ATV 30

The day started off kind of goofy. First we didn’t know where to go. The Forest Service could not even tell me what roads were open. Making the best of it we just headed to the RIM, yup it was closed ,, all the roads, even the main roads like 300. Not to be discouraged we just headed down in altitude to Strawberry and made our way to the staging area for Fossil Creek. Fossil Creek is under some big changes with the shutting down of the Hydroelectric plants. If you looked at my other adventures you know I have been here. The wife has never seen this area and it would be nice for her to see it before it changes too much.

The road going down is nice. You could do it in a BMW sedan but I don’t think it would be as much fun as an ATV . You have to stop every 500 feet to take a picture.

Yes, That is the road along the edge. It’s a long way down so use good judgment in the speed you travel. The other problem is sensory overload looking at the scenery. Stop often to have a good look and enjoy the view.

As you approach the Irving Power Plant it is obvious the area has more water and thicker foliage, you feel like you are at the bottom of the canyon

Now the water is in the creek prior to the power plant. When the Irving Hydroelectric Power Plant was operational, the water was bypassed and a large waterfall came off the side of the building.

Here is the water below the power plant. This is water from Fossil Spring so it is constantly above 70 degrees year around. The water is crystal clear and as you notice they are swimming in it ,,,, in March !

We moved on to Childs, the last stop on the Verde River for us. This water is run-off from the winter snow. As you can see, it is not clear like Fossil Creek. Across the river you can barely see the road that comes down on the other side. That road crosses the river, but not today. The water is way deep and moving fast, maybe in the summer it will be crossable. Looks like a great place for lunch .

There was a lake named Stehr Lake, was “as in not anymore”. The water that fed the lake came through this flume. This is part of the project that is going on now, the removal of all suck items. I guess they left this part that goes underground but the rest of it is gone. I liked the lake. See ATV Adventure Page #6 on my old site for a look at the lake that is no more.

We did some more exploring to see how many access points to the creek we could find. We found many great spots with really deep swimming holes. I guess they will close this area for our own good so enjoy it now !

The hydroelectric power production in this area was an engineering marvel. I hope somewhere the history it is saved for future generations to see. I hope the diversion of water that is returned to the creek benefits us more than the clean power it produced ???

On the way home we had a detour of 130 + miles. It seems there was a landslide and the only convenient road was blocked with us on the inconvenient side. We chose to detour down 188 past Roosevelt Lake. With a good attitude it was no big deal.

The lake was at capacity, and larger than I have ever seen it !

The sun set, and a full moon rose across the lake. I think it was a once in a lifetime view.

Remember the trip to and from the ride should be enjoyed as much as the ride.

130 mile detour ? still better than sitting on the couch !
........ LOL....