Monday, March 05, 2012

HARQUAHALA PEAK…AN OLD SMITHSONIAN OBSERVATORY & OUR TOUGHEST JEEP CHALLENGE YET…..

DSC_0041

OUR RIG & MOTORMOUSE ARE OUT THERE SOMEWHERE

DSC_0042 DSC_0040

ATOP HARQUAHALA PEAK

Had us a high thin cloud cover today which meant slightly cooler temps this morning & kept us under the 80F mark for the day.  I was happy about that because for me 80 is too hot & uncomfortable.

DSC_0109

We loaded up the Pheebs & were on the road before 9 a.m. heading for the highest mountain range in southwestern Arizona.  Harquahala Peak sits atop the HARQUAHALA MOUNTAINS just southwest of a small Arizona town called Aguila.  Atop that peak sits the remains of the Smithsonian’s solar HARQUAHALA OBSERVATORY dating back to the years from 1920 to 1925.

DSC_6258

DSC_6255 DSC_6260

SPOTTED THIS RED TAILED HAWK ON THE WAY UP THE MOUNTAIN

We used this LINK as our basic instructions to find the trail head to Harquahala Peak although we left from Congress & not Wickenburg.  Keep in mind this article was written in 2000 & when the writer talks about driving up to the peak in an ordinary car….that no longer applies!!  Maybe in 2000 it was somehow possible but it is definitely a 4 wheel drive high clearance road now.

DSC_0090

HARQUAHALA PEAK SITS ATOP THAT MOUNTAIN IN BACKGROUND

DSC_0088 DSC_0087

DSC_0086

This 10.5 mile rugged drive to the top is not for the faint of heart.  If you have a fear of heights, hairpin curves, steep drop offs & a lot of rocky jouncing & jostling which will bounce you around like a ping pong ball, you had better stroke this destination off your list.

DSC_0006

COMING FROM THE DISTANT ROAD ON THE LEFT WE ARE HEADED UPWARDS ON THE SAME ROAD TOP RIGHT

DSC_0005 DSC_0007

HAIR PIN TURNS, SWITCHBACKS, SHEER DROP OFFS, STEEP GRADES & PLUNGING DROPS, THIS NARROW ROCKY ROAD HAD THEM ALL

The first third of the climb is reasonably good.  The second third is where things begin to get a little scary & the last third to the top will have you questioning what & why are you doing this.  We had a couple brief little ‘discussions’ about turning back. (as if there was anywhere to turn around)  The pressure was on but I decided to push for the top anyway.  We were down into first gear for much of the climb & it eventually took us over an hour & a half to finally reach the summit.  Couple scenic stops along the way with a couple water breaks for Pheebs.  By the way, this road is single lane only & meeting another vehicle would truly put both drivers ‘between a rock & hard place’!!

DSC_0018

DSC_0015 DSC_0017 

WATER BREAK FOR MOUNTAINEER PHEEBS

My biggest worry was tires.  Having had two flats in two years I am always aware of the tires on these rough rock infested back roads.  We climbed up & over rocks today that were pointed and jagged.  The Jeep itself performed flawlessly, never hesitating for a second to haul us over any of the many rocks, whether imbedded in the road or lying loosely scattered about on the steep grades or deep gulley's.

DSC_0021

AT JUST ABOUT THE ROUGHEST POINT IN THE CLIMB THE PHONE RINGS & WE STOP AS KELLY HANDLES A DEER PARK LODGE CALL

DSC_0020 DSC_0022

We were so surprised to find a short stretch of concrete road right near the summit.  Must have been a section where water frequently washed the road out years ago.  With all the switchbacks it was hard to tell how close to the top we were but how great to finally see a man made structure ahead & then there was the large communications towers.  Seconds later we saw the old tin clad Smithsonian Observatory itself standing tall against the cloudy sky.

DSC_0029

WE FINALLY SPOT THE OBSERVATORY AHEAD & THE MICRO WAVE TOWERS TOP RIGHT

DSC_0025 DSC_0027

KELLY TAKES A COUPLE SHOTS OUT THE WINDOW BEHIND US

We passed a parking area & parked right up top alongside a large bank of solar panels.  What a relief it was to finally shut the Jeep down & step out onto solid stable ground.  The jouncing & bouncing was over for awhile….at least until we had to begin our steep journey back down the mountain.

DSC_0030

DSC_0034 DSC_0031

WHAT A RELIEF IT WAS TO FINALLY REACH THE TOP AFTER OVER AN HOUR & A HALF OF STEADY CLIMBING WITH THE JEEP

It is said on a clear day from this point the views are spectacular.  {Quote} This mountain rises about 3,360 feet from the desert floor. Since this peak sits between Phoenix and LA, smog can often fill the valleys obstructing good views. Although, on a good day the views can be extraordinary. One could see the Four Peaks east of Phoenix, Hualapai Peak just south of Kingman, Signal Peak and all the way down to Yuma, the Colorado river basin and clear into California. The views can be about 1/3rd of the state of Arizona. {Unquote}

DSC_0033

DSC_0036 DSC_0032

Well, unfortunately we didn’t pick the clearest day & yes, there was some smog in the valleys.  The 360 degree views are still spectacular & we could see for miles & miles.  We could also see large tracts of green farmland far below on the valley floor to the northwest.

DSC_0039

DSC_0056 DSC_0037 

THE CURVY MOUNTAIN ROAD IS CLEARLY VISIBLE

Lots of room for Pheebs to run around & explore everything as we walked around the summit looking at a large newer building at the base of the huge microwave tower near the bank of solar panels.  The building is enclosed by a high wire fence but I noticed a picnic table in the enclosure as well as a stone made BBQ.  Couple large propane tanks as well.  Can’t imagine how hair raising it must be for a propane truck driver having to navigate the steep narrow cliff hanging road to the top & refill those tanks.  Now, that is scary!!

DSC_0055

DSC_0054 DSC_0045

One of two buildings remain at the Smithsonian Observatory site & it is fenced off to prevent vandalism.  It’s a tall rectangular building clad in tin with no windows & only one door.  Can’t imagine how the people worked in there for months at a time in the long hot summers.  Back in those days there was no road up to the summit & everything came up along a trail on burrows & mules.  Just another one of those things from yesteryear that just seem so incomprehensible to me.  Just can’t imagine how people did the things they did back in those days.

DSC_0044

DSC_0057 DSC_0052

LAST REMAINING BUILDING OF THE OLD SMITHSONIAN SOLAR OBSERVATORY FROM THE EARLY 1920’S.

While standing atop a rock outcropping I heard the distant strain of an ATV below making it’s way along the winding road up the mountain. 

DSC_0038

IN THE CENTER OF THE PHOTO  YOU CAN SEE A DOT ON THE ROAD & THAT IS THE ATV MAKING IT’S WAY TO THE TOP

About 10 minutes later an older couple rolled in & pulled into the parking lot.  This was their 3rd trip up & were here today to replace a Geocache they had left here a few years ago.  The folks live in Bouse.  We never thought to get their names but we did have ourselves a pleasant chat for nearly half an hour before it was time for us to depart.  Gave them a ‘Bayfield Bunch’ card & snapped a last picture at the summit of them eating lunch by their ATV.

DSC_0050

AN ATV COUPLE ARRIVE AT THE PEAK

DSC_0062 DSC_0058 DSC_0065

THE NICE BOUSE FOLKS WE MET AT THE PEAK TODAY

The drive down the mountain was a bit harrowing & we hardly got out of first gear until at least half way down.  Gears & brakes, brakes & gears.  Again, the Jeep remained as sure footed as a mountain Goat despite the loose gravel & sideways tipping motion along some stretches.  Kelly didn’t say much most of the way & hung tightly to a handle on the dash.  I was able to eat half a peanut butter sandwich along the way & like I have said before, these situations are always far more stressful for the passenger than it is for the driver.  At least the driver is in control & has his attention focused on the driving part.  A passenger has nothing to do but contemplate their possible very short future while helplessly staring out at the 1,000 foot drop off just a few feet from their door.

DSC_0081

DSC_0072 DSC_0070

We finally got ourselves down to a level where the roads smoothed themselves out a bit & we were soon back to the trailhead.  Time to get down off the mountain…1 hour.

How nice it felt to get the Jeeps tires back onto smoooooooth pavement as we turned north out of the desert onto Eagle Eye Road & put the hammer down for home.  Couldn’t believe how tired we both felt.  More of a mental tired from the mountain drive than a physical tired.

DSC_0083

DSC_0082 DSC_0084

As soon as we pulled up to the rig I knew something was amiss.  One of our outside chairs was upside down, my tripod was on the ground, another chair moved & Kelly’s little ‘keep the desert clean’ sign was knocked down & strewn about.  It was obvious we had some destructive Visitor’s while away.  Our detective like minds immediately went to work searching for clues.  And, clues were soon forthcoming.  Several curious round wet spots on the ground was a good indication of our intruders.  And then, there it was.  The prime clue that instantly solved the mystery.  A big huge cow plop!!  And then another & another.  Pheebs friendly Cow Pals had paid us a visit while away, probably looking for the Pheebs to come out to play.  Luckily no damage done & I wasn’t long in removing the plops before the Motormouse came out & ate up all the evidence……………10-4:))

DSC_6275 TONIGHT’S MOON >>>               

GROANER’S CORNER:))

Q.what’s the best time to go to the dentist?

A.tooth-hurty

Q.What do a tree and a dog have in common?

A.Bark!…

- I’m sorry, I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed person.

Q. What time is it when ten elephants are chasing you?
A. Ten after one!…
-“The difficult thing with quotes on the internet is verifying them”– Abraham Lincoln
- A retired husband is often a wife’s full-time job.
- Always remember you’re unique, just like everyone else
- I get enough exercise just pushing my luck
- Every time I find the meaning of life, they change it.

- I don’t suffer from insanity. I enjoy every minute of it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Tourists see the world, travelers experience it.
- Home is where your pet is:))
- The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of
right now...AL.
stargeezerguy@gmail.com

22 comments:

  1. sounds like a good jeeping day if you were the driver but not so good for the passenger..hanging on to the 'chicken bar' is not much fun!!..there was some nice views though so I am sure that made it all worthwhile!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Could it be that the Motormouse barked a few warnings, making the cows knock things about in their haste to get away?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Al, just wondering why the Motor doesn't get to go. Does she get carsick when you're winding your way up steep roads? Or is she the one who draws the short stick (cause she's so short) and has to stay and guard the RV?

    Been on some of those kinds of roads and I'm always happy to come back down. Sounds like quite an adventure.

    You need a cattle guard while you're gone - LOL - or don't you call them Texas gates up there in Canada? I saw one in Banff called that.

    Chinle

    ReplyDelete
  4. Forgot to add, beautiful redtail photos, and good to see the Pheebs.

    Chinle

    ReplyDelete
  5. What an exhilarating ride. I'd rather go up, but then have to come down. And most certainly behind the wheel. Nice views even with some limited distance. Maybe next time Kelly should drive.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love high views! Makes you think like a bird. Wish I could fly.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm with Kelly, the passenger seems to get bounced around more maybe cause they aren't holding on to a steering wheel??

    ReplyDelete
  8. I saw Kelly's post on facebook during your excursion yesterday. I told her to just "close her eyes"!!! LOL

    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
    Karen and Steve
    (Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
    http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  9. There's your picture, Al (the very first picture in this post, the larger one.) It's the one to go on the wall with that dark sundown silhouette picture of Kelly you posted a while back. I wonder what you were thinking while you were standing there gazing over the landscape. I was blessed to get to do that so many times when I was able to travel the southwest, before responsibilities kept me at home. The winds, the smells and the quiet. I wish I could have been up there with the two of you, just standing there looking. Thank you for giving me the chance to do it again, even though it's only by reading your blog.
    ~Pam in Louisiana~

    ReplyDelete
  10. Looks like you had yourself some kind of a neat trip. Glad you didn't break down up there, a tow truck might have had a hard time reaching you.....
    I still think you should try "Round Mountain" right in your back yard.....Great view up there, although not as good as this one...

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Al...Especially enjoyed today's blog post. I love to "armchair explore" with you! Just curious, do you and Kelly do any geocaching? Never remember you mentioning it before and strikes me as something you might enjoy. I haven't done it for awhile but as full-timers a few years ago, it led us to places we might not have otherwise discovered.

    ReplyDelete
  12. You are the man. Great bird photo and ID. It was a short time ago you took a pic of the same tail number plane I drove in my younger years. Now you drive up to a M/W repeater site like I maintained and lived in for a week at a time. I retired from that in Nov 2011. I still carry a phone and answer tech assist calls from younger guys on the hill tops. Are you going to show me every place I worked in my silly life?
    I enjoyed my 8 days in Tucson, but never saw you. I did enjoy drives to Bisbee, Efrida and the Strong Hold, fantastic views and lots of old neat machinery to look at.
    Thanks for the travel tips, star watching tips, jokes and job reminders.
    Back in Key West now and there are too many people, AZ does that to me also.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great post. What wonderful views up there on the highest peak in SW AZ.

    Virginia

    ReplyDelete
  14. That would have been a great trip for us, back in the day. Our car would not make it now, even though it is 4WD. Another advantage the driver has is hanging on to the steering wheel to gain some stability. That's why Suzy is the motorhome driver, not the passenger. But that will have to change soon if we are going to take any weekend off. Great pics of the hawk. Wish I'd taken them.

    ReplyDelete
  15. So, where did you remove the cow plops to? :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. I think an ATV is the way to climb that road. We once did the back road to Cripple Creek, Co in a 1969 Olds Cutlass..Coming down we bounce around we rubbed a hole in the tranny cooling line...Our son, now 41, was 9 months old...Old gas station at the bottom fixed us up for $10..Nope..the GMC wouldn't be my choice for that rock climb. But what a view!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for the tour up the mountain, it was scary enough for me just reading, no way would take a drive like that.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Al,
    It looked like a great drive with great pictures. I knew the jeep would have no problem. I can't wait until we get to do this. Thanks for sharing this neat adventure.
    Christopher

    ReplyDelete
  19. Cudos to Kelly, I am not the worlds greatest passenger when it comes to this type of motoring, probably would have had a divorce before it was over. Glad there are people like you that can show me wonderful sights like this and still keep my stomach where it belongs.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I think feet are the way to climb that road. Dont know how far tho. But, I am an avid hiker. Love the photos !!! Especially the Hawk !! and the Moon !!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love the redtail hawk photos! Wonderful images throughout the blog....as usual! I would have to take a handful of my "passenger pills" before attempting that ride!!! Wither that or Chuck would have to wear earplugs to buffer the sounds of me screaming! Good for you Kelley for being such a brave soul!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Love the hawk pictures.

    What a spectacular view from way up there. Sometimes I'm glad I don't have a Jeep - good excuse not to try that!! But I'm always glad you have a camera...

    ReplyDelete