Death Comes Early, But That's OK

 Well, it's already March and this is my first entry for the year. We actually got some good snow this year so any forays into the mountains wont be till much later. As for today's title, our trip for the day was back out to Death Canyon. Now I know part of the range is in Tooele County and maybe Juab County. I can't find any definite map that says one way or the other. So, I guess we will go with Whatever. Works for me. So, I have preached this before and I will continue tonight. THINGS OF THE PAST ARE DISAPPEARING! Look at the foto above and the one below.  

 Mother Nature is a cruel bitch and tries so hard to reclaim her virgin presence. For the most part, man, usually wins. But on things of the past, out in the open for at least 100 years and ignored for 90 of them, she will win. Towns like Bodie California are kept alive by us modern day people who love to see the past. But, the ore chute above is out in BFE nowhere and has to go the battle alone. This one finally lost. I saw online that part of the structure of the Jackson Mine in Nevada has now collapsed. It's a testament to the craftsmanship of men to see them last so long, but it really kinda sucks to see them go. If you go out on the Central Pacific rail bed you will find quite a few bridges still up. How do I know they are original? You should see the size of the timber used. You can't find trees of that size to cut up anywhere legally anymore. All I am is saying I guess is that our history is slowly returning to nature. Some of you may think woo hoo! I don't. I find it amazing to see what was done 150 years ago. I look and wonder how it was done. Seriously, the Union Pacific could lay track on that old rail bed and not have an issue. Amazing to me!! 

 OK I am done. Above is one mine we couldn't get to. I guess we could have had it been life or death but since it wasn't, we didn't. We hiked around the area and from my last blog found out that the materials outside this mine were not for the mine. They built a new fence from the cliff above the mine and it goes west up and over the the opposite side. I would not be a good fence installer. Just looking at it made me wonder how the hell did they do it. 

 Another first was we were the first one up the canyon this high. I will admit that these new tires didn't miss a beat. I did the majority of the trip in two wheel drive. I did my usual tree hitting and didn't suffer any damage. Seriously, you try doing a 180 on an ATV trail. Trees be damned! 

 The lower canyon mine was open so we went in for a quick visit. Its amazing to see the tracks for the ore carts still there. I just wish I could find an ore cart. Honestly, I think an ore cart, on tracks in the front yard full of bright flowers, is freakin' awesome! Someday maybe.

 I will tell you that all my back problems sure showed up today. Hiking even a few hundred feet killed me. And hunched over in the mine wasn't a good feeling either. We went in a few hundred feet and walked around. You had to be short to work good part of this mine. There were only a few places you could stand upright. I am not sure how old this mine is but even though the roof was actively leaking, I could find no evidence of stalactites forming. We ate lunch there then headed down the canyon. While sitting there, we found a whole new group of mines on the opposite side of the canyon. Being time limited, we didn't go looking for a way to them. We even spotted a bunch more at the mouth of the canyon. Guess that means a return trip when all the snow has melted.   

We made it back to Stockton and I showed my friend a house I once wanted to buy. That led to other things and next thing I know I was on the mountain above the town just enjoying the view. It was incredible. To those who read this, I would recommend a 4x4 and start following roads. You never know what you may find or see. Jeep on my friends!