Hidden Indian Ruins

Picture is from a hike we took to the Tortilla Ranch back in the Superstitions. These ruins were a real climb up from the valley. Above the dwelling is a massive rock wall going straight up hundreds of feet. This is one of the 2 rooms. Most is dug out from the rock. Then you can see where they took rock and mud and created front walls. Lot of it was still intact. Terry, who we hike with had found it years ago. Wouldn't know it was there unless you stumbled on it. There is a large natural boulder in front of it that block view from below. There are a few large Indian dwellings that are protected by the gov. orgs. However, there are many small ones like this that exist all over AZ. Some are well know and get heavy damage. We usually don't tell folks the exact location - it tends to slow down the destruction.

Tortilla Ranch was neat. Used to be a valley that was full of grass. Ranch operated from 1929 to 1961. Foundations of barn, house, and well still there. Barb wire and rock fences still there. They had to build sort of a road out to civilization over rock and down through valleys. Even when they got out to a gravel road still had 30 miles down the Apache Trail to reach town. All looked like a lot of hard hard work. Road now would require a very high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle. We hiked the 4 miles in.

The next day 8 of us travel for an hour to Greesewood Flats for burgers and entertainment. Great old fashioned outside eating place, but a long way to go for a burger. Next day was our Valentine party at the club house. They did a nice job. This morning was the Lost Dutchman parade. Always enjoy it as they have almost 200 horses in various parts of parade. They keep it natural - no pooper scoopers following each horse like back home. They are used to the stuff out here. Tonight we had our spaghetti feed at the clubhouse.

On Sunday afternoon we are having  30 folks over to our patio for a party. Our friends, Tim and Rick Backes are providing the entertainment. Tim said he has over 4000 songs now in his catalog. Interesting thing is Tim and Rick are shoe string relation to my friend Diane who I vol. for in school back in MN. I didn't know Tim until I got down here. Rick is renting for a month, but likes it so will be back next year.