903, Cameron decided the ranch was not worth the trouble and sold it to his rival, Colonel William Cornell Greene, who
The plaque on this border monument had been neglected and owned large copper mines to the southeast, in Cananea, was too hard to read. At the bottom there was a date of 1882 Sonora.
Colonel Greene acquired many properties over the years, including some 600,000 acres of ranch land on both sides of the international border. The San Rafael Ranch House became the headquarters for the Greene Cattle Company, which raised tens-of-thousands of Hereford cattle that Collin Cameron brought from New York and horses to go with them. The Greene Cattle Company was so successful it even attracted the attention of Poncho Villa, who raided the San Rafael Ranch for horses on more than one occasion in the early 1910s.
Colonel Greene died in 1911 and the ranch was inherited by his daughter, Florence Sharp, and her husband.
In the early 1950s, the ranch acquired national attention when it was selected as the filming location for the classic Western film "Oklahoma!", starring Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones. Duquesne Road, paralleling the border, just east of Lochiel Shortly thereafter, Florence Sharp and her family began the long process of having the ranch house and surrounding rangeland preserved for future generations. The ranching era finally came to an end in 1998, following the death of Florence Sharp and the sale of the ranch to The Nature Conservancy.
Most of the residents worked in the smelter or in the mines, or the town's five stores, three saloons, a brewery, a butcher shop, a bakery, livery stables, and a boarding house operated by a one Dr. Luttrell, for whom the town was originally named.
Great Western Trail (Continued)
Santa Cruz River Bridge East of Lochiel The end of the trail
After setting up camp, Brian and Mike invited those who were interested in seeing the dam at the end of the road to join them.
Thursday, our 4th and final campout, we set up camp in the San Rafael Valley, about 10 miles north of the border, at the same spot we camped last year.
Brian shot this photo of Norm, Mike, Dave and Larry standing on the spillway. Behind them is a 20 foot drop off!
Like last year, we had this scenic place to ourselves with no one in sight for as far as you could see!
Looking at this photo, everyone seemed as though they would be quite content to stay here for a couple of days!
Great Western Trail (Continued)
As well as everything turned out, there were plenty of positive stories to share around our final campfire. Blessed with great The Anderson Mill weather, wonderful desert scenery, numerous historical landmarks and good company, this trip could not have gone Mill History: The Anderson Mill was run by two brothers. At any better! the start of World War II all of the mines and mills that were not essential to the war effort were ordered closed. Anderson Mill and the mines supplying it were allowed to continue.
The mill was for obtaining muscovite mica. As part of the mining of the granite pegmatites other minerals were at times selectively hand combed and shipped. The mica produced was used as electrical and heat insulation as well as in joint compound and paint. The mill was last operated in 1951.
Getting ready for our return trip home. Larry had the longest drive back as he came all the way down from Washington state. For the rest of us, home was just a 4 to 5 hour drive away. Anderson Mill Pre-Run & San Domingo Wash Pre-Run Saturday, May 1st Trip Leader: Mike Drawsky
Members in attendance: Norm Clark, Jim Hopper, Jim Kawa, Jim was the first one to the top of Anderson Mill! and Richard Friese. Guests in attendance: Larry Blau, Philip Taylor and Bill Solley
Following Jim to the top of the mill platform was Larry Anderson Mill & San Domingo Wash Pre-Run (Continued)
Looking north up San Domingo Wash
Anderson Mill & San Domingo Wash Pre-Run (Continued) Our day’s run was to find and explore Anderson Mill. We made pretty good time locating it and the day was still young, so Trip Leader, Mike, asked if everyone was up for driving further up San Domingo Wash to see what else lay ahead. The morning temps were a comfortable 80o and it had been a while since most had been wheeling, so everyone was up for more exploring.
Jim decided to check out the surrounding view from on top the windmill.
About 2 miles north of the Mill, along San Domingo Wash, we ran across this old windmill and cattle pen.
Behind the wheel of his 2006 TJ Rubicon, Richard worked his way up the day’s first trail obstacle!
Water was still being pumped into the water tank and cattle About 3 miles up the wash from Anderson Mill, we encountered trough, but instead of by original means, a solar panel was our first obstacle necessitating the need to engage 4-wheel providing power to the underground pump. drive! Anderson Mill & San Domingo Wash Pre-Run (Continued)
Next in line to tackle the falls, driving a JK Unlimited, was guest Bill Solley
Next to tackle the waterfall was Jim Kawa in his 2003 TJ Rubicon, the first year this model was introduced.
Jim Hopper is always up for a challenge!
A little further up the wash, we encounter a more difficult waterfall. Knowing that not everyone would feel comfortable testing their skill and Jeeps capabilities on this obstacle, Trip Leader Mike decided to look it over before attempting.
Driving a JK Sport with a rooftop tent, similar to Larry’s, guest Philip Tayler, was next in line to tackle the falls After successfully making it up the waterfall, Jim turned around and headed back down. Anderson Mill & San Domingo Wash Pre-Run (Continued) After Jim’s drive up the second waterfall, Mike, Norm and him, walked about a quarter mile further up the wash to see whether it would be worth making plans to come back at a later date to investigate what lies ahead. During their investigation they noticed tire tracks and conditions looked favorable for future travel.
Upon their return, the decision was made to turn back and check out a road they passed by earlier that looked to be well driven and heading back in the direction of Castle Hot Springs Road.
Tail-end Larry, was last to make it down the falls.
Norm making his way down the first waterfall we encountered.
Climax Tungsten Mine
Based on limited information, the mine was started up in 1941 and was in operation on and off up until 1992.
Bill working his way down the waterfall
Larry volunteered to spot Philip down the falls This horizontal mine went into the mountain side about 100ft. Anderson Mill & San Domingo Wash Pre-Run (Continued)
Castle Hot Springs Resort
Castle Hot Springs History: The Apache Wars discouraged development of the area until the 1880s when the springs and the adjacent land were purchased by Frank Murphy for the construction of a health resort. The resort was completed in 1896 by the brother of the Arizona Governor Oakes Murphy, Deserted cattle pen, along Trilby Wash, near Castle Hot and the newly renamed "Castle Hot Springs" was heavily Springs Road. advertised to potential clients. During the resort's heyday in the 1920s it was visited by celebrities such as Zane Grey, as well as famous families such as the Rockefellers.
The resort was used by the United States military as a rehabilitation center from 1943 to 1944 to treat injured veterans of World War II. Future president John F. Kennedy spent three months at the resort during this period to recover from his wounds suffered during the sinking of his ship, PT-109.
The resort continued to be commercially operated until the main building was heavily damaged in a fire in 1976. The resort still comprises its swimming pool, administrative building and guest house along with the springs, which produce 180,000 gallons of hot water a day. The resort became a stop on the short-line Arizona and California Railroad in the 1990s.
The property was sold in March 2014 for $1.95 Million. In March 2018, the resort announced a restoration was underway Red Picacho Peak, viewed from Trilby Wash with plans for reopening in October of that year. The new owners have extensively remodeled and added to the property, adding 12 spring bungalows - with hot spring fed tubs, and 17 sky-view cabins. The resort reopened to visitors in February 2019
Looking north at the Bradshaw Mountains, from Castle Hot Springs Road.
At around 5:30, we arrived at the historic Castle Hot Springs Resort. Originally opened in 1896, closed to the public in 1976 On April 7th 2019, Mike and Lin celebrated their 40th wedding and then restored and reopened, February 2019. anniversary at Castle Hot Springs. Anderson Mill & San Domingo Wash Saturday, May 16st Trip Leader: Mike Drawsky
Members in attendance: Norm Clark, Rob Hayton, Walter Leible, Adelaide D’lppolito, Richard Dalton, and Dan & Debb Smith. Guests in attendance: Don & Chris Netzel, Brian, Tricia, Meghon & Melonie Nishimoto.
Group photo of some of today’s participants. From left to right: Brian Nishimoto, Richard Dalton, Dan & Debb Smith, Walter Leible, Chris & Don Netzel and Adelaide D’lppolito.
Airing down for a return visit to Anderson Mill and San Domingo Wash.
You know it’s going to be a good day on the trail, when Dan & Debb take part!
The mill was made up of 4 levels, which combined reached a height of around 50 feet.
We arrived at Anderson Mill at around 10:30.
Anderson Mill & San Domingo Wash (Continued)
Norm, posing next to the Underwood Family cemetery.
The Underwood Family cemetery is located at the spot where
Mike waving down to those who had the sense to remain on Eddie Wash intersects the San Domingo Wash, about a mile ground level. north of Anderson Mill. Recent stories indicate that the family’s ashes along with the family dog were brought back to this sight for burial, that the family used this spot as their hunting camp for over 50 years. The remains of a home and well at this location were from a person who worked in the nearby mines.
For Norm’s second run up San Domingo Wash, he decided to bring his 95 YJ, equipped with Dana 60 axles, front and back a 4-speed Atlas transfer case and a new set of 38” Goodyear MTR’s.
One of Brian’s daughters had the nerve to go as far up as the second level, before heading back down.
While everyone else chose the easier route up the first waterfall, Norm decided to test out his new MTR’s traction capabilities! Anderson Mill & San Domingo Wash (Continued)
Unable to get a clear view of the terrain in front, while cresting the top, Rob provided assistance.
His new Goodyear MTR’s do not disappoint as he crawled up this near vertical rock face without slipping a tire!
Dan & Debb, like the rest of our group, decided to choose the less difficult path up the falls.
While Mike was capturing Norm’s climb from the front, Chris was snapping photos from behind.
Following Dan was Richard in his ‘95 Jeep V8 Grand Cherokee
Anderson Mill & San Domingo Wash (Continued)
Following Rob was Walter in his 2004 TJ Rubicon
Next, it was Don and Chris’s turn to tackle the falls in their 2012 JK Rubicon.
Mike’s showed some airtime while crawling up the second waterfall.
Next in line was Rob, in his 2002 TJ Sport.
While Mike was deciding whether to back down and reposition, Norm informed him that his rear driver tire has crested, and with a little more forward progress he will begin to level out. Mike trusting Norm’s recommendation, continued forward and his Jeep’s front driver tire soon returned to earth!
Anderson Mill & San Domingo Wash (Continued)
Next, in line was Norm as he decided to follow Mike’s line. His Jeep is equipped with full width axles, that have been stretched an additional 10” apart so his wheel’s contact points are further apart. For this particular obstacle this setup seemed to work to his advantage. Following Norm, Rob started his way up the waterfall.
Since the introduction of the Jeep TJ in 1996, the Jeep’s suspension has changed from leaf spring to coil over shock. The benefits of a coil suspension, is that it allows for more up and down travel. Rob was following Mike’s line, but his tires remain on the ground, due to the additional travel length the coils provide.
While Rob snapped this side photo of Norm coming up the falls Chris photographed the action from the rear!
As Don, began working his way up the falls, his wife Chris was shooting photos from behind, while Rob captured his progress from a front view.
Anderson Mill & San Domingo Wash (Continued)
Dan’s Rubicon Unlimited with its longer wheel base makes this obstacle look fairly easy.
It’s Walter turn to take on the challenge.
If it were not for his TJ’s coil suspension, his front driver tire would probably be showing as much airtime as Mike’s!
Norm offering Dan some directional advice.
As Mike photographed Walter’s performance from the front, Chris captured his Jeep’s dramatic flex action from behind!
Dan finishing the climb up the second waterfall.
Norm standing by to provide support, while Walter finished his climb up the waterfall.
Anderson Mill & San Domingo Wash (Continued)
Adelaide driving up the falls in her 2015 JK Rubicon. By the amount of air she was getting, it looked as though she was running with her front sway bar still engaged? The second waterfall was too much for Richard‘s Grand Cherokee that was just slightly higher than stock, but he was determined to stay with the group, so we directed him up the falls off to the right.
The third waterfall was easy in comparison, but still Norm had to go up using a more difficult line. Richard was successful in making it up this first half.
The second half of the climb proved to be to difficult. We thought about strapping him up, but felt the chances of the jagged rocks doing damage to his undercarriage was too high so we decided not to risk it. With a lot of hard work, from both Norm and Rob, they were able to get Richard turned around and back down to level ground.
Adelaide returning down the third waterfall Anderson Mill & San Domingo Wash (Continued)
Rob helping Debb down the second waterfall
Rob working his way back down the second waterfall
Rob still working his way back down the second waterfall…
During our return, instead of retracing his original route he used
Dan making his way down the second waterfall to drive up the second waterfall, Walter decided to try the path Richard attempted in his Grand Cherokee. Anderson Mill & San Domingo Wash (Continued)
Rob helping to spot Adelaide down the second falls.
Rob helping to spot Don down the second falls
Walter made it down the second waterfall following Richard’s route. Rob has Don lined up perfectly!
Anderson Mill & San Domingo Wash (Continued)
Norm’s wide, full length axles, leave him little room for error! Don finishing his descent down the second falls
Dan working his way back down the first waterfall.
Back at the first waterfall, Norm was not done challenging himself and chose to retrace his path he ran earlier in the day, but in reverse.
Adelaide making her way down the first waterfall
Today’s original plan was to see if the road shown on Google Earth, connecting San Domingo Wash with Eddie Wash, from the north end was still drivable. After successfully conquering the four waterfalls, we drove up San Domingo Wash for about Make sure you know your vehicle and the conditions of its another mile before coming to a cattle fence with no way brakes before attempting this! through. Anderson Mill & San Domingo Wash (Continued)
Mining remains (possibly from the Chloride Gold Mine) at the north end of Trilby Wash This alternate road was becoming a bit of a challenge!
On our return, we decided to retrace the route we ran earlier in the month, that went by the Climax Tungsten Mine and out Trilby Wash to Castle Hot Springs Road.
Shortly after we entered the north end of Trilby Wash, Norm noticed a mining road on his map, just a little ways further down the wash, that detoured over to Buckhorn Road. Norm had recently driven Buckhorn Road and said it was well maintained and met up with the Castle Hot Springs Road.
A mile into our revised route, near Independence Mine, we come across this old dozer parked high up on a hill.
Beautiful spot for a picnic, but where did the road go?
Our alternate route dropped us down into Ruby Wash where there were no clear signs of recent travel. The road had long been washed away. Before going any further, Norm and Rob volunteered to drive up stream, in the direction the map indicated the road going. Within a few minutes Rob returned, saying the road had reappeared, so off we went! 30 minutes later the road ended at a narrow gorge. While some were wondering if we should head back to Trilby Wash, a few recalled seeing a faint road, just back a way’s leading out of Ruby Wash and thought it may be the way around this gorge. Some in our group were becoming short on patience and showed no further interest in exploring the unknown. Before deciding whether to turn back, Norm volunteered to hike up the road to see if it showed any promising signs. He soon returned, Dozer Rob with the Bradshaw Mountains in the background. full of confidence that the road was the bypass around the gorge. Anderson Mill & San Domingo Wash Lower Sycamore Creek (Continued) Sunday, May 10st Trip Leader: Rick & Diane Nelson
We had a good time. There were five rigs. We had no problem finding our way through.
Just like Norm said, the road was a bypass around the gorge. Once we reconnected with Ruby Wash, we noticed others had recently traveled this portion. Everyone was now feeling a little more relaxed and started to enjoy the scenery. Within less than a mile, we had finally reached Buckhorn Road.
Clete & Randi Hurska
Views of the Bradshaw Mountains from Buckhorn Road.
Rodney Reiner & Brigid Deatherage
Minutes away from Castle Hot Springs Road, and less than an hour’s drive from Lake Pleasant.
By 6:30 PM we were airing back up near Lake Pleasant sharing positive thoughts of the day’s adventure while talking about making plans for a return trip in the fall.
FUTURE TRIPS & EVENTS ITEMS FOR SALE: CLUB ITEMS FOR SALE Mt. Ord Run & June Meeting M4W Flag $15.00 Trip Leaders: Mike Drawsky M4W Vehicle Plate $25.00 Contact # (480) 502-9507 M4W 5” & 7” Logos $2.00 When: Saturday, June 6 M4W Banners $5.00 Meet: 9:00 Mt. Ord (FR626) State Decals $2.00 Pullout: 9:30 M4W Arm Patches $0.50 Finish Time: 2:00 United Decals $1.00 Rating: 2.0 Trip Description: For the past 3 months, M4W has had to forego our monthly meeting, due to COVID-19. Bass Pro is still REFRESHMENTS restricting their meeting rooms to employee use only. In an June ??? effort to allow those who would like to restart our monthly July ??? meetings we are offering an environment that will provide the space for social distancing and include a run at the same time. BIRTHDAYS
To make it accessible for everyone, we will be driving up to the May top of Mt. Ord by way of the maintained service road (FR626). 5/2 Ray Jenkins FR626, is at the summit of Hwy 87, on the east side, near 5/2 Gert Liable Milepost 223. 5/4 Wendi Kawa 5/10 Mike Drawsky It is 6 miles to the top, adding for view stops, the drive time 5/19 Randi Hruska should take about an hour. Just before reaching the end of the 5/28 Mike Dreckman road, there is a large open area used for camping and picnicking. Bring your camp chair, plenty of water and a lunch. June Once we arrive, we will set up and start the meeting. The main Martin Bode 06/15 goal for the day’s meeting is to vote in this year’s Officers and Kiery Clawson 06/03 come up with a possible date for holding our annual Fun Days Nicolette Clawson 06/30 (currently, October is being considered). Adelaide D’ippolito 06/23 Linda Drawsky 06/18 4-Peaks (Big Pine Flats) & July Meeting Sean Mahoney 06/25 Trip Leaders: Mike Drawsky Dan Smith 06/07 Contact # (480) 502-9507 Daniela Warren 06/21
When: Saturday, July 11 Meet: 9:00 at the 4-Peaks Staging Area, east side of Hwy 87 CLUB ANNIVERSARIES near Milepost 203 May Pullout: 9:30 Lee & Bev Coppage 5/94 Finish Time: 4:00 Walter & Gert Leible 5/01 Rating: 2.5 Harold & Jeri Liberman 5/06 What to bring: Camp chair, plenty of water and lunch Rory & Lori Moore 5/05
Trip Description: Drive distance from the staging area to Big June Pine Flats is 16 miles. The area is heavily covered in mature Mike & Linda Dunn 6/16 Pines, providing plenty of shade and is seldom used. Drive Tim & Daniela Warren 6/16 time to Big Pine Flats takes about 2 ½ hours. Richard Dalton 6/18
Harquahala Peak MESA 4 WHEELERS WEBSITE Trip Leaders: Jim McKaskle Contact # (480) 502-9507 When: To Be Rescheduled Meet: 8:00 Cowboy Cookin’ Restaurant, 495 E Wickenburg Way, Wickenburg, AZ 85390, for breakfast Pullout: 9:00 Finish Time: 6:00 Rating: 2.5 Trip Description: The two old mines we will be visiting on the Harquahala Peak run are the Purple Pansy and the Black Rock To log onto the M4W website go to: and they are only a couple of miles apart. Both are rather http://mesa4wheelers.com interesting. What you will find on our website: Mojave Road 3-Day Overland Route Photo Gallery (Club Runs & Events) Trip Leader: Kelly Calvert Club Information (About Us, FAQ, Membership, Newsletters, Contact: 206-669-5785, [email protected] Links) When: To Be Rescheduled Calendar (Posted Runs & Events) Forum (General Category, Travels, Marketplace) Contact Us (Contact form for new members) BUSINESS ADVERTISING
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