Mazourka Peak - 08/28-29/10
Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2010 9:40 am
One more to get caught up . . .This is a run we have wanted to do for some time and finally got the chance to head up into the Inyo Mountains and enjoy this wonderful area! In pre-contact times the Piute Indians spent the summer and fall in the Inyo Mountains gathering pinyon and hunting game. They’d then migrate to the Owens River Valley for winter and spring. Their major camps in the mountains where we are going were at Papoose Flat and Badger Flat and the path they often used up and down the mountains was through Mazourka Canyon. The area is also full of old mining ruins. Mining flourished in the Mazourka Canyon area in the 1860s. There is interesting geography, changing as one goes up and down. Plus there are wondrous views, including a spectacular view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west.
A couple of us camped Friday night at Baker Creek outside of Big Pine. In the morning we met in town and John lead the way east on Highway 168 to Death Valley Road and on to the trailhead approximately 15 miles from Big Pine. We then explored Harkless Flat, Papoose Flat, Mazourka Peak, Badger Flats and more. We made camp in a wooded area where an owl who remembered John from a previous trip let us know he did not like us either!
Sunday morning we got up to watch the sun rise from Mazourka Peak and then continued south to exit to the Owens River Valley via Mazouka Canyon, stopping at mines and such as we encountered them.
A great trip, full of new things and the promise for more to come!
Pictures: http://www.socaltaco.com/images/thumbnails.php?album=44
Next rip out to Saline for Halloween! We are simply meeting at the Warm Springs Friday the 29th, goofing around the 30th and heading back the 31st. Costume Optional!
A couple of us camped Friday night at Baker Creek outside of Big Pine. In the morning we met in town and John lead the way east on Highway 168 to Death Valley Road and on to the trailhead approximately 15 miles from Big Pine. We then explored Harkless Flat, Papoose Flat, Mazourka Peak, Badger Flats and more. We made camp in a wooded area where an owl who remembered John from a previous trip let us know he did not like us either!
Sunday morning we got up to watch the sun rise from Mazourka Peak and then continued south to exit to the Owens River Valley via Mazouka Canyon, stopping at mines and such as we encountered them.
A great trip, full of new things and the promise for more to come!
Pictures: http://www.socaltaco.com/images/thumbnails.php?album=44
Next rip out to Saline for Halloween! We are simply meeting at the Warm Springs Friday the 29th, goofing around the 30th and heading back the 31st. Costume Optional!