The Barry Goldwater Bombing Range
(formerly Luke Air Force Base)
is a huge 2 million acre military base ranging from Phoenix to Mexico.
Permits are required to enter and for only specific roads
(as this is an active military training base).
This area allows ATV's, 4 wheeling, and camping (for 14 days).
Lou used to play with these when he was a kid (and he called them Horny Toads)
One of them got lost in the back seat of the car and his dad couldn't figure out why the car smelled so bad.
The RV campground group explores the desert weekly.
We get to travel some pretty rough territory on the way to
the Fortuna Mine.
(even though it is very different from those at home)
The mine shaft was 800 feet deep and covered with a 50 ft structure
where men and equipment were lowered and raised in the mine shaft.
Fortuna Mine
Discovered accidentally -- 12/22/1984
Part time prospectors had made a stone circle in the campground fire to keep their coffee pot warm. The next morning one of the prospectors noticed that the fire had melted something that looked like gold, and that led to the discovery of one of Arizona’s most valuable gold mine.
The rich vein ended abruptly in 1904.
Movin on to find a lunch spot
The Ocotillo plants are beginning to bloom.
A nice day bouncing through the desert.
Naked Date Farm
Always a treat to enjoy some live music in the afternoon.
They have added "glamping" at the farm.
You can enjoy a unique stay at the Naked Dates for just $75.00
Tractor Rodeo
A new kind of rodeo for me!
Not sure what this sign meant--
People come from all over to display their treasures.
This engine has a unique water radiator.
These toys of working model engines were made in early 1900's
for kids about 4 years old.
Can you collect too many antique tractors?
He has 3 other trailers full of tractors at home in Wisconsin, but he travels around the country to the tractor shows and lives in the van.
Lou, Russ and Oscar enjoying the sights.
Look at the size of those tires!
It has been a pleasant visit to Wellton, and we will be in Desert Hot Springs soon.
