Wednesday, March 7, 2012 (Constellation Park, Wickenburg, AZ)

We woke to clear sky this morning but it was chilly out there...32F/0C.  But we were still going to take our ATVs out for a ride...there are miles and miles of riding area around here.  We were loading the quads getting ready when we noticed that our neighbours down the road looked like they too were getting ready for a ride.  So we decided to walk down and introduce ourselves...maybe we could tag along with them.  Jim and Lena immediately asked if we would like to join them...yes!  Their friends, Karen, Duff and Ted would also be on the ride.  Karen would be leading the ride in her Can-am side-by-side with Lena as a passenger.  It was 10:30 when we were on our way.

As usual, lots and lots of pictures were taken...here are some...

Our first stop was at the old Monte Cristo Mine...

The trail into another old minesite and graveyard...

Many graves...

Of course, the scenery was amazing...

We stopped at the old Gold Bar Mine and spoke to a couple of fellows there..."caretakers", I guess...it actually started snowing out while we were there!

This is the Assayer's office...

Outhouse over a dry creekbed...

A little further down the road we decided to stop for lunch...it's snowing but you can't see it in the picture.  This is Duffy, Karen, Jim and Lena...

There are lots of old mine sites spattered around the area...

Playing in the sand dune...

Entering the Hassayampa River area...

Exploring a box canyon...along with people from a couple of jeeps...

This is where the flood waters enter the canyon...

We rode up a long steep trail to the top of 'flat-top' mountain...

What a view!

And back down we go...

And time to head home...

 We got home at about 4:00 and after getting changed and cleaned up, walked down to see Earl and Allison who had arrived this afternoon.  We sat inside their trailer...it was just too cool to sit outside in the wind.  After a nice visit, we headed home.  We're looking forward to going quading with them and their friends, Bob and Sue.