Friday, May 16, 2014

Sacred Pools, Devil's Kitchen, and an Old Homestead

 

Distant Drums RV Resort
Camp Verde, AZ
May 14, 2014
Pearl and Red
It wasn't long after we arrived at Distant Drums that we met Lynn, Dave and their sweet puppy (a 15 year old Yorkie) Allie. What fun we have had getting to know each other. Being retired and full-time RVers that enjoy a romp on the rocks have a way bringing folks together.
We have enjoyed visits here at the park as well as several outings in Pearl and Red, their trail kicking, rock climbing, whopper of a jeep. Our first trip took us back to Broken Arrow which we wrote about in a post titled One Large and Beautiful View...Two Trails. As much as Joe and I enjoyed doing this short, difficult 4X4 trail the first time, it was really, really fun the second time! It was Dave and Lynn's first Broken Arrow ride so hearing the "wahoo"s sure put a smile on our face!
Dave, Lynn and Allie at Chicken Point

 Red performed flawlessly doing "The Steps" which is one reason this trail is rated difficult.



After the ride, we hiked the Baldwin Trail...a pretty good trail with lots of up and downs and wonderful views of Cathedral Rock.

Cathedral Rock

Our second outing took us back down Schnelby Hill Road. It was my suggestion to go this way.  I wanted to see some wildlife. A bear or a moose...just a deer would have made my day! Just not meant to be though as all we saw were cows!

We did however pass Balance Rock...





Cow Pies...








and Coffee Pot Rock also known as Eagle Rock (depending on the view you have).  


We were on our way to Soldier's Pass 4X4 Trail. The real ride for the day! Soldier's Pass is a short, scenic trail that is rated difficult in our guide book. It gets its rating because of several steep, ledgy climbs.

Our first stop on this ride was  Devil's Kitchen. Actually it is a humongous sinkhole. I say humongous because it actually collapsed several times. The first recorded collapse was back in the early 1880s. According to history, the crash was heard thru out Sedona, and dust filled the air all day making the sun look like it was shining thru heavy smoke.


There was another collapse in 1989 which enlarged the opening by as much as 1/3. The most common cause of sinkholes are from caves that collapse in limestone rock. But no limestone is found in Devil's Kitchen. In fact, the upper wall is made of sandstone from the Schnelby Hill Formation and the lower wall consists of siltstone of the Hermit Formation. Devil's Kitchen will more than likely get bigger. It does require regular inspection. The obvious danger point is the extreme south wall where many folks...like myself... walk unknowingly onto a severe overhang. Whew...glad I'm still here to warn all of you!
I was standing on the over hang on the top far left...

Guess what? We are not done yet. So how did Soldier's Pass actually get its name? Well, it seems this rugged and historic trail was traveled by General George Crook in the Apache campaign in 1871-72. What was then Camp Garden, a cool and shady area where Crook and his soldiers made camp is now the location of Soldier's Pass Trail.



The last section of trail had us traversing some slickrock on our way to the Seven Sacred Apache Pools.



Yes, there are seven pools...I counted them! I also walked among them from top to bottom and back up. These pools in the slick red rock only fill with rain and run-off water. There are no underground springs feeding the pools.



 Yet, in recorded history, up thru 2003, at least one of the pools always had water. Some pretty cool amphibians call this home...


 Joe and I had one last 4X4 trail ride this past Tuesday before airing the tires back up for towing. We chose the Oak Creek Homestead Trail. Its rated difficult because of one short, steep, very ledgy, and extremely narrow section towards the end. Its a 5.7 mile in and out trail that takes you right to the creek. Our guide book stated that the Forest Service Travel Management Plan was to close the difficult section giving you a 1/2 mile hike to the creek and homestead. There was no sign, no gate, nada...so we kept going! The rest of the trail gets a moderate and easy rating.
 
 
I was too busy holding on to take pictures, but this is the right turn as we began the decent... 
 
 
 
 
to the beautiful shade of green in the middle of the picture below.


And this is what we found at the end of the trail. I can already hear many "sighs of relief" as I type...I could not find any history on the old homestead! But never fear, I will keep trying...well, maybe not!



We also ran right into Oak Creek...





A look to the left...


 and a look to the right!

 I could hardly wait...the boots were off, the socks were off and in I went! The water was cool and clear. The rocks were smooth but not slippery like I thought they would be. Its was just one of those places that begs you to stay awhile!




























 
 







Our time in the Sedona area has come to an end. Its definitely a place we have to revisit. There is so much we haven't done here. We didn't visit any of the state parks and there are quite a few. We didn't visit any of the National Monuments either and there are quite a few of them too. There are many, many more hikes we haven't done and a few we would love to do again maybe in a different season. We have heard fall is really nice here! 
 
Today is packing up day...we are off to a place we have been before, but are so looking forward to returning to...Moab, UT.
 
So, we will bid Camp Verde farewell in the morning. It has been a real adventure! And we are taking some great memories with us.
 
Until next time, take care and
 
  
 
enjoy your journey!

21 comments:

  1. WOW. What a beautiful day you had. I wish I had the guts to go on all these trails but I never know what to expect and certainly don't want to get stuck someplace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jeri! This Jeeping thing is not all that difficult. There are many, many backroads that are very easy to traverse. And the scenery is spectacular! We were lucky to have hooked up with other jeepers in Moab last year and Joe just learned so much about the ins and outs of it all by following and talking with others. You are right about getting stuck. We have assisted in. Couple of recoveries. That's why we prefer to go in a group!

      Delete
  2. Not only are we enjoying our journey but we continue to enjoy yours through all those wonderful pictures. Be Safe and Enjoy!

    It's about time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's good to hear from you Rick and Kathy.

      My camera has been on overload since we got here. Thanks for the compliment.

      Delete
  3. In your back seat is the only way I'd do those jeep trails, and then I'd be hanging on for dear life!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We will see about that...if we meet up with you at Imperial next winter, I have the most beautiful ride already picked out for you to go with us on!

      Delete
  4. Thanks for more 4x4 roads. We didn't do the last two you mentioned. I will mark those for our return visit. The water looks so inviting:) What are you using for a guide book, Gay?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We bought Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails. The authors are Charles A. Wells & Matt Peterson. We have one of their guides for Moab and just ordered the Colorado Guide also. The directions to the trails are easy to follow and the step by step way points are great.

      I bought this guide at the visitor center...the one on Hwy 179 with all the wildflowers. But then I also saw it in the RV store here at the resort. The Colorado Guide I just ordered from Amazon.

      Happy trails Pam!

      Delete
  5. Wow, what a day you had 4-wheeling and hiking! I have never done that kind of 4-wheeling, only the kind that would be rated easy. Not sure I would like the steep trails, but you sure get to see some gorgeous views.

    We are going to be in Moab next week thru 5/29. Will you still be there?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, we will be there Pam! I am so excited you will be there too. Not sure what site we have at Portal, but it's not that big so I'm sure we will find you!

      Hope to see you and Vic soon!

      Delete
  6. Fun, fun fun! I was holding on to my seat as I was reading your ride. I had fun too!
    Thanks for the ride Gay, it was exhilarating.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are very welcome MonaLiza.
      Pearl has added a whole new kind of adventure for us!

      Delete
  7. Wow! Sounds like y'all had a great time. I think I'd enjoy jeeping, lots of chills & thrills. Beautiful scenery as usual but sounds like more spectacular views coming in the very near future. Safe travels to Moab.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Galyle! Our time here just flew by. It seems like yesterday we were arriving and just beginning to explore this beautiful part of out country.
      And now we are looking forward to a return visit here someday!

      Delete
  8. Can't wait to hook up with you guys again! You've become such experts at rock climbing. Love the places you go!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Joan...maybe one day in the not too distant future we can meet up. Isn't that just one of the great things about this RVing? Joe sure loves the challenge of taking Pearl on those rides...I just enjoy them!

      Delete
  9. I have so enjoyed "our" stay at Camp Verde! Can't wait to see the next destination. Our dental hygienist asked about you and I gave her the blog site. We still have our home on the market and hope one day to join you on the road. Until then, your beautiful pictures and informative narratives keep our spark alive! Safe travels!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww, thanks Robbye! I hope your home sells soon! I think Camp Verde and Sedona are calling YOUR name! Its a great life!

      Delete
  10. It appears you guys had a fantastic time in AZ! I bet yawl are going to miss being there, but new adventures are waiting! Next time there you will have to go see Cottonwood, Dead Horse Ranch State Park and Jerome. That is is beauty of loving a place with so much to do, it is always exciting going back. Loved the shot of you in the water. I did that one time after a long hike in the Tetons. At the end of the hike I ran to the lake wanting to stick my feet in the cool water. I suffered the worse cramps in my feet that I have ever had. LOL glad you didn't have that happen. Beautiful photos! Have fun in Moab!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sheila! You are so right, I just know we will visit there again. There is so much to do. One of the great things about this life style is you can just go wherever you want to and stay as long as you want to. There is a jeep ride we want to take in Jerome...its at the top of the list!

      Delete