Adventure in Hope, AZ

It's been several years since we've headed south into Hope, AZ for some great ATV riding with friends.  With new tires on the quads, adventure was calling our name.  One of our great friends, Dennis and his wife Sally now snowbird there after spending a week there with us about 4 years ago.  Charlie and Jeannie were the first reason we went, and Hope, AZ has never dissapointed since.  This year, Alan and Liz came with us for a 4 day adventure riding and exploring the hills and valleys around Ramblin' Roads RV Park. 

 

On our first day we ventured over to King Tut Mine...and you know I had to go in and check it out.  There is a small cemetary on the way there. 

Dennis has a new dog, her name is Lucy.  She LOVES to ride his quad and she lets everyone know it by barking and yipping like crazy.

Cassy also went out with us on Friday.  I thought she was a unique dog because she rode quads, but down there she is just another ordinary dog since almost all of them go riding.  As a proud parent, I'd like to report she road 48 miles through some rough spots and did an awesome job.  I gotta tell you though, she was whooped when we got back.  It's been a long time since she, and us as well, have been on our quads and put some decent miles on them. 

We headed up to a high point after lunch...and what a view!  Dennis figured we climbed about 1200 feet, and around here that's pretty dang high.

 

A person could see a hundred miles it seemed.  Which trail was next?

Saturday's ride took us out to petroglyph rock where we ran into a LARGE group of riders.  The Salome ATV club was hosting a group from Phoenix.  There had to be 45-50 ATVs and sidexsides with about 75 riders.  I climbed up on the rock and couldn't get all of them in the picture. 

From there we headed over to Jailhouse Rock.  Sadly, kids have been out there and have been marking it up with graffiti. We headed over and down Tank Pass (it's fun and full of large rocks to go over).  We stopped for lunch in a shady spot in the wash then headed to a 'river house'.  Miners from years ago carved out the bank added a wall with windows and a door.  I'm sure it was much cooler than most anyplace else around.  It was up and over Cottonwood Pass and back towards home base for another great dinner with friends. 

We really want to thank Dennis and Charlie for showing around their winter home again.  We had a blast and looking forward to going back already.  Timm really enjoys the time spent exploring with Dennis.  People don't come anybetter.  Thanks again.