Lost Dutchman ECV Spring Clamp-Out

Above, the Golden Reef 10-Stamp Mill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Lost Dutchman Chapter's Spring Clamp-out is now history and what good history it was.

The highlight of the trek was the plaque dedication at the Cave Creek (Arizona) Museum for The Golden Reef Mine 10-Stamp Mill, which is the only fully-operational 10-stamp mill in Arizona. The museum's officials fired it up (those of you who are my Facebook friends can see my video of it in operation).

Above, some early arrivals at the Hall of Comparative Ovations. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The chapter also initiated some new members during Saturday's Hall of Comparative Ovations.

The clamp-out was attended by over 200 clampers.

Above, The Beast at the clamp-out. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We had to have the clamp-site at the residence of Mr. Dooley (he has about 4-5 acres) after the owner of the original clamp-site pulled the rug from under the chapter at the last minute. Nice guy! A big thank-you to the Dooley family for allowing the chapter to camp on his property.

Above, the chapter's store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Friday night, the chapter served spaghetti for dinner. On Saturday, bacon, eggs and biscuits & gravy were served for breakfast, hamburgers and hot dogs were served for lunch and steaks were served for dinner.

Above, the book I bought at the chapter's store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a button of the first clamper elected President of the United States. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I left early Sunday morning before breakfast, so I don't know what they served. I stopped for breakfast at the Twin Arrows Casino Resort that is east of Flagstaff.

Above, a blacksmithing demonstration at the Cave Creek Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The drive wasn't bad until I got into New Mexico and found gusty wind conditions. At least the temperatures are sufficient for the new paint on my outside deck to dry.

Above, proving I was there, yours truly at the blacksmith shack.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable clamp-out. The next Lost Dutchman clamp-out will be in Kingman, Arizona.

More photos:

Above, a saguaro cactus at the Cave Creek Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a horned lizard bench at the Cave Creek Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the plaque dedication. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the other side of the 10-stamp mill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.