28 October 2018 An Off-Road Trip FROM BUMBLE BEE TO CLEATOR Get off I-17 at exit 248 and head northwest to Bumble Bee OFF-ROAD VEHICLES are some of the most popular and fun vehicles. These machines sport full-travel suspensions and high ground clearance offering a no-compromise off-road experience. Their knobby rubber tires and tuned engines give them the ability to tackle challenging terrain. We can't promise that your clothes will be spick-and- span by the end, but we can promise a great day of off-road action, in whatever vehicle you choose. Your experience will pass through historic mining country dating back over 140 years. Off-roaders will enjoy a beautiful and fun, rough and rocky adventure on their way to Cleator. GET YOURSELF AND YOUR TOY READY FOR THE TRIP Make sure both you and your vehicle are ready for this adventure. Before you venture out on your off-roading trip you need to make sure you are prepared for emergencies. Even if nothing happens to you or your vehicle, you might come across someone who needs help. Short of always having your full-on “Bug-Out-Bag” with you, you should at least have some basic emergency items. It might seem obvious to some, but you should get yourself a toolbox with appropriate tools and leather gloves, a good first aid kit, fire extinguisher, set of jumper cables, emergency blankets (stored in heavy plastic bag – both are useful), flashlight, tow strap, and some extra water. I would also suggest a recovery strap, a military folding shovel, heavy duty garbage bags, and a hand crank self-powered weather radio. These items are not expensive, but they just might save your day. HISTORY OF CLEATOR Cleator (Turkey Creek) is located 7 miles southwest of Cordes. It’s where the old route of "Murphy's Impossible Railroad" was going to Cedar Canyon, which after the rail was removed, became the dirt road to Crown King. It offers a glimpse of Arizona's gold and silver mining in the past. In 1864 gold was found in the area and a stagecoach station opened 2 miles west of the creek. In 1869 a post office was opened with the name Turkey Creek, which existed for only 5 months. When Murphy's Impossible Railroad reached Turkey Station (also known as Turkey Creek Station and Turkey Siding) in 1902, most of the mines were ready as customers for transport. Leveret "Lev" Pierce Nellis was there the year earlier and because he expected that railroad would be in place, he built a country store, saloon and he opened the post office again. In a couple of years, he was the owner of the mostly ghost town. James P. Cleator arrived in Turkey Creek much later. Cleator's post office was established March 21, 1903, and discontinued July 15, 1954. Cleator, originally named Turkey, after nearby Turkey Creek, found its existence by being a railroad station. The enormous amount of mines in the Bradshaw Mountains necessitated the building of a railroad, the Prescott and Eastern, between Crown King and Mayer. Cleator lies at the base of the mountains on what was the rail line and today is an improved two- wheel drive road. James P. Cleator owned an interest in the town and a ranch with a partner to whom he traded his interest in the ranch for the whole town in about 1905. The name was then changed to Cleator. As James P. Cleator was getting up in years, his son Tommy took over the town and owned it until he died in the early 1990’s. THIS TIME WE GO OFF ROAD! While in Cleator, be sure and visit the Cleator Bar & Yacht Club! CleatorBarAndYachtClub.com CLEATOR Our third destination on our