Author: Axotl

Railroads in Cajon Pass

/cajon-pass/railroad/

The Cajon Pass is a significant mountain pass in Southern California, USA, and it has a rich history when it comes to railroads. It is a crucial transportation route for both freight and passenger trains.

Courtesy Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Blue Cut- 1941 (colorized)

Here’s some information about railroads in the Cajon Pass:

  1. History: The history of railroads in the Cajon Pass dates back to the 19th century. The first railroad line through the pass was the California Southern Railroad, completed in the 1880s. It was later acquired by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (ATSF).
  2. Santa Fe Railway: The ATSF (Santa Fe) significantly developed the Cajon Pass as a major transportation route. They constructed numerous tracks, tunnels, and bridges to facilitate the passage of trains through the rugged terrain of the pass.
  3. Union Pacific: Union Pacific (UP) also operates through the Cajon Pass. UP and BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe) are two major freight railroads that use this pass for transporting goods between the West Coast and the rest of the United States.
  4. Passenger Rail: Besides freight, passenger trains use the Cajon Pass. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and Metrolink commuter trains provide passenger services in the region, connecting cities like Los Angeles and San Bernardino.
  5. Cajon Pass Railfan Locations: The Cajon Pass is a popular spot for rail enthusiasts (railfans) to watch and photograph trains. There are various well-known locations, such as Sullivan’s Curve and the Hill 582 Overlook, where railfans gather to enjoy the sight of trains traversing the pass.
  6. Modern Operations: The Cajon Pass remains a vital artery for transporting goods between Southern California and the rest of the country. Freight trains of various lengths and configurations, including long double-stack container trains, can frequently pass through the area.
  7. Upgrades and Maintenance: Railroads invest in upgrading and maintaining the tracks and infrastructure in the Cajon Pass to ensure safe and efficient rail transportation.
Courtesy Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad – 1941 photo (colorized)

Please note that while this information provides an overview of railroads in the Cajon Pass, there may have been developments or changes in the area after my last knowledge update in January 2022. It’s always a good idea to check with local authorities or rail companies for the most up-to-date information on rail operations in the Cajon Pass.

Sorrow

Sorrow deepens in the evening
then glides on tilted wings
Between the twisted trees
Above the trail through a woodland malice
.


.
And shadow after shadow drops from
the moonlight pouring through the forest.
The white moon and the burnt black shadows.
Shoved into sadness
.
These terrible shadows, one after another
Long wings slowly, gracefully beating
Silent, save the wind.
Silent and sad.
.

Arrowhead Pinnacles

/arrowhead-pinnacles/

Arrowhead Pinnacles is a popular rock climbing area in Southern California’s San Bernardino Mountains. It is known for its unique and challenging rock formations, making it a favorite destination for rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Here are some key details about Arrowhead Pinnacles:

  1. Location: Arrowhead Pinnacles is situated within the San Bernardino National Forest, near the city of San Bernardino in San Bernardino County, California. It is approximately 80 miles east of Los Angeles.
  2. Rock Formations: The area is characterized by a series of granite rock spires and pinnacles, which provide a wide range of climbing opportunities. The granite formations offer a variety of cracks, slabs, and faces for climbers of different skill levels.
  3. Rock Climbing: Arrowhead Pinnacles is primarily known for its rock climbing opportunities. Climbers can find routes that vary in difficulty, from beginner-friendly routes to more advanced and challenging climbs. The granite rocks and scenic surroundings make it a popular destination for traditional and sports climbing.
  4. Access: Access to Arrowhead Pinnacles typically requires a National Forest Adventure Pass for parking. The area is accessible via a short hike from the parking area to the climbing routes. Climbers should check for specific regulations and access updates from the San Bernardino National Forest or local climbing organizations.
  5. Scenic Beauty: Besides rock climbing, Arrowhead Pinnacles offers stunning views of the surrounding San Bernardino Mountains and Lake Arrowhead. The area’s natural beauty attracts climbers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts.
  6. Safety: Climbing at Arrowhead Pinnacles requires proper gear, including ropes, harnesses, helmets, and climbing shoes. Climbers should also be aware of the weather conditions and potential hazards associated with outdoor rock climbing.

As with any outdoor activity, it’s essential for climbers to prioritize safety and adhere to Leave No Trace principles to protect the natural environment. Before visiting Arrowhead Pinnacles, you should check with local climbing organizations or the San Bernardino National Forest for up-to-date information on access, routes, and any seasonal closures or restrictions.

Mining Frauds and Scams

The Mojave Desert region, with its history of mining activities, would not have been immune to such fraudulent activities. To learn about specific instances of mining frauds and scams in the Mojave Desert, you may want to consult historical records, books, and academic sources that focus on the history of mining in that region. Local archives, historical societies, and mining museums could also be valuable resources for uncovering such stories.

General information about mining frauds and scams in historical contexts.

Mining frauds and scams have occurred in various mining regions throughout history, including the Mojave Desert region. Some common types of mining frauds and scams include:

  1. Salting the Mine: This fraud involves planting valuable minerals or ore samples in a mine to make it seem more productive than it actually is. Investors are then lured into investing in the mine, only to discover that the value was artificially inflated.
  2. Phantom Mines: Scammers may create fictitious mining operations on paper, complete with impressive documentation and financial reports. They then seek investors, promising high returns, but the mine doesn’t actually exist.
  3. Pump and Dump Schemes: In these schemes, fraudsters artificially inflate the stock prices of mining companies by spreading false information or rumors about the discovery of valuable resources. Once the stock prices rise, they sell their shares at a profit, leaving other investors with worthless stocks.
  4. Unscrupulous Claims: Some individuals have made fraudulent mining claims on public lands, hoping to sell those claims to investors or mining companies. These claims may not have any actual mineral deposits or rights.
  5. Misrepresentation of Assays: Scammers may manipulate or falsify assay reports, which are essential for assessing the quality and quantity of minerals in a mine. Investors can be deceived into thinking a mine is more valuable than it is.
  6. Ponzi Schemes: Ponzi schemes can also be associated with mining investments, where early investors are paid with funds from new investors rather than actual mining profits.

Please note that while mining frauds and scams have occurred historically in various regions, including the Death Valley area, specific details and cases would require in-depth historical research and documentation. If you’re interested in learning about specific instances of mining frauds in Death Valley, I recommend consulting historical records, books, and academic sources that focus on the region’s history.

Gold Drywashers

/gold-mining/dry-washer.html

Drywasher

A drywasher for gold is a piece of equipment used in gold prospecting and mining. It is a device that uses air to separate gold particles from other materials, such as sand and gravel, without water. Here’s how it typically works:

  1. Dry Material Feed: A drywasher is loaded with dry material from a gold-bearing area, such as soil or gravel, that may contain gold flakes or nuggets.
  2. Vibrations: The dry washer has a vibrating mechanism that shakes the material, allowing the gold particles to settle downward due to their higher density.
  3. Air Blower: An air blower blows air through the material. The airflow helps to separate the lighter materials (like sand and gravel) from the heavier gold particles. Gold is denser than most other materials in the mixture, so it settles at the bottom.
  4. Collection Tray: At the bottom of the drywasher is a tray or riffles where the separated gold collects. Miners can then carefully remove the gold from this tray.
  5. Repeat Process: The process is repeated until no more gold is collected, indicating that the gold-bearing material has been processed.

Drywashers are particularly useful in arid regions where water is scarce or where regulations restrict water use for mining activities. They are portable and relatively easy for small-scale prospecting and mining operations.

It’s important to note that using a drywasher for gold requires understanding gold prospecting techniques and knowing where to find gold-bearing material. Additionally, following local laws and regulations related to gold prospecting and mining activities is essential.

https://digital-desert.com/gold-mining/

https://digital-desert.com/randsburg-ca/cw-tucker/29.html

Acorn Canyon

/angeles-national-forest/

Acorn Falls

The Acorn Canyon Trail is a popular hiking trail in Wrightwood, California. It is part of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a beautiful natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The trail is known for its scenic views.

View from the Acorn Trail

Trail conditions, accessibility, and regulations may change over time, so it’s a good idea to check with local authorities or websites dedicated to hiking in the area for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit. Additionally, be prepared with appropriate hiking gear and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the environment while enjoying the trail.

Acorn Canyon is indeed a part of the Angeles National Forest in California. It’s a beautiful area for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. As with any outdoor activity, it’s important to be prepared and follow safety guidelines when exploring this area.

Acorn Falls

Here are some general tips:

  1. Trail Information: Ensure you have up-to-date information about the Acorn Canyon Trail, including its length, difficulty level, and recent trail conditions or closures. This information is often found on the Angeles National Forest website or from local ranger stations.
  2. Hiking Gear: Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking. Don’t forget essentials like a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water. Depending on the season, you may also want to carry insect repellent.
  3. Trail Etiquette: Practice Leave No Trace principles by staying on designated trails, disposing of trash properly, and respecting wildlife. It’s also a good idea to yield the trail to others and be courteous to fellow hikers.
  4. Safety: Let someone know your plans, including your expected return time. Carry a map and a fully charged cell phone, but be aware that cell phone reception may be limited in some parts of the forest.
  5. Wildlife: Be aware of the potential for encounters with wildlife, including snakes. Stay on the lookout and keep a safe distance.
  6. Weather: Check the weather forecast for the area before heading out. Weather conditions can change rapidly in mountainous areas, so be prepared for sudden temperature drops or rain.
  7. Permits and Regulations: Depending on the specific trail and activities you plan to do, you may need permits or have to follow certain regulations. Check with the forest service or relevant authorities for necessary permits or rules.
  8. Emergency Contacts: Have the contact information for local emergency services or the nearest ranger station in emergencies.

Safety should be a priority when enjoying the outdoors, especially in wilderness areas like the Angeles National Forest. Enjoy your hike in Acorn Canyon and take in the area’s natural beauty while staying safe and respecting the environment.

U.S. Highway 395

U.S. 395

U.S. Highway 395, often simply referred to as Highway 395, is a north-south highway that runs through the western part of the country. It spans approximately 1,300 miles (2,092 kilometers) from southern California to the border of Washington and Canada.

Part of this highway passes through the Mojave Desert in California. The Mojave Desert is known for its arid landscape, unique geological features, and desert flora and fauna. Highway 395 offers travelers the opportunity to experience the beauty and solitude of the Mojave Desert while providing access to various points of interest along the way.

Here are some key points about U.S. Highway 395:

  1. Route: U.S. 395 starts in Southern California and travels north through California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington before reaching the Canadian border near Laurier, Washington. It roughly follows the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
  2. Scenic Route: Highway 395 is renowned for its scenic beauty and passes through a diverse range of landscapes, including deserts, mountain ranges, valleys, and forests. It offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Mono Lake, and the Eastern Sierra.
  3. Recreation: The highway provides access to numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, skiing, fishing, camping, and boating in the various natural areas it traverses.
  4. Historical Sites: U.S. 395 also passes by several historical sites and attractions, such as the Manzanar National Historic Site (a former Japanese internment camp during World War II), the Eastern California Museum, and various mining and pioneer heritage sites.

Some notable places and attractions along U.S. Highway 395 in the Mojave Desert region include:

  1. Red Rock Canyon State Park: Located near Ridgecrest, this park features stunning red rock formations and hiking trails.
  2. Alabama Hills: Famous for its distinctive rock formations and used as a filming location for many Western movies.
  3. Manzanar National Historic Site: This site was once a Japanese internment camp during World War II and now serves as a reminder of this important period in American history.
  4. Death Valley National Park: While not directly on Highway 395, it’s a short drive to this famous national park known for its extreme heat, Badwater Basin, and unique desert landscapes.
  5. Lone Pine: A charming town with access to the Eastern Sierra, Mount Whitney, and the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center.
  6. Bishop: A larger town along the highway known for outdoor recreation, including fishing, hiking, and rock climbing.
  7. Mono Lake is a unique and ancient saline lake near Lee Vining with striking tufa towers.

Travelers along U.S. Highway 395 can experience the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert, explore its geological wonders, and access various outdoor recreational opportunities. It’s a popular route for road trips and exploration of California’s eastern Sierra region.

Overall, U.S. Highway 395 is a significant transportation corridor in the western United States, known for its stunning scenery, recreational opportunities, and historical significance. It offers travelers a chance to explore diverse landscapes and experience the beauty of the American West.

Midland Trail

Sierra Highway

Goldfield, Nevada

/goldfield-nv/

Goldfield, Nevada, is a small town in Esmeralda County, in the southwestern part of the state. It has a rich history, primarily centered around its boom and subsequent decline during the early 20th century.

Here’s a brief overview of the history of Goldfield:

  1. Discovery of Gold: Goldfield’s history began in 1902 when prospector Tom Fisherman and his partner Harry Stimler discovered gold in the area. This discovery led to a rush of prospectors and miners to the region, hoping to strike it rich.
  2. Boomtown: The town of Goldfield quickly grew as miners and entrepreneurs flocked to the area. By 1903, it had become a booming mining town with a rapidly growing population. Goldfield was known for its numerous mines, including the famous Combination Mine.
  3. Infrastructure Development: During its peak, Goldfield saw significant development. The town had hotels, saloons, theaters, banks, and even an opera house. The Goldfield Hotel, constructed in 1907, was one of the most luxurious hotels in the state at the time.
  4. Mining Industry: The mining industry was the lifeblood of Goldfield. The town produced significant gold, silver, copper, and other minerals. It became one of the largest gold-producing towns in Nevada.
  5. Labor Strikes: Goldfield experienced labor strikes and tensions in the early 1900s as miners demanded better working conditions and wages. The labor disputes occasionally turned violent.
  6. Decline: Despite its initial success, Goldfield’s fortunes began to decline in the late 1910s. The ore veins started to run out, and the town’s population dwindled. The decline accelerated during the Great Depression.
  7. Modern Era: Today, Goldfield is a small, historic town with a much smaller population than its heyday. It is known for its preserved historic buildings, including the Goldfield Hotel, which is rumored to be haunted.
  8. Tourism: In recent years, Goldfield has seen a revival of interest in its history and has attracted tourists interested in the town’s gold rush past.

Goldfield’s history is a classic example of the rise and fall of a mining boomtown in the American West. While it may not have the same prosperity it once enjoyed, its history and architecture continue to captivate those interested in the Old West and the mining industry.

Mining, Milling & Refining

/gold-mining/

Gold and silver ore milling and processing in the Mojave Desert refers to the historical practice of extracting and refining precious metals from ore deposits found in the Mojave Desert region of the southwestern United States, primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Keeler smelter

This process involved several steps:

  1. Mining: The first step was to locate and extract gold and silver ore from underground mines or open-pit operations in the desert. Miners would use various techniques to break up the rock and access the valuable minerals.
  2. Crushing and Grinding: Once the ore was extracted, it was typically in large rocks or chunks. Miners would use crushers and mills to crush and grind the ore into smaller particles, making it easier to extract the precious metals.
  3. Chemical Processing: After crushing and grinding, the ore was treated with chemicals, typically cyanide for gold and other reagents for silver, to separate the precious metals from the rest of the ore.
  4. Smelting: In some cases, the ore was further processed through smelting. Smelting involves heating the ore to high temperatures to separate the metal from impurities. This step was often used for silver processing.
  5. Refining: The final step was refining the extracted gold and silver to increase their purity. Various techniques were used to achieve this, including electrolysis and chemical processes.
  6. Tailings: The waste material left after extracting and processing gold and silver ore, known as tailings, was often deposited in tailings piles or ponds near the processing facilities. These tailings could contain residual metals and chemicals, posing environmental concerns.

Historically, many towns and mining camps in the Mojave Desert were established to support these mining and processing operations. Some of these ghost towns remain reminders of the region’s mining history.

It’s important to note that the methods and environmental regulations for mining and ore processing have evolved significantly since the heyday of mining in the Mojave Desert. Modern mining and processing operations are subject to strict environmental regulations to mitigate the impact on the desert ecosystem and surrounding communities.

Ghost Towns & Gold Mines

Ghost Towns, Sites, and Gold and Silver Mines in the Mojave Desert

Ballarat, CA.

The Mojave Desert is known for its rich history of mining and the presence of ghost towns and abandoned mines. Here are some notable ghost towns, sites, and gold and silver mines in the Mojave Desert:

  1. Calico Ghost Town: Located near Barstow, California, Calico is one of the most famous ghost towns in the Mojave Desert. It was a thriving silver mining town in the late 1800s but became abandoned when the silver market declined. Today, it’s a well-preserved tourist attraction.
  2. Rhyolite, Nevada: Rhyolite was once a booming gold mining town in the early 1900s. It had over 5,000 people but was quickly abandoned when the mines played out. You can visit the remains of the town and see the famous “Bottle House” made of glass bottles.
  3. Goldfield, Nevada: Goldfield was another prosperous gold mining town in Nevada. It had a peak population of around 20,000 people in the early 1900s. The Goldfield Hotel and several historic buildings still stand today.
  4. Panamint City, California: This remote ghost town in Death Valley National Park was a silver mining town in the late 1800s. It’s accessible via a challenging hike and offers stunning views of the surrounding desert.
  5. Cerro Gordo, California: Cerro Gordo is an old silver mining town still privately owned. It’s located in the Inyo Mountains and has a well-preserved ghost town, including a general store, bunkhouse, and other structures.
  6. Mines in the Mojave Desert: The Mojave Desert is home to numerous gold and silver mines, many of which are abandoned. These mines contributed to the region’s mining history. Some notable mines include the Tonopah-Belmont Mine, the Desert Queen Mine, and the Goldstone Mine.

Remember that exploring abandoned mines can be dangerous due to unstable structures and the presence of toxic gases. It’s essential to exercise caution and, if needed, seek permission or guidance from local authorities or landowners when visiting these sites. Additionally, some ghost towns and mines may be on private property, so be respectful of any access restrictions.