MILE HIGH LOOP

Trip leader Bob Smith

A few weeks ago Bob provided us with heavy downpours on Bull Mountain and on this day found us winds in the 40--60 mph range. Eight rigs with 14 eager participants enjoyed the new-for-some-of-us trail. We made a perfect loop starting in Golden Valley toward the old county seat of Cerbat, then up to the top of the Cerbat Mountains and back down--about a six hour run. There were quite a few challenges and lots of narrow steep drop-offs, not too bad as long as you kept your eyes on the trail. Bob found a short, rocky challenge in a wash for three of our rigs while others stayed on the trail--it was fun.

Bob had planned a mile-high lunch stop near the top of the mountain but because of the forceful winds, he and Marsha found a neat, out-of-the wind turnoff that was perfect for our lunch break. After a fun, relaxing rest we moved on. At the top of the pass as we turned a sharp corner heading downhill the wind was so strong I thought my Jeep had a problem--the wind was almost pushing it backward.

All along the trails we enjoyed terrific views looking west and east. Everywhere we focused there seemed to be roads and mine diggings--what incredibly rugged country for those amazing early miners. There were still plenty of flowers for us to appreciate, in addition to many hillsides completely covered with prickly pear cactus, their yellow flowers lighting up the terrain--occasionally we would see brilliant displays of beaver tail cactus. All in all a gorgeous day and a terrific run with stops to check out abandoned mines and remains of demolished buildings. Thank you Bob, Marsha and K.

SECRET PASS

Trip leader Joan Beck--tail gunner Bob Smith

Photos Bob Seibert, Joan Beck

Thanks to all for the nice turnout. seven Jeeps and one guest in his Yahama Rhino. We had a great day as did the chicken. Two contributors, Bob Seibert and Steven Koester. The April/early May rains had taken away our fun challenges by adding a lot of sand to the base of the steeper ledges, pretty easy now. Still enough fun to keep us all happy. Thanks for tail-gunning Bob and Marsha. Mike, we enjoyed having you and Roxie as our guests. [Ed]

CERBAT MOUNTAIN-CHLORIDE

Trip leader Doug Ohm--tail gunner Bob Smith,

Photos Joan Beck

A very gorgeous cool day for the 12 vehicles, drivers and passengers that turned out to enjoy the scenic, challenging trail. After airing down our first visit was to the chloride Rock House, or, the House of Soiled Doves. Paula Ohm printed copies of Chloride's history for us with a brief history about the house. "We start with a dream that a naval officer had...he dream't of drowning...and this bothered him dearly...so...he left the Navy...only to come to Chloride AZ...he built a rock house here, down the road from the town...got interested in mining...We believe his shaft...is still there at the site...the rest of the story...he accidentally slipped, and lost his footing...while down in the shaft, and drowned, yes, drowned...so his property was up for taxes...and some one bought the estate...and...the buyer...to get his money back...opened up a house of soiled doves...and to this day the house still can be remembered as the house of ill-repute...but, not many people remember the true story of a man dreaming of drowning. The house is known here..As the Rock House...down on Silver Sage Road...and it is still vacant...minus a roof...I'm sure that you have been here, because I saw some of your collections...any way...enjoy our west, it will not last much longer...I love your ADAGE...Shoot nothing...but your camera...leave nothing...but your foot prints...Happy Trails to you...Doc. B."

Thank you Doug and Paula--a great run--and thanks to Yesterday's Restaurant for a super lunch. [Ed]