Mystery Cave

 Years ago, someone told me about a cave in a very remote area in Joshua Tree National Park. He mentioned there were signs of digging, and even a metal screen nearby (likely used to sieve through sand). It was upsetting, as the "evidence" pointed to someone digging up and looting the cave (which is obviously illegal in a national park). But digging up what? It was a mystery. He shared the location with me. I marked it on Google Earth and forgot about it. Until just recently, when I found myself hiking in the area.

This area is full of interesting rock formations with shallow caves and alcoves.

Inside, looking out.

 

These lines in the rock are so interesting. Geologists call them dykes or dikes. These particular dykes look like they were made by a master stonemason, who carefully placed rocks side by side! They extend all the way over to the shallow cave on the left side of the photo.

 

 

We spot another cave.

This one is quite large inside and unique looking, with a hanging rock wall. It also has the appearance of human hands stacking rocks off to one side to improve the shelter.

Finally we find "mystery cave". Although it may be hard to see in the photo, there is indeed a big berm of sand directly in front of the cave opening. It's obvious someone has done a lot of digging.

My friend Nadine gives perspective to the size of the cave opening.

Inside, the cave is deeper and more spacious than I anticipated. Although it's tempting, I don't do much poking around because I don't want to disturb the soil (hantavirus). It's obvious a lot of burning has been going on in this cave, perhaps for many years. I've never seen rocks with such heavy soot deposits.

The soot is so heavy that it looks like tar in some areas.

Wire mesh found just outside the cave.

So we have a cave with clear signs of substantial digging, and huge soot deposits. The combination of digging and wire screen means someone, perhaps years ago, was sifting the dirt dug from inside the cave, looking for something. But what? My first guess would be this cave was used as a storage site for Native Americans. Perhaps there was an olla for water or grain storage in the cave. There could have also been grinding stones and pottery sherds. Or possibly this cave was used as a small shelter by Native Americans, which might help explain all the soot. I guess it's even possible that this was an old burial site. It's likely this is another one of those desert mysteries that will never be solved!

It's turning into an absolutely gorgeous golden hour! As the clouds move by, the light on the Coxcomb Mountains is constantly changing. I decide to use my iPhone for a time lapse video. This is where we make camp for a few hours while we wait for the stars.

 

 

 

Nadine enjoying the beautiful sky!

 

I think it was worth the wait. A beautiful mix of clouds and stars!

 

Thanks for dropping by!!

Linking with Skywatch Friday.