In my last blog post I talked about becoming aware that one of the more interesting spots in my trail travels was, in fact, a old ranch site from the 1880's.
There was also talk of some ruins at the site...so for the days ride I decided to check out some history along Senator Highway and the surrounding area. The area at "Old Dandrea ranch" and a site known as Goodwin were on the list as well as anything else I came across.
Fall had once again touched the area...to stay it seems now a few days later. The temps at the elevations in the Bradshaws were cold enough to warrant a warm coat from the 1st turn of the key and throughout the day.
So into the chilly air I headed, passing many historic landmarks. Over the gap between Mt Tritle and Mt Union, through creeks and hitting side trails to see what is what.
After nearly being hit by someone in a Can-am SxS hauling it pretty good, I stopped just north of Palace Station to check out the entrance to a single track trail. It seems whenever I try to find some information on some obscure trail in the 'shaws, I am directed to
ADVrider where I find someone has ridden a goat-path through the chaparral and documented it. Seems like it is somewhat of a contest to find some of the older trail signs hidden deep in the back-country. I snapped a pic of one that doesn't require a vehicle 40" narrower than my Pioneer, and then moved on after taking an extended break. Laid-back was the theme for the day.
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According to the single-track guys, these are scattered
through the deepest parts of the Bradshaws. |
After passing Palace Station and crossing the ridge, I checked out some side trails near the 50" restricted FS 83. Orofino and Mastadon mines are located in this general area, but I followed a well worn 2-track in the direction of Turkey Creek until it ended at 2 or more un-named horizontal shafts along with some debris. Here, again, the trail went to single track.
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| Un-named shaft near Senator hwy. |
Reversing course back to Senator hwy and heading further south, I made an attempt to find the former site of
Goodwin.
Pictures exist of ruins at this site, but in a short search I found none. More foot time may be necessary to find these, but as I said ...laid back was the theme for the day, so I will revisit this area when I am feeling a little more exercisey.
Interestingly enough, just a few hundred yards to the east on a trail marked 9405T, I
did find some signs of former habitation, yet nothing exists on any topo map. Perhaps this was on the outer edge on Goodwin?
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| Top and Bottom: Ruins on 9405T. The edge of Goodwin? |
Again back to Senator and further south to explore some side trails, but nothing of real interest here. Getting a little late in the day, I decided to head back for my second goal of the day:The Dandrea ranch site. So back to the north on Senator hwy.
I should note something interesting here: just north of the Goodwin site is a gated road marked FS 84 on maps and I have never seen this gate open. I have always been curious about it, and riding by I finally remembered to look at it on a map. It goes north-east to an area marked as "Dandrea"on topo maps. Looking at satellite views, there appear to be buildings of some sort in the area. I wonder if the family decided to keep a portion of the ranch when it was sold, and still retains ownership? There also appears to be a trail in from the north, so if it isn't closed or posted, I will check it out in time.
But for now its back to 9404X to 706 and the "old" Dandrea ranch site. The sun was getting low when I finally located the ruins of the old homestead...
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| Just below the front wheel is what looks to be an old fireplace..and a bunch of rusty wire. |
Turns out they were located just across from the rock-wall lined field where I often like to stop.
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Autumn sun and a lot of hard work.
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I didn't linger too long here as the sun was getting very low and I still had one agenda, so on up to 706 and the 5 points area for a quick lunch. Big bug mesa is east, and there is a northern trail off the main road which I had never done.
Two words describe this trail: rocks, mud. Recent rains had little impact on the other areas I had ridden today, but FS 103A had multiple mud holes...some of which were pretty deep. Add to that rock gardens for hundreds of yards.
This trail ends at the top of a mesa looking towards the upper end of Black canyon to the east. The views were great. Not worth the jarring ride...but great nonetheless.
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| Somewhere out there is I-17. |
After snapping a few pics and taking it in for a few minutes I headed back for the 5 points...knowing that I was in for a bumpy ride. On the way, the sun disappeared behind Mt Union and the temps dropped...though still comfortable with a jacket. The odd cow standing in the pines didn't seem to mind, nor did i.
Back at the 5 points with darkness closing in, I start the climb up FS 284, which has become almost a every-ride ritual. Indeed, this trail is a favorite..for no real reason. Especially in the dark.
I sometimes wonder if I sabotage myself. I don't really mean to stay out so late...but I have always loved riding at night, and the same was true for street bikes when I had one. Maybe its the headlights bouncing off moths...or the glowing eyes that sometimes appear in the darkness. Maybe its the notion that the darkness somehow protects you from what might be there, just out of view.
Whatever it is, on this night I cruise along Mt Union without a care. Past old mines, trickling creeks, and sheer drops I probably should have better light for. Then on home. Eager to do it again.
