We headed back to NM for the 2015 Outlaws Run. This time breaking away from the “Wild Bunch” theme and headed South to Lincoln County, NM. Billy the Kid’s Country. It’s a place that i’ve been wanting to explore for some time. After gassing up in Wagon Mound, NM, we heded to Mills Canyon for our first nights camp. Mills Canyon is just outside Roy NM (great enchiladas btw) deep in the Kiowa Grasslands. Camp for the night would have us in Mills Canyon, among the old Orchard fields planted by Marvin Mills. The Canadian River flowing close by.
Wagon Mound, NM, a small village along the I-25 corridor is a meaningful spot for me regarding my family’s history. My Great Grandpa Leon E Williams owned the “Diamond A” ranch, located at the base of the Turkey Mountains, Just West of Wagon Mound. The “Diamond A” was originally purchased by great Grandpa Leon E Williams from the Thatcher Brothers of Pueblo, CO. Grandpa Charlie was the foreman at the ranch during the 40’s and 50’s. With my Father and Uncle growing up on the ranch. I make a point to at least stop by the gate of the old family ranch every time I pass by. One of these days I will see the old Farm House, And the rest of the operation.
First nights camp in Mills Canyon, along the Canadian River.
Marvin Mills and his Orchard Ranch in Mills Canyon: Born in Ontario Canada in 1845, Marvin Mills came to NM in 1869, after graduating from Law School. Soon after Mills was helpful in getting the Colfax County Seat moved to a developing new town called Springer, NM. Mills developed the fertile grounds around the Canadian River, deep in the canyon that now bears his name. Some 14,000 trees, at the peak of Mills Orchard Ranch, could be found on the canyon floor. A Stage Coach brought visitors to the Mills Canyon Hotel located in the canyon.
In 1904, the Canadian River flooded and washed away the Orchard Farm in the Canyon. Marvin Mills passed away in August 19, 1925 at the age of 79.
Morning’s view of camp, among the orchards.
A morning stroll around camp.
The Canadian River.
More views of Mills Canyon. I originally had the day planned to attempt the old Wagon Road on the North side of the canyon, but the lazy morning got the best of us.
Bear tracks within Mills Canyon. This was the smaller of the two I spotted that morning.
Climbing out of Mills Canyon and back into the Kiowa Grasslands.
Cruising through the Kiowa National Grasslands.
Making our way south via back roads to Ft. Sumner, NM.
Camp along the Pecos.
Pecos River.
Welcome to Ft. Sumner, NM.
A better museum than expected.
Was greeted to this upon arrival at the museum.
Billy the Kid’s shotgun.
Found this entertaining.
Billy the Kids grave.
Evening sets in.
Further South to the Capitan Mtns and Lincoln, NM.
Another fine camp in the Capitan Mtn’s. Didn’t have much time to explore them.
“The House”
That part of the movie ” I’ll make you famous”.
Billy the Kid was kept behind the white line.
The window Billy the Kid used to gun down Bob Olinger.
Bob Olinger came running out from this building after hearing the shots of the Kid’s six shooter.
The rival store to the “House” what was also known as the Murphy/Dolan store. Billy the Kid was aligned with the Tunstall faction of Lincoln, NM.
Lincoln, NM. One of the better preserved towns of NM.
En route to White Oaks, NM.
In White Oaks, NM and the “No Scum allowed” Saloon.
They let me in…
Not much left of Jicarilla.
Barry Silbaugh was kind enough to let us crash at his shop above Sandia Park.
Los Cerrillos, NM.
Wagon Mound, NM. The “Diamond A” ranch is nestled up against the Turkey Mountains.
