Wordless Wednesday: Wheeler's Pass

Connected

And I'm not talking about WiFi. This weekend, we unplugged and went off the grid (well, except the few with Verizon - they truly have the best coverage) at Hualapai Mountain Park. Frank and I have been a few times before, but this time we had a large crew to join us. Our group of 22 was spread out in four cabins and two RVs. With only a few of us having been before, everyone had fun exploring, enjoyed the crisp air and wildlife. Nights were spent under the stars around the campfire, and the day was filled with RZR rides, riding bikes, hikes and a visit to the park.

There were six RZRs among us. The first ride was to the Gold King Mansion, Frank was the trail leader. Having been a couple times, I stayed back at the cabin and gave up my seat to Nick. Meanwhile, I prepped crockpot chili for lunch, fixings for dinner, and kept busy with girls, Amy and Jeff. When they went down for a nap, I read a book under the shady tree. It was delightful. The gang returned for lunch, but two RZRs were down for the count. Both suffered A-Arm damage. The group for the afternoon run shrunk. Four RZRs headed out for the Boriana Mine. I tagged along for this one. The trail used to be quite smooth, with the exception of a few rock gardens where the trail had washed out. Now, it's deeply rutted in several areas and more loose rock and boulders to dodge. The heavy rains have bolstered the desert flora. Bright wildflower blooms were such a treat and it was so lush, well, as much as the desert can be. Unfortunately, only half of us made it to the mine. The other two RZRs turned back when the A-Arm bushings were toast on one.



While at the mine, we stopped to feed the goldfish. It always surprises me how they survive year after year. After a full day of riding three rigs were worse for wear and three were unharmed, but most importantly everyone returned safe and sound.

When we rolled up to camp, I had to giggle at the teenager I spotted with cell in hand by the ranger station struggling to connect to WiFi at the Ranger's station. I was so relieved that all the kiddos in our group survived without electronics and the internet. They played. Just as kids should. It was wonderful. I printed off a scavenger hunt I found online, they formed teams and ventured off.



Hilarity ensued when a cactus was brought in as something smooth. Sure, it smooth, if you don't count the two to three inch needles protruding from it. It was all good fun. Even the littlest ones got a kick out of collecting rocks and pine cones.



I cannot believe we've been coming to Hualapai Mountain Park for nearly five years now. We've tent camped and stayed in the cabins. Camping is fine, but I do love the luxury of running water. If given the choice, I'd chose a cabin every time. This time, our group booked cabins 15, 12, 11 and 2. #2 is set back aways, it's all stone and quite nice. I especially like that it lacks the bunk beds that most offer.



This trip I decided I'm too old for that top bunk. The first night, we had the heat blazing and I woke completely soaked from sweat. It was slightly terrifying to see wood inches from face. Too claustrophobic and too close to a casket for comfort. Hobbling down the ladder, with a full bladder was not fun either. Next time? A cabin with no bunk, Please... or I'll bring an air mattress. All said, it was a great getaway with family and friends.

Back at it!

After a two year hiatus, we finally got back out on the trails. It was LONG overdue. It was sad that the only dirt the RZR was seeing was the dust that collected on it while it sat in the garage. Injuries kept me away from it. As I recovered, we still weren't able to ride because we had no way to tow it. Last year, Frank traded in the truck for a new Camaro. It's not that he didn't love that car, he definitely did. It just wasn't the most practical. So, he had fun for a year. He and Victoria had a good run, but now I'm the only woman in his life. Besides, we needed a truck, Ikea just opened. How else will I get my goodies home?!

I had a rare Monday off - thanks, to the Memorial Day holiday. So, Frank and I went out to play in the desert. We thought we'd do a light run to get us back in the swing of things. I was curious how I'd tolerate the ride with my neck and ankle. We planned to ride out to Goodsprings, beginning near Las Vegas Blvd just south of Sloan. We headed north, and found ourselves on half-a-dozen trails to nowhere. We finally crossed the train tracks at Sloan and soon found ourselves on a familiar trail. Years ago, we rode Tie Rod Canyon in the Jimmy. It's more rock crawling than trail riding. That stretch was rough, but we held our own. I was relieved when we came to the Rainbow Powerline Trails, because those are smooth sailing. We went WAY out of our way, but we eventually connected with the trails that leads to Goodsprings.

We had plans to check out the Pioneer Saloon since I've never been. By the time we arrived, we were parched and hungry. Stella hit the spot! Frank had the hangover burger and I opted for the BLT. Much to my surprise it was served on a hamburger bun. It was better than I expected - the bacon was really good. After the stop at the saloon we made our way back to the truck. We got a good look at the new art installation and snapped a photo of the last spike on the railroad track which happened to be nearby. It was where crews from Salt Lake City and Los Angeles met in 1905. Now, if we could only get a high speed train between Vegas and LA. Wouldn't that be nice? Honestly, I'd be happy if they widened I-15 to allow for extra traffic lanes. Wishful thinking... In any case, we had a great time. It was nice to enjoy serenity of the desert. I definitely missed it.

RZR Riding: Hualapai Mountain Park

We've been dying to get out on the RZR for a while now. We were anxious to get back up to Hualapai Mountain Park before the heat comes. We really enjoy the park, it is close to home just outside of Kingman, AZ. It sits at about 6,100 ft and elevation at the peak is 8,417 ft. The pine forests are home to wildlife such as elk and mountain lions. We've stayed before in the cabins, but it was too warm (and dry) for fires, and dry camped once too. This time it was nice and cool, a little too cool on Sunday and WINDY! It made me question the safety of the campfire a few times, thankfully nothing caught fire. My mom and brother shared a cabin with us and a co-worker and his family also joined us, it was a first visit for all of them. They all seemed to really enjoy it too. It's nice to unwind and unplug for a weekend. The air is fresh and crisp and it is peaceful. It's a great escape even without offroad toys, though, they do make it more fun.





















Rolling Rocks

Shooting, Riding, and Baseball - It Must Be Spring!

Last weekend, we went to Phoenix for our annual Spring Training trip. The weather was beautiful, we shot guns, and rode to Crown King, AZ. If only the White Sox won it would've been the perfect weekend. Even so, it was a great time!