Charley, Gordon and I took our first trip down to "the Butte" to reconnoiter what the BLM might be up to this year. Well… it was a singularly "unique experience" to say the least [For a free Google Earth file of this route see: Gold Butte Petroglyph Trail]
We really weren't planning on actually hunting down the glyphs, just to check the trail for future rides. The first thing we noticed (on the Thanksgiving weekend) was the increased number of riders (even for a Saturday). We had a chance to chat with a few of them and found that
Riders of the East Bunkerville Flats trails realize that there are several issues which must be taken into account. [For a free Google Earth file of this route see: North Valley-Cabin Canyon Trail]
One is that there is an "area of environmental concern" on the East side of the flats. Another is that there are many trails which have been "designated" and some which have been "un-designated" - some on the map and some not - and many times the only way to get there is to "go around."
We decided to explore some of the trails which we have ignored to date and at the same time go up to see how "our valley" is doing.
Every once in awhile I need to keep reminding everyone that this blog actually started out as a blog about snowbirding between Mesquite and Salt Lake City. This year, whether it's the economy or what, Mesquite has been a "colder" place than we've experienced before.
However Charley's wife told me that the prime-rib over at the Virgin River Casino was a real good deal and we had never tried it. "You're kidding," I said "That's really real?"
You see, for years we've all seen the huge billboards all the way
Finally, I've been able to put the finishing touches on this summers' "Update Arizona Trails Map" project. [For a free Google Earth file of this route see: Arizona Trails Map]
I was able to obtain the loan of the book: Arizona Trails South Region by Peter Massey and and his friends from Adler Publishing.
The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” Saint Augustine
All of the descriptions are complete now for thirty-three trails in the South Region which is along the Mexico border and around Tuscon. That makes over a hundred trails in Arizona all mapped out with downloadable tracks, and descriptions of directions to trailheads, mileage, map availability and major things to see on the ride.
For those interested in a "winter" ride - this could be the place. There are mines, mountains, lakes, trees and deserts. From short day trips to one long 2 day adventure.
Learn A Little More
The book Arizona Trails South Region is an excellent resource to plan an offroad trip in Arizona. Each route is accompanied by turn-by-turn navigational aids going in both directions and photos of sites along the way. If you are going to purchase it, please consider doing so using the links on this page. There will be no extra cost to you, but a portion will go to keeping this site going and the trails coming.
It's a whole new Snowbird season in more ways than one - a lot more! The 2009-20 rides begin with our annual "season opener" up Lime Kiln Canyon and into the Parashant Grand Canyon. [For a free Google Earth file of this route see: Ride 01 - Lime Kiln/Red Pockets]
Three years ago, when we began the tradition, nearly every time we went up the Canyon we had it pretty much to ourselves.
This should make Arizona readers happy! All the trails in the most populated area of the state have been newly updated with complete descriptions. [ For a free Google Earth file of this route see: Arizona Trails ]
I've had the tracks in the master Arizona map file complete for over a year and have been trying to get around to all the typing necessary to complete the descriptions with distances, times, things to see etc. etc. etc..
I wish I could say it was the time zones or "Daylight Savings" sleep shifting which was the cause of my lack of "Oomph" the past couple of weeks. I mean, what small amount of wind there ever was under my sails seems to have taken a sabbatical!
We already knew that there was really no comparison between the welcoming Snowbird experience in St. George and that of the "here comes fresh meat" one in Mesquite; but, where last year it was tolerable, this year it seems to have sucked the soul right out of me.
Our reasons for choosing Mesquite over the much more snowbird friendly St. George? Very close and unique offroad experiences and less traffic on the streets. Two reasons which hold less and less meaning for us each day.
One, calls where he currently pauses on his journey — "Home." Another, tries during his life to — "go Home." Discovering that the journey requires going offroad... gratifies the soul.
Charley, Gordon and I took our first trip down to "the Butte" to reconnoiter what the BLM might be up to this year. Well… it was a singularly "unique experience" to say the least [For a free Google Earth file of this route see: Gold Butte Petroglyph Trail]
by Peter Massey and and his friends from Adler Publishing.
