In consideration of " Mike's heated temper " as Jobe noted, and Mike Castro's overall aggressive acts in the area over many years, Jobe told me about an experience that he had with Mike just a few weeks ago that I think is worth bringing to light. Jobe was heading to DCHS and was passing by the Bowen Ranch on the open public rd that is immediatly on the north side of the Ranch. When Jobe was a bit past the ranch he got a call from a friend on his cell so he stopped his vehicle. Jobe said Mike Castro then came from the ranch in his vehicle and pulled around in front of Jobes car, then Mike got out dressed in camoflouge clothing with some sort of mask ( Jobe can give you more specific details ) and walked a bit towards Jobe's car while pointing a rifle at Jobe. I think Jobe said he then backed his vehicle up and I'm not sure if he turned around or what exactly happened after that. Jobe did file a police report on this incident which is important.

So why was Mike Castro, on a public rd, pointing a rifle at Jobe? As far as I know solid projectile guns like rifles are illegal on BLM lands which this rd is on. Besides, Mike Castro is just a private citizen and not any kind of Law Enforcement. And whats up with the camo clothing and mask? Anyone should do a police report if Mike Castro pulls this kind of thing with them, or any other types of aggressive acts too. Mike has been perping this kind of crap for far too long in his time of residing at the Bowen Ranch and it needs to stop before someone gets hurt or killed.

Also, as far as Mike Castro telling anyone " DO NOT GO ANY FURTHER " regarding people's intention to visit DCHS, Mike is just a private landowner who owns 80 acres in the area. His property is surrounded by BLM lands, and USFS lands to the south. Once again Mike Castro is not a law enforcement official and he is not a BLM or USFS ranger either. He is just a private citizen so he has got no business telling people not to go to DCHS. The springs are on public lands and the area is all open. There are many open public dirt rds that go around the Bowen Ranch on all sides of it which can be used to get near the Deep Creek canyon and hike to DCHS. Mike of course has a right to not let people on his property, but he has no authority regarding the BLM lands or the USFS lands which DCHS is on.

People clearly should use appropriate caution when accessing any outdoor destination and not get themselves into a situation beyond their abilities, or their vehicles capabilities. But Mike takes it to far when he acts like he gets to tell people if they get to go to DCHS, and he does this many times with a biligerant attitude as Jobe has spoken of in his report above.

So you can access DCHS on public rds around the ranch, you can hike up or down the Pacific Crest Trail to get there, or you can come from the south of the creek by way of the Bradford Ridge Trail off of HWY 173. Just because Mike Castro doesnt' want to let you park at his ranch does not mean you can't go to DCHS.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/07/2011 05:19PM by Wizard.