Mother Lode Mercantile, LLC

05/18/2024

Sunrise over the Four Peaks mountains outside of…

03/03/2024

Portrait of a Roadrunner, , Albuquerque, New Mexico.
www.facebook.com/JonathanDreznerPhotography thanks 🙏 you for your Likes and Shares ❣️

12/29/2023

Mosey on out to Goldfield for a Wild West good time! December 26th-31st startin’ at High Noon each day catch the toughest bunch of scoundrels that ever walked the streets of Goldfield! Shows last approximately 15 minutes and take place at the top of each hour until 4:00pm! Taking place in the center of Goldfield Ghost Town.

The Goldfield Gunfighters are a dedicated group made up entirely of volunteers who take pride in bringing the spirit and the history of the Old West to life for the many generations of young and old that visit Goldfield Ghost Town from around the world!

12/22/2023

!!!ANNOUNCEMENT!!!
!December 22nd Christmas at Goldfield CANCELED!

Howdy folks!
Unfortunately due to the extensive rain for the safety of our guests and employees we have to CANCEL tonight’s DECEMBER 22nd Christmas at Goldfield event! We are an outdoor venue and regrettably
the weather is one factor which we have little control over. We believe this decision is in the best interest of all participants, and will keep everyone updated about the status of our final event night tomorrow. Thank you for your understanding

12/22/2023

09/07/2023

Vulture City Arizona:

Soon after Henry Wickenburg discovered the Vulture Mine in 1863, the small mining town of Vulture City sprang to life. Holding at one time around 5,000 people, Vulture city also had its own Assay office for the gold and silver that came from the mine, as well as a security vault for the gold and silver's safe keeping until it could be transported to Prescott or Phoenix.

The Vulture Mine yielded over 340,000 ounces of gold and 260,000 ounces of silver from 1863 until 1942. As does most mining town's in the wild west, Vulture city was no different when it came to being a deadly place to call home. The brothels and saloons were a regular place to visit at the end of a long day in the mine and on the claims. With mine cave-ins Yavapai raids, lynchings, gunfights, disease and the elements were all common killers. It was even said that during 1870-1875 it was practically a death sentence for anyone, even the lone prospector to venture alone outside of town. Vulture City also had its very own hanging tree where 18 souls were strung up for stealing.

This mining town was so deadly that the U.S. Army had to dispatch soldiers to this mining town to bring order and security, but it actually did very little to stop the violence and death.

One simply can't walk through the old Ghost Town without hearing about the Glory Hole. Back in 1923, 7 miners were working inside of the mine at night and were loading up 12 burros with gold ore. The only catch is that they were mining it out of the stone pillar support beams and things didn't turn out so well... All 7 miners and 12 Burros were killed, forever entombed with the very gold ore they were trying to steal. - This tunnel was never re-opened, the gold and bodies were still there!

Many of the building go this old town are still standing to this very day. The Ironwood hanging tree also still stands and is located right by the old ruins of Henry Wickenburg's house.

Today the old building’s & the mine are privately owned and tours are offered for anyone who wants to catch a glimpse into our states past. There are so many cool things to see here!

Also, Roadrunners And GPAA have great Gold producing claims in this area. Since I am a member of both organizations, you very well might see me frequently on the claims in this area.

If while on your adventures this week you happen to find yourself in Wickenburg, maybe stop and check out this priceless part of the Wild Wild West!!!!

Stay Safe, Stay Alive, Keep Treasure Hunting!!!!

09/06/2023

REPAIR AND REOPEN ARIZONA’S HISTORIC APACHE TRAIL - SR88

Please everyone! Deadline to submit your comments is September 15th.

Don’t miss the opportunity to let ADOT know you want this roadway repaired and reopened.
ADOT is taking public comments until Sep 15th.
We are supporting Alternative to get the road opened NOW, and to then work in phases towards ADOT’s Preferred Alternative.

Please email your input to:
[email protected] or use ADOT’s online form at: azdot.gov/SR88apachetrail

You can also mail in your preference to:
SR88 Study, c/o Marshall Hayes
Logan Simpson
51 West Third St., Ste 450
Tempe, AZ 85281

08/21/2023

Covey of quail and babies.

Photo posted by Lisa Helt

07/25/2023

PUBLIC INPUT IS BEING REQUESTED FOR THE REPAIR AND REOPENING OF THE APACHE TRAIL
PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will host an in-person public meeting as part of an ongoing study of a 7-mile segment of State Route 88 (Apache Trail) between the Fish Creek Hill overlook and Apache Lake Marina Road (milepost 222 to 229), which remains closed to traffic due to extensive damage resulting from a wildfire and large storm events.
The purpose of the SR 88 study is to determine the feasibility of reopening SR 88 to vehicles, identify potential improvements and their cost and improve the resilience of this roadway to future storm events.
The SR 88 (Apache Trail) Study, Milepost 222 to 229 meeting is scheduled as follows:

When: Wednesday, Aug. 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. An open house will be held from 5:30 to 6 p.m. The presentation will start at 6 p.m.
Where: City of Apache Junction Multi-Generational Center, 1035 N. Idaho Road, Apache Junction, AZ 85119

As part of the meeting, a presentation will be shown and ADOT and technical staff will be available to answer questions. Those attending will also be able to provide comments to the study team.
For those unable to attend, the meeting presentation and study recommendations will be posted to the SR 88 website at: https://azdot.gov/state-route-88-apache-trail-study-milepost-222-229
Comments on the study will be accepted through September 15, 2023. Comments can be submitted to ADOT in the following ways:

Mail to: SR 88 Study, c/o Marshall Hayes, Logan Simpson, 51 West Third St., Suite 450, Tempe, AZ 85281;
Phone at (480) 967-1343; or via email at
Email: [email protected].

ADOT is conducting this study in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service. SR 88 is located within ADOT easement on U.S. Forest Service lands managed by the Tonto National Forest and has been designated as a historic and scenic road and National Forest Scenic Byway.

Overview In late 2022 the state legislature appropriated funding for a study of the 7-mile section of State Route 88 (Apache Trail) east of the Fish Creek Overlook to Apache Lake Marina Road (mileposts 222-229) that was closed in 2019 due to ex

07/13/2023

Butt seriously …. our ASS. summer fudge flavors will have you beggin’ for more!

Current flavors on the slab:

Dreamsicle
Root Beer Float
Lemon Meringue Pie
Sour Watermelon
Prickly Pear (our very own original)
Gold Nugget (our very own original)
Chocolate Walnut
Hot! Mexican Chocolate
Peanut Butter Chocolate
Dark Chocolate Caramel Toffee
Vanilla Sea Salt Caramel
Reduced Sugar Chocolate Walnut
and Plain Chocolate Fudge!

Stop in any day from 10am to 5pm to pick up a pack!

Located in Goldfield Ghost Town on AZ State Route 88 - the Historic Apache Trail