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| Chasing the Rain Clouds, AZ | |
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| | Chasing the Rain Clouds, AZ | | | |
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Chasing the Rain Clouds, AZ
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| Hiking | 2.00 Miles |
100 AEG |
| | Hiking | 2.00 Miles | 1 Hour | | 2.00 mph |
| 100 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Chasing Rain Clouds along Apache Trail
The dark overcast yesterday was almost threatening rain somewhere in the Superstition Wilderness in the direction of Canyon Lake, Tortilla Flats or Four Peaks, so I decided to head out to see what I might run into. I headed out on the Apache Trail and before long I was at mile 208 where the side of the road drops sharply into the scenic First Water Creek Canyon, and the final resting place of several unfortunate cars and pickup trucks lying amid the boulders far below.
The dark clouds had gathered along the mountains on the far side of the canyon and although it was trying to rain, the virga effect was prohibiting the rain from reaching the ground and occasionally I could hear a distant clap of thunder as it rumbled through the mountains. The scene was almost surreal with the sun momentarily breaking through the dark clouds, painting light patterns along the sides of the distant canyon. Several other motorists had paused to break out their i-phones and shoot the scene too.
I turned around here and as I was rounding the first bend, I noticed some large concrete formations back in a canyon on the West side of the road so I pulled in to investigate a bit more. There was apparently a crushing mill here many years ago and today all that remains are the concrete mounts for, perhaps a large steam driven motor and the foundation of a small shack alongside. Rusted threaded rod still extends upward from the mounting pads and steel cables litter the surrounding area.
A road continues uphill past the mill site entering a quarry area where they must have blasted the rocks from the hillside to feed the milling operation below. I wandered around the severely littered area stumbling over shotgun shells and lots of aluminum cans that were most likely used only for target practice since they were completely blown open from the bullet's impact. Such a beautiful area this once was, with Willow Creek visible at the bottom of the canyon.
The distant rains weren't so distant now as I felt the occasional drop fall on my exposed arms and the air was becoming fresher with a hint of moisture blowing in on the breeze. Another clap of thunder  and I figured it best to head back to the dry security of my truck back by the road. As I walked back, I glanced around again and, Yeah, I'm going to come back and check out this area more thoroughly in the not too distant future  |
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| On every trip into the Superstitions, I find another Gold Mine. Today the mine was filled with Memories. I can not wait for the next trip. |
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Route Editor
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