MESA 4 WHEELERS HORN NEWSLETTER

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Secretary Hazel Hart 480-994-1260 Membership Lori Moore 602-647-1685 Editor Mike Drawsky 480-502-9507 Remembrance Gert Leible 623-869-8434 Trophies Clete Hruska 602-568-1140 Safety Chairman John Hart

Bass Pro 1133 North Dobson, Mesa, AZ 85201 (602) 606-5600 PRESIDENT'S CORNER My Saturday meetings are over and I can now make the Saturday Club Runs again.

1 MESA 4 WHEELERS HORN NEWSLETTER July 2017 Mesa 4 Wheelers, PO Box 107, Mesa AZ MESA 4 WHEELERS STAFF President Kurt Loga Vice President Dave Brown Secretary Pat Jenkins Treasurer Ray Jenkins Corres. Secretary Hazel Hart Membership Lori Moore Editor Mike Drawsky Remembrance Gert Leible Trophies Clete Hruska Safety Chairman John Hart Publicity OPEN Next Meeting July 21, 2017 Third Friday of every month, 7:00 PM. Bass Pro 1133 North Dobson, Mesa, AZ (602) PRESIDENT'S CORNER My Saturday meetings are over and I can now make the Saturday Club Runs again. Kathleen and I went on the 4- Peaks Run this last Saturday in her Jeep TJ. I want to thank Mike for volunteering to lead this run. Everything went great till we got poured on by rain and 3 of the 9 vehicles on the Run were open Jeeps with one of them being Mike. I attended the Off-Highway Vehicle Information Seminar at the BLM Hassayampa Field Office on Tuesday, 11 July 2017, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Becky Antle from the Arizona State Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs gave a presentation showing the various Government Agencies she is working with and she explained the AZ State Grants that are available. There were over 20 people there from various 4-Wheel Drive Clubs and 2 representing the equestrian (horses). We also had people there from Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service and State Parks. Becky also spelled out all the acronyms that the Government Agencies use. In summary we all need to work together to keep our trails open. I asked Becky if she can give this same presentation to the Mesa 4 Wheelers in October or November when all the Club Members are back from their summer adventures and she said yes. REMEMBER WHEN? 30 years ago? Mesa 4 Wheelers 30 Years Ago July, 1987 Steak Fry at Mt. Ord We all met at the meeting place between 5:00 and 5:15 PM. Some of us got to watch the Mihailov s drive right by the turn off. After we got them turned around, using the CB radio, and Country Girl got out of the Jeep, we all found out why Bill wasn t paying attention to the road. Once we all got started, we followed a decent dirt road through cattle country until the turn off for the trail. There we made a quick stop to lock in our hubs and then headed on from there. In the pines, it was nice and cool. About half way up we acquired a new a new trip leader, a family of three operating in four hoof drive. They must have been in low-low cause boy, were they slow! Once we got past them we went on and got in the sun and it got hot again. We reached our destination at about the same time as the clouds did and it cooled off again. Just as we were about to start dinner, the clouds opened up. Greg and the guys ran to get a tarp. We had dinner in close comfort under the tarp. Mike Dreckman led the group out for us as the Mihailov s, Pidanick s, Dr. Staff and I camped overnight. We found the rain will stop once you get inside the dry tents, but the wind shook us all night long. In the morning, we got up early, had some of Short Stuff s *^#@ & trail coffee and headed out. The Mihailov s headed home as Dr. Staff, the Pidanick s and I went to run out next month s trip. (Dr. Staff s Steak Fry) Thanks to all who could make it. A good turn out for a very hot, humid day. Written by Jim Gleason (Popeye) Edited by Ray Jenkins Kurt Loga

CLUB TRIP REPORTS Minnehaha & Crown King Pre-Run Trip Leader: Mike Drawsky Date: June 17 Member in attendance: Glenn Luce Guest in attendance: Dave Rupel In preparation for leading Mike s Minnehaha &

It was back in 2008 since Mike last lead the club to the Button Mine, in Minnehaha, along the Wagoneer Road, southeast of Crown King.

The sight was right along the side of the Wagoneer Road, so Mike was surprised they missed it?

2 CLUB TRIP REPORTS Minnehaha & Crown King Pre-Run Trip Leader: Mike Drawsky Date: June 17 Member in attendance: Glenn Luce Guest in attendance: Dave Rupel In preparation for leading Mike s Minnehaha & Crown King run, scheduled for the following Saturday, he sent out an invitation to members and guests to join him in a pre-run. It was back in 2008 since Mike last lead the club to the Button Mine, in Minnehaha, along the Wagoneer Road, southeast of Crown King. Friends of Mike s had recently driven the Wagoneer Road so he asked if they had stopped off at the Button Mine processing facility. Neither had noticed any signs of a mining operation? The sight was right along the side of the Wagoneer Road, so Mike was surprised they missed it? To drive through Minnehaha, adds an additional hour and half to the days run, so Mike decided he best check to see if there was anything left worth looking at. A bit of History: Arizona s first resort, it s natural hot springs produce a daily flow of 200,000 gallons between 118 and 120 degrees. Until White settlers moved into the area in the late 1800s, Native Americans were regular visitors; they believed the hot, clear water that pours from a crack in the rock wall had healing powers. A sanitarium operated here in the 1880s, and the resort opened in Despite the isolated location, it attracted America s wealthiest and most prominent families, including Rockefellers, Carnegies, Wrigleys and Cabots. Several U.S. presidents including Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Herbert Hoover stayed there. Guests traveled on private Burlington Northern Santa Fe train cars, hopping off at the Morristown station and climbing onto stagecoaches that transported them to the resort. In its heyday, Castle Hot Springs guests enjoyed accommodations that included swimming, golf, hiking, horseback-riding and tennis and, naturally, Arizona s beautiful weather. During World War II, the resort was converted into a military hospital. John F. Kennedy, then a young naval officer, spent three months there, recovering from wounds. The resort operated until 1976, when a fire destroyed some of the main buildings. It was then closed to the public and donated to Arizona State University, which used it for meetings. Today, only a few structures remain. Fires claimed the Palm House and the Wrigley Building (named after another famous family that stayed there). The bright-yellow Kennedy Building still stands. Since then, the property has had numerous owners. It sits on 210 acres, has 550 date palms, a 125,000-gallon swimming pool, several buildings and, of course, the legendary hot springs. Castle Hot Springs club run October, 2011 After a number of failed attempts to restore the resort to its former glory, three local business partners; Mike Watts and brothers Chris and Howard Nute purchased it in 2014 for $1.95 million. The new owners hope their plans for a spa-resort retreat will put it back on the map. On the way to Minnehaha, Mike takes Glenn and Dave by the historical Castle Hot Springs Resort, near Lake Pleasant, now celebrating it s 121 year. This was Glenn and Dave s first visit. Glenn and Dave posing near the remodeled entrance to Castle Hot Springs. The historical Victorian guest house at Castle Hot Springs now undergoing renovation.

Crown King Pre-Run (Continued) On route to

our legs and check out this active windmill.

12 windmill vane, was introduced in 1925 and

There are very reliable and need only a slight

Photo taken at the same location during Mike s

Everything, including the dozer had been removed and

3 Crown King Pre-Run (Continued) On route to Minnehaha, along Walker Gulch, we stopped to stretch our legs and check out this active windmill. Astablished in 1878, the Dempster Mill Manufacturing Company is still in operation. The model Annu-Oiled No.12 windmill vane, was introduced in 1925 and produced up until the early 1960 s. There are very reliable and need only a slight breeze and oil once a year. Photo taken at the same location during Mike s recent pre-run. Everything, including the dozer had been removed and the hillside regraded to eliminate any signs of former activity. Group photo taken in 2008 in front the Lapham town store, along the Wagoneer Road. Mike and Dave posing in front of the Lapham store during last month s pre-run. Photos taken of the Button Mine processing facility in Minnehaha, during Mike s 2008 club run.

Crown King Pre-Run (Continued) peak and ridges. There are towers for almost every kind of communications, from radio and television to cellular phone.

Across the road from the Lapham store, is this 1940 s dump truck. 3 miles north of Lapham, the Wagoneer Road meets up with the Senator Highway.

Arriving at the top of Tower Mountain, there is not sole in sight, even the fire lookout tower is closed.

Half way there, we notice Forest Service sign pointing up a 4wheel drive road Tower Mountain 3 miles. With some time to spare, we decide to head up.

4 Crown King Pre-Run (Continued) peak and ridges. There are towers for almost every kind of communications, from radio and television to cellular phone. To keep with tradition, Mike hops in the cab for a drivers pose. Photo taken from the fire tower, looking northeast. Across the road from the Lapham store, is this 1940 s dump truck. 3 miles north of Lapham, the Wagoneer Road meets up with the Senator Highway. Making a right onto Senator Highway, we headed west towards Crown King, about a half hour away. Arriving at the top of Tower Mountain, there is not sole in sight, even the fire lookout tower is closed. To take in as much of the surrounding landscape, Dave and Mike walk up the tower steps as far as possible. Half way there, we notice Forest Service sign pointing up a 4wheel drive road Tower Mountain 3 miles. With some time to spare, we decide to head up. Tower Mountain Lookout is at the top of Tower Mountain. The mountain is 7628 feet tall and gets its name from a wide range of telecommunications towers along its After a short visit, we headed back down to Crown King for an early dinner at the Mill Restaurant. This was Dave and Glenn s first time there, so after a delicious pastrami sandwich, Mike took them in town and walked them through the Historic Orabell Saloon, where the walls are covered with early Crown King and local mining photos.

Crown King Pre-Run (Continued) On the west side of I-17, just south of Sunset Point, Mike snaps this photo of a chemical tanker working to put out this manmade fire, just south of Bumble Bee.

A fire had just started up on the west side of the highway and was threatening the community of Bumble Bee.

We started out with plans to go visit the Gladiator Mine and other smaller ones nearby, but Mike, the owner of the Mill Restaurant, told us the Gladiator was active again and off limits to the public

Crown King & Horse Thief Basin Trip Leader: Mike Drawsky Date: June 24 Members in attendance: Walter Leible, Carrie, Sean & Lucie Mahoney, Jan Northcutt and Tim, Daniela, Clara & Sam Warren.

5 Crown King Pre-Run (Continued) On the west side of I-17, just south of Sunset Point, Mike snaps this photo of a chemical tanker working to put out this manmade fire, just south of Bumble Bee. On our drive down to meet up with I-17, we were forced to take a detour through Cordes Junction to the Bloody Basin exit. A fire had just started up on the west side of the highway and was threatening the community of Bumble Bee. Fortunately, by late afternoon, the northern winds switched to southerly, moving the fire away from town. By 10:30, we were in Crown King, leaving us plenty of to time to check out local attractions. We started out with plans to go visit the Gladiator Mine and other smaller ones nearby, but Mike, the owner of the Mill Restaurant, told us the Gladiator was active again and off limits to the public along with rest of the mines. So, we made a quick change in plans and decided to drive up to Horsethief Basin Recreational Area. Crown King & Horse Thief Basin Trip Leader: Mike Drawsky Date: June 24 Members in attendance: Walter Leible, Carrie, Sean & Lucie Mahoney, Jan Northcutt and Tim, Daniela, Clara & Sam Warren. Guests in attendance: Andy & Kellie Willis, Pam Vesple and Manny Crespo Within 45 minutes from downtown Crown King, we arrive at Horsethief Basin Lake. Though just 2 acres in size, it provided a beautiful setting and an easy hike around. Other than us, there were only 4 people from Prescott, bass fishing in their Kayaks and about ten others hiking around the lake. Airing down at the Bumble Bee exit, off I-17. The following Saturday, the forecast called for 115+ temperatures, so Mike made a few changes to his original route plan and deciding to take the shortest route up to Crown King to escape the heat. Mike gets everyone to line up on the dam for a group photo.

Crown King (Continued) By the ring on the dam, the lake looked to be about

The fire watchman was enjoying our company.

Manny volunteered to photograph Mike in a group shoot.

hoped back into our Jeeps to find out just how far and where the road

After traveling southeast for about 5 miles, we stumble across this fire

6 Crown King (Continued) By the ring on the dam, the lake looked to be about 4ft. below average. Everyone enjoyed the 20 minute walk around. The fire watchman was enjoying our company. As warm is this day was, we were probably going to be his only visitors! Manny volunteered to photograph Mike in a group shoot. Horsetheif Basin Lookout Tower After a relaxing walk around the lake, we hoped back into our Jeeps to find out just how far and where the road through Horsetheif Basin would take us. After traveling southeast for about 5 miles, we stumble across this fire lookout tower. The watchman was on duty and invited us up. Looking down from the lookout tower, you notice how dusty the road was by the noticeable coat of dust on our vehicles.

Crown King (Continued) Walter snaps a photo of Tim with his wife Daniela

everyone Clara and Sam. up once again for a group photo.

Jan and her friend, Pam, in front of the Orabell Saloon For the majority

Whenever it s their first visit, Mike makes sure to take them over to

historical photos. The Horsetheif Basin lookout tower was 60ft.

Lucie, her dad Sean, Tim, Mike, Jan and Pam in front of the general

7 Crown King (Continued) Walter snaps a photo of Tim with his wife Daniela and two kids, Enjoyable times need to be recorded, so Mike lines everyone Clara and Sam. up once again for a group photo. No need to ask for a smile! Jan and her friend, Pam, in front of the Orabell Saloon For the majority of today s group, this was their first visit to Crown King. Whenever it s their first visit, Mike makes sure to take them over to the historic, Orabell Saloon, to show them walls covered with local historical photos. The Horsetheif Basin lookout tower was 60ft. high, about half the height of the Mount Ord tower. Lucie, her dad Sean, Tim, Mike, Jan and Pam in front of the general store. By around 3:00, we were back in Crown King waiting to be served a delicious meal and cold drink at the Mill Restaurant. A good day to escape the record breaking Valley temperatures!

4-Peaks, Big Pine Flats & El Oso Mine Trip Leader: Mike Drawsky Date: July 15 Members in

Guests in attendance: Dave Rupel, Jim Hopper, Scott Hopya, Kathleen Hornburg and Stepanie

Randi smiles, not for the camera, but for the joy of being here, away from the 105+, Valley

You know this is a special place, when plaques of past love ones are brought here to

Next trip to this spot, is going to be an overnighter!

8 4-Peaks, Big Pine Flats & El Oso Mine Trip Leader: Mike Drawsky Date: July 15 Members in attendance: Clete & Randi Hruska, Sean Mahoney, Keith Fliegel and Kurt Loga. Guests in attendance: Dave Rupel, Jim Hopper, Scott Hopya, Kathleen Hornburg and Stepanie Denman. Heading up 4-Peaks to beat the heat and have some fun! Randi smiles, not for the camera, but for the joy of being here, away from the 105+, Valley temperature. You know this is a special place, when plaques of past love ones are brought here to remember them by. First stop, Big Pine Flats. Next trip to this spot, is going to be an overnighter! The number of exposed granite rocks at Big Pine Flats were used by Native American Indians to grind acorn, native seeds and corn into flour. Taking an early lunch, before heading over to visit the El Oso Mine. We could not have picked a better spot to spend a hot summer day then up high, in Big Pine Flats!

4-Peaks (Continued) Mike and Sean, posing in front of the entrance to the El Oso Mine.

After spending 30 minutes exploring the mine, our group broke up into two parties, for the two Jeeps that were pretty

Ore car tracks still run throughout the entire length of the mine.

With his skillful driving and well equipped TJ Rubicon, Clete makes this stair step look easy.

9 4-Peaks (Continued) Mike and Sean, posing in front of the entrance to the El Oso Mine. El Oso Mine was opened in 1941, with the main ore being Tungsten. It remained active on up until the mid 1960 s. After spending 30 minutes exploring the mine, our group broke up into two parties, for the two Jeeps that were pretty much stock height, they headed back to the rim road, while the remaining 6 of us moved forward to finish the loop. Ore car tracks still run throughout the entire length of the mine. The mine is made up of mostly solid granite, so no cribbing was necessary. With his skillful driving and well equipped TJ Rubicon, Clete makes this stair step look easy. One of the more challenging spots, was this stair step, at the half way point on the climb back up to the rim road. Mexican Free Tailed Bat Arizona has 28 species of bats. We have the second highest diversity of bats species in the United States, second only to Texas.

4-Peaks (Continued) Stephanie does a front tire stand

wound up the final stretch of the loop road.

Rubicon Unlimited, was happy to be following behind Jim,

Having an experienced veteran along, like Jim, helps build

step. By how easy Sean made this challenging loop look, it

10 4-Peaks (Continued) Stephanie does a front tire stand while trying to straddle a 100 yard long trench, that wound up the final stretch of the loop road. During the last 3 miles of the loop, Sean, in his JK Rubicon Unlimited, was happy to be following behind Jim, because he always left him a good line to follow. Having an experienced veteran along, like Jim, helps build confidence in those still learning their vehicle s capability. Dave stands by ready to spot the next Jeep up the stair step. By how easy Sean made this challenging loop look, it was hard to believe he just started wheeling two years ago! Some people are just fast learner! Dave s turn to entertain the group, by showing some air time!

4-Peaks (Continued) MEMBERS SUMMER VACATION PHOTOS Heavy monsoon clouds opening up over Roosevelt Lake At around 3:30, the monsoon storms were moving in from the east, dropping buckets of rain over

Our original plan was to drive down to Tonto Basin and finish off the day with dinner at Butcher Hook Restaurant, but for those of us who s Jeeps were running bikini tops, that was no longer an

11 4-Peaks (Continued) MEMBERS SUMMER VACATION PHOTOS Heavy monsoon clouds opening up over Roosevelt Lake At around 3:30, the monsoon storms were moving in from the east, dropping buckets of rain over Tonto Basin, making it s way towards us. Our original plan was to drive down to Tonto Basin and finish off the day with dinner at Butcher Hook Restaurant, but for those of us who s Jeeps were running bikini tops, that was no longer an option! We had just started back down the west side, when the clouds let loose. For the next 10 miles, the rains were heavy, Mike and Dave drove as fast as they could to try and get out of the rain. To top it off, a lightning bolt crashed down, what seemed just yards away. It was so close, Sean got on the radio to tell us he believed he just dirtied his drawers! Finally, when we were within 5 miles of the 4- Peaks staging area, the rains subsided. Mike Spahle, Cottonwood Pass Colorado Mike and Dave were soaked and their cloths dirtied by the mud their tires were flinging at them. By the time they finished airing up their tires, they were pretty much dry. The day was full of all sorts of challenges. For Mike and Dave, their number one challenge was staying on the road while trying to escape the monsoon rains! Half way up "the Chute" obstacle on the Kelly Flat trail near Red Feather, CO. It took 2 spotters and a few prayers to make it all the way through!

MEMBERS SUMMER VACATION PHOTOS (Continued) MEMBERS SUMMER VACATION PHOTOS FUTURE TRIPS & EVENTS Run To Be Announced Trip Leader: Mike

Amy Mihailov Contact: 602-810-7226 or Amy@mihailov.

If you are interested give them a call or send the e-mail.

Road (More Details to Follow) MEMBER ITEMS FOR SALE: From Mic Radford Stock Jeep gears/yokes/diff covers: These were removed from my jeep

12 MEMBERS SUMMER VACATION PHOTOS (Continued) MEMBERS SUMMER VACATION PHOTOS FUTURE TRIPS & EVENTS Run To Be Announced Trip Leader: Mike Drawsky Contact: When: Saturday, July 22 Kelly Flat trail near Red Feather, CO Colorado Summer Invite Trip Leaders: Bill & Amy Mihailov Contact: or When: July thru August Bill and Amy are leaving on their annual Colorado summer vacation and you are invited to join them! If you are interested give them a call or send the ST Annual Fun Days Event Organizer: Dave Brown Contact: When: April Location: Gravel Pit, off Cottonwood Canyon Road (More Details to Follow) MEMBER ITEMS FOR SALE: From Mic Radford Stock Jeep gears/yokes/diff covers: These were removed from my jeep when I changed ratios. They have only 20k miles use. They are flawless and never off road..dana 30/Dana 44 rear. Fits Jeep JK-Jku. asking $100 per set. CLUB ITEMS FOR SALE M4W Flag $15.00 M4W Vehicle Plate $25.00 M4W 5 & 7 Logos $2.00 M4W Banners $5.00 State Decals $2.00 M4W Arm Patches $0.50 United Decals $1.00

13 REFRESHMENTS July John & Hazel Hart Jan Northcutt August Lori & Rory Moore Rob & Suzy Hayton BIRTHDAYS July 7/2 Harold Liberman 7/5 Debra Wallace 7/19 Rory Moore August 8/21 Bill Mihailov 8/25 Walter Leible 8/17 Glenn McConnell MESA 4 WHEELERS WEBSITE To log onto the M4W website go to: What you will find on our website: Photo Gallery (Club Runs & Events) Club Information (About Us, FAQ, Membership, Newsletters, Links) Calendar (Posted Runs & Events) Forum (General Category, Travels, Marketplace) Contact Us (Contact form for new members) BUSINESS ADVERTISING

Sunflower Mine (Trip Leader: Mike Drawsky) Brian, was one of our volunteer trail guides

Sunflower Mine (Trip Leader: Mike Drawsky) Brian, was one of our volunteer trail guides Sunflower Mine (Continued) Sunflower Mine (Continued) Dick & Larry, two volunteer assistant trail guides for todays