Echoes of the Southwest

The first little town we came across while looking for abandoned places was Kearny.  This small settlement got its name from General Stephen Watts Kearny, who stumbled across the area in 1846.  Kearny was first built in 1958 by the Kennecott Mining Company as a "planned community" for all the miner's families to live in.  The men worked in the Ray mine and Hayden Smelter which were close to the community.  Most were living in the nearby towns when they were relocated to Kearny.  The area around the open-pit copper mine was increasing in size and nearly swallowing up the tiny towns of Ray, Sonora and Barcelona.  Some of the families opt to move into the brand new homes in Kearny, others chose to have their houses relocated down the road and away from the ever expanding mine.  In 1959, Kearny was officially declared a town. Today, Kearny is still surviving with almost 3,000 residents calling the place home.  It has a one-street busi...

Apache Leap, Superior, AZ 75 Apache warriors jumped 800 feet to their death off those mountains while running from the military men who were chasing them. The Mule Mountains Copper Mining

Be sure to listen to Sharon Day and myself on "Paranormal Geeks Radio", Tuesday, January 29th at 9 pm, EST.  The show is hosted by the Jim Heater. http://liveparanormal.com/radio/geek.html Check out the Paranormal Geeks Radio Facebook page and click the "like" button. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paranormal-Geeks-Radio/400718640015699

In 1961, the Mining Camp Restaurant and Trading Post opened its doors to the public.  The building was constructed of large Ponderosa Pine trees found in Payson.  Today it has a mining camp look and feel to it. When you walk in, you first see a waiting area and then the trading post.  From there you are seated at a picnic-like table with tin mine-camp plates, silverware and cups sitting in front of you.  The waitress brings your freshly baked rolls, baked beans and coleslaw.  We ordered the three-meat platter along with our beers.  The two very hot platters had ribs, chicken, ham, stuffing and baked potatoes.  The entire meal was so delicious. After the meal, we were treated to the country western sounds of the McNasty Brothers.  This is the perfect place to get that western BBQ cuisine. Mining Camp Restaurant & Trading Post (Located 4 miles east of Apache Junction on Highway 88) (480) 982-3181 www.miningcamprestaurant.com ...

Tucked in the Superstition Mountains and named after Pauline Weaver, sits a 1,000 foot-rock column called Weaver's Needle.  Seen for many miles, this boulder is made of "a thick layer of tuff (fused volcanic ash)" which was heavily eroded resulting in a unusual peak with a split in the rock resembling the top of a needle.  This split makes it look like it has two tops and is only visible on one side with many cacti surrounding it. Weaver's Needle is part of the legend of the Lost Dutchman's Mine.  They say that the rock's shadow points to the area where the gold can be found.  Many have looked for this mysterious mine and either came back empty-handed or died from the harsh desert weather.

Along the base of the Superstition Mountains and tucked inside between the rocky ridges is Canyon Lake.  We arrived at this place before the sun started to set and caught some amazing scenery on our cameras.

Goldfield Ghost Town is "the valley's only authentic ghost town" and a great place to get that 1890's old west experience. The Narrow Gauge Train takes you on a scenic ride around the town and through the desert.  Tour the Goldfield Mine, pan for gold and keep what you find.  This Wild West town has over 20 shops, exhibits and attractions from the old west.  The saloon has tasty food and entertainment in the evenings. Goldfield is located at the base of the Superstition Mountains, 15 minutes from Mesa, and 40 minutes from Phoenix.  It is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm; (480) 983-0333; www.goldfieldghosttown.com .

Sharon and I's first stop on our two day road trip was to enjoy a Sasquatch burger at the Lodge restaurant in Scottsdale. After enjoying the meal, we headed off to the Superstition Mountains. (See my post about the  Superstition Mountains  history.)  The first place we wanted to check out was the Superstition Mountain Museum.  Inside the main building is the museum and gift shop.  Outside the building on the grounds is a dirt path which takes you to the Elvis Memorial Chapel, Apacheland Barn, Twenty Stamp Mill, Gallows and Windmill. Apacheland is where some movies were made and celebrities once walked. Superstition Mountain Museum 4087 North Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85119 (480) 983-4888 www.superstitionmountainmuseum.org The Elvis Memorial Chapel Inside the Chapel The Apacheland Barn and Windmill Inside the barn. Inside the barn. The Gallows Twenty Stamp Mill