Desert Hoofprints: Gene's Journey Continues

Several Tucson folks have wanted to know where Gene might be found the next few days.

After towing Gene's wagon to Blackie's ranch this morning, where Kitty and Kate have stayed since Wednesday, Gene finally was able to get hitched up and continue on his way. The next major stop will be in Ajo, AZ ("M" on the map), about 158 mile, most through Tohono O'odham Nation Reservation land and open desert.

If you have room to put up the team and wagon close to the route marked on the map, please drive out and let Gene know.

Starting today (Saturday, February 23) Gene's route will head west to Sahuarita Road and Old Nogales Highway (B), about 10 miles. I towed the wagon four of the miles - but Gene and the Girls had already covered that same four miles three times on Wednesday ducking the blizzard.

On Sunday, it will be a 7+ mile uphill climb along Sahuarita Road, across I-19 where it changes to Helmet Peak Road and Mission Road (C). Gene plans to overnight at or near the Helmet Peak VFD station on S. Mission Rd. We drove up this stretch in my truck - it's a good steady incline that will have the team working.

Monday, Gene will begin traveling through the Tohono O'odham Nation, heading north on S. Mission Road to Valencia Rd (D). This will be a 14 mile stretch with not much along the way. Depending on what kind of time the team and Gene can make, this may be split into two days of travel.

Tuesday should see Gene heading west on Valencia Road to where it meets up with Ajo Way near Ryan Field (E).

Wednesday - Thursday Gene may take a short detour to hook up with Red Wolverton just SE of Three Points to see about getting some repairs done. Or they may make arrangements to meet along the route - Gene was undecided as he has already lost three days because of the storm.

The thirty six mile stretch from Three Points (H) to Sells (J) will likely take Gene well into next weekend, and the final 72 miles hopefully will find the hitch in or near Ajo around the 10th of March.

If you can offer a spot to overnight close to Gene's route (or have friends out that way who can), email me at deserthorses@gmail.com for his phone number so you can make plans to meet up. Even if an overnight doesn't work, Gene can always use water for the Girls along the route - especially those long stretches without many facilities.