Tip Top Mine run ~ 9/27/06 Large Pics!!

[Wind_Danzer]

So it was me and rsliman in his mall rated XJ meeting at the airdown spot at 9am. I dumped some air out, he was already aired down some and off we went. We went in on the Lake Pleasant side and was greeted by a nice Sheriff's officer that reminded us of the drop box up the road some that we were supposed to deposit some $$$'s in but since we were just "passing through" he let us off the hook. *phew*

We continued on and from there it took about an hour and a 1/2 to get there. It really hasn't changed all that much since I had been there last (with the exception of a gentleman that seems to have staked a claim at an old ruin on the outskirts of the town itself). After roaming around the area looking at an old map and reading some the the history we turned around and headed back out the main way people usually come in. It was nice and graded, making it easy on my kidneys and back.

Here are a few pics.

An old ruin on the way in from the Lake Pleasant side:

http://i10.tinypic.com/2iu2j44.jpg

One of the old saloons:

http://i9.tinypic.com/4dq1we0.jpg

Peek-a-boo:

http://i10.tinypic.com/4gdriix.jpg

Steps to nowhere now:

http://i9.tinypic.com/2d7ht87.jpg

The old windmill:

http://i9.tinypic.com/2mnq4i1.jpg

Chillin':

http://i9.tinypic.com/2hdsn6e.jpg

A view on our way out:

http://i9.tinypic.com/313q2on.jpg

As we were leaving I noticed another Sheriff's Officer sitting on top of a hill and began making a comment or two on the CB about how we never see them on the weekend and we saw two today. Then out of nowhere another one came out and road blocked TM road and waved us to the side. While his hand was on his pistol he told me to keep my hands where he could see them. Come to find out they were looking for someone and eventually let us pass. :eek: Still slightly entertaining to say the least. As I was airing up two more came down the road, one rather quickly. Also saw one off to the side of the highway who then played Frogger going back to his vehicle on the other side of the road.

I didn't get many pics, today was a lazy day with some cool people. I had a blast!!!!

Oh, my pic of the day. Not related to the trail or Jeeping for that matter but was LMAO on the way home when I saw it on a back of a hauling truck:

http://i10.tinypic.com/4dg9bg8.jpg

I think I'll be my new avatar. ;)

[joedokes28]

Nice pics. How far past the windmill did you guys get?

[rsliman]

we didnt go to far past as i had 2 old men with me, (dad and cousin). ill post pics and gps trak in a bit.. still sorting

[Wind_Danzer]

We didn't get too far past it. I tried to remember the old farm house up the road from there where like 3 trails intersect but after 2 miles of not finding it, we turned around.

[rsliman]

I guess the way I go is not the most popular route, it is long bumpy, and definately NOT graded, however we made it there. We spent about an hour at tip top trying to figure out what building was what (I printed a map that was very helpful). Wind took the lead on the way out, on the "official" route, which was graded, more scenic, and much quicker!. She pointed out all the trails, such as terminator and judgment day. We saw the sheriff on the hill, and whithin about a minute 2 more sheriffs blocked the road, ready to draw, told us to put our hands up. First they checked out wind, then he walked back to me, I told him I have a ccw, and was carying, he said I dont care about that as he was opening my door to look inside to see who was in the back seat. He said they were looking for a young guy. I told him he had me a little scared... he said "yea you guys got my heart pumping too". Thats the first time Ive ever been pulled over twice in the same day. Wind Danzer I will wheel with you anytme! your very friendly, and helpful. (sorry about going soo slow but it was pretty rough in the xj!)

I thought taking the first pic in black and white was fitting, since we were ghost towning.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e53/rsliman/CIMG0264.jpg

At the brewary

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e53/rsliman/CIMG0265.jpg

on the way out

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e53/rsliman/CIMG0272.jpg


im still working on the gps track

[Wind_Danzer]

Nah, 35's and 3.73's sometimes don't bode well for slow rides but I made sure you were there. :) I wouldn't leave you behind.

I had a great time and I love the BW pic of the Jeeps!!!

[rsliman]

Though I dont have any topo software, I overlayed our track on google earth.


http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e53/rsliman/tiptop.jpg

[Wind_Danzer]

Awesome, thanks for posting that up. Looks like we covered a lot of ground. LOL

Did you get a mileage on it?

[DREDnot]

Thats the way I've always gone...going up starting at the "bowl" and coming down the easy way.

Did you say there is someone squatting at the stage station?(first pic)

[rsliman]

when the first sheriff stopped us he said there were some cowboys camping up there, however the squatter looked more like a mobile meth lab then a cowboy camp.