WEEK OF 18-22: TOOTLING

This past week we have just been tootling around Quartzsite and we even took a few ATV trails to see how far we could go in our car without putting it into 4-wheel drive.
We started on BLM road 419 and got between the two  mountains, then the dirt road split in so many directions and not knowing which direction to go, we decided it would be best to turn around.  We have been told that there was an old mining camp back there and that you could get to it by the way of 419.  We didn’t bring our trustee GPS system, so we didn’t want to get lost either.
On the way back we found this saying done in quartz stone:

while out tootling, we decided to check out the LTVA at Lapoosa North and decided that one was way too busy for us to ever consider staying.  Some areas even looked like they were almost on top of one another.
Then we checked out Scaddin Wash which is only a 14 day limit, although it was really spread out, and many areas to “hide”, you  can only stay the 14 days before they kick you out and according to BLM rules, you have to move at least 25 miles for 7 days before coming back and you cannot use their dump station or fill with water-not an option at this time for us. 
Anyways, getting back on track again, we are still on the hunt for that old mining camp.  And again we have not found it and taken the wrong road.  Brian was told that we could jump on the Interstate and take the next exit to get to it-the easy way.
We finally did and yes, we finally found the old mining camp.  However, for all those that seem to talk about it, it was disappointing to me.  Yes, it’s built mainly out of stone, but I never expected to find modern appliances.  Here are some pics of the mining camp:

well we finally had enough of tootling around and it was time to think about heading back home again.  Being this is our second year here at Quartzsite, AZ we always laughed at the watering tower in town where you can contact Quartzsite and pay for water, here are some pics:
notice that the “boy” has a longer “nose” than the “girl”?  Only time we ever saw anyone getting water from here was during the RV Show and then they would water down the grounds to help keep the dust down.
Also something new in Quartzsite this year was at every entrance to the town was new Quartzsite signs.  I guess all the money we winter visitors dish out here They finally put the money to some use.  Question is: Was it worth it or a big waste of money?  I guess that is why this town is in constant uproar over their own local government.  Here is a pic: 

Now that the car is all dirty and dusty, both inside and out, it’s time to stop tootling around and head back home.

HIDDEN GEM IN KANSAS!

Okay, we really didn’t find any hidden gems or jewels in Kansas, but if you are an avid hiker like Brian and I are, around here finding a beautiful hiking area in Kansas is almost like finding hidden Gems.

When we left Colorado and crossed over into Kansas all we saw was desolate grass land.  A tree or bush couldn’t be seen for miles and miles.  and once we did come across a bush or maybe a lone tree our little Min Pin; Leah thought it to be exciting and would start barking at it.
The closer we got to Coffeyville we then started to come across a few trees, some rolling hillside and many farms with cows and fields.

After getting settled in and starting to work at Amazon, we started to adventure out to see what there was for us to do.  Being in the middle of literally-nowhere, finding hiking trails was far and few between.  Asking some of the locals they too said there wasn’t many places to go wondering around.  Most folks spend their days off going to the cities-shopping; but that just isn’t for us.  We would prefer being out with nature.

Brian did some research and knew there were two Corps of Engineer parks not to far away from us.  One stated they had horse trail, well being in the middle of the week, we thought that it would be safe for us to walk on.  So last week we took a lunch picnic, Leah and went exploring to Big Hill Lake.



When we got on the trail, we noticed it really hadn’t been used much for the grass/weeks were tall.  We went as far as we could, apparently over a year ago they had a wind burst that came through knocking down many trees and the area that we came across showed apparent severe damage and clean-up hadn’t been completed as of yet.


After heading back we found a nice day-use area where we had our picnic lunch and then took the 1 mile trail along the lake.  It was peaceful and I think we were the only ones out there.  Not many boats were active on the lake as it was the middle of the week.

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This week we went to Elk City Lake where there were hiking trails as well.  We first took the interpreter trail and then joined on to the Over look trail that joined with the State Park.  Now that was a trail that we would never thought to be in Kansas!  It was awesome!  within the first 1/2 mile hike, we had to climb down into a crevice.  It was hard having our little dog with us.  But we manage to get down it.  Then we came across another area where the crevice was so small that if you were a large person-you would not get through!




With the leaves coming down and the terrain, Brian was having a little difficulty and with me having Leah, it was hard to really enjoy the hike to far, so when we found that it did join with the interpreter trail, we headed back towards the car.  But it’s a hike that we will adventure on again some time in the near future.

We had just one more stop to make and explore, Montgomery State Fish & Wildlife area.  Brian was told that there was a small lake there that we could take our canoe.  sure enough we found yet another what we call “Kansas Gem”!  There is free primitive camping.  Plenty to explore and yes, we can bring the canoe.  We had fun walking just on the gravel roadway, exploring and we found where there are several off road trails.  This one is must to return for a day of hiking, canoeing and who knows,if the weather cooperates; we will bring our tent as well.  If not, well we will just enjoy a day trip here.





So  you see, Kansas isn’t ALL flat and boring as one would possibly think-there are some Hidden Gems!