While at our gathering in Wellton, AZ earlier this month (I'm really far behind in my blogging), Kurt took us on a jeep trip to Big Eye Mine. It's located in the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, north of Yuma. The scenery on the drive there was gorgeous.
We first made a stop at the Colorado mine. There is a tunnel there to go through that seems to have no purpose, as you can easily go around it. Perhaps they were just looking for gold veins and didn't find any.
There was more beautiful scenery here -
Along with a big hole in the ground. Don't get too close, guys!
There were also 3 old graves.
And lots of rusty stuff!
Big Eye Mine is located at the end of the road, from which there is a 15-minute uphill climb to the old cabin buildings.
Where there is more rusty stuff! (I'm in heaven here!)
A little further uphill is the old mine, which operated in the first half of the last century.
Because of the rain we had in early December, the ocotillo were bright green all over the desert.
On the way home, we passed under the "Eye in the Sky," a remote-controlled tethered balloon that soars up to 15,000 feet above the desert floor. It is the first of 11 Aerostat Radar Systems spaced evenly along the southern border all the way to Puerto Rico.
While at our gathering in Wellton, AZ earlier this month (I'm really far behind in my blogging), Kurt took us on a jeep trip to Big Eye Mine. It's located in the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, north of Yuma. The scenery on the drive there was gorgeous.
We first made a stop at the Colorado mine. There is a tunnel there to go through that seems to have no purpose, as you can easily go around it. Perhaps they were just looking for gold veins and didn't find any.
There was more beautiful scenery here -
Along with a big hole in the ground. Don't get too close, guys!
There were also 3 old graves.
And lots of rusty stuff!
Big Eye Mine is located at the end of the road, from which there is a 15-minute uphill climb to the old cabin buildings.
Where there is more rusty stuff! (I'm in heaven here!)
A little further uphill is the old mine, which operated in the first half of the last century.
Because of the rain we had in early December, the ocotillo were bright green all over the desert.
On the way home, we passed under the "Eye in the Sky," a remote-controlled tethered balloon that soars up to 15,000 feet above the desert floor. It is the first of 11 Aerostat Radar Systems spaced evenly along the southern border all the way to Puerto Rico.
I like that desert north of Yuma and the evidence of rough life.
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are great! I've never been to Arizona, but I want a plan a trip to the desert soon. If you're ever looking for campgrounds or travel destinations in the area you're in, check out www.RV123.com. They also list shows, rallies and even RVs for sale! Check it out, I think you'll like it.
ReplyDeleteI think we saw another "Eye in the Sky" as we drove between Las Cruces, NM, and Alpine, TX, in early January. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteYour photos of the desert are GREAT...it would be fun to go check out all the junk just to see what is there. Are the graves make believe? Very Cool HIKE!!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the blog post and the pictures.
ReplyDeleteDan
And I thought I was the only female who loved "rusty stuff." (smile)
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures as always. I wonder how old those graves were? Thanks so much for sharing as always take care :o)
ReplyDelete