A Visit To Geogypsy, Part II

After we went to the Shrine of St. Joseph, Gaelyn said she wanted us to see another place called Noah’s Ark. It is on the same road as the shrine. Of course we said “OK”.

At first glance it looks like just a pile of rocks, but there is more to it than that. This is a place of modern day ruins, remnants of a castle that Alessio Carrarro, an Italian immigrant who had made his fortune in sheet metal in San Francisco, started building in the 1950’s to entice his wife to come to Arizona to life. She wanted no part of living here, but he believed that if he could build a beautiful castle for her, that she would change her mind. Carrarro was the same guy who designed and built the Tovrea Castle in Phoenix.

It is amazing to think about building those stone walls and mixing all that cement on the steep cliffs, working around the large boulders there. He must have been one determined man.

When we got to the property and parked the truck, no one else was around. I asked Gaelyn if we would get in trouble if we climbed up to the castle, as we were on private property. She said she had been up there before, so up we went. Soon, the owner, Doug Campblin, joined us on the trail. That in itself was the second amazing thing about this place. He said he encourages visitors to Noah’s Ark, because it was too unique not to share. He acted like a tour guide and gave us lots of history about the place. He was certainly a very gracious host.

Here’s Gaelyn in the doorway of the castle.

Some of the window sashes and the door facings are still there.

This was really a castle, see that turret up there?

Me and FabGrandpa in front of the “octopus”.

FabGrandpa surveying his kingdom.

There is our truck waaaayyyyy down there! yes, we really did climb all the way up. (and my legs hurt like heck the next day!)

A view from the top. These rocks are balanced precariously above the houses below.

The elephant. The reason the place is called Noah’s Ark, is that there are a lot of large boulders that look like animals here. Someone long ago painted their names on them so you’d be sure to see them.

The bear. He’s looking down on the town of Yarnell.

Another view of the castle.

If you ever get to Yarnell, it is well worth the effort and time to visit Noah’s Ark. Yarnell is on Highwy 89 between Wickenburg and Prescott, Arizona. And if you get to meet Doug, tell him FabGrandma sent you.