I wanted to share more pics from my recent desert hike (see last week's post called Car Wash). I had a few people ask me about how those old rusty cars ended up in that desert wash in such an isolated area. Turns out there was an old well and mining operation in the area, long ago abandoned. Rumor has it that the old desert rat that operated the well (which provided water for many of the mines located in the nearby Dale Mining District) ran a car repair service on the side. When the mines started shutting down, the well caretaker probably pulled up stakes and moved on, but he left a lot of stuff behind, including old cars! Likely one of those big desert thunderstorms washed all the cars into the wash, and there they remain to this day!
Getting ready to start our hike. That's Old Dale Road in Pinto Basin, Joshua Tree National Park. We are about 10 miles from paved road (Pinto Basin Road).
Came across this old gate, really and truly in the middle of nowhere! The fence doesn't extend on either side of the gate, so it serves no purpose. At one time, this was probably the road to the well and mining operations.
My brother-in-law checking out an old stove...
... and having some fun with an old car door!
View from the well. Although I think the original well dates back pre-1948, this chunk of cement is probably a more recent improvement.
Lot's of "stuff" left behind at this site, so a super-interesting place to explore. Along with the well and mining operations, there was a house (only the foundation is left now).
My sister with the giant funnel!!
One of the few vehicles (or vehicle parts) that didn't get pushed into the wash by heavy rain. That's my sister on the right, with her friend Karmen.
View out the rear window of the little truck.
 |
| My brother-in-law... photo converted to b&w, then added grain to give it a vintage film look. |
 |
| Does this qualify for Good Fences? More of a gate than a fence, but nice and rustic! |
 |
| Editing included adding grain and a texture. |
 |
| I think this is a "line drawing" edit in photoshop. A little strange, but I kinda like it! |
Heading home! Now lets see if we can find where we parked the Jeeps!!
i'm just lovin' the gate in the middle of nowhere! and loved the car door pic, too!! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat shots.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun day!
ReplyDeleteWow, what an adventure.
ReplyDeleteWorth a Thousand Words
What a great place - it must have been some life out in that desert.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos - love the stuff you find in the desert. Glad you found the jeep too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. Lots of neat stuff there in the desert and you all seemed to be having a great time posing with it. That gate was neat even if it didn't serve any real purpose. Loved the BW shot with the barbed wire. That old stove would be so neat if it wasn't all shot full of holes.
ReplyDeleteInteresting,just a gate left
ReplyDeleteYour a bit like me going off to explore old places like that. Wonderful stuff
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots and that must have been a sight,that great funnel in use. The panorama last pic. I like it very much. Gives a real feeling for the landscape.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shoots !!Really i should like to be there such a nice place!thanx for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAnita
So much fun! That is so great to explore and ! really enjoyed your photos!
ReplyDeleteHello, the abandoned cars are a neat find. It is a cool place to explore. Wonderful collection of photos. The last shot is awesome! Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteI love these old things! They are always fun to explore and speculate on what stories they could tell us.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed
ReplyDeleteI'm pumping up the tires on my mountain bike and heading your way.
What fabulous shots.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful series. The black and whites work so well in the desert. You know I'd love to explore this site.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great series of photos! Thank you so much for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteI think you guys had lots of fun that day. At least from the images I see :)
ReplyDeleteAs always, great pictures. I really like the monochromes in this set. And the giant funnel!
ReplyDeleteYou have captured very interesting shots.
ReplyDeleteAll very creative shots! and such a magnificent place and fun people you have around you ~
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend to you ~ ^_^
I like these pictures, especially the rusted ones.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, enjoyed the story for the origins of the old rusty cars. Loved all those photos and the ones with the effects.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place to visit., I know I'd love it. Your photos are terrific as always and I like the treatment you gave to your brother-in-law's photo.
ReplyDeleteGreat adventure! I enjoyed the pictures, the stories. Great unforgettable place!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing to see so many old rusty car parts and metal objects in a deserted desert! They made cool photos!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun to explore this place! Assuming you found at least one of the Jeeps, since you are posting ;>) (they would not be good things to lose). Love the vintage-looking photos and the desert as always. And thank you for the explanation of the "carwash".
ReplyDeleteThat really does look like a great place to explore. Nice set of pictures.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Amazing captures of the desert. It looks like a wonderful places to venture and for photography.
ReplyDeleteAlexander
Alex's World! - http://alex.kakinan.com
I think all the old stuff littered around adds character to the area, looks good :-)
ReplyDeleteYou've captured some great images here. It looks like a great place to visit!
ReplyDeleteCool shots :-)
ReplyDelete