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I was getting a little tired and soaked from wading the creek, working my way downstream in a drainage in northwestern Gila County. I retreated up the canyon-side and promptly got snarled in a catclaw thicket. I pushed my way through the brambles, shredding my shirt and bloodying the exposed flesh, until I emerged onto a sandy bench about 20 feet above creek-level and came face-to-face with the goal of my trek: an arrastra. You might wonder what is an arrastra and why would I be so excited about stumbling on one?
First, I am a mineral exploration geologist and a history buff, so anything to do with old-time gold mining piques my interest. And arrastras are about the best-of-the-best in that department.