Re: Kokoweef Adventure - East Mojave Desert - Nov 11-13, 2016
Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2016 9:59 pm
If you haven't spent much time in the desert or in remote areas like this you probably don't have a sense of the kind of person places like the Mojave draws. It takes a certain type of person but it also makes these rugged and hearty people a real hoot to be around. This trip was no different. Our hosts were great and the relationship that K6DTK has forged allowed the group to ride on those shirt tails to a successful and insightful tour of places and sites many will never have the opportunity to experience. This was another lesson in simply listening to the stories that are told around camp that may lead you to your next adventure and this trip was no exception. On to the photos taken at the Kokoweef complex.
Disclaimer: A lot of the areas where this series of photos were taken is PRIVATE PROPERTY and you are subject to being scrutinized and in many cases, kicked off site if you show up uninvited. Practice the usual "tread lightly" standards and most of the time a simple smile and willingness to make new friends can make all the difference in the world with respect to "access."
Disclaimer: A lot of the areas where this series of photos were taken is PRIVATE PROPERTY and you are subject to being scrutinized and in many cases, kicked off site if you show up uninvited. Practice the usual "tread lightly" standards and most of the time a simple smile and willingness to make new friends can make all the difference in the world with respect to "access."
- 11. There are plenty of signs that tell you to go no further but once you get there and you are a guest...you are in!
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- 12. Power, just like four wheeling, is a crucial part of the comfort and success of hanging out for any length of time in this sometimes forsaken area.
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- 13. Many of the vehicles on site kept many of us in awe thinking any of them would look just as good in our back lot or driveway.
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- 14. The stories of Kokoweef are this big and the reality of it all is probably even bigger, eludes Steve our host.
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- 15. Steve, our host, was in true form a guy who fits the mold of "interesting desert dweller." Not always a fixture in the desert, Steve, as you can see, is an accomplished author and a man of many sides.
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- 16. The book that contributed to Steve's travels in the Mojave that ultimately brought him to Kokoweef where he continues to research the mysteries that surround the Kokoweef tale.
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- 17. An example of "popcorn" formation and a map of the Crystal Cave Mining Company. Great artifacts.
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- 18. Pouring over the photos and the historical accounts of Kokoweef are a full time job.
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- 19. Long before Earl Dorr started spinning his accounts, there were tales from the Spanish and well before that the verbal history of the Native Americans.
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- 20. A great find shared by Steve was his assayer's chemical kit that he found in very good condition. The treasures you can find!
- 161111, Kokoweef 640 20.jpg (85.44 KiB) Viewed 5964 times
- 21. A museum piece that you see in the movies all the time but not in real life.
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- 22. Ore cart rails would be my first guess, anyone?
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- 23. Another museum quality piece of history ready to bring power back to the mine.
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- 24. Traveling up the hill to Kokoweef. What a view.
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- 25. Ore cart rails seem to all end at the end of a tailing pile or a drop off, why?
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- 26. Another commanding view of the valley. Like a scene out of the Bogart classic The Treasure of The Sierra Madre.
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- 27. Dave's going in with the cursory wave to the crowd.
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- 28. Walking up to the "great cavern" of Kokoweef and the bridge.
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- 29. Rails still in place. It is amazing how many mines still have rails and ore carts still in them. It's still a pity there aren't more intact.
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- 30. Watch that first step on the bridge... Below, from the pit of the cavern, about 30 feet, a plethora of animal bones were excavated some old to very, very old.
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