More 4 Wheeling Fun

Well, we're still in Quartzsite. The other day when we were in town, and inspired by our previous backroad adventure, we picked up a little book called "Stone Cabins and Other Excuses to Explore the Backroads Around Quartzsite." It contains 14 or 15 different destinations from old stone mining cabins to petroglyphs and natural water "tanks" in the desert. It was complied by Paul Miner, the nearly-naked proprietor (see pic from last year) of The Readers' Oasis bookstore in town, and the proceeds help fund a community project called Celia's Rainbow Garden. Celia was Paul's daughter, who died in 1994 at age 8 of a viral heart infection. She was apparently an extraordinary little girl, and had an amazing impact on those who knew her. A foundation was formed, and 8 acres were purchased on the edge of the town park, where a series of gardens have been planted in her memory. We haven't been there yet, but it's on my list. And speaking of nearly-naked Paul Winer, AKA Mr. Sock to my family and friends, I can't help but be curious. Was he a nudist while Celia was still alive? If so, what would that have been like for her? Was she embarrassed? Would her friends' parents allow them to come over to play? Lots of interesting questions and no answers. But I digress.

So, yesterday morning, armed with our new book, we stopped off at Jim and Emily's to ask them which trip they would recommend. The next thing we knew, they had loaded up their dog, tossed us a walkie talkie, and had joined our adventure. They chose Trip #5 The Cabin at Apache Chief Mine, and that's where these pictures were taken. Here is what the book says about it. "You could move right into this stone cabin. Its tin roof is still in place, and when we were there some joker had fastened a mailbox to it. There was even furniture inside and a guest book for you to sign. But what makes this cabin special is the open-air "throne" on the hill behind it where the cabin occupant sat and enjoyed the view while taking care of nature."

This cabin is popular and has lots of visitors. Many people add their personal touches. When we were there, there was "wash" hanging on a clothesline, and a "gravesite" nearby. Inside, there was a crazily dressed mannequin couple and place setting on the wooden kitchen table. People had left calling cards and various old artifacts about, including old bones, tin cans, pottery shards, etc. It was quite a sight. Oh, and the "throne" had acquired a mate. His and hers?

Looks like we'll be here for a few more days. We moved our camp down the road a piece with our friend John. There's no one nearby, so we can let the dogs run and play off leash without anyone complaining. Tonight John is cooking chicken curry and Jim and Emily are coming over after dinner for ice cream and apple pie from the Quartzsite Bakery. Oh, and bringing margaritas.