Bradywgn71 801 Posted November 7 First time tenting for us in almost a year. We did pretty good and didn't forget anything. The full moon rose quickly while we were enjoying the fire. Karen then spoiled us with a cherry cobbler dutch oven and taught me how to make it. That was tasty! Chris and Mike carved the pumpkin and Chris was the winner for this competition. Karen even had a very cool prize for him. Next year I'll bring a pumpkin but I'm still not safe enough with a knife in the wilderness to carve anything!! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bradywgn71 801 Posted November 7 We had a perfect night for sleeping and warm temps. Next morning we packed up and headed towards Lincoln Ranch. Cooper waiting on us to get going More good views of the mountains on the way over to the ranch Can start to see where the river is in the distance with all the green. Lots of burros in this area. We remarked there were more hoof prints than tire tracks all day Lincoln Ranch There were parts everywhere The main house had thick walls and was so much cooler inside. A real fixer-upper. The commute for groceries is a long one! "Guest House" . Newer construction and not as cool inside. A giant cottonwood tree crashed through the roof too! The worker apartments After checking out the ranch we attempted to find the trail to a nearby slot canyon. Unfortunately the trail was washed out badly and couldn't safely get across the irrigation canal, plus we weren't sure of how overgrown the trail got. Karma waiting on us to walk back while she enjoys the AC We backtracked to the powerline trail to continue on. Karen remembered and old manganese mine so we took a short spur trail over to that We then climbed a very long hill and just when you thought you were done the trail kept going uphill. Nothing challenging but a big elevation gain Then this view of the valley Karen then led us down some skinny washes to reach camp bouse. These were not well used but easy trails. Some new pinstriping for memory sake! 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bradywgn71 801 Posted November 7 We got to Camp Bouse with some time to setup camp and build a fire ring. We had a lovely sunset and the wind died down so we could have a fire. Full moon rising over the valley The flag at Camp Bouse Very enjoyable evening by the fire. Glad we put this fully out before bed as they were predicting winds. They were right. It sounded like a freight train rolling in and my tent folder over on top of me. The temperatures dropped and got cold fast too. The funny part at 1am was we wanted to move the Jeep to try to block the wind but didn't want to wake anyone. by 130 we gave up and went outside to put the tent away. Upon stepping out we discovered Mike and Karen were also outside with the same idea! They moved their Jeeps and it helped. We tried moving ours but our location the wind was hitting two sides and going under our jeep. So we gave up and packed everything up. Then "slept" upright, since our seats can't fully recline, until 7am. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bradywgn71 801 Posted November 7 The next morning we briefly drove the area to check out the remnants of Camp Bouse. It's amazing to think of how many soldiers were stationed here. We found the HQ for two of the divisions, the chapel, and lots of sidewalks. Group photo HQ for one of the divisions The chapel area The group then exited the area and left via Alamo road Such a fun trip. We had been to Swansea before but found new areas. I could spend a few days hunting around Swansea again in the future. Thanks to @Ladybug for leading the trip, spoiling us with sweets, and providing the history. You make trips so fun even with the occasional off-track portion! 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bradywgn71 801 Posted November 7 Interesting article about Swansea. You can read for free using your google account. Swansea, Arizona: The Fortunes and Misfortunes of a Copper Camp https://www.jstor.org/stable/41695597?read-now 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ladybug 505 Posted November 7 Sarah, you shall need to go on all my trips! You are fun to be with, plus your photos and trip reports are so very top-notch! THANKS for posting and sharing! smiles, ladybug ps - And thanks to Chris for sharing the documentation! 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
