Plomosa mountains

There must have been a mother lode nearby, judging by all the excavations and mine shafts dug in the Plomosa mountains.  After the days of cloud and rain it was nice to get out and explore some more.  After the great day around the ghost town of Swansea, I finally got a chance to check out some old mining activity closer to ‘home’.

The Plomosa range divides the country between Bouse and Quartzsite, and I could see from a distance the evidence of mining exploration.

Most of the access road is good, but the crossing of one wash required a bit of 4X4 maneuvering.The most developed mine shaft I found was this vertical one, with wooden cribbing – now mostly caved in.

Many other excavations were horizontally cut into the slope of the mountain.

And some, looked like classic ATV traps – a vertical shaft on flat ground, just large enough to fit a quad!

In some places, it seemed there was some kind of excavation every few feet.  There might have been at least 10 holes in an area the size of a football field. 

On the return, we had to cross the same wash.

Back in camp, it was time for a tree climbing sortie by the resident mouser and entertainer.  I picked the tree however so she did not climb to the top and get marooned.

And she even posed for the official Christmas portrait!Next, another beautiful desert sunset – and cue for the coyotes to warm up their singing voices.

Today is moving day – but not before overcoming the problem when one slide refused to budge.  Luckily, it comes equipped with a manual crank, till the problem can be corrected.  Where are we off to?  No one knows.  Headed towards Phoenix is the only plan …