We took a loop route through one of many overlooked southern Mojave gems, the Old Dale Mining District. This area sweeps from the higher areas at the edge of the Mojave southwards, into the Sonoran desert and Joshua Tree NP, winding through various mine sites along the way. We started out with 4 vehicles - Larry in the Crazy FJ, Jon in the 4Runner, and Nick in another FJ. After a night of last minute installing, chocolate cake, and sheltered camp at my folk's place we headed into the desert.
After exploring the "center of town" we went up to the Duplex mine for lunch. The top of the mountain above Duplex is likely the best view for 50 miles, with panoramic views of Pinto Basin and the surrounding mountains. I was hungry, so having done the hike before I opted to eat my pastrami sandwich instead.
On our way down into the 'Basin we stopped along the trail to check out a potential suspension issue on the 4Runner. That's when Randy caught up with us in the Xterra.
After determining the ball joint was going nowhere we made our way down to the Mission mine where Nick and I promptly climbed the tower (I figured it was a bad idea on the scouting trip, since Dani and I were alone). The view was great, and it was at least 10* cooler on top with a nice breeze. Mission mine is more modern than usually encountered out here, and has an abundance of equipment and miscellaneous bits left behind. The tower is for the shaft elevator directly below. Were it not for the bee hive, the mine could probably still be entered since it is all metal (no crumbling wood ladders to worry about).
Next stop was the Goldenrod mine, which has a small collection of abandoned antique vehicles and a stable horizontal shaft about 100 yards deep, filled with assorted sparklies.
Off to camp along side Brooklyn Mine Jeep Trail at the Gold Rose Mine cabin...
The cabin is an ongoing restoration project and visitors are encouraged, not required, to add their own additions/repairs to the place. At some point, the massive patio and firepit were added making for a very comfortable dining area. Unfortunately... morning brings the bees.
