North of Phoenix

Before heading north out of Tucson, we met up with Randy and Pam Warner a couple with similar backgrounds to ours. They started full timing about three years before us and own the same year and model coach as we do.  They nicknamed theirs the Roadrunner and write a blog that we have found helpful in our travels (http://warnerrvnews.blogspot.com).  Our paths have come close, but this is the first time we have all been able to meet.  I told Randy I felt like the Coyote chasing the Roadrunner at times. 

Finally Caught the Roadrunner!

 We made reservations at a municipal park on Lake Pleasant north of Phoenix.  This turned out to be one of locations that we like so much we extended our stay.  We were able to explore the area in the Jeep as well as hiking. 

Lake Pleasant

Searching for nearby trails, I found a good description of a Jeep trail called “The Back Way in to Crown King.”  It promised moderate difficulty, various eco systems, several old mining sites, and beverages for those who make it all the way to Crown King, AZ.  We loaded up some food, beverages, and gear in our 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland and headed out.  We wound our way down 20 miles of dirt road and found the trailhead rock with “CK” painted on it.  We headed north along the trail and put the Jeep in low range four wheel drive to better control our descents and assents.  Most of the trail could be done in two-wheel drive, but a few places will require four-wheel drive, ground clearance, and driving skill.  After a couple hours, we came across a Jeep and Bronco with some folks our age out enjoying the same trail.  We joined them and continued up the trail.  I raised the Grand Cherokee to its highest suspension setting in a couple places that required maximum ground clearance.  At one point even this was not enough and the driver’s side rocker guard came down hard on a boulder.  The traction control systems drug the Grand Cherokee over the obstacle and we continued on thankful we had install steel rocker guards.  On a steep grade about an hour from Crown King, the Bronco decided to die.  The older carbureted system could not deal with the altitude, incline, and fuel level in the tank.  I hooked a strap to it and towed it the last hour up the mountain.  Once in Crown King, the Bronco owner refilled the tank and got it to fire up.  We shared a cold beverage at the saloon and toasted our adventure for the day.

Back Trail to Crown King, AZ

Stubborn Bronco

Jeep to Rescue

Happy Survivors!

A Welcome Sight

Battle Scar!

On another day, we hiked the trails around the Lake Pleasant Park.  They have a well-marked trail system suitable for hiking and mountain biking.  There are signs indicating wild burros are present and markers explaining that the burros are descendants of the original miner’s burros.  Pattie said she saw some, but I didn’t see any and questioned her eyesight.  After hiking for hours and driving around, we finally saw some.  Never doubted her!

Wild Burros

A fellow Air Force warrior and good friend lives just north of Phoenix.  He and his wife invited us over for dinner one night.  We had a great evening telling stories and enjoying a perfectly cooked steak at their beautiful home.

Fellow Warrior and Friend

In the next addition, we will head further north to Prescott Valley and Sedona, AZ.

Thanks for keepingupwiththejonesrv!