I have spent some time with both Gail and Mike Castro on seperate occasions. I find that Mike likes to talk alot and is angry about a lot of stuff. Gail is a better listener and conversationalist. Both have smarts. I dont go to Bowen Ranch anymore. Better to leave Mike Castro in his own world and let him be. I see no point in any attempt to mix the issues of public access to public lands and the controversy that surrounds Mike Castro's personal life.
Gail feels a strong sense of duty to inform the suspecting and unsuspecting public about the controversy surrounding Mike Castro and the Bowen Ranch. Unfortunatly, this reputation that surrounds the Bowen Ranch pre dates the current owner by many years. I once rescued a man from a potentialy fatal beating at the hands of Gary "the growler" Crower. I also knew John and Helen Ware along with Kenny, Tom and I forget the other one's name. Mr Bowen is rumored to have died of mercury poisining, leaving Gerte Bowen alone to raise a disabled daughter. Thats how the toll got started.
As a longtime local, my own feelings is there are some angry desert spirits that drive people near Round Mountain crazy in their own heads. I have seen many over the years come and go. It is not a peaceful place and misfortune haunts the Bowen Ranch like a ghost.