What does a group of snow birds do in the summer? Well they visit Emery County.
The Quartzsite, Ariz. Renigade group recently rode the canyons and forests of Emery County. They came from varied states and brought their ATVs. The Quartzsite Renigades were guided by native, Mark Williams and hosted by his wife Terry. What a wonderful experience was the overwhelming statement you heard from the group of 18 (mostly seniors) as Mark guided them through, up and down, and around the San Rafael Swell. Over a week’s time, through rain, hail, lightning, thunder and a lot of mud the group rode the canyon trails and mountain tops.
Some of the highlights were the San Rafael Swell itself, the Copper Globe, Red Canyon Loop, Lucky Strike Mine, Swasey Cabin, Head of Sinbad pictographs, Dutchman Arch, Wedge Overlook, and many other trips. Mark’s short trip today statement which meant three-four hours generally turned into six-seven or more hours of fun, fear and challenge. The group always left in the sunshine, but the unusual weather this year taught the group to be well prepared for any encounter of weather.
The Renigades truly appreciated Mark’s ability and stamina as he guided them safely through trails, rock canyons, and very, very steep inclines and declines. At one point along a very narrow edge the group had to build the road ahead to continue the ATV ride. They called this fun.
The Renigades are mostly snowbirds from the Northwest USA and Canada who stay at Tews and Date Palm RV Park in Quartzsite, Ariz. for the winter months. They ATV in the Sonoran Desert through the hot and wonderful canyons in and around Quartzsite.
Mark Williams is a trustee of the Rock Club in Quartzsite, and many of the Renigades are, needless to say, rock hounds as well. After all, who can ATV and not like rocks.
The Quartzsite Renigades were truly impressed with the small town friendliness and courtesy extended to our group. From the grocery store and Gilly’s, to the nice young stranger who washed a senior’s windshield, we want to thank everyone we encountered in Ferron and Castle Dale. We used the services at the drug store, Ferron Creek RV Park, small shops, laundromat and restaurants.
People who winter together stay together: group from Quartzsite visits Emery County for tour
"From Left: Michelle and Mark Grigsby, Denny and Cheryl Davy; Don (stick) and wife Shirley: Faye and Richard Cumball; Dale Rocco (wife in red below) Jane Swank top and Dave Swank bottom right; Stephanie Rocco; Ken and Carol Gress; Trail Guide: Mark and Terry Williams of Castle Dale; Joyce Rodrigues and spouse Rudy with Hub-cap sign."