We drove back to pavement and headed west into the setting sun toward the Bristol Mountains.
Closer examination with binoculars revealed that people were at the mine. They were probably working the old tailings. "Work progressed at the mine at least until January, 1909, but the mill had run for only two months. In April, 1909, it was admitted the mill was a failure, and the blame was laid on mismanagement. The company went bankrupt. In spite of fresh bimonthly rumors to the contrary, the mines remained inactive. In 1942 there was not a building standing, and all of the machinery had been hauled away." - Desert Fever
Crossing Orange Blossom Wash on our way back to the Kelbaker Road.
We drove south to National Trails Highway (Old Route 66) and turned left toward Chambliss. After reaching Chambliss we drove northeast toward this mountain to look for Trilobite fossils.
Holding my best find of the day. Shortly after this photo was taken I placed my treasure on the a rock beside me and then having spied a better formation above moved about 35 feet. 20 minutes later I returned to retrieve my specimen but alas I could not find it. I searched and searched again, each time expecting to find it. I never did. #$@&##
Returning to our truck we ate lunch in the shade of the camper before driving on to our next objective.
The flow of water from Bonanza Spring rises to the surface for about 100 feet about a mile from its source.
Driving the connecting road from Bonanza Spring to the Tom Reed Mine. Fenner Valley in the distance.
The remains of the Tom Reed Mine. "These mines were active in 1917 and 1918, when they were attracting considerable interest within the mining community. Both the Clipper Mountain Mine and the Tom Reed Mine in 1917 were in the process of sinking 500 foot shafts in order to explore the extent of the gold ore. Large amounts of water forced the suspension of the operations at the Clipper mountain Mine at 300 feet. The Tom Reed Mine did reach 500 feet, but water was encountered there as well. Just prior to 1920, large pumps were installed, but the mine was forced to suspend operations." - Desert Fever
The view down the shaft. Many times in the past I rappelled down shafts, explored adits and then using ascenders climbed back up. Haven't done any of that in quite a few years but these workings were intriguing.
We drove farther up canyon and investigated a few more mines. Portal is gated on this mine.
There were many scrapes in the canyon where animals had dug for water.
Found this old peanut butter jar near the mouth of a canyon west of Bonanza Spring.
Jan met me at the small BLM campsite overlooking the riparian area at Bonanza Spring.
We drove west on National Trails Highway crossing Cadiz Summit.
Nothing much remained of the Cadiz Summit Service Station in 2013.
Photo Credit: Pomona Public Library
Cadiz Summit Service Station in 1948. The station closed in 1973 when Route 66 was bypassed by I-40 to the north.