Searching for an Old Desert Mine (Color Version)

On our last trip out to the desert, we went looking for an old mine located about 20 miles or so east of 29 Palms, CA. If you know this part of the desert, then you know the area is remote. Very remote. I read about this mine and it appealed to me because it looks like it's only a short drive (3-4 miles) off of Highway 62 with some cool stuff to see. I researched it carefully on Google Maps, planned my route, packed up the Jeep, and off we went!

Well, best laid plans. We didn't get more than a few hundred yards off the pavement before the sand got super-soft, deep and powdery. Even in 4WD, we were close to getting stuck. I decided not to risk it, turned the Jeep around, parked, and we had a little picnic. The mine will have to wait for another day and another way to approach it. I haven't given up yet!

My granddaughter wasted no time getting dolls out and playtime started!

And certainly not a wasted trip. I took the opportunity to photograph some of my favorite desert denizens (smoke trees). These bushy trees are found in desert washes and have a strange beauty all their own.

My wife even found a geocache. We know nothing about geocaching, and couldn't figure out what this little tin filled with... something... was doing in the center of a creosote bush in the middle of nowhere! We opened it up, my wife made an entry in the logbook, and added a couple treasures. My granddaughter was fascinated by it!

Highway 62, looking west. For Skywatch Friday "Sun in Your Eyes" edition!

In this stretch of the desert, Highway 62 is pretty quiet with limited traffic. However, you still want to pay attention to the occasional car or truck when you're out in the middle of the road taking pictures!

Sand sculpture!

While exploring the area, I came across two old water tanks and dry wells. See that big rusted-out opening on the side of the tank? Here's what it looks like from inside the tank:

Another view of the water tank, this shot is facing north. The mountains are starting to take on a slight purple tint.

One of the last shots of the day. As the sun was setting in the west, the mountains took on this incredible purple hue. Also, you can see what's left of some old fence posts. This area must have been something back in the day, with two wells and evidence of fencing. Perhaps an old ranch house? A nice opportunity for future research to see if I can't trace the roots of this area.

Next post I'm planning on B&W shots of this same location. I really prefer them. It's such a remote and lonely stretch of desert that B&W works perfectly. But I'll let you be the judge.

Linking with Skywatch Friday.
"Clink" (click on the link) to check out great skies from around the world!
Thanks for stopping by!!