The heat from the previous days had gotten to most of us, and we were ready to get out of Arizona and head for the next stop on our adventure--Las Cruces. We hit Highway 60 east to enjoy higher altitude and much welcomed cooler temperatures. This was the first two-lane highway we used for our trip, and it was a pleasant departure from the Interstate. Highway 60 winds through the mining towns of Globe and Superior, Arizona, where we were treated to living history.
About an hour away from Las Cruces we ran into dark skies and light rain. Ordinarily this wouldn't be a big deal, but several of the vehicles had open tops and at least one didn't have windshield wipers.
When we made it to the hotel it was still early, so those that needed to make repairs did so in the parking lot or went to Jim Huff's shop, Hytech Automotive and 4x4 Service. Jim was kind enough to let Trenton park his tow rig and trailer there for a couple days. He also supplied Tom with another spare axleshaft since his spare was being used. Jim also gave Sam room and tools to bolt his steering box back on the frame. Jim's hospitality didn't stop there. We spent much of the evening conversing at the shop and he offered us Coronitas (miniature Corona beers) and shots of something we were afraid to try. Some of the Toyota boys went to a local Mexican village called Juarez to catch the late-night stage show.
We had all had enough of 100-plus...
We had all had enough of 100-plus temperatures so we opted for a scenic two-lane highway out of Phoenix. Highway 60 offered us higher elevation, cooler air, and a neat look into the mining towns of Arizona, which date back to the 1800s.
Even though the 'wheeling...
Even though the 'wheeling was very different on all four trails we hit, everyone agreed that Tabasco Twister in Las Cruces was more difficult than Upper Ajax. Jody had made several upgrades to his CJ-5 since the last time we saw him, but the Dana 30 showed its weak parts and spit out a steering joint.
Sam claimed he wasn't bored,...
Sam claimed he wasn't bored, but the 39.5x18.50 Boggers and Dana 60s sure made everything look easy. He also claimed he doesn't know how to drive, but none of us bought that.