ADVENTURE, MUDANE TASKS, AND GOOD FRIENDS
I know it isn’t possible, or even a realistic expectation to have adventures every day. Adventures need to be paid for.
So it is the mundane tasks such as having a job, meeting deadlines, dealing with taxes, home repairs, and a myriad of related activities that often consume our days. These, however, are what provides the resources need for adventures as well as ensure that each adventure is savored.
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| The National Old Trails Highway entering the Aubry Valley from the west. |
Last weekend it was an Arizona out back adventure exploring lost remnants of the National Old Trails Highway, predecessor to iconic Route 66. Plans for this weekend are a bit more mundane as they include a long walk with my dearest friend, tax preparation, a long overdue visit with Ed Klein of Route 66 World fame, research for the new book project on violence in the taxi industry, a bit of consultation work for a company working on an innovative Route 66 related project, and packing the wheel bearings on the ’68 Dodge Adventurer (aka Barney the wonder truck).
Meanwhile, plans are under development for a birthday (a friend, not mine) adventure in March of truly epic proportions. As the length of the day seems to have been truncated to only twelve hours this year, (which accounts for why March is almost here even though we just celebrated New Years Eve) this will be taking place before I have time to pee or pay attention.
The essence of this outing is to fulfill the request to see Crown King made by this friend. While this may not require the planning of an African safari it is not something that is to be undertaken lightly.
To ensure it is a memorable adventure resultant of enjoyment rather than disaster will require a bit of preparation. After all, if one is to really get the full flavor of Crown King they must drive the historic frontier era Senator Highway from Prescott.
Sure, you can follow the old rail bed that is a twisted gravel trail from the saguaro studded desert to the deep pine forests that embrace the old mining town. That, however, is for the return trip.
The Senator Highway presents a real sense of wilderness adventure as it is an almost fifty mile trek through the Bradshaw Mountains that is little changed from when it was a toll road on the Arizona frontier in the 1860s. Mines, and mining camps, stage stations and wildlife are found at every turn of the rutted track that courses through the forest and canyons, across streams and along ridge lines that offer stunning views.
Four wheel drive is seldom needed, unless one is crazy enough to try this route after a snow storm. Still, ground clearance is a must as are good tires and ensuring the vehicle is in good mechanical condition.
Indicative of the road conditions are admonitions by the forest service to plan on two to three hours for the drive. That, of course, is not including the endless opportunities for stopping to take in the view, explore historic sites, of watch wildlife.
It wouldn’t be fair to make such an arduous drive without an evening of relaxation in Crown King. So, I just may have to rent a cabin, and also plan on a dinner at the Mill.
All of this should give me something to work toward, a sort of carrot and stick situation. This little adventure should serve as adequate incentive to endure the mundane and frustrating for another week or so.