ATV 16

I have covered 3 of the 4 quadrants around Payson. I guess it’s just time to do that last area S-E of Payson. The best place to stage is out of the Shooting Club. Looking at the pictures you can see why I am a members, I hate crowds!

The main road heading east from the shooting club was well traveled and decayed from there. I tried a few of the side paths. One of the trails took me to the Royal (something) Mine. I have a hard time believing this is the main mine shaft. I’ll have to go back and look again. This ride is the 1st in this area so I am just doing a drive by for now.

(Left) As you can see some of the roads are not passable with a Jeep, only an ATV or MC. Many of the paths are steep but I had no problem with 2wd
(Above) The mine shaft looks like it may have been 6 to 8 foot around before it was blown in. It is not passable with a Jeep going to this area.

(Above Right) I keep finding these old corrals and loading ramps. I wonder how old they are? Who used them? What they loaded into?

This is my first ride with my new riding partner a BlackHawk in 357. As you can see I’m riding alone and my 22 just doesn’t cut it for real busyness needs. Several BIG CATS have been seen in this are. I could look like “take out” riding alone. Look at the bushes I have to ride by. I could get jumped by man or beast. A Western 6 Shooter makes you want some “GUN PLAY” !

I made it down into the valley by Gisela and to Tonto Creek. I guess it’s like a secret, the end of summer and still water flowing ! As we have said before, "nothing better than water crossings with an ATV" ! This looks like a good place to fish but maybe not?

Found another corral but this one is marked. Check out the old John Deere I found over by Gisela Farms. As it gets closer to winter the days sure get short on me. I was almost late again !

It was almost hot at this altitude. I’ll be back when it’s too cold to go North.

Yes in-deed this was unplanned. Several factors confused my normal planning before I went on this ATV trip. In this case I just ended up going North. I selected an area below Pivot Rock and south of the burn area.

This was a very nice place to ride, great trails and I didn’t see one other person all day. I did find another great canyon. I believe on the other side of this canyon is that illusive Fossil Springs. I’ll get to Fossil Springs eventually.

I don’t know why some of the trees look like fall and others are not affected. I see lot’s of leaves on the ground but can’t find the trees they fell off of ? It’s very quiet and very scenic with the changing of colors. The temperature is just about 52.

Bla Bla Bla ,,,,,, Once again I’m out too late almost. I have to remember at this time of the year the temperature drops when it gets dark (from cold to Really COLD!) it’s now 47 degrees.

Whatever, the issue or problem it was still better than sitting home watching TV !