While on yet another hike, over the same area we had walked a few times before, we discovered new things! This quartz obelisk, standing upright, alone against the desert background was a natural sculpture.
We chanced upon this rock shelter, apparently someones homestead that at one time had a tar paper roof. There were still some household items on a shelf and a little broom in the corner.
We are camped on BLM land which is considered dispersed dry camping, no facilities are provided. It’s free and everyone is pretty well spread out and for the most part respectful of neighbors and the environment. We discovered an animal neighbor and took some pictures, hopefully not disturbing this chuckwalla too much!
Sunny, calm mornings call for a cup of coffee on our makeshift ‘deck’!
After a leisurely morning we usually take a nice walk to explore the area. Occasionally we have company, in this case a Marine helicopter flew over. We also see a Blue Angels jet making maneuvers roaring overhead. The Border Patrol is also prevalent in the area, so we’re well protected!
We moved to a new campsite after a resupply trip to Yuma, Arizona, about 25 miles away. We’re closer to the American Girl Mine Site and closer to the base of the mountains. We have a great view out our window to the mountains. We also have good exposure to the south for our solar panel and the Zodi portable shower cannister.
The American Girl Mine was apparently a series of open pit mines with tons of tailings that were artfully spread around the desert landscape. We can hike to the base of these tailings about 1 + 1/2 miles away. The patterns created must have something to do with limiting erosion I expect.
We were camped near the ghost town of Hedges/Tumco, an early site of mining in the Cargo Muchacho Mountains. We wandered through the few remains of the town that once boasted 3200 townspeople. It was a company town that emptied for good in 1949 after a checkered history of gold mining. All that is left of the 100 stamp mill is the foundation, after the scavenging of parts and scrap metal over the years, and the ravages of the fierce winds and sun.
For a picture of the mill in it’s heyday, click here.
