Away we went, all the way down to Nogalas, except instead of going into Mexico, we just stood at the border fence because someone, I am not naming names, but it rhymes with rusband, had a passport that expired about 6 months ago. Oh well. we found some shops to explore and we watched folks going in and out of Mexico, and then we left.
Back up 19, until a sign, Ruby Road. I had seen something about a Ruby, Arizona on a website somewhere. However that when I plugged it into my GPS at that time, it said 30 miles and an hour and a half. Must be wrong, but let us just go see. But, about an hour later and after traveling some serious dirt roads we came upon the town. Indeed, it was a ghost town. It was awesome. I am going to explain my highlights and what I thought of the town. The pictures I took are great and really show the way these miners and towns folk lived.
First, history lesson. The town was founded several times, in the 1800's and again in the 1900's. The post office existed until 1940, and the town as sat empty since. There was an attempt to re surge the mine, but with no great results. The mine was a copper mine, and some lead, maybe a little silver and even less gold. There is a lake right near the town and that served for a water source for this dry, desert town. The mine sat on a hill with the shafts going down and branching off. The upper hill, after we walked it and explored it, is considered rather dangerous as it has collapsed in several places (we did see that on our way down), Many of the buildings are as is, some have been touched up or have beams or wires holding things up. It is as if there is a community that is supporting the area to preserve it.
Enough of that. We first went to the mercantile area, jail and school. All were in a wonderful condition, just enough decay to make you wonder, just enough of support to give you an idea of how these folks lived. There was one home/building with this wonderful water system, rusted metal canisters. I was in awe. We walked down to another road and saw several homes. Kitchen cabinets were still partially intact, as well as some jars and linens left behind. You could tell the two houses we saw were the richy rich area of the town, up on the hill. we later found out it was snob hill. Very appropriate.
Then we went down the hill, walked to the lake and saw the beautiful scenery, some ducks and some beautiful sand. And finally, we saved the best for last. The mill partially stood in all its concrete and wood and metal glory. Twisted metal mixed with decayed, crumbled concrete and rock. we climbed, leaped, jumped, slipped and tiptoed around the area. I walked out onto one on the parts of the mill, wood creaking under my feet. My heart and the wood were the only sounds around.
Up even more, to the dangerous area we later discovered, and we saw other buildings and what we think was a billiards room. It was the only building locked. I am not sure why - maybe it was just too dangerous. We followed the road as far as we could, the dirt road turning to two dirt lines and then to just brush and weeds. Down the hill we wandered, ending our journey at a dilapidated truck and the out house. Very fitting!! Great find, great journey, great fun! ending the year with my loves; family and urban exploration! 2015 - you were great- so much discovered, so much enjoyed. Look out 2016!!!