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JUNE, 1974 75c

ICD 08256

I
m
-
GREAT
READING From
i CAXTON PRINTERS
m

GHOST TOWN BOTTLE PRICE GUIDE by Wes


and Ruby Bressie. A new and revised edition of
their popular bottle book, first published m
1964. New section on Oriental relics, plus up-to-
date values of bottles. Slick, paperback, illus- I •
trated, 124 pages, $3.95.
THE NEVADA DESERT by Sessions S. Whee leler
Provides information on Nevada's state parparks,
GHOST TOWNS OF THE NORTHWEST by historical monuments, recreational area,
area =and
Norman Weis. The ghost-town country of the historical monuments, recreational area, ana
ti
suggestions ffor safe,
f comfortable travel in the
Pacific Northwest, including trips to many little-
known areas, is explored in this first-hand fact- remote sections of western America. Paperback,
ual and interesting book. Excellent photo- illustrated, 168 pages, $2.95.
graphy, maps. Hardcover, 319 pages, $6.95.

JEEP TRAILS TO COLORADO GHOST TOWNS


by Robert L. Brown. An illustrated, detailed, in-
formal history of life in the mining camps deep
in the almost inaccessible mountain fastness of
the Colorado Rockies. Fifty-eight towns are in- SOUTHERN IDAHO GHOST TOWNS by Wayne
cluded. 239 pages, illustrated, end sheet map, Sparling. An excellent reference describing 84
Hardcover,$7.95. ghost towns and the history and highlights of
each. Excellent maps detail the location of the
camps, and 95 photographs accompany the text.
Paperback, 135 pages, $3.95.

OWYHEE TRAILS by Mike Hanley and Ellis


Lucia. The authors have teamed to present the
boisterous past and intriguing present of this
still wild corner of the West sometimes called
the I-O-N, where Idaho, Oregon and Nevada
come together. Contains interesting reading of
the mining booms, Indian battles, holdups and
range wars of this little known area called The
Owyhees. Hardcover, 225 pages, $7.95.

Send check or money order to

MAGAZINE

GHOST TOWNS OF THE COLORADO ROCK- Box 1318,


IES by Robert L. Brown. Written by the author GEM MINERALS OF IDAHO by John A. Beck-
of Jeep Trails to Colorado Ghost Towns, this
book deals with ghost towns accessible by pas- Palm Desert, Calif. 92260 with. Contains information on physical and opti-
cal characteristics of minerals; the history, lore
senger car. Gives directions and maps for find- and fashioning of many gems. Eleven rewarding
ing towns along with historical backgrounds. Calif. Res. add 6% sales tax field trips to every sort of collecting area. Slick
Hardcover, 401 pages, $6.95. paperback, maps and photos, 123 pages, $2.95.

Desert/June 7974
WILLIAM KNYVETT, Publisher-Editor

GEORGE BRACA, Art Director


MARY FRANCES STRONG, Field Trip Editor
JACK PEPPER, Spec/a/ Feature Editor
ENID C. HOWARD, Associate Editor
F. A. BARNES, Utah Associate Editor
CLENN VARGAS, Lapidary Editor
K. L. BOYNTON, Naturalist Volume 37, Number 6 JUNE 1974
MARVEL BARRETT, Circulation Manager

CONTENTS
F E A T UR E S
HUNTING DINOSAURS 8 F. A. Barnes

THE MINES OF RAND 12 Howard Neal

NEAREST FARAWAY PLACE 16 Diane Thomas

MONO'S COLDEN CHOSTS 18 Mary Frances Strong

BACKPACKING IN THE ARCHES 24 Buddy Mays

THE COVER: GOLD IN THE SAN GABRIELS 28 Lester F. Ziegler


Colorado River canyon in
southeastern Utah, with
the Fisher Towers and the MR. PEGLEG RESPONDS . . . 34 Mr. Anonymous
La Sal mountains in the
background. Photograph
by David Muench, Santa THE DESERT FALCON 36 K. L. Boynton
Barbara, California.
DESERT TURNS BACK THE CLOCK 46 Curtis Hindson

DEPARTMENTS
BOOKS FOR DESERT READERS 6 Book Reviews

DESERT LIFE 23 Hans Baerwald

RAMBLING ON ROCKS 42 Glenn and Martha Vargas

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 47 Readers'Comments

CALENDAR OF WESTERN EVENTS 47 Club Activities

EDITORIAL, CIRCULATION AND ADVERTISING OFFICES: 74-109 LarreaSt., Palm Desert, California92260. Telephone Area Code 714 346-8144
Listed in Standard Rate and Data. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: United States, Canada and Mexico;1 year,$6.00; 2 years, $11.00; 3 years $16 00 Other
foreign subscribers add $1.00 U. S. currency for each year. See Subscription Order Form in this issue. Allow five weeks for change of address and
send both new and old addresses with zip codes. DESERT Magazine is published monthly. Second class postage paid at Palm Desert California and
at additional mailing offices under Act of March 3, 1879. Contents copyrighted 1974 by DESERT Magazine and permission to reproduce any or all
contents must be secured in writing. Manuscripts and photographs will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope
Send orders to
Box 1318,
Palm Desert, California 92260

OUR HISTORIC DESERT, The Story of the


BOOKS O
THE GREAT AMERICAN WEST by James D. MOCKEL'S DESERT FLOWER NOTEBOOK by
Anza-Borrego State Park. Text by Diana Horan. With over 650 illustrations, many in full Henry and Beverly Mockel. The well-known
Lindsay, Edited by Richard Pourade. The largest color, this is the full western story from the days painter of desert wildflowers has combined his
state park in the United States, this book of the conquistadores to the 20th Century. Many four-color sketches and black and white
presents a concise and cogent history of the rare photos never published before. Large 9x12 photographs to describe in detail so the layman
things which have made this desert unique. The format, hardcover, 288 pages, originally pub- can easily identify wildflowers, both large and
author details the geologic beginning and traces lished at $10.00, now only $4.95. small. Microscopic detail makes this an out-
the history from Juan Bautista de Anza and standing book for identification. Special com-
early-day settlers, through to the existence FROSTY, A Raccoon to Remember by Harriett pressed fiber cover which will not stain. 54 full-
today of the huge park. Hardcover, 144 pages, E. Weaver. The only uniformed woman on Cali- color illustrations with 72 life-size drawings and
beautifully illustrated, $9.50. fornia's State Park Ranger crews for 20 years, 39 photographs, 316 pages, $5.95.
Harriett Weaver shares her hilarious and
heart-warming experiences of being a "mother"
ARIZONA COOK BOOK by Al and Mildred Fis- to an orphaned baby raccoon. A delightful book
cher. This fascinating and unusual five-cook- TALES THE WESTERN TOMBSTONES TELL
for all ages. Illustrated with line-drawings by by Lambert Florin. The famous and infamous
books-in-one features recipes for Indian cooking, Jennifer O. Dewey, hard cover, 156 pages, $5.95
Mexican dishes, Western specialties, Arizona come back to life in this great photo history in-
products and outdoor cooking. Includes sour- cluding missionary, mule driver, bad guy and
dough and Indian fried bread recipes, as well as DICTIONARY OF PREHISTORIC INDIAN AR- blacksmith — what tales their tombstones tell.
other mouth-watering favorites. Unique collec- TIFACTS OF THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST Large format, 192 pages, originally published at
tions of hard-to-find Western cooking. Paper- by Franklin Barnett. A highly informative book $12.95, now only $3.95.
back, 142 pages, $3.00. that both illustrates and describes Indian arti-
facts of the Southwest, it is a valuable guide for DEATH VALLEY SCOTTY TOLD ME by Elea-
THE NORTH AMERICAN DESERTS by Ed- the person interested in archaeology and anthro- nor Jordan Houston. A fascinating and unusual
mund C. Jaeger. A long-time authority on all pology. Includes 250 major types of artifacts. recount of famous Death Valley Scotty's adven-
phases of desert areas and life, Dr. Jaeger's Each item has a photo and definition. Paper- tures as told to the author while she and her
book on the North American Deserts should be back, 130 pages, beautifully illustrated, $7.95. ranger husband were Scotty's nearest neighbors
carried where ever you travel. It not only de- in 1948. Some of these escapades have never
scribes each of the individual desert areas, but been told before. Illustrated, 116 pages, $1.75.
has illustrated sections on desert insects, rep-
tiles, birds, mammals and plants. 315 pages,
i.llustrated photographs, line drawings and DESERT, The American Southwest by Ruth
maps. Hardcover, $6.95. Kirk. Combining her knowledge of the physical
characteristics of the land, and man's relation to
the desert from the prehistoric past to the prob-
GHOST TOWN ALBUM by Lambert Florin. able future, with her photographer's eye and her
Over 200 photos. Fascinating pictorial accounts enthusiasm for a strange and beautiful country,
of the gold mining towns of the Old West—and the result of Ruth Kirk's work is an extraordinar-
the men who worked them. Large format, 184 ily perceptive account of the living desert. High-
pages, profusely illustrated, originally published ly recommended. Hardcover, beautifully illus-
at $12.50, new edition $3.95. trated, 334 pages, $10.00. _ ^

OLD FORTS OF THE NORTHWEST by H. M.


Hart. Over 200 photos and maps. Exciting pictor-
ial history of the military posts that opened the
West. Hardcover, beautifully illustrated, origin-
ally published at $12.50. New Edition $3.95.

CORONADO'S CHILDREN by J. Frank Doby.


Orrginally published in 1930, this book about lost
mines and buried treasures of the West is a GOLD RUSH ALBUM, Editor in Chief Joseph
classic and is as vital today as when first written. Henry Jackson. 352 authentic first-hand pictures
Dobie was not only an adventurer, but a scholar with text. The complete story of the most exciting
and a powerful writer. A combination of legends treasure-hunt in history when some 200,000 per-
and factual background. Hardcover, 376 pages, sons sought gold in California. Originally pub-
$3.95. lished at $10.00. New, complete edition only
$3.95.
THE CALIFORNIA MISSIONS by the Editors of LOST LEGENDS OF THE WEST by Brad Wil-
Sunset Books. A beautifully written history of liams and Choral Pepper. The authors examine TIMBERLINE ANCIENTS with photos by David
California's 21 missions. One can feel, as he the "lore, legends, characters and myths that Muench and text by Darwin Lambert. Bristle-
reads, the ferver of the padres as they gathered grew out of the Old West." Included among the cone pines are the oldest living trees on earth.
materials to build their churches, and an insight more than 20 "lost legends" are such intriguing Photographer David Muench brings them to life
into history develops as the authors tell in simple subjects as lost bones, lost ladies, lost towns, and in all their fascinating forms, and Lambert's
prose what was going on in the world at the same lost diamonds. Hardcover, illustrated, 192 pages, prose is like poetry. One of the most beautiful
time. 300 pages, complete with artful sketches $5.95. pictorials ever published. An ideal gift. Large
and photographs, and paintings in color, hard- 11x14 format, hardcover, heavy slick paper, 128
cover, large format, $12.75. 4-color photographs, 125 pages, $22.00.
THREE PATHS ALONG A RIVER by Tom
NEVADA GHOST TOWNS AND MINING Hudson. The San Luis Rey River in California's BALLARAT* Compiled by Paul Hubbard, Doris
CAMPS by Stanley W. Paher. Covering all of Ne- San Diego County played an important part in Bray and George Pipkin. Ballarat, now a ghost
vada's 17 counties, Paher has documented 575 the history of the West.Dramatic account of the- town in the Panamint Valley, was once a •flour-
mining camps, many of which have been erased Indians, Spaniards and Americans who settled ishing headquarters during the late 1880s and
from the earth. The book contains the greatest the area. Hardcover, 239 pages, $6.00. 1900s for the prospectors who searched for silver
and most complete collection of historic photo- and gold in that desolate area of California. The
graphs of Nevada ever published. This, coupled DESERT PLANTS AND PEOPLE by Sam Hicks. authors tell of the lives and relate anecdotes of
with his excellent writing and map, creates a book Tells how primitive desert dwellers find susten- the famous old-timers. First published in 1965,
of lasting value. Large 9x11 format, 700 photo- ance, shelter, beverages and healing medicines this reprinted edition is an asset to any library.
graphs, hardcover, 492 pages, $15.00. in nature. Hardcover, $5.95. Paperback, illustrated, 98 pages, $3.00.
4 Desert/) une 1974
California residents
please add
6% state sales tax

JOURNEY OF THE FLAME by Walter Nordhoff. RELICS OF THE WHITEMAN by Marvin and BACK ROADS OF CALIFORNIA by Earl Thol-
The most exciting tale of early Baja and Alta Helen Davis. A logical companion to Relics of the lander and the Editors of Sunset Books. Early
California ever written. Recounts lost treasure Redman, this book brings out a marked differ- stagecoach routes, missions, remote canyons,
legends and its accurate historical account pre- ence by showing in its illustrations just how "sud- old prospector cabins, mines, cemeteries, etc.,
sented in fictional style. Hardcover, $4.95. denly modern" the early West became after the are visited as the author travels and sketches the
arrival of the white man. The difference in arti- California Backroads. Through maps and notes,
facts typifies the historical background in each the traveler is invited to get off the freeways and
LOST DESERT BONANZAS by Eugene Conrotto case. The same authors tell how and where to col- see the rural and country lanes throughout the
Brief resumes of lost mine articles printed in back lect relics of these early days, tools needed, and state. Hardcover, large format, unusually beau-
issues of DESERT Magazine, by a former editor. how to display and sell valuable pieces. tiful illustrations, 207 pages, $8.95.
Hardcover, 278 pages, $7.50. Paperback, well illustrated in color and b/w, 63
pages, $3.95.
SOUTHERN IDAHO GHOST TOWNS by Wayne
THE ROCKS BEGIN TO SPEAK by LaVan Mar- Sparling. 84 ghost towns are described, along
tineau. The author tells how his interest in rock TEMALPAKH by Lowell John Bean and Kather- with the history and highlights of each. The
writing led to years of study and how he has ine Siva Saubel. Temalpakh means "from the author has visited these sites by pickup, 4WD
learned that many—especially the.complex pe- earth," in Cahuilla, and covers the many uses of and by foot. 95 photographs accompany the text,
troglyphs—are historical accounts of actual plants used for food, medicine, rituals and those and maps detail the location of the camps. An
events. Hardcover, well illustrated, glossary, used in the manufacturing of baskets, sandals, excellent reference to add to the libraries of
bibliography, 210 pages, $8.95. hunting tools; and plants used for dwellings. those fascinated by Western history. Paperback,
Makes for a better understanding of environ- 135 pages, $3.95.
THE MAN WHO WALKED THROUGH TIME mental and cultural relationships. Well illustrat-
by Colin Fletcher. An odyssey of a man who ed, 225 pages, hardcover, $10.00; paperback,
$6.50. DESERT VACATIONS ARE FUN by Robert
lived simply and in solitude for two months as Needham. A complete, factual and interesting
he hiked through the Grand Canyon. Combining handbook for the desert camper. Valuable infor-
his physical prowess with Thoreau-like observa- THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTHWEST by the Editors mation on weather conditions, desert vehicles,
tions, the author has written a book of great of Sunset books. A pictorial with a brief text campsites, food and water requirements. Infor-
magnitude. Hardcover, illustrated, 239 pages, showing modern day activities of cities such as mation on desert wildlife, mines, ghost towns,
$6.95. Phoenix, El Paso, Taos, and communities below and desert hobbies. Paperback, illustrated, 10
the Mexican border, and covering the South- maps, 134 pages, $3.95.
BACK ROADS OF CALIFORNIA by Earl Thol- western states, canyons and deserts. 240 photo-
lander and the Editors of Sunset Books. Early graphs of which 47 are four-color, large format,
stagecoach routes, missions, remote canyons, 223 pages, hardcover, $10.95. HOW TO COLLECT ANTIQUE BOTTLES by
old prospector cabins, mines, cemeteries, etc., John C. Tibbits. A fascinating insight of early
are visited as the author travels and sketches the America as seen through the eyes of the medi-
California Backroads. Through maps and notes, cine companies and their advertising almanacs.
the traveler is invited to get off the freeways and \ Excellent book for avid bottle collectors and
see the rural and country lanes throughout the those just starting. Also includes chapters on
state. Hardcover, large format, unusually beau- collecting, locations and care of bottles. Heavy,
tiful illustrations, 207 pages, $8.95. slick paperback, well illus., 118 pages, $4.00.

BEACHES OF BAJA by Walt Wheelock. Beach-


es on the Pacific side of Lower California are de-
scribed by the veteran Baja explorer. Unlike
California beaches, they are still relatively free
of crowds. Paperback, illus., 72 pages, $1.95.

A FIELD GUIDE TO WESTERN REPTILES


AND AMPHIBIANS by Robert C. Stebbins. A
Peterson Field guide. 207 species, 569 illustra-
BIRDS OF THE SOUTHWESTERN DESERTS tions, 185 in full color, 192 maps. The best book SELDOM SEEN SLIM by Tom Murray. Profiles
by Gusse Thomas Smith. Thirty-one of the most of this type. Hardcover, $5.95. and vignettes of the colorful "single blanket
commonly sighted birds of the Southwest are de- jackass prospectors" who lived and died as they
scribed and illustrated in 4-color artist drawings. BAJA CALIFORNIA by Choral Pepper. Packed looked for gold and silver in Death Valley. Slick
Heavy paperback, 68 pages, $3.95. in this comparatively small book is a world of paperback, exclusive photos of the old-timers,
facts about the land, the insects, vegetation, the 65 pages, $3.00.
seashore, the missionaries, vanished missions,
MY CANYONLANDS by Kent Frost. A vivid lost treasures and strange stories, tall and true,
account of the early exploration of Utah's Can- of Baja California. Fascinating reading. Paper- 100 DESERT WILDFLOWERS by Natt Dodge.
yonlands by the author who spent his entire life back, 126 pages, $1.95. Each flower is illustrated with a 4-color photo-
exploring America's new national park and who graph and described in detail, where found,
presently runs a guide service through the TURQUOIS by Joseph E. Pogue. [Memoirs of the blooming period, etc. Habitats from sea level to
scenic country. Hardcover, artist illustrations, National Academy of Sciences]. First printed in 4,000 feet. Slick paperback, 64 pages, $2.00.
160 pages, $6.95. 1915, Turquois has in its third printing (1973)
been updated in many ways. Among them are 100 ROADSIDE WILDFLOWERS by Natt Dodge
listed currently-operated Turquois mines, more A companion book and with the same format as
LOST MINES OF ARIZONA by Harold Weight. color plates. The book is full of incredible results 100 Desert Wildflowers, this book lists 100
Covers the Lost Jabonero, lost mines of the of research and an in-depth study of this fascina- flowers found from 4,000 to 7,000-foot levels.
Trigos, Buried Gold of Bicuner and others of ting mineral of superficial origin. Hardcover, 175 Also has 4-color photographs. Slick paperback,
southwestern Arizona. Paperback, $2.00. pages, beautifully illustrated, $15.00. 64 pages, $2.00.
Desert/June 1974
west? Staying but a few centuries, where

Books for did they vanish —and why? The cities


they built loom like giant question
marks —beckoning scientists and intrigu-
ing travelers ever since white man dis-

Desert covered the first site.


In addition to capturing the ruins and
their vast scale and magnificence of the

Headers barren landscape from which they rise,


David includes closeups of the crafts-
manship of these gentle people, and re-
creates a feeling of what it might have
been to live here so long ago.
Blending with David's superb photo-
Clyde Forsythe's Famous . . . graphy, the fascinating text by historian
ANASAZI:Ancient People of the Rock Donald C. Pike tells what is already

Gold Strike Photographs by David Muench


Text by Donald C. Pike
known about the Anasazi, and traces the
scientific manhunt in which generations
of archaeologist have worked to learn

Series
Four Mining Camp Scenes
In this moving book, the exceptional
talents of David Muench, one of the
West's outstanding landscape photo-
more. Cradually, through patience and
ingenuity, a shadowy picture of the lost
People of the Rock is beginning to
graphers, and western author Donald C. emerge.
Pike have been brought together to pro- Frank Waters, in his Foreword of Ana-
All In 4-Color
vide the reader with the unique oppor- sazi, has summed up the combined
Each 1 4 " x l 7 " with white margins tunity to see and understand the Anasazi efforts of David Muench and Donald
on high quality paper suitable for civilization that existed some 2,000 years Pike thusly:
framing. ago. "This is an evocative book. The sensi-
No lettering or folds. Master photographer David Muench tivity of its full-color photographic essays
has captured the stark beauty, the evokes the mystic beauty, the sublime
ONLY
$2.50
Postage & Tax included
A SET drama, and the mystical quality of the
ruins of the Anasazi —Navajo for "The
Ancient Ones." Just who were the build-
terror, and ever-present mystery of this
great nuclear heartland of America. And
in proper balance the earthy objectivity
ers of these great stone cities, once the of its text outlines the long span of the
Send Check or Money Order lo
centers of a bustling civilization, now responsive Anasazi, who have bequeath-
Desert Magazine Book Shop,
crumbling empty and windswept in the ed to us their heritage of the oldest, larg-
Palm Desert, Calif. '92760
No Charges Please. lonely reaches of the American South- est, and most beautiful monumental
ruins in all America."
An outstanding publication, it con-
New revised editions of MEXICO tains six full-color portfolios (never be-
Guide and BAJA California Guide
fore reproduced) plus a collection of his-
by Cliff Cross. All-new, enlarged
toric black and white photographs taken
and updated. MEXICO Guide
contains 210 maps, 675 photos; by Adam Clark Vroman almost 100 years
BAJA Guide includes new Trans- ago. Hardcover, 192 pages, $16.95 until
Peninsula Highway and gas avail- December 31, 1974, then $18.95.
able in Mexico; 60 maps, 450
photos. $3.95 each.
AmzoNA Cook Book
By Aland
Mildred Fischer
CookBook
Includes sourdough
and Indian fried bread
recipes, as well as
other mouth-watering
favorites. Unique col-
lection of hard-to-find
Order from UtWUL. Magazine Western cooking. Pa-
Book Shop perback, 142 pages.
$3.00
Box 1318, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Calif, residents
Order from:
add 6% sales tax
Calif. Res. add 6% sales tax
Magazine Book Shop
P. O. Box 1318, Palm Desert, Calif. 92260
Desert/lune 1974
WBigmm
Now - The Great Adventure In Logging

TIMBER Spring 1974


Here, at last, is a beautiful, big, in-
COUNTRY formative book on the controversial
logging industry of the Great North-
by west: a book that shows logging as it
Earl Rob erg e is, by an author with first hand obser-
vation and information on the subject.
Beautifully illustrated with 136 full
COLDROCK Facts and Folktales
color photographs, it is the first com-
By Iva L. Geisinger
prehensive report on a dynamic in-
dustry that is basic to the economy
A few miles east of the Algodones
and ecology of the Northwest and of
Sand Dunes juts the Cargo Muchacho
the nation.
Mountains. At the base of these desolate
In order to factually present his
outcroppings are the remains of two min-
story, Earl Roberge has traveled and
ing towns and the essence of a
worked with loggers and logging
third —the Coldrock district. crews, operating under all possible
"Coldrock. One can but bring to mind conditions for many months. Over a
huge nuggets of pure gold. The folk-lore year has been spent in research and
origin of the name of its mountains, the 11V4" X 141/2" photography to prepare this work.
tales of lost ledges, veins, and nuggets, 208 Pages
along with its real mines once rich with 136 Full-color Photographs
gold — these are the ingredients which $25.00
have become the romantic aura of a few
square miles of sand, rock and hardpan, THE CAXTON PRINTERS, LTD.
known as Goldrock." P.O. Box 700, Caldwell, Idaho 83605
So states author Iva Ceisinger' in
describing this site on the California
Desert of the once bustling mining towns
which has been reduced long ago to
merely an area containing only the
ghosts of yesterday.
Touching on the changes in earth and
atmosphere that took place to lure the
first human beings to the California des-
Photo Album
erts; the earliest signs of man's habita-
tion; the Spanish explorers; Indian upris-
ings; and the introduction of roads and
of
railroads in the area, Iva then brings us
the facts and legends of the ghost towns,
Yesterday's
lost mines and personalities of the Cold-
rock area.
Brief, but interesting, are recounts of
* < . . : •

Gouthwest
the Lost Sullivan, Lost Mule Shoe Cold,
195 early day pictures of the Desert Southwest from 1862 to 1912.
Black Butte Gold, California's Lost
Dutchman, and Algondones Gold.
Printed on 80# coated stock.
Iva brings us up to date with the com-
ing of General Patton and his troops to Hardcover with dust jacket.
the Goldrock area, and an interesting 9"x12" format. 185 pages $1550 POSTPAID
history of the Walker family who home- • • • pc
steaded there and still maintain the Gold
Rock Ranch. SEND CHECK OR
MONEY ORDER TO: California residents please add 6% sales tax.
Paperback, 65 pages, illustrated,
$2.25.
All books reviewed may be ordered from Des-
ert Magazine Book Shop. Calif, residents
Desert Magazine Book Shop
P. O. Box 1318 Palm Desert, Calif. 92260
must add 6% state sales tax.
Desert's Utah Editor, F. A. THE DINOSAUR HUNTING in south- those who are satisfied to find something
Barnes, comes up with an exclu- eastern Utah and vicinity is great these less than a whole, living beast.
sive as he describes new-found days! Having been around for such a long
tracks of animals discovered in Dinosaurs —the "terrible lizards" of time, dinosaurs and their reptilian rela-
Southeastern Utah! eras long past—dominated this planet tives have left plenty of evidence of their
for some 120 million years. Mankind has past existence in the form of fossilized
Lin Ottinger examines only been around a relatively short time, bones, "gizzard stones" and foot tracks
a row of pterosaur tracks at his and missed sharing this world with the in the sands of time. During the eras
second find of these rare impressions. giant lizards by tens of millions of years. when dinosaurs were living, from the
The continuous stride pattern of Yet, even so, dinosaur hunting within late Paleozoic through most of the Meso-
these tracks make them very valuable to the arid redrock hinterlands of south- zoic Era, changing climates and widely
scientists because they reveal a great eastern Utah and southwestern Colorado differing environments created many
deal about the animal's behavior. has been highly successful recently—for types of dinosaurs and their lesser rela-
tives, including the very first flying ver-
tebrates, the pterosaurs or "pterodac-
tyls."
Thus, dinosaur traces are left in geo-
logic strata representing every type of
environment from vast deserts, through
temperate zone river-lake country, to
tropical swamplands. The big problem
with hunting these traces of earlier life is
that present-day plantlife tends to cover
most of the earth's land surfaces. One
exception to this is, of course, in desert
regions. There, the bare bones of old
Mother Earth are exposed for inspec-
tion, and in southeastern Utah this in-
pection has been quite fruitful.
Earlier finds of dinosaur bones and
other petrified remains have been stud-
ied, protected and well publicized. The
immense fossil beds near Vernal, Utah,
have been incorporated into Dinosaur
National Monument. Another site, the
Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry of
southcentral Utah, is not so widely
known but is protected and being devel-
oped for study. There are a number of
other lesser sites of fossilized bone or
foot tracks in nearby regions of southern
Utah, northern Arizona and western
Colorado.
Five recent discoveries, however,
have renewed both scientific and public
interest in the gentle art of dinosaur
hunting. Four of these were made within
a few miles of the southeastern Utah
town of Moab, in Canyonlands country.
The fifth was in nearby southwestern
Colorado. Three of the discoveries are
unique and of considerable scientific
by
F. A. BARNES

This artist's
reconstruction
of the sites
where the
pterosaur tracks
were found,
at the time
when the tracks
were being
made, was based
upon all
available
scientific
evidence to date.
Geologists claim
that the region
resembled the
Sahara Desert
during the time
when the Navajo
Sandstone was
being laid down,
with tiny oases,
sparse
vegetation and
"play as" or
desert drywashes
that sometimes
contained rain
runoff.
value. In capsule form, here are the stor- could get a paleontologist to take a sity of Utah quickly established the nov-
ies of all five finds: serious look at his find. When one finally elty of these tracks. First, there was only
LITTLE TRACKS. Several years ago, visited the site, Dr. Samuel P. Welles, of one other known site of pterosaur tracks
Lin Ottinger, a back country guide, dis- the University of California at Berkeley, in the entire world, and that was only a
covered two big slabs of rock and several the value of the site was quickly estab- few tracks in much more recent geologic
smaller ones that were simply covered lished. Although several species of long strata. Second, the new find was in
with beautifully preserved foot tracks of extinct animals had left their tracks in Navajo Sandstone, and there was only
several types of small animals. The big this sandstone, by far the most impor- one other known site of tracks in this
slabs had been exposed to weathering tant were the tracks of the flying rep- type of rock. That was in nearby western
for such a long time that they were jet tiles, or pterosaurs. Colorado. What made this so strange is
black with desert varnish. A preliminary investigation by Dr. that it indicates that some form of flying
It was some time before Lin Ottinger Welles and scientists from the Univer- reptile was thriving in the midst of what
was then a vast Sahara-like desert.
Third, because of the sheer antiquity
of the rock in which the tracks were
found, they represented the earliest
known traces of flying vertebrates on the
planet, as well as an entire species never
before encountered. The estimated age
of the tracks is 170 million years.
Fourth, the small size of the tracks in-
dicated that the creature was much smal-
ler than later species whose fossilized
remains have been found. The wing
spans of larger pterosaurs range from 10
to 30 feet, but Dr. Welles estimated the
span of the new species at between 18
and 30 inches, making it a veritable
"sparrow" among known species of fly-
ing reptiles.
Scientists are further excited about
other aspects of the tracks, such as the
fact that sequences of steps occur, and
Above: Feet help give scale that the tracks give clues to the behavior
to the dinosaur tracks found at and walking methods used by these
the first site. Left: The first earliest of flying reptiles. For example,
site containing pterosaur tracks the tracks show a four-footed gait, while
is indicated here by its earlier conjectures had favored a two-
discoverer, Lin Ottinger. footed stride. Clues as to the diet of pter-
The tiny tracks are in desert osaurs also exist at the site. Previously,
varnish darkened sandstone. scientists considered flying reptiles to be
The slabs of rock on which the largely fish eaters, but those at the new
tracks appear have slid down site were apparently eating a species of
the gully from their original mudworm.
position. Below: A fairly Further scientific investigation of this
distinct track at the Epmeier remarkable find is pending removal of
find is shown here close up with the great slabs of rock that contain the
a pencil for scale. The tracks to the University of Utah for
three-toed track is outlined careful study. After this, the original
for clear viewing. rocks may be placed on public display,
either at the university or in Moab.
BIG TRACKS. In mid-1970, this writer
discovered a series of dinosaur tracks
that a University of Utah scientist claim-
ed were probably the "best in the
state." The tracks were found in the
Kayenta Formation, freshwater sedi-
ments laid down early in the age of dino-
saurs, some 175 million years ago.
The tracks, which varied in length
from nine to fifteen inches, were three-
toed and, according to the scientist who
investigated them, probably made by a
predecessor of the great flesh-eating
dinosaurs that dominated animal life in
the Utah region 45 million years later.
Preliminary findings about the well-
defined tracks indicated that the dino-
saurs that made them walked erect on
two feet, held their long, slender tails up
as they walked or ran, had small armlike
forelimbs, and were carnivores, probab-
ly preying upon other animals around
the edge of a shallow lake. The tracks
found were originally made in mud at the
edge of such a lake.
Due to budget limitations, University
of Utah scientists have made no further
plans to study this interesting site, but
they have offered to cooperate with local
authorities in protection and develop-
ment of the site for public viewing. The
matter now lies in the hands of the Bur-
eau of Land Management, which admin-
isters the land on which the tracks were
discovered.
MORE BIG TRACKS. During the
winter of 1970-1971, a large rock slide
occurred beside the Colorado River a few
miles down from Moab Valley. The slide
started when a flat block of rock, some
six by twenty-four feet in size, lost sup-
port and tilted 90 degrees, dumping
many tons of overhead rock into the gul-
ley below.
In March of 1971, Leon Epmeier, of
Moab, discovered the fresh slide, climb-
ed up for a close look at the big slab of ' •

sandstone that had tilted and discovered


it to be covered with dinosaur footprints. A close look at the pterosaur and other tracks at the first find reveals a complex
The tracks were not as numerous and pattern of stride made by several species of small animals.
distinct as those in the nearby find a year
earlier, but were nonetheless interest-
ing.
They also had the advantage of being
clearly visible from a paved road, Utah KENT FROST
279, and could thus be viewed by visitors
to the area. The site was already marked
to indicate a rock from the same layer
that had been exposed much earlier.
This rock had two or three small tracks
on it, and a panel of Indian petroglyphs
CANYONLANDS TOURS
were visible on a vertical stone wall be- SPECIALIZING IN
hind the rock. Thus, the new exposure of
dinosaur tracks is both easy to find and
easy to reach for a closer look.
4-WHEEL DRIVE COMFORT
The tracks discovered by Leon Ep-
meier were also in the Kayenta Forma-
tion, and were probably made on another Daily Tours into Canyonlands National Park from Moab
stretch of shore around the same lake as and into Utah's Color Country from St. George
the other local site. And, doubtless,
there are still other tracks in the general
Camping Trips Anywhere in Southern Utah, and
vicinity as yet unexposed, or exposed but
still undiscovered. Featuring Southern Arizona During the Winter Months
STILL MORE LITTLE TRACKS. Once
Lin Ottinger's first discovery of ptero-
saur tracks was scientifically identified, FOR COLOR BROCHURES AND CAMP TRIP SCHEDULE WRITE:
he then set out to find more, hoping to CANYONLANDS TOURS
make a further contribution to the study BOX 910, DEPT. 4-D
of early flying reptiles and other contem- MOAB, UTAH 84532
porary animal life. (801) 259-6866

Continued on Page 40
Desert/lune 1974
by HOWARD NEAL

The Rand Mining District


is approximately 150 miles north
of Los Angeles on U.S. 395.
With its sister communities of
Randsburg, Johannesburg, Red
Mountain and Atolia it has been
one of the richest gold,
silver, and tungsten producing
areas in the history of California.

One of the oldest buildings in Randsburg,


Santa Barbara Church is still being used for
Catholic services. Many of the buildings
along Butte Avenue, Randsburg's main street,
date from the 1890s and early 7900s.

Abandoned house in the


Summit Mountains. In the
spring of 1895 Frederic Mooers,
John Singleton, and Charles
Burcham were mining at
Summit Dry Diggings, in the
Summit Mountains,
six miles north of
Rand Mountain
1?
The Yellow Aster head frame.
Gold ore was hauled from
more than six miles of tunnels,
on six levels,
as much as 600 feet underground.
More than 20 million dollars
in gold was extracted
from the Yellow Aster
between 1895 and 1942.

IN THE northern Mojave Desert,


April can be a beautiful month. The
nights are cool, and the days are pleas-
antly warm. The land can be covered
with a profusion of desert flowers. They
say that the desert had this beauty in
April of 1895, but it was not obvious to
the several dozen miners at a place
called Summit Dry Diggings.
Summit Dry Diggings was the latest in
a series of several small gold strikes in
the El Paso Mountains, and nearby, that
had taken place in the early 1890s. Even
the gold discovery at Goler Canyon,
largest of the El Paso finds, had been
small in contrast with the earlier bonan-
zas at Coso, Cerro Gordo, and Panamint,
to the north.
The Summit District was located in the
Summit Mountains, which are an east-
ern extension of the El Pasos, about 50
miles northeast of the town of Mojave.
There was no water. To get a few flakes
of gold, dry placer mining was employ-
ed. The work was hard, dirty and
unproductive. Summit was a "poor
man's camp." gleton had been a carpenter. Charles home, in mid-April of 1895. Together,
Three of these "poor men" were Burcham was an ex-cattleman. Each had they decided to make one last try. They
Frederic Mooers, John Singleton and abandoned his profession in order to would spend a few days prospecting in
Charles Burcham. strike out into the desert after his "pot of the low, unnamed mountains to the
Frederic Mooers had apparently work- gold at the end of the rainbow." south of the Summit diggings (where
ed long enough for an eastern newspa- None had found his bonanza. All three Mooers had seen a little "color" the year
per to call himself a journalist. John Sin- were ready to "call it quits," and go before) and then head for home.
Desert/June 1974 13
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Send for FREE Catalog —

BURIED TREASURE The General Store and Post Office are two of the few remaining full time businesses
in Randsburg. Both buildings were built around the turn of the century.
It would be an understatement to say and Mooers agreed to sell the claim to a
LOCATE IT FROM v that the "one last t r y " was a success. On promoter, only to be dissuaded by Bur-
A LONG DISTANCE \
April 25, 1895 the trio discovered what cham and his strong-willed wife, Dr.
With my sensitive would become one of the richest mining Rose Burcham (a San Bernardino physi-
. DIRECTIONAL LOCATOR areas in the history of the West. cian who had "grubstaked" her hus-
Send for my FREE INFORMATIVE Some say it was Mooers who made the band). Lawsuits were plentiful, but they
• BROCHURE and read about this initial find. Others say it was Singleton. were settled and the mine was to pro-
remarkable device. It does not matter. High on the side of duce more than 20 million dollars for its
RESEARCH PRODUCTS
P.O. Box 13441BU Tampa, Fla. 33611 what was soon to be named Rand Moun- discoverers. Mooers, Singleton and Bur-
tain, the source of Mooers' "color" was cham were three of very few prospectors

The New, Powerful discovered. Bonanza! Rand Mine was


staked, claimed and recorded. The three
who "hung o n " to their original claim.
They named their mine "Rand."
"poor men" were on their way to becom- When others followed into the canyon at
ing millionaires. the foot of the mountain, they named it
Even after the discovery, the path to Rand Camp. Naming the area after the
success was not easy. One of those who famous mining district in South Africa
had earlier been with Mooers when he seems, now, to have been a prophetic

2 inch had spotted "color," claimed an inter-


est. Soon after the discovery, Singleton
prediction of things to come. Within
months, though, the mine was to be re-

Cold Dredge, Model 100 The mining town of Randsburg grew to a population of more than 3,000 by the year
1900. There were many mines in the surrounding hills, including the Little Butte.
— weighs less than 30 lbs., and
has many outstanding advant-
ages over conventional models.
— A specially designed high
'• t^V11^^.111-"1"1^'*1
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engine that delivers 70 psi when
restricted to 1/4" orfice. Comes
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:
• • -' i •' • ~"'" \A *' fe-

For further information write: 1


•••• ••' • I s ' • ' ' H ¥ ^ v

OREGON GOLD DREDGE


Mohawk Star Route 1A
Springfield, Oregon 97477
Phone (503) 747-6069
14
The stamp mill,
now on display
at the Desert
Museum [open
weekends] at
Randsburg, was
once used at the
Baltic Mine.
A stamp mill
crushes ore so that
gold and other
metals can be
extracted.
The building on
Rand Mountain,
that once housed
the Yellow Aster
Stamp Mill, was
destroyed by
vandals in 1970.

named the Yellow Aster, because stock By the year 1900, there were two com-
promoters were improperly exploiting munities blossoming on the desert. SUMMER CAMPING TRIPS
the name " R a n d . " Rand Camp was also Randsburg was a thriving mining center. FOR BOYS 10-14
renamed. It became Randsburg because "Joburg" was the family town and
it was too large to be properly called a transportation terminal, a mile away. Write for full information on
"camp." The future looked bright as the popula- our 1974 trips . . . camping,
More gold was discovered in sur- tion climbed. But, gold ore has a bad hiking, ghost towns, and
rounding hills and as far as five miles habit of pinching out, and desert mining much more. Also, Brochures
from the initial strike. A gold rush was communities have an equally bad habit describing our one-day trips
on. Randsburg flourished. Permanent of reverting to sagebrush when the ore from Palm Springs and our
buildings were built, but were destroyed disappears. Panamint City, the "Corn- Death Valley camping tours.
in three major fires, and then rebuilt. stock of California," reached a popula-
The town had its hotels, saloons, dance tion of more than 5000, yet became a
halls and even a theater. It added a ghost town within four years. The gold
school and a post office, and the popula- mines at Randsburg did close, yet the
tion mushroomed to more than 3000 be- town has not become a ghost.
fore the turn of the century.
Randsburg even had a railroad. Al-
most, anyway. The line never quite
Randsburg has survived, in a sense,
because the ore really did not run out. At
least it lasted long enough, in one form
DESERT
made it all of the way. The Randsburg
Railway traversed 28 miles from a
junction with the Santa Fe at Kramer
or another, for the various communities
in the mining district to take root.
In 1904, when it might be expected
EXPEDITIONS,
J unction to within one mile of the mining
community. The town of Johannesburg,
just over the hill and down the grade
that Randsburg would be starting its de-
cline, it was discovered that an area a
few miles to the south held one of the
INC.
from Randsburg, was laid out as a largest bodies of tungsten ore in North Box 1404D
"proper townsite" in 1897, and was the America. The small town of Atolia was Palm Desert, Calif. 92260
final terminus for the railroad.
Continued on Page 34
Desert/June 1974
NEAREST
FAR AWAy
PIACE by DIANE THOMAS

LOTS OF hotels advertise "private


Here's a get-away-from-it- beach" in their folders; but how many
all place where the living is advertise "your own private bay" as
easy. Not, perhaps, the part of their attractions? And that's not you could come home with a sailfish or
usual type of Desert article, just for hotel guests, but for those vaca- marlin.
but then it's an unusual tioners who come in mobile homes, with Besides the RV spaces, the resort has
spot! campers or trailers, or who want to rent a a deceptively designed hotel. Inside its
motel room with kitchen facilities. ultra-modest exterior beats a heart of
The folders are enough to make you pure luxury. Huge rooms have mirrored
throw a few essentials into a suitcase, walls, elegant plumbing, beautiful hand-
grab your checkbook, tuck a Spanish dic- carved furniture, deep shag rugs. All
tionary in your pocket and head for Es- rooms lead out to a long balcony over-
Boy making baskets on tero Beach, Baja California. And the looking the bay, privately divided into
the road to Estero Beach. nicest part about the whole entry into the personal areas.
Baja Penninsula, is that no tourist permit The evening cocktails are a BYOJ pro-
is required for a 72-hour visit, and no car position, though, because the owner,
papers need to be filled out. Only if you Senor Novello, wants Estero Beach to be
plan to drive more than 10 miles south of a family center. There is no bar on the
Ensenada do you need a permit, and Es- premises. Back six miles to Ensenada if
tero Beach is only six miles south; so you forgot your supplies.
drive right on down with no border for- There's a fine restaurant on the
malities at Tijuana. grounds. Although it is small and the
If you have a recreation vehicle, you meal hours are untypically early, the
can rent a space with all utilities for $3 a meals are delicious. Fresh seafood,
day up to four persons. Over that, the steaks and Mexican specialties are fea-
charge is 75 cents additional a person. tured, with prices as modest as the
And where else can you step out of your building.
camper and into a boat (either yours or If you're on a budget vacation, then
one you rent) to fish in your own bay? taking your own RV will be the best an-
It's not unusual for 40-pound white bass swer. Rates at the hotel are about the
to be caught in the calm waters. Other same as any good motel in season. For
fish include corvina, spot fin croaker, two people, the rooms with double bed
ocean perch and halibut. If your're the run from $10 to $16, depending on loca-
type who isn't satisfied with anything tion, while two-bedded rooms go up to
other than a four-hour tussle with sport $17. That must be a magic number,
fish, then drive back the six miles to because the same price applies to two
Ensenada; the hotel will make all ar- people in a twin-bedded room, as well as
rangements for your day's outing, and two-bedded suites that sleep four!
Desert/lune 1974
wanders through the towns, up desolate
Every hotel balcony mountains and across ravines, and is a
has an uninterrupted view. lot more scenic.
Many tourists who get no farther than
Ensenada with its American chain mo-
tels (most of which either face the noisy
silk ties from Paris, underwater watches street or overlook the junkyards), come
from Switzerland and men's sweaters back never knowing how close they were
from Scotland. to a quiet vacation with all the fun and
Eventually, there will be a fine marina none of the fuss. You have to look for Es-
as part of the complex, but the Alaskan tero Beach. The last mile and a half is
earthquake of 1964 sent tidal waves down an all-weather road that leads
through the middle of Senor Novello's away from the Ensenada-La Paz highway
plans. At present, the long canals are cut to the bay. The entrance is marked with
by the water, and not in the areas plan- a freshly painted sign, just past the mili-
ned. So the filling and retrenching goes tary airport which is four miles south of
on, and at present there is no permanent Ensenada. Lining the last mile before
anchorage for small boats; they must be you reach the hill leading down to the re-
launched and beached each day. sort are little shelters where pottery is
A fine sand beach fronts the entire decorated and straw baskets are woven
resort, and bathing is perfectly safe for and the workers willingly pose for photo-
small children. Many species of water- graphs.
birds feed on the tidal flats to one side of If vacation time permits, go five miles
the hotel, so bring along your telephoto beyond the Estero Beach turnoff and
lens and camera. follow the road to the right marked "La
Apartments with kitchen facilities run The mild climate—ranging from 70 to Bufadora." Fifteen miles down the pav-
from $13 to $18, again depending on the 80 degrees the year round —draws a lot ed highway, which winds high up on the
number of people and beds. Suites start of permanent mobile home owners. Un- ocean cliffs, is one of the largest blow-
at $22 and cots are available for children like the main part of Mexico, there is no holes in the world. Water shoots 70 feet
in your room. requirment in Baja California that makes into the air when the surf hits the rock
Another little extra in the room is bot- people report to the American side every tube, and an eternal rainbow is present
tled water; so there's no excuse for six months. One man has lived there 20 on sunny days.
brushing your teeth with ginger ale! years and has only been back once to see Watch out for loose burros, children
During the top tourist months (March his friends in Southern California. That and chickens. And, oh yes, be sure to get
15 to September 30), the resort is booked was enough, he said; he didn't like the Mexican car insurance before you cross
well ahead, so a phone call saves you freeway traffic. the border. •
being disappointed. Or have your travel If you bring down a mobile home to
club book for you. live in, you may build a cabana. The gov-
There are lots of things to do in this ernment doesn't tax the home, but it
self-contained resort. There are tennis does levy a $24 tax on your cabana. The
courts, a recreation hall with coin-oper- spaces are not regimented in size or loca-
ated games, pool and ping-pong tables, tion. You may have as much space as you
a children's playground and excellent care to rent. One cabana on a double-
water skiing on the curving bay. wide has two barbecue pits and a roomy
There is also a most attractive shop- dance floor.
ping center designed to part you from People living in the San Diego area
any traveler's checks you may have frequently drive down to Estero Beach
stashed away for emergencies. One shop for dinner. The new toll road makes the
is exclusively Mexican, and the items 73-mile trip a breeze. If you want to
found here are selected to be representa- make the drive more interesting, you can
tive of the better crafts of Mexico. Cloth- take the old road down and return on the
ing, wrought iron, glass, embroideries toll road. The toll road follows the water,
and jewelry are some of the items on dis- costs under $4, and avoids all the small
play. The other shop is the type you towns that dot the coastline; the old road
would find in a free port air terminal.
Gifts from around the world are featur-
ed. Fortunately for generous husbands,
La Bufadora, one of the world's
the manager keeps rather short hours, a
largest blowholes, sprays 70 feet into
monetary blessing that turns out to be
the air a short drive from
frustrating when the window is full of
Estero Beach.
Desert/June 1974
Monos
Ghosts
vacationers have yet to discover Mono's but a " r u s h " into the then unknown ter-
by MARY FRANCES STRONG Golden Ghosts — Dogtown and Mono- ritory didn't occur.
ville. California had yet to become a state,
RISING ABRUPTLY from the northern The Bodie Hills have an important undergo the gold rush of 1849 and in
shore of Mono Lake, the Bodie Hills lie place in California's early history, aside 1852, have Lt. Treadwell Moore find
wedged against California's might Sier- from well-known Bodie. This land has gold in the same locale as Smith, before
ra-Nevadas and form a natural barrier known the tread of several men whose miners would leave the Mother Lode to
between Mono and Bridgeport Valleys. explorations literally "opened up the explore the eastern side of the Sierras.
These desolate, red-brown hills seem in- West" —Jedediah Strong Smith, John C. Upon hearing of Moore's discovery,
truders in a scenic region of magnificent Fremont and Kit Carson. A little known miner Lee Vining, already disenchanted
mountains, glacial valleys, sparkling fact of great significance is the Bodie with conditions in the Mother Lode, de-
lakes and volcanic craters. With almost Hills were the site of the "First gold rush cided the new area might offer greater
more beauty to behold than can be as- east of the Sierras." Even more opportunity. He assembled a small party
similated, few travelers notice the Bodie amazing, they may have been the site of and hired an Indian guide to take them
Hills, except for the spectacular view the first gold discovery in California. across the Sierras. However, they didn't
from 8000-foot Conway Summit, or dur- Jedediah Smith found the precious metal reach the Bodie Hills.
ing a side-trip to the famous old mining on their southern slopes in about 1822! Their route led over a natural pass in
camp of Bodie— now a State Park. Most He took his samples to Salt Lake City, the mountains, then followed a precipi-
78 Desert/June 1974
Opposite page, top left: Paul Okamota acts as caretaker of
several claims including his own in Rattlesnake Gulch. He
is a happy escapee from the big city and a newcomer to the
"Mono Diggings." Top Right: The last original building
remaining at Monoville is the former grocery store. Locat-
ed within close proximity to a spring, a practical, as well as
picturesque setting was selected. Left: Lying less than one-
quarter mile from Highway 395 [in background], Dog-
town's stone ruins and placer tailings can easily be over-
looked by speeding motorists. Arrow indicates Historical
Marker along the highway. Above left: "Oldtimer" George
Totland and his inseparable companion, Casey, work the
gold-bearing strata at the Yellow Beans Mine by the simple
but efficient method of sluicing. Above right: Dog Creek
and adjacent ground was first placered by Cord Norst and
his Indian wife, Mary, around 1857. Right: George Totland 9i£pjKll
and the author discuss mining techniques on far side of
tailings pond at the Yellow Beans Mine. The lower sluice
catches any fine gold that upper one has missed. Note
canvas "pipe" snaking down gulch. It brings water from
spring above George's cabin whose roof is barely visible
above the diggings [right center]. Photos by Jerry Strong

tous canyon down their eastern escarp- pia was not due to last. Located six miles southeast of Dog-
ment. Enamored by the rushing stream Word of successful gold ventures al- town and separated by ridges reaching
and lush meadows, Vining elected to ways manages to reach the outside 8500 feet, the story of Monoville's dis-
settle where there was feed for livestock, world. In this case, the news fell on lis- covery seems a bit incongruous. Perhaps
as well as gold. Today, the canyon (lead- tening ears in Salt Lake City. By 1859, the stalwart men of the early days were
ing to Tioga Pass) and the town at its nearly 100 miners had come to work the far more rugged than their 20th Century
base are named in his honor. gold-bearing gravels and "Dogtown" counterparts. It would seem that though
Just when Cord Norst and his wife, had been born. The town was a conglom- filled with booze to the point of needing
Mary (reportedly a beautiful Indian girl) eration of dugouts, rock huts and one im- "rest," they could scale the hills like
found one of the Golden Ghosts is uncer- portant building —the Loose Grocery and mountain goats. In any case, the story is
tain. In 1857, they were well settled on a Liquor Store. It was the center of Dog- chronicled many times and it is not my
stream Norst had named Dog Creek. town's recreational activities. From all intent to doubt it. However, I cannot
Comfortably housed in a dugout, their accounts, there were some wild celebra- help my reservations concerning the
days were profitably spent panning and tions held on Saturday nights and special facts that follow.
placering gold. Beaver and trout shared holidays. Indirectly, from one of the Vast amounts of whiskey were swilled
the stream and wild game was plentiful. latter, July 4, 1859, the second of the during Dogtown's Fourth of July cele-
The Norsts had found their own special Golden Ghosts was discovered —Mono- bration. One miner, known as Chris,
paradise, butthe tranquility of their Uto- ville. evidently felt the need of "fresh air and
Desert/lune 7974 19
rest." Looking for a place to do the lat-
ter, he wandered (probably staggered
would be more descriptive) up and over
the mountains to a point six miles south.
Here, while lying on the ground, he
picked up a handful of soil and couldn't
believe what he saw—considerable gold!
Dogiown
Rushing back to the party, he showed and
the still-celebrating miners his find, but
they thought he was just "pulling their
leg." Finally, one miner showed interest
Monoville
and then everyone decided to go to the
site with Chris. The discovery of the
Mono Diggings was made.
While Chris located the first claim, he
seems to have then disappeared from the
scene. A " r u s h " was on when the Dog-
towners all moved to the new strike.
They were followed by a stampede of
goldseekers from the Mother Lode who
had heard gold lay on the surface and
panning brought at least $100 a day.
Nearly a thousand men came to the dig-
gings and the resultant settlement,
strung over the hills and gulches, was
named Monoville. Housing consisted
..'.•ti&k Mono Diggings"..-.: ',
mainly of primitive dugouts and log cab-
•*'•''" ^ M o n o v i l l e -.'-•.'•. •$ ' " ' ""•
ins. A few businesses and many saloons $f ' si
supplied the town's needs. si
Water was scarce but, by pooling work
and funds, the men dug a ditch from
Virginia Creek to Monoville. Hydraulic
and rocker operations were soon working
full blast. However, as summer waned,
so did the enthusiasm. The diggings had
not proved as rich as expected, living
conditions were very poor and the incle-
ment fall weather in this high country
warned of things to come. All but about
150 people headed for other parts.
The remaining residents were destin-
ed to have their faith and courage tested
when one of the worst winters in many
years hit the region. A November storm
dropped five feet of snow at Monoville,
leaving it completely isolated from the
outside world. All trails lay under deep plies, the fate of Monoville's population out of the diggings —probably several
drifts and there was little possibility of could have been one of the most tragic million dollars in all. The most produc-
its melting before spring. Supplies were events in California's history. tive claim was at Monoville. Known as
very low in the mining camp and the Mining camps have precarious lives the "Sinnamon Cut," it yielded $50,000
trapped families would not be able to and Monoville was no exception. After in gold.
survive until a thaw. only a year of existence, there was a Cord and Mary Norst, along with a few
With the nearest source of supply 100 mass exodus of residents when the great others, had stayed on at Dogtown and for
miles north at Genoa in Carson Valley, silver strike was made at Aurora in many years they profitably worked the
the outlook seemed bleak. Then, several August of 1860. Most of the frame build- placer ground. Mining also continued on
of the most able-bodied men volunteered ings were quickly dismantled and hauled a small scale at the Mono Diggings. You
to attemp the trip on homemade snow- to the new camp. might say they were "bacon and beans"
shoes. Succeed they did: and, even more In less than five years, Dogtown and camps.
remarkable, they made the round trip in Monoville had risen and fallen. A con- Our desire to visit the Golden Ghosts
two weeks. Without the precious sup- siderable amount of gold had been taken had been of long-standing and late Octo-
20 Desert/)une 1974
her 1973 found us at Dogtown. All was trance. In fact, except during hunting ed to be the highlight or our journey to
quiet on Dog Creek where the passing season, a gate is closed across the road see Mono's Golden Ghosts.
century has not been too unkind. Ugly leading from the highway. See map. George owns the Yellow Beans Mine.
mounds of tailings remain, but many Bacon Gulch is another story. A good "Only one like it in the diggings," he
have been so overgrown with brush they dirt road leads high into the hills as far proudly told us. "This was a 'half-an-
meld into the landscape. West of the as the Yellow Beans Mine. Beyond is ounce' camp, but not the Yellow
creek, along the base of the hill, lay the four-wheel-drive country. There are Beans," he continued. Born in Bergen,
remains of the town. The ruins of seven several claims along the lower end of the Norway, George went into the mines
rock dwellings and a well-marked grave- gulch and two miles above, a "canyon of there at the age of 10. He was an exper-
site were almost hidden by shoulder- tailings" scars the landscape. ienced miner when he came to the
high rabbitbrush and great basin sage. Our visit to Bacon Gulch was mainly to United States in 1923 and he has been
Browsing around and examining the meet George Totland, 73 years young mining in the Mono area for nearly 40
ruins, we became aware of the strength and the "Mono Digging's" only old- years. Hale and hearty, with the deft
and courage of our ancestors, as well as timer. George and his dog, Casey, prov- movements of long experience, George
their dedication to the dream of golden
wealth. The tiny dwellings barely held a
man, his bed and stove. "Cabin fever"
must have been prevalent during the
long winter months. No doubt letting off You haven't seen it...
#
steam at the local saloon kept many of
the miners going. til you've seen it from the air!
Monoville is gone, but the diggings
live on. They seem to be divided into
three areas —Rattlesnake Gulch, Bacon
Gulch and the Oriental Diggings. Except
for the latter, almost the entire area is
under claim.
Rattlesnake Gulch was our first objec-
tive in the hope "someone would be
home." Luck was with us. Paul Okamo-
ta, caretaker for the Cirrus Mining Com-
pany, was not only home, but very
friendly and helpful. With permission
granted to wander around, we drove up
the canyon to photograph Monoville's
remaining building — the old grocery
store. In good repair, this rock cabin now
serves as field quarters for Pat Kelly of
Lee Vining, the mine company owner.
Upper Rattlesnake Gulch is private
property and a locked gate bars en-

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Desert/]une 7974
works his claims daily except during the

GOKDON snow season when he spends a little time


in Lee Vining.
"Originally, there was a mill here with
Mineral bunker and screening plant," George
1741 Cherry Ave., Long Beach, Calif. explained, pointing to a site near the
Phone (213) 591-8956 tailings pond. "There is a half-million
Open Monday thru Friday, 9:30 to 6 Saturday, 9:30 to 5 yards of good pay dirt, but heavy equip-
"• "'T»i fflurr.n Headquarters for: ment is needed to get the gold." He
• Lapidary Supplies • Jewelry Making • Rockhound Supplies paused, then continued, " I am planning
' Silver & Gold Casting Machines • Cut Stones • Rough Rock to sell out. It is a job for a younger man."
Write for FREE ALL NEW GEM SHOPPER George is currently hand-working the
gold-bearing strata. "There is gold all
through this bank, " he told us, "but I
am after the coarser material at the bot-
A FAMILY VACATION tom." He uses a simple, but effective

Cwrtse method. A ditch has been dug along the


base of the cut. A certain amount of allu-
vium is removed and placed in the ditch

Lakeroweii to form a dam. Using water he has piped


from a spring above his cabin, the ditch
as . . .Captain, First Mate and is filled and the "dammed material"
Crew of a twin-engine 43' permitted to soak overnight. The next
Luxuriously equipped Boatel Unmatched Beauty with clean air, day a slight break is made in the dam
Aqua Sports Paradise! sunny days, and starlit nights. and the saturated aggregate courses into
A Change of Pace! FREE BROCHURES the riffle box below. The heavy gold then
P.O. Box 218 collects along the riffles.
Call collect or write:
714 466-5316 Hite Marina Inc. La Mesa,
California 92041
It was time to leave, but I had one
more question to ask. "How do you ob-
tain your supplies without a car?" was

CANYONLANDS CAMPARK
NEW AND MODERN CAMPGROUND
my query. George smiled as he
answered in his broad Norwegian
accent, "Never needed no car. If friends

MOAB. UTAH
FOR RECREATION VEHICLES
AND TENTERS
member of
don't drop by, Casey and me walk to
town." He wouldn't accept our offered
ride saying, "Folks are due up tonight to
take us to Lee Vining." As we headed
down the canyon, I hoped his friends
would not forget. A 10-mile hike at age
73 seemed rather strenuous.
I need not have worried. Early the
next morning we saw George and Casey
FACILITIES standing on the corner. " I see your
140 Spaces
Landscaping
friends made i t , " I commented after we
Full Hookups had said our hellos. " N o , they didn't
1 1 0 / 2 2 0 V. Electricity •Ol
show up. Casey and I came on in. I guess
Tent Sites
Grocery they won't be coming this week so we
Laundry are going to hike into the mountains and
Recreation Room
Dump Station try for a deer," was his reply. Men like
Gasoline Pumps George Totland will not worry about the
FREE ^ffim Bridge '' ~"ZZ.-- energy shortage.
Swimming Pool
on nearby jefptratt^ ~> Long ago, the men who came West af-
Hot Showers
Tour Reservations t Many biking and je4tr^~ Z ter gold learned to live in harmony with
Creekside Park trails out of Moab^. ""•*/* the land. They found that man's inner-
self provided many of the "tools" need-
For Brochure or Reservations Call or Write ed for happiness and survival. The Gold-
FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE
RENTALS AVAILABLE CANYONLANDS CAMPARK en Ghosts live on, and so do the spirits of
AT CAMPGROUNDS 555 South Main the men who gave them their brief hour
Moab, Utah 84532 (801) 259-6848 of glory. •
22 Desert/June 7974
Night
Blooming
feusby HANS BAERWALD

Crapically pictured here is the short life span of


the bloom of the Night Blooming Cereus. Lower
left: The bud, in the early evening of the first day;
Right: In full bloom at night; Lower right: The
dead bloom the morning after.

Desert/ June 1974


by BUDDY MAYS

Color photo by F.A. Barnes

/ ATCH OUT for rattlesnakes, scor- the Arches contai learlv 84 000
pions, and flashfloods " the
ranger will tell you, flashing his official ing artistry. And, to the amazement of
smile "Don't fall off a cliff, don't break visitors acquainted with the massive
your leg, and don't get hit by lightning traffic jams and campground overuse of
But above a l l , " he adds, as he looks over Yosemite and Yellowstone, the Arches is
' an unusually small amount
of tourist traffic
This unusual bit of instruction is what "Compared to the rest of America's
most backpackers are besieged with as parks," said one backpacking Califor-
they check in with the National Park Ser- nian, "the Arches is totally and magnifi-
vice at the entrance to the Arches Na- cently deserted."
tional Park, five miles north of Moab, Deserted, the Arches may be. Barren
Utah. Here, at one of America's newest and lifeless, however, it most certainly is
National Parks (established on Novem- not. Over a period of 150 million years,
ber 12, 1971) hikers and back-country the unceasing tools of nature have creat-
enthusiasts are finding an untouched ed a monolithic forest of sandstone
and untamed wilderness to explore at giants which, even now, show only mini-
their leisure. scule traces of man's visitation. Massive
Lying in the very heart of the famed stone mushrooms cast mystical shadows
"Red Rock" country of southeastern across a moon-like landscape cooling, in
i n g " as the ranger so aptly put it, is one
of the Southwest's most exciting adven-
tures. Most of the back-country trails, al-
though primitive, are level, well marked
and easy enough for children over five.
An over-abundance of natural shelters in
the form of overhangs and amphithea-
ters allows hikers to choose the campsite
that best fits their needs.
Listed below are a few tips that might
make hiking in areas such as the Arches
a little easier for those who are accus-
tomed to mountain or alpine camping.
There is, of course, no definite law that
states just what a backpacker will or will
not carry, but maybe the following infor-
mation will turn what might have been
just a camping trip into an enjoyable and
exciting experience.
1. Throw away your metal eating
plates and equip each member of the
party with a plastic Frisbee. Not only do
they make an excellent plate, they can
Backpacking in the also be used as wash bowl, fire fanner,
Arches is a great shovel, and fun-and-games creater.
experience in 2. Leave tents and parkas at home. In
solitude and most areas like the Arches, rain showers
untamed are short and infrequent. A lightweight
wilderness. The army poncho will serve as both shelter
author is shown (two snapped together make a great
here in the Arches tent) and windbreaker. For chilly morn-
backcountry. ings, bring along a wool shirt.
their shade, the homes of a hundred dif- lush ferns and wild grasses. Pockets of 3. Instead of soap, towels, dishrags
ferent species of wildlife. Flower-cover- rainwater dot the landscape and flash- and pot cleaners, try using toothpaste to
ed trails wind through obscure canyons floods from distant rainstorms fill gullies remove the black from hard-to-clean
of bright red rock, creating ribbons of and canyons with tons of muddy water. cooking pots. "Stains will disappear like
yellow and gold and purple. Here and In winter, the rain turns to snow and magic."
there, the foot-long dinosaur-like shape again the canyons are filled with run-off. 4. Unless you have a pre-planned des-
of a collared lizard or the buzzing whir of
Quite often, in fact, the problem is too tination with a natural source of water
a rattlesnake will induce a desert hiker to
much water instead of too little. available, carry one gallon of water per
watch where he may step. As to whether or not the Arches is a person per day. This will insure plenty of
Then, there are the Arches them- playground, most hikers will readily liquid for an emergency dry camp.
selves, adding a spectacular panorama agree that although there are few areas 5. Always carry a snake-bite kit,
of natural windows to an already beauti- as wonderful to hike in as the Arches, either the suction type or anti-venom.
ful land. Names like Landscape, Pine there is little opportunity to "play." Rat- Although a rattlesnake is one of the most
Tree and Partition Arch, do little to de-tlesnakes, scorpions, flashflood and timid creatures on earth, accidents
scribe what 150 million years of unplan- lightning are hazards that a hiker or sometimes happen.
ned craftsmanship has created. And camper cannot ignore. In an area as rug- 6. Leave heavy equipment such as
even though Arches now has National ged as the Red Rock country of Utah, it hatchets, hunting knives, glass bottles
Park status, back-country hikers contin- takes only one misstep to create an and canned food in the pantry or garage.
ually discover new and unmapped emergency. The park itself, however, is Hatchets are unnecessary since broken
"windows of light" in some of the more the teacher and guardian both in most wood is usually found everywhere. A
remote regions. cases. One park ranger, who has been small pocket knife is much lighter and
Designated as a "Desert Playground" stationed at the Arches for almost a de- handier than a hunting knife. Bottles and
by many tour books and automobile trav- cade, describes in one sentence the type canned food can be replaced by freeze-
el guides, the Arches is neither desert of people who hike in the park. dried trail food.
nor playground to most active backpack- "They go in as flamboyant fools," he Take nothing into any wilderness area
ers. In many of the canyons, tiny springs says, "and come out as very able that you don't plan to bring out. Nature
gush from cracks in the sandstone, leav- amblers." doesn't need help redecorating her do-
ing in their passing hanging gardens of Backpacking in the Arches, or "ambl- main. And, above all, enjoy your hike. •
26 Desert/June 1974
<c Dark Angel
«5 Fin Canyon
44 Double O Arch
43 Navajo Arch
« Wall Arch
«i Partition Arch
<M Landscape Arch
39F*ineTreeArch
sa Tunnel Arch
37 Campground
36 Skyline Arch
35 Broken Arch
3*DEVIL'S GARDEN

13 Viewpoints
it Cache\klley
si SaltW^sh
soWolfe Ranch
zsDELICATEARCH

IP
Z6 Salt Valley ' «^-
2 7 Tower Arch
2<;KLONDIKE B L U F F S ^

25 FIERY FURNACE

24 Bano Point

23 South Window
22 North Window
2i Turret Arch
2oRuade of Elephants
is Double Arch
18 Ribbon Arch
n Cove Arch
it CoveofCaves
is Garden of Eden
14 Ham Rock
13 Balanced Rock
WINDOWS SECTION

iz Rock Pinnacles
n Willow Flats

iiSf:l

Sm
io Courthouse Wash
s Sheep Rock
8 Tower of Babel
7 The 3 Gossips
6 The Organ
5 La Sal Mountains Mewpoint
< Park Avenue
TOWERS SECTION

3 Visitor C e n t e r
i Entrance of the Park
i Colorado River

Desert/ June 1974 27


GOLD
IN
THE
SAN GABRIELS
IN THE sprawling, conglomerate The foothill towns of Azusa, Glendora,
squeeze-in of eight million residents in San Dimas and Claremont are the entry
the Greater Los Angeles Area, only a portals to year-round fun in this almost
rare few questing souls have discovered ignored Southern California mountain-
the primitive beauty and isolated gran- land. Fishing for rainbow trout in
deur that is so jealously locked in the well-stocked streams and lakes is per-
crags and canyon interfolds of the missible all 12 months. Gold-panning
nearby San Gabriel Mountain Range. along a gurgling stream is happy therapy
Ranging jaggedly along the north- for the energetic optimist, frequently
eastern skyline of the Los Angeles com- paying off handsomely in gleaming frag-
plex, like a mile-high curtain of rugged ments of golden beauty. Body dunking in
alpine mystery, this serrated fragment of the frequent pools and ponds along the
the Angeles National Forest lies seduc- canyon floor is a big water sport,
tively waiting for those adventurous ones especially among the athletic teens and
who would enjoy the serenity of several younger. Camping, back-packing, pic-
hundred thousand acres of mountain nicking, hiking and Sunday sight-seeing
peaks, gushing streams, pictorial lakes are other popular year-round activities
and contorted canyons. All this, mind
you, almost completely unfamiliar to
those nearby millions, is within 30 free-
way minutes from the Los Angeles City Morris Dam floods
Hall. gorge in the San Gabriels.

28 Desert/June 1974
solitary structures visible are the strate-
Old-timer pans for gold
gically scattered Ranger and Fire Sta-
on upper East Fork.
tions of the forest.
The feeder roads into these various
highland playgrounds all uniformly veer
among those Angelenos who already off northward from the valley highway
know the appeal of this peak and deep systems. San Dimas Reservoir is reached
mountain domain that lies wild and after a few twisting miles past Park and
primitive on the doorstep of one of the golf course, then a snake-like climb up
world's largest cities. the canyon to the clot of concrete which
"Yep, exclaimed an old-timer, as he constitutes the dam. Parking is provided
waggled a gnarled finger in the all-en- for deep water trout fishermen who wish
compassing direction of the surrounding to undertake the extremely precipitous
canyon walls, "there's still plenty of wild loose-rock walkway down to the water
varmints a'hidin' in these parts." Re- level of the lake.
cent sights confirm the old Ranger's A long mile away, along a narrow
statements, as deer, coyotes, black bear, mountain road, one may park next to the
mountain lions, bobcats, bighorn moun- San Dimas Fire Station. This is the entry
tain sheep and other such critters contin- approach to the shallow end of the reser-
ue to populate the heavily-grown canyon voir. Fishermen (or picnickers) must tote
slopes and rocky notches in this virginal all their tackle and gear, then hike along
land. the stream bed for a half-mile to reach
The unpopulated remoteness and the water. Rainbow trout are frequently
sparsity of both people and buildings in stocked here, and mossy shallows will
this mountainous area come as a sober- produce hungry blue-gills. Best of all,
ing shock to those flatland Angelenos for the dyed-in-the-outdoors nature
who are sardined into the condominium lover, this magnificently beautiful gorge
palaces of saturation "down below." of blue water, bulging mountain should-
With the exception of several small road- ers and usual sprinkling of active deer,
side establishments at Camp Baldy, Cry- coyotes and hawks on the opposite shore
stal Lake, and at Hunter's and Follow's is ordinarily visited by a meager handful
Camps in the East Fork of the San of scattered fishermen. Take along your
Gabriel River, where unfestooned meals binoculars: it's that kind of lookable
by LESTER F. ZIEGLER and trailer anchorage may be found, the country.
The most famous landmark in South-
ern California is Mt. Baldy. (Correctly,
Mt. San Antonio.) Stretching 10,064 feet
upward into the blue, it looms bare-faced
and friendly 40 miles east of Los Angel-
es. Possessing particular emphasis and
nobility during the winter months, it
regally bears its massive mantle of
gleaming, white snow-banners high
above the vast Los Angeles plains which
reach to the distant ocean —plains made
Chamber of Commerce famous for their
snowlessness. Throngs of winter-sports-
hungry enthusiasts exuberantly invade
Old Baldy Village every snowy weekend
to scale the peak via the scenic ski-lift,
then carve glided etchings on the mile-
high snow banks. As snowfalls heavy
enough for satisfactory skiing only occur
when downpour rains drench the low-
lands, a common bumper-sticker sign
seen reads, "Think Snow!"
Panamint Pete, former sheriff in
Death Valley, operated an early 1920
supply service to miners during the
heavy snow season —on skis! "Many
Desert/lune 1974 29
times," he said, "when there was 10 or Leaving the foothill community of Azusa, of steel forms a metal chute that ranges
15 feet of snow in the canyons, the only in a northerly direction, one is scarcely angularly from the water's level to a
way I could find the mine was by looking conscious of entering the canyon mouth point high above the dam. This gargan-
for a wisp of smoke curling up through of a huge mountain range. But speeding tuan instrument, natives report, is used
the snow. Then I'd start digging. More gradually upward, the widespread arms by the U. S. Navy for the testing of pro-
than once me, my skis and my supplies, of the canyon merge, like coming to the jectiles and explosives in the depths of
along with a ton of snow, would tumble hinge in a pair of opened scissors. the water below. Visitors are not permit-
through to the miner's tunnel below," Suddenly, the road plunges through a ted on any portion of this lake or its miles
he chuckled. cut that is just two lanes wide, which just of surrounding shores.
For the low-lander who does seek out about matches the width of the base of Two miles farther, the gigantic earth-
this mountainous retreat of scenic the canyon. fill San Gabriel Dam spans the canyon.
beauty and wide variety of outdoor activ- The loopings of the excellent black-top Holding 44,614-acre-feet of water, this
ities, the great San Gabriel Canyon of- roadway mount the canyon walls, facility has recently undergone an ener-
fers a veritable grab-bag of assorted increasing altitude with every mile. At getic draining and silt-removal program.
man-sized sights, sounds and a satisfy- the 1152-foot level, one first confronts Via the use of massive conveyor belts
ing engagement with Mother Nature. the monstrous face of Morris Dam. The and heavy earth movers, this extensive
sculptured spillway is a swooping flair of engineering achievement will witness
frozen artistry in concrete design. Be- the removal of five million tons of
hind the massive face of the dam, the silt-sand every 100 working days. These
water-filled scope of the canyon itself millions of tons of silt are being routed
becomes apparent. With a holding capa- via miles of conveyor belts to distant
city of 30,085-acre-feet of water, this fa- Burro Canyon. When the canyon is fill-
»PEN 7 DAYS
cility provides flood control, irrigation ed, it will be developed into a primitive
24 HOURS
water and well-water levels for much of area park for hikers and backpacking
A DAY
the Los Angeles basin that spreads to the campers.
Pacific Ocean. Directly ahead in the road up the can-
Incongruously positioned in this locale yon lies a point of geographical decision.
of alpine loveliness, a gigantic skeleton Resembling a palm with three direction-
al fingers, the motorist may choose to
proceed straight on through to the North
Gene and Mary Foushee's Fork of the San Gabriel. It's a favorite
spot of the fishermen who appreciate the
RECAPTURE LODGE § TOURS remote isolation of this boulder-strewn
There are still places like this . . . peaceful, quiet, canyon.
remote. And just a 15 minute stroll, or a five minute
drive, or a stone's throw from Recapture Lodge. Be- To the west, or on the left, there lies a
sides scenery and tranquility like this, we have geolo- great scenic country, good fishing and
gist-guided tours to Monument Valley, Canyonlands, stream-side picnic sites along the West
Poncho House . . . and lovely spots you've never Fork of the San Gabriel River. This is
heard of. exclusively for backpackers, and a large
Nightly slide shows. Heated Pool. Play- steel gate permits passage only to the
grounds. Automatic laundry. San Juan vehicles of the Forestry Department,
River trips.
Fire Wardens and Fish and Game peo-
All Tribes Day June 22!
ple. The farther one walks, the fewer the
BLUFF, Utah 84512 Phone 801-672-2281 people, and after about three miles one
has the entire world of narrow canyon,
tumbling water and primitive seclusion

FISH! FISH! FISH! to himself. Rare, indeed, are the hikers


who journey the seven miles to 2,385-
feet-high Cogswell Reservoir, even
TROUT, BASS AND CATFISH
though the fishing is excellent in this
Get your share at Hall's Crossing lake—when permitted.
i CROSSING MARINA OFFERS: Gas and oil, live bait and lures, fishing gear, boat repaii Fifteen miles directly ahead from the
facilities, cold beer, ICE, groceries, slips and buoys for rent. Overnight accommodations that
sleep two to eight persons. Write or call for reservations. At the general store: fresh milk, eggs,
bridge junction, over good but winding
butter, frozen meat, cold cuts and canned items for camping or picnicking. Take a boat trip to mountain roads, lies deeply-set, mile-
Rainbow Bridge in one day. 2, 3 and 4-day tours to various parts of the lake, camping and high Crystal Lake. Fishing is generally
sleeping under the stars. Ferry service for travelers' with light vehicles. All types of pleasure
craft for rent from 14-ft. to houseboats. Airstrip is 4000 feet with tiedown facilities available. good for rainbow trout, stocked regularly
by the California Department of Fish and

HALL'S CROSSING MARINA


Write Lake Powell Ferry Service, Blanding Utah or call Moab Mobile Operator, ask for Unit 56
Game. There are rarely enough people
visiting here to present driving, parking
or fishing congestion. Boats are for rent,
30 Desert/June 1974
but eating 2nd othor comfort facilities Publicity has been at a negligent level
are elemental in elegance. This jewel of
a lake, set deeply in a mountain notch, is
in boosting this delightful clutch of
mountain play areas. Consequently,
in ffioah visit
at the 5700-foot-level.
The infrequent occasions when Crystal
Lake will be crowded depend entirely
there are many times when a vista of a
mile or two of canyon, stream and moun-
tain panorama may reveal not more than
I\e irivals
upon when winter snow is on the ground. two or three meandering fishermen. Yet,
The white powder attracts hordes of a curious paradox of human proclivity,
IN EARTH CRAFTS
snow-hungry Southern Californians. about eight million people reside within
Otherwise, it is hard to believe that so an hour of these secluded wilderness
many millions of people live within a few playgrounds, and only an incidental
miles, yet never visit this lovely lake minority have ever explored into this
hung in the clouds. rustic paradise.
Without doubt, the area offering the For those unnumbered blase Southern MOVING?
greatest variety in trailering, campering, California motorists who ofter mutter,
SO YOU WILL NOT MISS AN ISSUE
fishing, picnicking and goldpanning is "Gosh! Where can we go, where can we
NOTIFY US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
the East Fork of the San Gabriel Canyon. do something different?" consider the
A sharp right turn at the junction point, San Gabriel Mountains. Be sure to include old address
heading eastward over the long steel Thar's many kinds of gold in them as well as the new
bridge, will bring the visitor to long hills. •
stretches of tree-lined, boulder-strewn, AND BOTH ZIP CODES!
rushing waters of the mountain river.
Access paths and trails lead to the bot-
tom of the canyon, and various picnic "Our Concern for You is Your Guarantee'
areas are established. Of special interest United
to those historically inclined, the largest
picnic area is situated near the Cattle
Campgrounds of Moab
Canyon Bridge, on the site of what at one
Location: Facilities:
time was the rough and tumble gold THE
One mile north of Moab, and Vz mile Level, Shaded Sites STANDARD OF
mining camp of Eldoradoville. A flour- National Parks 88 Tent and Trailer Spaces EXCELLENCE
ishing gold camp was started here in Between Arches and Canyonlands Full Hookups
National Parks Swimming Pool
1855, and it is recorded that in the elec- Near Dead Horse Point State Park Hot Showers
tion year of 1861 there were 400 votes for Store and Laundry
Abraham Lincoln to come out of the river Miniature Golf
settlement. Sadly, torrential rains and For Campground brochure
and Reservations, write or call: Offices for Canyonlands by Night
the resultant "gully-washer" floods
have scoured away almost every last ves- UNITED CAMPGROUNDS OF MOAB P.O. Box 370D, Moab, Utah 84532 801 259-7660
tige of this romantic old river-bottom
gold town and its 2,000 inhabitants of
yesteryear. At Follow's Camp, the orig-
inal general store that purveyed supplies
Tours in
to the miners still stands. This camp was Canyonlands National Park
the home terminus of the stage line ISLAND IN THE SKY • WASHERWOMAN
WALKING ROCKS • MONUMENT BASIN
which provided the sole transportation
between Azusa and the Canyon from
1894 to 1929.
Tours near
Coldpanning continues to attract those Canyonlands National Park
active romantics who exert great energy • ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
in searching for those elusive nuggets or • ONION CREEK , . HURRAH PASS
• GEMINI BRIDGES • ROCKHOUNDING
fragments of yellow metal. A few of the
Send for free brochure arid detailed
roadside establishments will rent either relief map of Canyonlands National Park.
the traditional gold pan or the more so-
RATES
phisticated sluice box for those visitors 8 Hours $15 per person
who have strong backs, great patience 4 Hours $10 per person Walking Rocks in Canyonlands
Special Tours $20 per person
and an abiding optimism that the gods of All our trips are designed especially for
fortune will smile upon them. And as any Minimum: 2 Full Fares— 12and under, Half Fare photographers, but "oneview is
worth a thousand pictures."
of the natives will tell you, " O l ' Doc
King washed out over half an ounce one LIN OTTINGER'S TOURS SLIDE SHOW
afternoon last week." Now that's real Moab Rock Shop, 137 N. Main, Moab, Utah 84532 Nightly, 8p.m.
man talk that is 24-carat incentive! Phone 801 259-7312 for Reservations
Desert/June 1974 31
Mr.flgUg
Responds
WELL, WELL, so I'm supposed to circled with a black grease pencil, etc.,
have married in 1969 or 1970—according etc. The photo as used was cropped
to Slim Pickings —and kicked the bucket somewhat, but in the extreme lower
in "about July of 1971." How quaint, if right corner you can still see the tip of
true! But " S l i m " is 100% dead wrong in my shoe—as also mentioned in the
all his suppositions. As to "Slim's" January 5th letter.
thimblefull of gold — photo in April '74 Further, I am enclosing another print
issue—I would never knock another of this same photo, again with the
man's story about gold —whatever his nugget circled, plus another photo I took
story may be when published. My only at the time (which I didn't send to you)
comment is that from the photo, his gold with several nuggets I'd found with the
is very fine, and the surface appears detector and laid on the ground in a
smooth, almost shiny. I'm reasonably group to show how the black nuggets
sure that comparison with my nuggets blended with the natural rocky ground.
Last two nuggets received
will show they are not the same. I've drawn arrows to them.
[Shown VA size]
Now, I suppose the first order of busi- I believe this proof is conclusive and
ness is to prove who I am. I just happen- absolute!
ed to keep a carbon copy of all letters and Now, to get the story back on the track
EDITOR'S NOTE: scripts sent to Desert, and I presume you where it was derailed in 1969, I've
still have them in your files. Let's go retyped (from the carbons) a combined
The April issue carried a back to January, 1965 when my first let- resume of my three letters of 1969 and
challenge to Mr. Pegleg ter (with the story) was reproduced on the final one of July 11, 1970, none of
to come forth after a long page 20 of the March, 1965 issue. I am which you apparently received. I'm do-
absence to prove he was enclosing my carbon copy of that letter ing this so the readers of Desert will
still alive. Just prior to for comparison with the original if you have a complete, unbroken continuity of
going to press, sure enough still have it, or comparison with the re- the Black Gold story, even if it has been
a letter, photographs, car- production on page 20 if you don't have delayed four years.
bon copies of previous cor- the original. My original letter was un- Now then, I'm enclosing a nugget with
respondence, plus TWO dated when typed. Noticing this, I put a this, one of the tumbled ones (to take
nuggets gave us ample date on the carbon with a red grease most of the black coating off), and which
proof that he was the real pencil (1/2/65) three days later when I procedure was previously explained in
McCoy. The letter and a re- wrote a second letter on January 5, 1965 detail. And another original "black"
sume of the letters sent, (carbon also enclosed) with which I in- nugget.
but not received, during cluded an enlarged Black & White photo Finally, if this gets through to you, I'll
1969-70 are produced here of a nugget as found " i n place." The have some interesting photos to send
to bring the enigma up to photo was used on Page 20 (March '65 next time of bags of black nuggets and a
date. The nuggets, includ- issue) as a background for my letter, but couple more bits of interesting news.
ing the last two, are on dis- without any comment of my January 5th
play in our editorial office letter accompanying it to the effect that Sincerely,
one of the nuggets was shown in place, The man who found Pegleg's black gold
32 Deseri/lune 1974
Resume of Correspondence
During 1969-70

January 23, 1969


Yes, I am still around, happy and healthy
and well nourished by the Pegieg black gold I
found.
Perhaps it is time once again to bring mat-
ters up to date on the black nuggets, specific-
ally to answer the January, 1969 issue. Pre- Photo shows
sumably readers will, by now, be fairly famil- six nuggets
iar with the general details of my find and the
subsequent developments so I won't rehash as they appeared
everything. inconspicuously
First off, Victor Stoyanow's story, "Black on the gravelly
Bonanza" in the January, 1969 issue was an
excellent bit of research, intelligent reasoning
desert. I
and active field work, the essence of which is
to substantiate my original geologic theory of
the origin of the black nuggets. The fact that
Stoyanow brings out the finding of other black :
nuggets in various places in the Salton Sea
basin lends credence to my first accounts that
black nuggets might be found in other areas
v ,
wherever the presumed ancient stream bed
had been exposed. The explanation he gives
of the "Beach Placer" fits in very logically
and the account of the black nuggets being
exposed by a Chubasco wind also holds true.
Right here I will give another small clue. The
area where I found my black nuggets was not tions Mr. Miller poses about the color of the November, 1969 issue
all exactly like the pebbled surface shown in nuggets I've found, I have already made var- Mr. Gilbert O. French's letter in the
the photographs I sent in. I actually found ious mentions of this previously, but will be November, 1969 issue. I am neither confirm-
some nuggets where the sand had been blown more specific now. Those nuggets I found on ing nor denying that the channels mentioned
away from them —which nuggets had been the surface and which appeared to have been by Mr. French are where I found the black
covered with sand during an earlier trip, and on the surface for some time were not shiny or nuggets, but my original theory was certainly
deep enough to be beyond the reach of my de- coal black nor did they have a black mangan- based on the ancient channel or river bed
tector. ese coating. Instead, they were more of a dull idea. I am not familiar with the Ceoscope, but
Mr. DeWalt's letter in this same issue or satin-black finish, even running to a dark, my instincts tell me that one day science will
(January, 1969} indicates that he dug the ashy gray, the black coating being oxidized come up with an instrument that a man can
holes I mentioned. Perhaps so, and as I've al- copper that was alloyed with gold in the nug- carry and which will detect specific metals un-
ways said and believed, there should be more gets. The original expression used long be- derground, including gold, at a considerable
nuggets deeper in my site—where a detector fore I came onto the scene described them distance, even in alloy form and tell how
couldn't reach them. pretty well as being the "burned black gold of much there is. Of course, when that comes,
the Pegieg gold that is left—maybe—might
One of the things I've thought about doing the Pegieg."
be small potatoes to what can be found all
from the very beginning was to take in a small Nuggets found underground sometimes
over the world.
dozer and start peeling down the discovery showed a light reddish cast, probably from
site about a foot at a time, going over the copper molecules not completely blackened Well, this should update the Pegieg black
ground with a detector after each pass. This by oxygen in the air. I've already described nuggets, at least to the present time. I
wouldn't be very expensive until I got the hill the various methods I used to remove the haven't been to the discovery site for over a
and mound cut down, and then if nuggets black outside coating, mainly by tumbling year now, but perhaps this spring I'll take a
were still present, regular mining operations which gave the nuggets their most natural ride out and see what, if anything, has hap-
would have to be used for deeper work. Why look (like nuggets recovered from streams) pened there. One final clue. Don't expect the
haven't I done this? Well, for one thing, I and at the same time remove them from the hill and mound to stand out like a sore thumb
don't need any more black nuggets. Second- category of certain-to-be-recognized Pegieg or to see a sign there saying, "this is i t . " The
ly, and more important, I'd bet that within 24 nuggets of solid black. The nugget I'm en- site is mighty inconspicious and, I'm sure,
hours after I made the first cuts, the place closing this time is one from a batch I tumbled has been walked over more than once.
would be swarming with claim-stakers and all about four years ago, and it appears to be
the potential troubles I've mentioned would slowly tarnishing again, i.e., the exposed cop- Final letter of July 11, 1970
begin. per molecules starting to darken again even I wrote to you about six months ago, and
It has been five years now since I reported though the nugget has been in a sack locked two or three letters prior to that bringing
the find and quite frankly, I've been a little away and not exposed to heat or light since everything up to date on the Pegieg black
curious to see how the next finder would han- being tumbled. I'd guess it weighs about an nuggets, also sending more nuggets to you.
dle the matter. Would he keep silent or ounce. (1974 note: this is one you apparently Presumably, you never got the packages.
become the classic figure of the Old West who did not get.) Frankly, I've been afraid quite a while that
staggers in with a poke of nuggets in one Anyone viewing the nuggets at Desert's somebody was going to purloin one of them,
hand and a bottle of redeye in the other and office may ponder at the wide variety, so I'll so maybe they have. All were mailed with
proceeds to tell the world all about it —and mention again that I've made a point of plenty of first class postage, but of course,
then ends up washing dishes for the guys who sending nuggets in their original black state since there was no return address, I suspect
are counting the gold? It isn't for me! from the surface, from underground includ- someone just stole them. I still have copies of
ing one or two with the light reddish hue, of all the letters and can send them again, but
May, 1969 issue ashy gray-black, acid cleaned, retoned, tum- the thought occurs to me now that no one may
Mr. Miller's letter. Well, I haven't read bled, etc., etc., to show the full array of nug- be interested any longer in the black Pegieg
Dillon's book, "The Ancient River of Cold," gets and what I did with them. Actually, the gold.
and I don't know how many black nuggets great majority, especially those from the sur- Sincerely,
Mr. Dillon has handled, but as to the ques- face, were of the dull "burned" black finish. The man who found Pegleg's black gold

Desert/June 1974 33
Located 5 miles South of Moab, on U.S. 163
For brochure, write:
P. 0 . Box 147-D, Moab, Utah 84532

FREE 1974
156 Page
CATALOG 0F
DETECTORS—BOOKS—MAPS
General Electronic Detection Co.
16238 Lakewood Blvd.
Bellflower, California 90706

THE
FASTEST RISING
OFF-ROAD
SPORT . . .
"LANDSAILING"

Kelly, they found the ore body that was


THE MINES OF RAND to become the fabulous " K e l l y " silver
Continued from Page 15 mine. The location, trampled by the feet
CLIMB ABOARD OUR of thousands of gold prospectors, had
SCORPION LANDSAILOR formed and millions of dollars in tungs- been overlooked for more than 20 years.
FORTHETHRILL ten was produced before the close of Silver doesn't look like gold.
OF A LIFETIME! World War I. The Atolia area is still. Kelly formed the California Rand Sil-
Lightweight • Fast (up to 60 MPH) rated as one of the prime sources of ver Mining Comany to work the claim
• Compact (can be carried on top
ot your car) • Fun for all ages tungsten in the United States. and it is said that more than 16 million
With the end of World War I, and a dollars in silver was recovered before the
Not Affected By The Fuel
Shortage Or Any Existing diminished demand for tungsten, it mine closed in 1929.
Off-Limit Regulations seemed that the Rand District again fac- The history of the Randsburg area
FINANCING AVAILABLE ed a decline. But, a third source of seemed to prophesy a new strike at "just
SCORPION LANDSAILOR wealth was discovered. On April 12, the right time," but the 1930s brought
1919, two men, Williams and Nosser, the great depression, and a different
LEFEBVRE INDUSTRIES discovered silver at the site of the pre- story. By 1930, the Kelly was closed and
890 West 9th Street
Upland, California 91788
sent community of Red Mountain. While tungsten production was at a low ebb. In
714-982-8007 working for Kern County Sheriff J. W. 1933, the Randsburg Railway stopped
34 Desen/lune 7974
The Kelly mine, in Red Mountain, was
discovered in 7979. California's largest,
it produced more than $76 million in its
10 years of operation. The mine shafts
extend under Highway 395, and the head
Monument Valley
frame can easily be seen from this major
thoroughfare.

running, and in 1934 the tracks were torn


up. In 1942, the Yellow Aster shut down,
and other Randsburg mines also closed.
It seemed that the handwriting was on
the wall.
Today, all of the mines are closed. A
mill runs tailings, now or then, in Atolia
or Randsburg, but the large mill at the
Yellow Aster is gone. It has been des-
troyed by vandals. The hotels are gone,
the saloons are closed, and students no Accommodations overlooking the monuments. Bring your camera for
longer attend the Randsburg School. spectacular beauty of the 8th wonder of the world!
But, Randsburg is not a ghost town. It KOA is now in
has not returned to the sagebrush. There Write for brochure .. ... ,, ,
are still more than 200 local residents in
Randsburg (and more in Johannesburg,
_^ f . . T 1 Monument Valley!
Red Mountain and Atolia) who, as one of
them put it, "like to breathe air you Gouldmgs Lodge Gouldingb
cannot see."
Another phrase, often heard, is that
"There is still plenty of high-grade down
Trading Post and
/"TA Phone
Box 801-727-3231
1-D, Monument Valley, Utah 84536 Phone 80J-727
KO/V"3280
there." A decline in the price of gold,
combined with a rise in labor costs,
closed the Mines of Rand. With the price PRESENTING T H E EIGHTH SEASON OF ...
of gold now over $100 per ounce on inter- 99
national markets . . . who knows what
the future holds?
In any event, if you are one of those
who enjoys "seeing" and "feeling" A SPECTACULAR SOUND AND LIGHT PRODUCTION
history, there is plenty of your kind of
" g o l d " in Randsburg today. The next
THAT RIVALS FAMOUS EUROPEAN SHOWS
time you are moving north or south along
Canyonlands By Night
Highway 395, in the northern Mojave, is a unique- two-hour cruise on the Colo-
take the turnoff to Randsburg. It is only a rado River at dusk, as twilight fades into
night.
mile. Stop and have a "Coke" at the old- Along the way, a startling variety of light-
fashioned counter in the General Store. ing effects bring to life the darkened red
Stick your head in the Post Office where rock cliffs of the Colorado River gorge
during an inspiring program dramatizing
Frederic Mooers was once postmaster. south-eastern Utah's unusual natural and
Take a stroll up Butte Avenue and listen human history.

in your mind for the sound of horses'


-** Canyonlands By Night
hoofs and the squeek of the ore wagons' Cruises leave our dock at the highway
wheels. bridge near scenic Moab, Utah, every
evening throughout the travel season,
Can you hear the thunder from the
stamp mill up on the mountain? It's ADULTS, $6.50. Children under 12 $3.25
gone, but the "glory hole" of the Yellow
Aster can still be seen. If you are there For detailed brochure, reservations or
exact departure times, write or call the
on a weekend, visit the Desert Museum CANYONLANDS BY NIGHT office at:
and see the sample ores and artifacts of UNITED CAMPGROUND,
One-half mile north of Moab
yesterday. Take your lunch. There's a Mailing address: P.O. Box 328D,
picnic area next to the Museum. Stay a Moab, Utah 84532
while, and live a few moments of Canyon walls come to life under 40,000 (801) 259-5261
watts of controlled illumination WELTON B. WINN, General Manager
yesteryear. •
Desert/June 7974
Desert A N ELEGANT bird, the American
Kestrel, one to lend distinction to
even the most desolate of deserts. Perch-
ed on his high outlook post, keen falcon
eyes scanning the desert, he is obviously

Falcon
©1974 by K. L. BOYNTON
a bird of class, too. Tailored impeccably
in tones of reddish-brown, highlighted
tastefully with slate blue at the wings
and head, he wears a cap of rich brown
that adds considerable dash to the bold
black and white markings of his face and
throat.
He may be one of the smallest of his
clan, being only a little larger than robin-
size, but he has all the falcon attributes:
the scimitar-shaped wings, the hooked
bill, the strong, curved talons. He is
master of the desert sky, an Olympic
star, his flight one of high speed and fast
maneuver.
Or, sitting still as a statue on his ob-
servation post and spotting a rodent on
the ground bdow, he makes his
arrow-swift attack: a plunging, plum-
meting downflight to strike from above.
An instant kill, with the hooked beak,
and the prize is carried aloft for dining.
Capable of subduing prey almost his
size, and called a sparrow hawk since
sometimes small birds are on his menu,
this little kestrel also eats small lizards
and small snakes. But of all food, insects
are his favorite and make up far arfd
away the greatest part of his diet. Grass-
hoppers and the like are considered par-
ticularly delicious.
Insect catching requires a refinement
of common hunting styles —a marvelous-
ly timed hovering flight. Dropping down-
ward from his perch, he pauses in flight.
Wings beating easily, tail down, he
seems to hang in the air with no effort at
all, perhaps as long as a minute, all the
while eyeing the ground. Landing sud-
denly, he has his game—a grasshopper.
He may eat it there, or more likely carry
it to a favorite perch.
He's leisurely about dining, too, as
Zoologist Bent observed. Holding the
now defunct grasshopper upright in his
talons, he proceeds slowly to eat it,
commencing at the head and working on
down the body, discarding the small
front legs and wings with a flip of his
beak. The big jumping hind legs are eat-
en drumstick style, picked clean, the
leftovers tossed away. The remaining
plump abdomen —the piece de resist-
ance, is swallowed whole if small, or
eaten bite by bite with obvious gusto.

Desert/June 7974
This course being now over, the bird
neatly cleans his talons, finally wiping
his beak clean along a branch.
In a way, his dining procedure is a part
of an overall kind of gentlemanly life,
run by a rigid code of manners. Take
courtship, for example. According to one
eye witness report, it goes something
like this: the gentleman puts on a first
class air show, a demonstration of great
flying skill, accompanied by loud sound
effects; "KILLY KILLY KILLY" scream-
ed falcon style. The lady perched nearby
would certainly seem to be impressed by
the show, since she, too , is screaming-
falcon style. At this point, the gentle-
man, swooping down behind a sage-
bush, grabs a lizard, and flying to her
side, presents it to her. Does she accept
his offering? Alas, no. Reaching over
suddenly with her hard beak, she whacks
him smartly on the head.
Taken back only momentarily, he of-
fers it to her again. For the moment,
things seem to be looking up, for she
takes the lizard in her bill —only long
enough to drop it. It hardly hits the
ground before the gentleman has it
again, only this time he flies off to sit by
himself. After a moment, the lady lands
nearby. He instantly flies to her, offering
the beat-up lizard once more, and this
time she takes it, eats the choice parts,
graciously leaving the tough leftovers for
him.
Well, from now on it's a kind of social
hunting together, with the gentleman
doing most of the hunting, and the lady
most of the eating, and things become
increasingly social with mutual preen-
ing, billing and what not as the days go
on, falcon courtship taking several
weeks.
During this time, the gentleman has
industriously hunted up several apart-
ment possibilities: a hole in this tree or
that, either natural or manufactured by
some member of the woodpecker car-
penter's union. The lady looks them all
over, and turns up her bill. Finally she
finds one she likes better—an ex-gilded The desert falcon or sparrow hawk as captured in black and white by George
flicker hole in a big saguaro cactus, and McClellan Bradt and in color by George Service.
eventually lays a standard clutch of ing the 29-31 days incubation, food was and peering among the branches return-
about five eggs. hauled to the sitting female who appar- ed immediately with the hindquarters of
Zoologist A. I. Roest, checking up on ently had quite an appetite. The bird a mouse.
what happens then, saw that from now seemed to have solved his problem of The youngsters themselves, potbellied
on the gentleman had two full-time jobs: how to keep the quick lunch counter go- pink jobs with sparse white down when
nest defense duty, driving off intruders ing by stashing away provender. Re- hatched, begin to open their eyes in a
in slashing power dives and blows of the sponding to an imperative call from the couple of days and already have a feeble
fist, and working the grocery detail. Dur- little woman, he flew to a small juniper grasping reflex. At the ripe old age of
Desert/lune 1974 17
seven days, they look more like birds, flightly and irascible. Scientists observ- went on during the winter among these
their eyes well open, wing quills ing this think that the social tendencies desert kestrels, picked an area in the
developing and they are right handy at of nestling life may well form the basis Mojave between Gorman and Lancaster,
their own defense, talons up, bills open for the adult male behavior of prolonged California, for study. It seems that these
from whence issue most unfriendly courtship feeding and bringing food to birds, if they have formed a permanent
sounds. Interesting to report, as the the incubating female. pair bond, are apt to stay in the same
growing nestlings become able to feed Not realizing what they are letting area throughout the year. At the end of
themselves from the food hauled to them themselves in for, the young male nestl- the breeding season, along about Aug-
by their parents, the falcon code of gen- ings do not worry about all this, and any- ust, they begin to set up a hunting terri-
tlemanly manners begins to manifest how, everybody is pretty busy growing tory which they vigorously defend. This
itself. The little males allow their female up until at last, in about 30 or 31 days is a far more extensive an area than the
nestmates to eat first, and personality from hatching, the youngsters are ready vicinity of the nest which was defended
differences begin to show up that later to leave the nest. No longer are groceries during the young-rearing season, and
become so apparent: the males being delivered to them. Mrs. Kestrel, with an while the male did the patrolling, the
much more amenable, the females insect held out invitingly and making en- female now joins in. They work in pairs
couraging sounds, hovers near the nest to drive off other birds, or take on intrud-
and at the critical moment when Jr. is ers single-handed if the partner is tem-
fluttering and reaching for it, she drops porarily away.
it. The youngster, who really knows what Naturally enough, Cade had to see
catching insects is all about but doesn't what happened when he brought in a
know he knows it, pitches out of the nest strange male bird which he did, tether-
and swoops down for it. Not being a fal- ing it where it could be seen first in this
STOP THAT con for nothing, the chances are that he pair's territory and then in another's.
THIEF WITH grabs it before it hits the ground. Reactions from the residents differed, all
I OCKSTRAP The youngsters stay around their the way from no-see-ignore to a scream-
A revolutionary new design parents for a couple of weeks to a month ing attack by the most aggresive who
attaches to front and rear or more being fed and observing the shot in like a thunderbolt and grappled
slot. For all G.I. cans and
all 6" high rear panels. niceties of hunting, and doing more and with the lure bird—who, incidentally,
All steel construction and more of it themselves. In due time, they screaming with rage gave more than a
electric welded.
Type E Only take off or, if reluctant, are finally good account of himself.
PLUS POSTAGE. 1 LB. chased away by their parents. These ex- So Cade then used dummies —stuffed
DEALER """—
INQUIRIES Send f o r FREE
Brochure Showing
nest mates and others of their age then falcons who sat tall and glassy-eyed in
INVITED. Other Models to Fit Any Vehicle.^ form teenage social hunting groups, per- full view. It didn't do them a bit of good
V 1 141 Wiltsey Rd. S.E., Salem, OR 97302
haps as many as 20 young birds in a to look so high and mighty. One female
group, for the rest of the summer. resident, not about to have another gal
Zoologist Tom Cade, long interested around, hit a dummy so hard she knock-
ZIP CODE YOUR MAIL in birds of prey and wanting to see what ed its head off.
What with posing his dummies this
way and that, Cade found that if his
"TRY THE NEW ONE" "visiting" falcon sat low, the resident
Location:
• One mile east of Green River, beside
the river
United might let it alone. Observing the birds
under normal conditions, he concluded
that just the resident's screams of "killy
• Gateway to western Canyonlands
and Lake Powell
Facilities:
Campgrounds killy killy" advertising his or her pres-
ence is enough to make an intruder leave
• Level, shaded sites
• 150 full hookups
• Large swimming pool
• Store and laundry
• Slide show &
campfire programs
of Green River If a new bird hunts, or screams in reply,
a big fight is on.
While demanding a lot of attention
and effort during what should be a kind
of vacation time from domestic chores,
this aggressive winter behavior plays a
big part in kestrel success. It helps to
Specializing in one-day float trips through
Gray Canyon. Write Moki Mac River Ex- maintain a strong pair bond and it also
peditions, Box 116, Green River, Utah guarantees adequate hunting ground all
84525 for brochure describing longer
river trips. year. Having cleaned out the competi-
For campground brochure or tion before the breeding season rolls
reservations, write or call. around again, it is far easier to tighten
UNITED CAMPGROUNDS down the real defense area to the near
OF GREEN RIVER Floating Gray Canyor vicinity of the nest, and still enjoy a good
Box G, Green River, Utah 84525
[801]564-3212 on the Green River hunting territory. This, of course, is a

38 Dp^prt/ limp 1Q74


matter of life and death in the desert. ment accorded to the demanding and TREASURE HUNTERS
What of other problems of desert liv- short-tempered females, the males seem — PROSPECTORS —
ing? True enough, the diet of insects, far better able to adjust to new condi- Metal-Mineral Detectors
mice, birds, snakes, lizards provides tions and this may well have evolution-
DREDGES
enough moisture so that even an egg- ary significance. Of the two, the males DRY WASHERS MAPS
laying female has no need of access to can best cope with new problems en- BOOKS TOOLS ASSAY KIT
free water. But when it comes to coping countered in any range extension, and SLUICE BOXES MINERAL LIGHTS
LAPIDARY EQUIPMENT
with temperature, the falcon's ace card, perhaps even better survive current situ- Send 25c for catalog to:
as the team of Zoologists George Bartho- ations where they are, it being true that AURORA
lomew and Tom Cade found, is his abil- among adult kestrels the males seem al- 6286 BEACH BLVD.
ity to stand quite a range in body tem- ways to outnumber the females, making BUENA PARK, CALIF. 90620
[714] 521-6321
perature. Under normal, comfortable up perhaps 60 percent of the population.
conditions, the bird's deep body temper-
COE PROSPECTOR SUPPLY
Maybe Mrs. K. had better mend her
9264 KATELLA
ature is about 104-105 degrees F., while ways. • ANAHEIM, CALIF. 92804
that of the unfeathered part of his legs [714]995-1703
between 77 and 86 degrees. Subjected to
high air temperature, the bird's legs
begin to heat up, but his deep body tem-
perature rises little, perhaps not at all at
first. But then as the air becomes hotter
and hotter, so does his body, until when
his temperature climbs to 109 F., the Bullfrog
bird must pant, throwing off excessive
heat by evaporative cooling. Even this
high heat can be endured for some time,
Marina,
The number 1 facility for luxury
if necessary, but when the body temper-
ature hits 113 F., the bird, with feathers
compressed, wings drooping, eyes bulg- Houseboats on
ing, must have relief or he cannot sur-
vive. His temperature drops surprisingly
fast once the air temperature begins to
Lake Powell
Bullfrog is located on the center of Lake Powell, nearest
cool, the big blood vessels in his bare to all the most beautiful scenery and best fishing. Less
legs dilate, bringing more and more heat travel time gives you more pleasure time. Choose from
to the surface for dissipation, and the largest, newest, up-to-date houseboat fleet on Lake
Powell for a low-cost luxury vacation with all the con-
panting speeds up the job. veniences of home. No previous boating experience
necessary. Relax and enjoy your vacation in a fully
In day by day normal life in the desert, r ,,.;•••
equipped 6, 8, 9 or 10 sleeper, 34' to 47' houseboat
falcons avoid such drastic heat stress by powered by twin 55 or 70 hp engines. Bring your family
doing their hunting in the early morning and friends and share this low cost vacation. Kitchens
come complete with hot and cold running water, stove,
and early evening and sitting quietly in eye level oven and refrigerator.
the shade during the high heat hours. In
Bullfrog, administered by people who really care about
this, the clan's habit of stashing away making your vacation the very best.
victuals could well save wear and tear on
Bullfrog Resort & Marina
a hot day for a gentleman with a lady on Hanksville, Utah 84734
his hands who had a joint-of-pocket- Phone (801) 684-2233
mouse on her mind and expected im-
mediate delivery.
Zoologists ponder the fact that in any I
social situation involving a pair of kes-
trels, the male is almost always subord-
inate to the female. She has first right to
food not only caught by herself, but also
by him. She has first right to favorite
perches and roosts. She is the one who
accepts or rejects him in the first place,
and she is the one who controls copula-
tory behavior once the bond is formed. It
would seem as if lady kestrels had it
made.
And yet, maybe not.
Unaccustomed to preferential treat-
t / lima 1Q7J
inches in length. There were also several radiation counter, when this instrument
DINOSAUR HUNTING
Continued from Page 77 places where series of tracks crossed the located some fossilized bone fragments.
rock, uncluttered by the footprints of Such bone deposits often contain radio-
other species. One such stride pattern active matter in this region. Later, in
It was not long before he did just that. was that of a pterosaur, making it quite 1955, the Joneses found a large intact
Clues gained at the first pterosaur track valuable scientifically. leg bone at this site. This eventually
site helped him locate still another ex- University of Utah scientists have de- went on display at the Smithsonian
posure of similar tracks in a remote re- cided to study both pterosaur track sites Institute in Washington, D. C , where
gion some 25 miles away. Again, the together, as they are obviously contem- Dr. Jim Jensen, of Brigham Young Uni-
tracks were in Navajo Sandstone, in what porary from both a geologic and paleon- versity in Utah, spotted it years later.
had been a "playa" or desert drylake in tologic standpoint. Together, these two After a bit of detective work, Dr.
the midst of an area of rolling sand sites should increase the sparse body of Jensen traced the finders of the bone
dunes, and again there were also tracks knowledge about such prehistoric flying and, with their help, went on to discover
of other animal species on the same big reptiles by a considerable amount, and a site which he calls " a veritable junk-
slabs of varnish-darkened rock. perhaps stimulate the search for still yard of bones." Several previously un-
At this site, however, there were a few other traces of these distant relatives of known species of dinosaur have already
larger tracks visible, some five or six the giant dinosaurs. been found there, including a new
Until scientists can study the two pter- species of giant meat-eater, and another
RIVERSIDE COUNTY'S LARGEST osaur track sites in detail, their exact lo- species that appears to be the largest
cations are being kept confidential to land animal that ever existed.
4-WHEEL-DRIVE HEADQUARTERS
protect them from possible damage, but This last beast was a long-necked
Accessories for All Makes
footprinted rocks from both sites will ul- herbivore weighing at least 75 tons. He

n Jeep timately go on public display.


BIG BONES. The story of this
discovery began two decades ago, but its
was probably 80 feet long and stood so
tall he could look in the top windows of a
five-story building. One of his neck ver-
JOHNSON'S true value did not come to light until late
in 1971.
tebra was over five feet long, and one
shoulder blade spanned eight feet.
SALES and SERVICE
Ed and Vivian Jones, of Delta, Colo- "Supersaurus" was probably a gentle
1st and Market, Riverside, California
Telephone 714 684-9020
rado, were seeking uranium with a beast who browsed on the foliage of
trees. According to evidence found at the
discovery site, when he died, his im-
mense carcass washed down a river and
lodged on a sandbar. There, it trapped
the bodies of still other dead animals
before ultimately sinking into the
sediments where its bones were later
petrified. Today, this "bone quarry" is

ijjf Indian Jewelry


J | exposed on a plateau high above a deep
river canyon.
S»fc FROM ^
8 Dr. Jensen has visions of this discov-

Jl. Wampum WigwamJ ery site being developed somewhat like


the main display in Dinosaur National
Monument, with provisions for public
A beautiful array of Indian access and viewing while the scientific
Jewelry is available from our
huge display of craftsmanship work continues.
by authentic Indian artisans.
May we send you a selection? How were the big bones and four sets
This enables you to see the of ancient tracks found? By their discov-
merchandise before you buy it.
Send today for our convenient erers being interested, knowing what
approval form. geologic formations to search, knowing
where there formations are exposed to
easy examination, by spending time in
the field and by being sharp-eyed and
alert. All of these are requirements that
the ordinary rockhound already possess-

Shipley's Gem Village


es, or could acquire in a short time, mak-
ing "dinosaur hunting" still another as-
BayfieldD, pect of an already fascinating hobby.
Mineral House Colorado 81122
Phone: 303-884-2632 The formations to search for tracks
and other dinosaur remains within
southeastern Utah are those of the Trias-
f propriate land administration office. In
Utah, this is usually a local office of the
Bureau of Land Management, but may
be the U.S. Forest Service or National
Park Service, the state parks or forestry
service, or some other state agency.
Of course, all finds of tracks should be
reported, so that their scientific value
can be investigated, and no specimens of
any sort should be taken from national or
state parks.
So, happy dinosaur hunting, and don't
forget to report any significant finds you
may make. Who knows? Some day you
might have a very important paleonto-
logical site name after you! •

Close-up view of some of the tracks at the first site of pterosaur tracks, with a silver OR GIFTS, PERSONAL WEAR OR PROFIT!]
dollar for size comparison. Windblown sand fills some of the tracks.

sic and Jurassic Periods. The formations On a practical level, a few scattered EASY TO DO, NO SPECIAL SKILLS
within these periods most likely to con- small pieces of petrified bone may be Big Money in your spare time.
Sell your creations for 2 to 5 times
tain petrified bone or tracks are the collected without worry, but if any ap- what you paid for them. This
EE CATALOG contain* everything
Chinle, Kayenta, Navajo, Summerville preciable deposit of "bone" is discover- need , . . send for hobby-crafts biggest and best
catalog; Contains over 10,000 items . . . loaded with
and Morrison. All the amateur "dino- ed, or if fairly intact specimens are ijctures — everything you need to get started at once.
saur hunter" need do is learn to identify found, this should be reported to the ap-
these formations. There are helpful U. S.
Geological Survey maps that are color
coded to show the formations exposed on
the surface. These can be obtained from
any U.S.C.S. office, or from local com-
mercial outlets that serve the mineral in-
dustry.
OLE N" THE ROCK
"A LIVING HOME IN SOLID ROCK"
Given all the prerequisites for "hunt-
ing dinosaurs," what are the chances of
finding something? Very good. Given
even a few days, a well prepared search
is bound to produce some kind of results,
if nothing more than some beautifully
agatized shards of petrified bone, or a
handful of gastroliths, "dinosaur gizzard
stones." The chance of discovering dis-
tinct fossilized tracks is less but still not
bad, given a little more time and plenty
of perseverance. The dinosaurs and their
smaller relatives were around for 120
million years. In that length of time plen-
ty of traces can be left, plenty of foot
tracks can be made in the wet sediments
around lakes and streams and rain-filled
desert playas.
The^home of Gladys L. Christensen,
What should you do if you find some- carved from massive sandstone by
thing? Well, there are both state and A. L. Christensen and a perpetual FIFTEEN MILES
federal laws protecting all types of anti- memorial to his art. ^ ^ SOUTH OF
quities. Utah is no exception. Serious MOAB, UTAH,
collectors should obtain copies of such Continuous tours daily—yea*N»^pund ON U.S. 163
Acts and observe their limitations. Art and Craft objects availableTN
Desert/June 7974
PROSPECTING mineral, it is a calcium sulfate plus

TREASURE HUNTING Rambling water, with the formula CaS04.2H20.


The water is a residual from being de-
posited out of large bodies of water. It is
often found in huge beds that once were
covered by large lakes or inland seas.

Hocks The usual deposit is granular-massive,


but selenite beds are also known. Some
of these occur along the Colorado River.
One may be seen on the shores of Lake
by Glenn and Martha Vargas Mead, another is covered by Lake Pow-
ell. The Lake Mead deposit is beautiful
Gypsum: — a huge bed of almost snow-white, re-
No. 2 in Hardness markably transparent material that has
IT MIGHT appear that gypsum leads a been etched by water in what resembles
double life, for it goes by two names. modernistic sculpture. The material that
The word gypsum is used for the mineral has dissolved away makes the water
generally, but usually refers to the mas- somewhat hard, as many Southern Cali-
sive form. The crystalline form is called fornia residents well know.
selenite. This "double identity" feature One of the most important industrial
is carried over into the derivation of the uses for gypsum is plaster of Paris. The
word gypsum. Dana's mineral books use of this material far outdates any
give the root as the Greek word, gypsos, other like material such as cement. It is
SEND FOR FREE meaning a rock that is cooked. This does prepared by grinding gypsum into a very
happen in the manufacture of plaster of fine powder, and then roasting to com-
1974 CATALOG Paris, as we shall describe shortly. Web- pletely drive off all of the water that is at-
ster's 20th Century dictionary states that tached to the molecule. As the mineral is
D e p t D
KEENE ENGINEERING the word gypsos means chalk. We will very soft, the grinding is easily done.
11483 Vanowen St., North Hollywood, CA 91605
(213) 764-61H — (213) 877-7240 leave it up to you as which might be When this powder is mixed with water
correct. and poured into some type of mold, it
The derivation of the word selenite is takes the water back into the molecule,
interesting. It is again from the Greek, and sets into a solid piece. Interestingly,
selenites — the moon. It evidently was during the heating to drive off the water,
called selenites lithos (moon stone) be- some of the best energy is evidently ab-
DeLuxe
Gem Tumbler cause it was thought to brighten and sorbed by the powder. When it solidifies
Rugged, compact for pros
wane with the moon .This probably arose after being mixed with water, the heat is
and beginners. Mod. 25OD from two of its features. Some pieces of given off. During the setting period, the
Deluxe Tumbler J
selenite show an internal reflection, and casting is very warm to the touch.
selenite crystals or cleavages scattered Plaster of Paris is commonly used in
8 " & 10" Koolerant Kontrolled on the ground will reflect moonlight. The building construction to impart a glisten-
T r i m SaWS Heavy duty reflections would be bright at full moon, ing pure white color to plaster. The base
cs^f throughout. Complete with
Power Feed and Cut-Out and obviously none during the dark for wall plaster in today's construction,
Switch & Motor. phases. somewhat erroneously called lath, is
Mod. 157D-10
To add a further complication name- made from plaster of Paris. A layer is
Diamond Drill, Carver wise, the mineral has other names, the covered with cardboard or other coating
& Buffer
most common of which is alabaster. This to make sheets that are commonly called
Special design saves diamond dril
Ready to g o — refers to a very fine-grained, tough form plaster board. There are two areas in our
that is often used for carving. The de- deserts where this lath board is made.
Mod. 605D $49.90
rivation of this name is also somewhat One is near the city of Blythe, Califor-
• FREE CATALOG • double. Originally, the name referred to nia, the other on the eastern edge of Im-
ORDER BLANK a pure white calcite which was carved perial Valley, near Anza-Borrego Desert
Covington Engineering Corp. into ointment jars called alabasters. Any State Park. Both of these manufacturing
P.O. Box 35D, Redlands, CA 92373 biblical references to alabaster are for plants are situated near an ancient lake
All Items Shipped Freight Collect For
calcite, and many prehistoric artifacts deposit of very pure gypsum.
Better Service. Amt. Enclosed
• GEM TUMBLER Q TRIM SAW
now in museums that are labeled alabas- Selenite is of interest to the mineral
• DRILL • FREE CATALOG ter, really are calcite. When the change- collector. The crystals are members of
Name over from one mineral to the other took the monoclinic system, and commonly
Address place is not certain, but it probably oc- form as twins. The penetration twins (as
City State curred about 2,000 years ago. illustrated) appear as if one was driven
Zip Regardless of what we might call the through the other. Often, two crystals
will twin along an edge, producing a this form. Cabochons cut from satin spar
"fish-tail-like" form. When either of may show a fine " e y e . " Again, the pol-
these are perfectly clear, they can be ish is not excellent, but is better than
very beautiful. Selenite crystals can en- that of alabaster. Dept. D
close, during growth, such things as Huge beds of alabaster near Tuscany, 11719 McBean Dr.
mud, other minerals, liquids containing Italy have produced fine white to colored El Monte, Ca. 91732
bubbles, and other interesting inclu- pieces for many hundreds of years. (213)442-6258
sions. The mineral is sometimes formed These have been carved into nearly all CHEV.-GMC SUBURBAN
during volcanic activity, and has enclos- imaginable forms. The pure white ma- Thru 1972 (Replacement) 50 Gal.
ed sulfur crystals. terial has been made into doves and 1973 (Replacement) 42 Gal.
Selenite has a very perfect cleavage, other articles of religious significance. 1973 Left or Right (Aux.) 14 Gal.
allowing the crystals to split into flat Colored material, as well as the white, is BLAZER-JIMMY
plates that are somewhat elastic. In this often dyed after carving. Thru 1972 (Replacement) 35 Gal.
1973 (Replacement) 42 Gal.
form, they resemble sheets of mica. One The most interesting use of selenite
Thru 1972 Midship 11 Gal.
of our early experiences with this miner- that we know of was by the early Catholic 1973 Midship 18 Gal.
al was the result of it being mistaken for missionaries of Baja California. There Thru 1973 (Inside Aux.) 13 Gal.
mica. are a number of deposits in the central BRONCO (Left or Right Aux.) 13 Gal.
portion of the penninsula, near the town
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER (Aux.) 22 Gal.
of Santa Rosalia. Here, the crystals are
SCOUT II (L & R Inside Aux.) 13 Gal.
large, some as much as 24 inches across.
FORD-STYLESIDE PICKUP
These large crystals were carefully
1973 6'Bed 4x4 or 4x2 Midship..20 Gal.
cleaved into thin sheets that were used
JEEP WAGONEER (Aux.) 25 Gal.
as window "glass" for some of the mis-
sions. JEEP PICKUP
1972-73 (Rear Aux.) 30 Gal.
One of the most unique natural fea-
VANS —LONG WHEELBASE
tures composed of gypsum is White
CHEV.-GMC (Aux. L or R) 20 Gal.
Sands National Monument, New Mex- FORD (Aux. Left) 30 Gal.
ico. In all the world, only three dune DODGE (Aux. Left) 22 Gal.
areas are formed exclusively of this min- (Aux. Right) 15 Gal.
eral, and here is the largest and most
spectacular of them all. Colorado and
Near Utah's Zion National Park, there
is a sedimentary bed consisting of layers
Australia boast the two lesser ones.
The Monument dunes are the result of
Fun and Profit
of a low grade coal, called lignite, and a rainwater dissolving gypsum out of TRY THE KEVOIUTIONARY AIL NEW (WITH
clay containing selenite crystals. We no- neighboring rocks, and carrying it to a COMPASS'YUKON' ALL NEW
ticed a large crystal in the yard of a basin. There, the water evaporates, leav- METAL-MINERAL DETECTORS, COMPASS
farmer in this area, and asked about the ing a crust of tiny selenite crystals. PROFESSIONAL „ „ . . **£L- Metal
source. He called it isinglass (a name for Winds then pick up these crystals and MODEL 7MB * 2 4 9 - 5 0
INDUCTION BALANCE DESIGN -• Detectors
mica plates) and felt that we should not carry them to the dunes of the Monu-
be interested. He readily showed us ment.
OTHEfiS FROM $124.50 I Rentals
where the deposit was, but refused to with
One of today's most important uses for COMPASS EXCLUSIVES
believe that it was not mica. We were gypsum is in soil treatment. Many soils
Option
WIDE-SCAN SEARCH LOOP!
able to collect some interesting twin are very fine silts or clays that quickly . GROUND CONDITION ADJUSTMENT! to Buy
crystals on a hill behind his house. compact and exclude air and water. This 4-Day
The lapidary finds the alabaster form is especially true of desert soils. If a Money-Back
excellent for carving. It is tough, but small amount of granular gypsum is add-
Guarantee
easily worked with simple tools such as ed to the soil when it is worked, these
knives, saws, files, sharpened nails, etc. small pieces of gypsum will tend to PROSPECTING ANDHIKING EQUIPMENT
The surface will not take a brilliant pol- cleave and swell when wet, and produce BOOKS - T O P O MAPS
ish, but after exposure to air, it hardens a porosity that allow air and water to en- Write for
somewhat so that sandpaper-smoothed ter. The powder that is applied to the soil
surfaces can be made to glisten by rub- is sometimes known as land plaster. FREE CATALOG
bing with a cloth. The hardened surface Each treatment is usually good for a
DEALER INQUIRIES
of alabaster is interesting —it is nearly number of years before it is finally dis-
INVITED
always 2Vi in hardness, rather than 2 for solved by the irrigation water and
the usual specimens.
Another form of interest to the
carried away.
When this happens, the water may
ACOBSEN
lapidary is the fibrous material known as make its way to some basin, where it
satin spar. The name comes from the may evaporate, redepositing the miner- 9322 California Ave.,
look of satin along the fibrous sides of al, starting the process all over again. • South Gate, California 90280

Desert/lune 1974 AI
HOW TO PLACE YOUR AD

The Trading Fost Classified Ads


Mail your copy and first-insertion remittance
to: Trading Post, Desert Magazine, Palm
Desert, Calif. 92260. Classified rates are 25c
per word, $5.00 minimum per insertion.
Deadline for Classified Ads is 10th of second
month preceding cover date.

• BOOKS - MAGAZINES • BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES • JEWELERY


OUT-OF-PRINT BOOKS at lowest prices! You SMALL PRINTING PLANT FOR SALE. Includes CUSTOM-MADE JEWELRY at prices you can
name it—we find it! Western Americana, desert Intertype with Quadder; 10x15 Heidelberg; Van- afford. Full information sent on request—rings,
and Indian books a specialty. Send us your wants. dercook Proofpress; Assorted Hand Type; pendants, pins, cuff links, etc., mail order only.
No obligation. International Bookfinders, Box 1, Miscellaneous small equipment. Ideal one-man Freda M. Francisco, 11335 E. Lambert, El
Pacific Palisades, California 90272. operation, located in Palm Springs, California. Monte, California 91732.
Lease available. Write: Dept. P, Desert Maga-
GUIDE TO MEXICO'S gems and minerals: local- zine, Box 1318, Palm Desert, Calif. 92260.
ities, mines, maps, directions, contacts. English- MAPS
Spanish glossary, too. $2.00 plus 20c postage.
Gemac, Mentone, California 92359. EQUIPMENT
OLD MAP KIT. Reprints of State and Railroad
maps, 70-90 years old. Send self-addressed,
PRECISION LAPIDARY Abrasive Compounds stamped envelope for details. Specify state.
LOST DESERT GOLD, legendary and geological for tumbling, polishing and grinding. Send for Northern Map Co., 2252 N. Kildare Ave., Dept
history of the southern California desert, with free catalogue and price list. MDC Industries, DM, Chicago, Illinois 60639.
photos and maps to pinpoint locations. $2.50 400 West Glenwood Avenue, Philadelphia, PA.
postpaid. Gedco Publishing Co., Box 67, Bell- 19140. Dealer Inquiries invited.
flower, California 90706. REC-MAPS— New series Southern California to-
GOLD DRYWASHERS for fun and profit. $34.95 pographic maps, photoreduced and printed on
to $229.95. Free information. Wilkins Enterpris- 81/2 by 11 facing sheets. Updated with new
es, P. O. Box 1122, Huntington Beach, CA 92647. roads, popular gem and mineral hunting loca-
SURVIVAL BOOKS! Guerrilla Warfare, Wilder- tions and ghost towns. Write R V Equipment, P.
ness Living, Medical, Guns, Self Defense, Na- O. Box 1045D, Monrovia, California 91016.
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517A, Glendale, Arizona 85301.
SHAMROCK ROCK SHOP, 593 West La Cadena MINING
RIVER OF GOLD, the richest treasure of them Drive, Riverside, California 92501. Parallel to
all. A new book "Treasure Travels" contains all Riverside Freeway. Phone 686-3956. Come in ASSAYS, COMPLETE, accurate, guaranteed.
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on California's most fabulous treasure. $3 post- sample. Reed Engineering, Suite C, 1140 N.
ment, black lights, metal detectors, maps, rock Lemon St., Orange, California 92667.
paid. Gedco Publishing Co., Box 67, Bellflower, and bottle books.
California 90706.
RARE EXOTIC rainbow gold ore specimens.
GEM SHOP WEST. Mineral specimens, custom Collector's items. Skibarite $5.00 Special. Col-
jewelry, gem identification, slabbing. 72-042 umbia Gold Mines, Ltd., Box 461, Goldfield, Ne-
"GEMS & MINERALS," the monthly guide to Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, California 92270.
gems, minerals, and rock hobby fun, $4.75 year. vada 89013.
Phone 346-2812.
Sample 35c. Gems & Minerals, Mentone, CAIif.,
92359.
PRACTICE GOLD PANNING!! Packet of black
OLD COINS, STAMPS
sand and generous amount of newly mined na- SILVER DOLLARS, UNCIRCULATED 1880-81 S,
MAGAZINES WANTED: Oliver's Desert Rat tural gold. $1.00. Also: Beautiful chunky natural
gold nuggets, $3.00, $5.00, $8.00, $10.00, 1883-84-85 O Mint $15.00 each. Catalog 50c.
Scrapbook, Calico Print, Pony Express, Others.
Send for List. Ryland, Box 2617, Pasadena, Cali- $12.00, $15.00, $100.00, $200.00 sizes. Pros- Shultz, Box 746, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110.
fornia 91105. pector Jack Ward, Box 380, Sandia Park, New
Mexico 87047.
• REAL ESTATE
FOR SALE—438 issues of Desert Magazine. Be- • INDIAN GOODS GOVERNMENTLANDS! . . . From $7.50 ACRE!
ginning Vol. 1-No. 1 up to date. $325.00. Good to
perfect condition. 2347 - 1st Ave., Muscoy, San Vacationing, Farming Investment! Exclusive
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jasper, agate, flint, 25-$5.00, 100-$15.00. Dealer "Land Opportunity Review" listing lands
inquiries invited. Geronimo, DD1239, Apache throughout U.S. Send $1.00. Surplus Lands, Box
Junction, Arizona 85220. 6588-RF, Washington, D.C. 20009.
FREE 128 page catalog on detectors, books and
maps. General Electronic Detection Co., 16238
Lakewood Blvd., Bellflower, Calif. 90706. FINE RESERVATION-MADE Navajo, Zuni,
Hopi jewelry and Kachina dolls, Navajo rugs, GOVERNMENT LANDS—Low as $1.25 Acre!
Yei blankets, Chimayo blankets and vests, pot- Buy, lease or homestead. Free details! Lands Di-
tery. Nambe cooking and serving ware and gest, Box 25561-DM, Seattle, Wash. 98125.
GREEN/COLORADO RIVER GUIDES. Mile-by- unique gifts. Sorry, no Catalogue. Open every
mile maps, historic photographs, river lore. Riv- day from 10:00 to 5:30. Buffalo Trading Post,
er Guidebooks to: Dinosaur, Desolation, Can- 20115 Highway 18, Apple Valley, Calif. 92307. THE BEAUTIFUL COYOTE VALLEY, Lots,
yonlands, Grand Canyon. Waterproof editions Homes and Acreage in the Unspoiled West Des-
$5.95, paperbound $3.95. Send for free cata- ert of Imperial County. Bell Realty, Imperial
logue "Books for River Runners." Westwater ARROWHEADS — ARTIFACTS, Birdpoints, Hwy., Ocotillo, California 92259.
Books, Box 365-D, Boulder City, NV 89005. Gamepoints, Darts $1.00 each, 3/$2.00 -
12/S6.00. List available. Arrowhead's West,
P. O. Box 80, Barstow, CAIif, 92311.
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Desert/)une 1974
by CURTIS HINDSON

Mr. Lowe
souvenir
from 7979.

Turns Back In faraway Scotland Curtis Hindson

the Clock has his memory jolted back 55


years when he visited the United
States as a youth.

THE OTHER DAY, very belatedly, I the commercial photographer who took nearby Plunge. In those days, Long
chanced upon your December, 1972 us all on the car at Echo Mountain (was Beach was a lively little town by the sea-
issue and among the articles was Joe that the great searchlight pictured on the side, and I cannot recall any tall build-
Blackstock's illustrated " A Cable Car in roof of the depot?), the incredibly steep ings.
the Clouds." Extremely interesting, I climb up Rubio Canyon (one of the cars I suppose we must have spent two
thought, but the piece somehow nagged was named "Rubio"), Ye Alpine Tavern weeks in the Los Angeles area, and then
me. Perhaps it was the word "Rubio" where I fed the chipmunks, and the tele- it was "all aboard" for the east coast via
which seemed to ring an infinitely dis- scopes at Inspiration Point. To use a Albuquerque, New Mexico where one of
tant bell. Indeed, I had that strange phrase which hadn't then been invented, those trivial incidents occurred, but
"I've been here before" feeling. the view was "out of this world." There which remains fondly forever in mem-
Then, quite suddenly, when I studied was no sign of that other more recent in- ory. It was exceedingly hot, and there on
the illustration of the large cog wheel vention— smog. the rail depot, to his great and whelping
and the two smaller ones, now lying We greatly enjoyed ourselves in those delight, a large dog was being hosed
derelict, reality broke through. These, I far-off days. In Los Angeles, there was a down to cool him off!
knew, were the very self-same wheels visit to Cawston's Ostrich Farm, and to Alas, no cable cars apparently now
which, in their prime and pride, had an alligator farm which my father said slide up and down Mt. Lowe, and I'm not
hauled us up the Mt. Lowe Scenic Rail- belonged to an Englishman who came entirely certain if passenger trains still
way—just 55 years ago! I dived for an from our own county! We also visited clang through Albuquerque any more.
old tin trunk. the beaches of Venice, Redondo (where But way back in '19, we may have done it
We three, pictured on the apron of the the railroad ran through the main street, all in the slow leisurely way, yet we saw
car, were a British family, resident in I remember), and of course, Long Beach, a lot of America at ground level, talked
China, on the way to England by way of where I had a great time in the shooting to a vast number of people, and gener-
the States. The year was 1919. galleries (new to me), on the J ack Rabbit ally had a whale of a time. I feel very
I still remember the trip up Mt. Lowe; which was on the beach itself, and in the nostalgic about it now. •
Af, Desert/1 une 7974
the surprise of finding beaver in the desert,

Letters but am unable to accept Mr. Mays' conten-


tion that they were "pushed" there by man.
A check on the history of the Southwest will
reveal that some of the very first white men to Calendar
to the
penetrate the region were following our des-
ert rivers, running traplines for Castor. This
in areas many hundreds of miles from the
nearest settlement.

Editor
We can only conclude that man had more to
do with where he didn't live (due to overtrap-
ping) than vice versa as his existence was
quite widespread during the early to mid-
18005. Now, of course, there is some trend to
Letters requesting answers must
the reverse —man is putting beaver where
include stamped self-addressed envelope
there were none before and could not get on
their own. In Nevada, for instance, the De-
partment of Fish and Game has been "plant-
JUNE 1 & 2, Sixth Annual Western Cem-
ing" beaver in streams of isolated desert
mountain ranges in order to improve the fish- soree, sponsored by the Riverside Gem &
Desert Fan . . . eries by controlling runoff through the beav- Mineral Society. Alesandro Jr. High School,
We enjoy Desert so much! Of special inter- ers' dam building. Dracea at Indian Sts., Sunnymead (River-
est are the articles covering parts of Oregon. Thanks for a continually useful and inter- side), Calif. Free admission and parking.
Yes, we have lots of desert up here, although esting magazine.
much different from the southern ones To DAVID E. LUTZ, JUNE 15 & 16, "Darwin Days" to be held in
our great disappointment, illness has kept us Las Vegas, Nevada. Darwin, California will feature swap meet,
here this past winter when we had planned parade, pancake breakfast. Great area for
for several months in the south. rockhounds —plenty of camping area —lots of
MRS.VIRCILMcCEE, fun.
Riley, Oregon. 4-Wheel or not 4-Wheel . . .
JUNE 28, 29 & 30, California Federation of
In the April, 1974 issue of Desert, I was in- Mineralogical Societies, celebrating their
terested in the article, "Canyon With A Sur- 35th Anniversary, join with the Gem & Min-
prise" by Betty Shannon. There is one state- eral Society of San Mateo County, Calif., cele-
Photographic Booboo . . . ment in her article which I strongly disagree brating their 25th Anniversary, for their an-
A matter has come to my attention which with. She states: "The road up Surprise Can- nual Convention and Show, San Mateo Coun-
yon is in better shape now than during Pana- ty Fair & Exposition Center, San Mateo Calif.
requires comment and clarification.
mint's heyday, but don't attempt the trip
In your November, 1973 issue, a photo- Internationally known speakers, lecturers and
unless you have a four-wheel-drive rig. The
graph which I took in 1972 appeared in your grade is very steep and the trail can be rough craftsmen; special exhibits, banquet Saturday
column " A Peek in the Publisher's Poke." in some spots." The italic part is what I dis- night, June 29th. Camping facilities in fair-
The picture showed a number of vehicles agree with. I have made the trip up Surprise grounds.
parked behind a no trespassing sign and im- Canyon many times and have never used any-
plied that the individuals owning the vehicles thing but a conventional two-wheel-drive se- JUNE 29-JULY 5, All Rockhounds Pow Wow
were trespassing on the property. This was in dan. I have never had any difficulty making Club of American, Inc., 25th Annual Show,
the climb. I will say that today's sedans are Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Madras, Ore-
error; the vehicles pictured belong to the
too low slung to make the trip without a great
owners of the property. gon. Field Trips, Dealer Space, Display
deal of maneuvering, but it can be done.
GEORGE SERVICE, Space.
Palm Desert, California. I made my first trip in 1934 when Chris
JULY 4-7, Annual Cactus & Succulent Show,
A'icht was still living at his camp. I returned
several times and each time I had a good chat sponsored by the Cactus & Succulent Society
Editor's Note: I also add my apologies for the of America, Inc. 301 North Baldwin Ave., Ar-
with Chris. He had a turkey gobbler that
use of this photo and hope that the embar- made a good watchdog. He'd chase you off cadia, California. Free admission.
rassment to the innocent parties was minimal. the place unless Chris came out to control
him. JULY 20 & 21, Mt. Jura Gem & Mineral So-
I have read many articles of desert trips ciety's 10th Annual Show, Town Hall, Green-
Mystery Carving . . . which always state that the trip is for four- vile, Calif. Field Trip Sunday, Snack-bar,
wheel-drive vehicles only, but about 95 per Free camping.
From what I can see and from the descrip- cent of them I have covered in a two-wheel-
tion in the article, "Oregon's Mysterious drive vehicle since I began my desert travels SEPTEMBER 7 & 8, 42nd National Show and
Carving," it is my opinion that it is a likeness some 40 years ago. This was long before the Convention of the American Begonia Society,
of Emperor Maximillian. His sparse hair was four-wheel-drive vehicle was ever developed Francisco Torres Convention Center, 6850 El
parted in the middle and combed to each side for general use. But I presume this four- Colegio Rd., Coleta, California. Rare and un-
down to the neckline, which gave the back of wheel-drive warning is given to keep inexper- usual begonias and companion shade plants
his head a flattened appearance. ienced drivers out of these places. I can navi- will be available for purchase. Free admis-
It is not known what happened to the two gate anything these four-wheel-drive vehicles sion.
groups of loyalists who attempted to save the do except soft sand, extremely steep slopes,
Maximillian treasure. One group headed for places that are too narrow for my rig and ex- SEPTEMBER 7 & 8, All Rockhounds Pow
the Pacific, the other group was last traced in tremely muddy areas. Whether or not you can Wow Club of America, Inc., Mineral Springs
the hills northwest of Los Angeles. drive a certain area depends far more on the Resort, Cle Elum, Wash. Field Trips, Dealer
ELMER E. STORM, driver than on the vehicle. Space.
Clendora, California. C. W. KORNS,
San Gabriel, Calif. SEPTEMBER 29 & 30, Carmel Valley Cem &
Mineral Society's 14th Annual Show, Exhibi-
Editor's Note: You are absolutely correct in tion Building, County Fairgrounds, Monte-
Leave It To Beavers . . . your presumption the "four-wheel-only" tag rey, Calif. Dealers, special exhibits, demon-
While recently catching up on the back is- saves a lot of people from getting stuck or
strations, music and hot food. Admission, 50
sues I had missed, I read with interest the ar- stranded. In most cases, the areas written up
ticle by Buddy Mays on the beaver appearing are not highly trafficked and help could be a cents, children under 12 free with adult.
in the July, '73 issue. I, too, have experienced long time coming. Dealer space filled.

Desert/June 1974
. ; • • • : •

.,< p
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