Anza Borrego Desert State Park is located just east of the town of Julian. Julian's origin began during in the gold rush days of the late 1800's. Remnants of many mines still exist today, some in quite good condition.
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.
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.
SPECIAL NOTES:
1. Last year we added a mine to the tour which was the second largest gold producer in the entire Cuyamaca mining district. Over the years, the mine has changed hands many times. New owners took over in the last few years and are aggressively returning it to active status. With a little luck, we may have one of the owners to give us some insight into its history and current status.
2. As we travel from mine to mine, we 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.
INFORMATION AND RULES:
1. For the most part, the trail is easy, but you may require 4WD. 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. We will attempt this mine if enough people express interest before the run.
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.
4. All mines on this tour are on private land. Please respect the land and take all trash out with you. Nothing can be removed from the mines or the land!!!
5. Recommended wear: long pants, good boots, long sleeve shirt, a hat, and good leather gloves.
6. Recommended gear: flashlight, back pack, camera, HT, and water
The run is limited to 8 vehicles so as to minimize the impact on the private land we will use.
Please post your Ham radio call sign with your sign-up.
Lead: DaveK
Tail Gunner:
midsection:
Comms Designee: DaveK
Difficulty: Mostly easy with possibly a short section of moderate
Meeting Time: 7:30 am
Meeting Place: Butterfield Ranch Resort Group Campsite at the OAUSA HQ.
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.
Signed Up:
1. DaveK
2. Roger JS
3. Patty and Jon
4. Jack
5. Kevin
6. Rick
7.
8.
SOME PICTURES OF THE MINES:
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- 8.jpg (80.91 KiB) Viewed 3992 times
