Garth and Kathy Rumsmoke’s view from behind their mountain wave. “We could look up to the top of the mountain in front, the top of the wave behind, and had long views into the distance,” writes Garth.

Kathy and I stayed at Dick Beck’s place 12 miles south of Pearce, Arizona, for the winter of 2003/2004. With the coming of spring and full of memories, we decided to head east to attend some horse shows in Tennessee, Ohio, and Indiana.

Setting at the breakfast table one morning, we reflected on meeting Manny Hernandez and learning the secrets of the rock-pile rows we found along the creeks and washes while riding in the Pearce area.  

Simply told, the Spanish who searched for gold enslaved Indians to do their work. Placer gold lies mostly in nuggets, and, in some cases, just underneath rocks. Workers would pick up every rock in the creek and toss it on the bank. A long rock-pile row meant they found gold.

The area behind Dick’s cabin was on the edge of the mountain area containing large amounts of gold. I was amazed at the amount of rocks the workers moved, knowing it was all done by hand. The Pearce area is still rich in gold, but new government laws on how to mine it has made it a small man’s hobby.

Top of the World

On one of our last rides back up our mountain wave, we followed a narrow animal path. This path took us up to the top of a “saddle” that ran from the mountainside to the wave’s back side. From there, we could look up to the top of the mountain in front, the top of the wave behind, and had long views into the distance at each side. 

We decided this would be the place for lunch. After taking care of the horses, we found a nice rock to set on and enjoy the sun and fresh air. From this perspective, it looked as though I could ride to the top of our wave; I told Kathy I was going to try it. She, not being quite that daring, said she’d just set there and watch.

So with a lunch under my belt, I climbed back up on old Buddy and picked my way up the back side of our wave. I finally came to a place that would allow me to go no farther safely on horseback, so I ground-tied Buddy and climbed the last 50 yards up to the top.

What a view. I could easily see the Chiri-cahua Mountains across the valley almost 40 miles away. Looking north, I could see Pearce and the land beyond as clear as glass. Looking south, I swear I could see almost to Mexico. Standing on the ledge looking almost straight down, I could just make out Kathy on her rock, taking in the sunshine.

As I climbed back down to Buddy, I realized how good of a horse he was to stand there on a mountainside, waiting for me to come back. Then I realized just how bad a position he was in. To get home, he’d first have to turn around on a steep bank over loose ground. No wonder he stood so still. I did the smart thing and led him to more even ground before mounting up.

Here’s a piece of advice for other trail riders: Going up is easy, it’s the going down that can be the danger.

Back at camp later that day, we made our final plans to head home.

Southwest Memories

We’ll remember our Arizona trip for the rest of our lives: old Mexico, the Dragoon Mountains, the Cochise Stronghold, Tombstone, early stage stops and ranch remains, forts, massacre sites — areas that up till now were mere words in history books.

These places and more await those who take time to tour our great country. Oh yes, it’s certainly best done on the back of a good horse. We saw things on horseback that most tourists will never see, felt the West as it must be felt, and really understood what life was like for early settlers.

So, till next time, carry a good camera, keep your cinch tight, and ride a good horse.