Cool Springs, Arizona Clamp-Out

Above, the Cool Springs Station plaque is unveiled and dedicated. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The fall clamp-out of the Lost Dutchman Chapter No. 5917 +4 of E Clampus Vitus is now history.

About 150 Clampers converged on BLM land next to Historic Route 66 in Cool Springs, Arizona for a weekend of fun, frivolity, history and drinking. The weather cooperated for the most part (at least until desert winds struck on Saturday).

Above, the clampsite in Cool Springs, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The usual hi-jinks took place in camp, but more serious stuff took place up the road in two locations.

Above, the new plaque at Gold Road Mine. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One was a re-dedication of a plaque. It was actually to replace a plaque that got stolen at the Gold Road Mine. It was an interesting drive from the clampsite to the plaque. We had to navigate a narrow, winding road with many switchbacks. But we made it without incident.

Above, the historic Cool Springs Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The other dedication was for a new plaque at the Cool Springs Station about a mile from the clampsite. The station was a main stop along this stretch of road for many years until it burnt down and, later, it was blown up for a movie in 1991 in Universal Soldier.

It has since been rebuilt and now run by Clamper "Crazy Ray" Stelljes  and his wife as a store and museum.

One of the highlights was when the assembled Clampers lined up along Route 66 for a photo op. Another "highlight" was when, per tradition, a PBC (Poor Blind Candidate) read the plaque. He was doing fine until he got to the end when he mispronounced Vitus in E Clampus Vitus as "Veetus". This caused a major uproar by those assembled and now the PBC is stuck with the nickname of "Veetus". Poor devil!

Above, Clampers line up along Route 66 at the Cool Springs Station. Photo by Ray Stelljes.

Harold and his cook crew did a great job (as usual) with all the meals.

Our next clamp-out will be held next April in Quartzsite, Arizona.

Here's more photos of the clamp-out:

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

Above, the gathering for the Gold Road Mine plaque re-dedication. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a wild burro with a tour group alongside Route 66. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, stuff to buy inside the Cool Springs Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, inside Cool Springs Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a view of Thimble Butte from the clampsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the gathering at the Cool Springs Station plaque dedication. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, this looks to be an old cabin behind the Cool Springs Station. At least it has satellite TV. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the roadside line-up from my end. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, some of the dignitaries at the clampsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, yours truly with our oldest Clamper, Bill Green (age 90). The photographer
 thought my camera was a rangefinder, not a SLR. Photo by Tom Garland.

Above, the PBC soon to become "Veetus". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

SATISFACTORY!