Off road adventures – Road 129
My slow migration to the Las Vegas area was interrupted with the ever present duty of trying to keep a puppy entertained as I travel. He is only content to sit in the passenger seat once he is good and worn out, so I try to find places I can pull over to let him run around for a bit, and that is how I happened upon Road 129 (aka Blake Ranch Road).
Road 129 stretches off into the mountains
Road 129 runs from Hwy 93 to Interstate 40 near the 93/40 intersection (map below). It is 21 miles of dirt and gravel road through the Arizona back country (half BLM, half private land). I sat pondering the trip for some time, while Moose did his doggy thing, with a final decision of “what the heck, I’m in no rush”.
Hide & Seek with Big Blue
For the most part the dirt road was actually pleasant to drive. It was not wash-boarded or rife with pot holes. It was, for the most part, smooth with a little gravel thrown in. About half way through the road got very tight, windy, and mountainous – which was super exciting in the 3-ton blue monster.
One of many camping areas
There were numerous camp areas clearly marked by rocks formed into fire rings. So many in fact that I only marked the first few as my Verizon signal was still strong for those. The deeper I got into road 129 the signal went away, but I have to admit they were my favorite camping sites, if only I could camp a week without the need of the Internet.
In the end we crossed under the ranch signage, somewhat feeling like a finish to a long journey. I will never forget you Road 129, you were gentle when I needed it and just rough enough to be sexy.
Finish line!
The audience watches as I pass by
Big Blue ponders road 129 before setting off on a journey we will never forget
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