On Saturday I will be doing a run through a triangle of canyons comprised of Rodriguez, Chariot and Oriflamme. Contained within this area, and a bit outside, are several mines, all of which are on private property and almost all of which are fenced off. Three of the top ten gold producing mines are in this area and the owners have given us permission to enter the property to view the the remnants of the operation, which by the way, are in very good condition, given their age (over 100 years). In one location there stands the original 5 stamp mill, with wood frame, including much of the machinery used for the operation. At this mine, the current owner (who is the grandson of the original owner in the 1800's) has offered to give us a tour and some history (the mine is now on his private ranch, which has been in his family for many, many years.) We also have permission to visit the number two and number three top gold producing mines. Both have very impressive mines and machinery.
Each member of the tour will get a copy of the book "A good Camp" by Leland Fetzer (no charge). If you want an early copy, let me know. Otherwise, I will be handing out copies just before the run. The book contains a great description of the history of the area as well as the mines that we will be visiting. Leland will be accompanying us this year on this trip and will share his knowledge of the area as we travel. We will also have a geologist with us who will be giving us an insight into the reasons why the area attracted such interest from prospectors.
One special note: As we travel from mine to mine, Leland will be commenting on various topics related to the area and the mines, via Ham radio. If you can, be sure to bring a radio so you can listen and participate. We will have some additional radios available for listening.
PLEASE NOTE:
1. Rock rails will help as will under carriage protection. Expect brush scratches. All of the remaining OAUSA rules and regulations will be in place. We will stop for lunch at the midway point during the trip. Bring your lunch, drinks, and plenty of water. One of the mines will require wading through about a foot of water and waders or waterproof boots will help.
2. No alcohol will be allowed during the trip.
3. This run requires a certain amount of physical ability. There is a short hike (approximately half mile) involved to reach one mine and a small climb up a dirt face to reach another.
We want to reserve this run for those who have not done it in the past. Depending on the sign-ups, there may be room for some second timers. The run is limited to 8 vehicles so as to minimize the impact on the private land we will use.
The trail through the canyons is easy for the most part. There may be a few sections of Rodriguez that are a little difficult but the reports so far seem to suggest that the road has been "smoothed out".
Lead: DaveK
Tail Gunner:
midsection:
Comms Designee: DaveK
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Meeting Time: 7:30 am
Meeting Place: Butterfield Ranch Resort Group Campsite
Departure Time: 8:00 am
2M Simplex: 145.570
2M Repeater: Laguna Mtn 147.150+ (PL: 107.2) & Monument 147.240+ (PL: 103.5)
APRS: We will be running ARPS on the National frequency
There will be 8 rig maximum for this run with a 3 rig wait list.
Signed Up:
1. Steve wb6twl
2. Tyler (SD07NISMO) and family
3. Greg (gzeleniak)
4. Jaime (DezertScorpion)
5. Chris Schafer
6. xbox73
7. James (PIC4GOD)
8. Moose and Cathy
Waiting list:
1.
2.
3.
Mine Pictures
Ranchita
- Ranchita 4.JPG (99.05 KiB) Viewed 7718 times
- Hubbard 1.jpg (81.78 KiB) Viewed 7718 times
- Ready Relief 1.jpg (93.12 KiB) Viewed 7718 times
- Golden Sugar - 2.jpg (141.5 KiB) Viewed 7718 times
- Golden Chariot.jpg (142.46 KiB) Viewed 7718 times
