Day 1 in the Galiuros -- Headed to Powers Gardens

The Box K Bunch before shot -- Jeff, Kelsey, Alex, Camille (who didn't come along), Julie, Duane, Karina, Alan & Dad

March 15-17th was the much anticipated horse-packing trip into the Galiuro Mountains with my Dad and some of my siblings.  The Galiuros are northwest of Willcox, AZ and the home to some interesting Arizona history.  There are several old mining operations with some cool equipment to see as well as the site of the shootout that resulted in the "largest manhunt in Arizona history".  That would be between the Powers family (the dad, 2 sons and a family friend) and 4 law officers.  The Powers' dad and 3 of the officers died.  The 2 sons and their friend escaped wounded but were later found and spent most of their lives in prison.  Essentially 7 people lost their lives to prison or death and 3 families lost their father in an effort to make the two Powers boys sign up for the draft in World War I.  A powerful example of what not to.  Alan put together some interesting info on the mines and the Powers affair on his website.  Galiuro History

It was a 2 or 3 hour drive out to the mountains.  We got there a little after noon, packed the mules & hit the trail about 1pm.  It was a fun ride.  OK, make that a fun ride except for the really steep switchback section at the end.  I didn't really enjoy that part.  We got into the Powers Gardens area shortly before sundown.  There was already a group camping there.  One of them was Orson Wilkins who is the brother of the Wilkins in Willcox and who also happened to be a member of Grandpa Mac Matheson's ward.  They were kind enough to share the corrals and one of the cabins and we enjoyed getting to know them.  For dinner that night we had bacon-wrapped steaks -- they were good!

Dad & our pack mule.

Kelsey & Alex mount their steeds.  Alex promptly named his Rufus (real name Moreno).

Alex showing off his tricks.

Duane.

Jeff & Dad.

The horses' favorite spot on the trail.

Alan & Karina.  Notice the wide, expansive, well-maintained trail that was no where near the edge of a cliff.

In addition to the pack mule we also had an extra horse to help pack in food for the animals.

Dad & the boys quickly became re-packing experts since there were plenty of ups and downs to get the mule's load off-kilter.

Alan & Karina.  They kind of hung together at the back the whole trip.  Supposedly it was because their horses didn't get along with the other ones.  I tried to not take it personally.

Cowboy Alex

Julie, Alex, Kelsey, etc.

Did you put this one on facebook Karina?

Kelsey, Jeff, Alex . . .

View north towards the Santa Theresa Mountains.

Here's the nasty switchback part heading down to Rattlesnake Canyon and the Powers Gardens.

Alan takes the picture from one level of the trail, I'm on the loop below him, and Duane below me.  I was riding Shorty and it seems he was rather out of shape.  When we got down to the trail you can see below in the distance.  Alan tells me my horses legs were quivering.  Thanks, always nice to know. 

Karina does it in style.

Alex "getting his wiggles out" on the switchbacks.  Smart man. : )  It was a great place to be on one's own two feet.