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By Carol Keefer
April, 2000
A 113-mile jaunt on General Crook Trail, from just
west of Show Low to Fort Verde, provide the perfect horse lover's
getaway for this out-of-state couple seen resting at the trail's
end. Jim Mater, New Mexico, and Lewanne Sharp, California, drew
lots of attention when they rode into Camp Verde Wednesday evening
on a horse and a mule, pulling four-pack mules. Mater said his pack
mules alone carried 750 pounds of provisions for the animals. The
adventuresome couple was 11 days on the wilderness trail, opened
for wagon and horseback traffic in 1872. The trail runs from Fort
Verde to Fort Apache, south of Pinetop. The trail provided a continuous
connection all the way to Fort Whipple in Prescott, General Crook's
headquarters. According to Mater, the saddle seen in this picture
that he uses is an original calvary saddle. Historic trails, such
as General Crook, are quickly gaining popularity and attention by
locals, tourists and county, state and national officials.
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