Here are a couple of vintage pictures of the resort. Some of the richest and most powerful families in the country spent time here back in the day.
The desert had fog and was more green than I'd ever seen it.
Ireland with Saguaros!
Much of this trail is in a wash. Be careful, especially on a day like this. It makes me wonder how tough the journey would have been in the thirties.
There are a few old properties along the road. I personally, would love to live here.
Eventually, you start to get a glimpse of Castle Hot Springs.
We were passed by one of the caretakers as we drove along. I would love to get a chance to hang out and stroll around the grounds.
The main house.
The stables.
Down the road a little we came along another old barn.
We met Bob the cow. He was cool.
These are Bob's cousin's. He doesn't really like them. Something about politics.
As we drove along the road turned into more of a river.
It looks like the upper Bradshaws had plenty of snow. Crown King is cold today!
After exploring we decided to drop into Wickenburg. I really love this town. It's not some amazing place like Ouray or even a great place like Prescott, but there is something about it. You feel like you're 400 miles away from Phoenix and it's only an hour away from downtown.
We walked into the local diner and there were no tables open. After standing there for less than 30 seconds a couple of folks invited us to their table.
It turns out that everyone at the table were strangers! Not for long. The couple from Canada were a bit leery of the overly friendly Americans from Wickenburg. On the other hand we loved meeting the nice old retired couple. It was a great experience to be thrown together with some strangers and start talking to try and find things in common.
We checked out the old steam engine on display before we left.
After leaving Wickenburg I got the itch... The "itch" is what I call it when I feel ancy for being on a paved road. When the itch hits I must find a more adventurous way to wherever I'm going. We decided to head directly south from Wickenburg instead of south-east along the 60. We were headed toward the Toyota Proving Grounds. We didn't take too many pictures during this tired part of the day. After all a greasy spoon lunch sure makes you tired!!!
We drove through tons of mud!
D is my official gate opener! I'm a lucky guy.
At the end of the day I drove by Blockbuster and shut the truck off. We walked out to the 4runner and it wouldn't start. I'm sure glad I didn't shut the truck off while we wheeled along going across many stream crossings.
Be careful out there folks. Do as I say, not as I do and all that.
T and D.
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6 comments:
Nice pictures, that is a fun area. I remember back in 2005 or 06 Castle Hot Springs, the resort, was for sale. 10 million was a little out of my reach back then so I passed : )
Bob is mad you called him a cow, he is very proud of his big "BULL" balls....
The barn up the road from Castle Hot Springs is on the JL Bar ranch. My parents bought it in 65, and still own it. The houses were torn down to keep the vandals away. Castle Hot Springs may be sold on the steps of the courthouse in the near future. Save your money
Very cool area to own some land Steve.
Lots of old trails to explore.
JP said Steve WHAT IS your contact info, would like ask you more about Castle Hot Springs
I noticed too that Bob is not a cow. Hopefully Bob is still a bull though, and not a burger.
:-( I loved the pics and great captions. thanks for sharing them and your humor.
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