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 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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Here are some general tips:
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, 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:
Some notable places and attractions along U.S. Highway 395 in the Mojave Desert region include:
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.
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:
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.
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.
This process involved several steps:
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.
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:
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.
The Old Spanish Trail had become increasingly used as a pack mule trail between New Mexico and California, and with this traffic came the opportunity for those to take advantage of the distance and desperate nature of the land.
California horses were beautiful creatures, and the mules were taller and stronger than those in New Mexico and they were easy to steal. The rolling hills and plains presented clear paths to the Cajon where numerous hidden canyons and washes were available to slip into and prepare for the furious run across the desert. Horses would be stolen in herds from many different ranchos at once. Hundreds of horses, even thousands could be commandeered and driven by just a few experienced thieves.
Chief Walkara, ‘Hawk of the Mountains’ and the greatest horse thief in all of history along with his band of renegade Chaguanosos , and notables such as Jim Beckwourth and Pegleg Smith would work together in this illegal trade. During one raid they were said to have coordinated the theft of 3,000-5,000 horses, driving them to Fort Bridger to trade for more horses to run to New Mexico to trade again. Horses would fall from exhaustion every mile and the local bands of Paiute would feast on the remains.
In 1843 Michael White was granted one league of land at the mouth of the Cajon Pass called Rancho Muscupiabe. At a point overlooking the trails leading into and away from the canyon he was expected to thwart the raiders and horse thieves that were plaguing the Southern California ranchos. In theory it was a good plan but in practice it did not work so well.
He built his home of logs and earth and constructed corrals for his stock. However, the location between Cable and Devil Canyon only served as a closer and more convenient target for the Indian thieves. His family was with him, but after six weeks until it became too dangerous. He left after nine months without any livestock and in debt.
Miguel sold his property, however, Miguel had misread the grant, letting the rancho go for much less than it was worth. The land described on the grant was roughly 5 times larger than Miguel thought. Blanco brought a suit but lost.
As the late 1840s and 1850s rolled by wagon roads were being developed in the canyon minimizing the effectiveness of the maze of box canyons being used to cover the escape of desperadoes on horseback. With California becoming a state frontiersmen such as Beckwourth and Peg Leg Smith would not steal from fellow Americans. Horse-thieving under U.S. law had become a crime where before it was just stealing horses from Mexicans. That was only serious if caught in the act. Americans would never extradite them. For the most part, that was the end of the horse stealing raids.