Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Desert Magazine 1970 November
Desert Magazine 1970 November
$1.95
ON DESERT
TRAILS GEMS, MINERALS, CRYSTALS AND ORES by
Richard M. Pearl. A paperback edition of his
TODAY AMDYESTIRMY
best-selling hardcover book which has been out
of print for a year. From agate to zircon, the
RANDALL HENDERSON
book tells where gems, minerals, crystals and
ores can be f o u n d , how they are identified, col-
lected, cut and displayed. Paperback, click MINES OF DEATH VALLEY
ON DESERT TRAILS
paper, 64 color photographs, 320 pages, $ 2 . 9 5 .
By BURR BELDEN
By RANDALL HENDERSON
1 0 0 0 MILLION YEARS ON THE COLORADO PLA- An authority of Death Valley, Burr Bel-
Founder and publisher of Desert M a g a -
TEAU by Al Look. For 4 0 years the author has den tells the story of fabulous mining
zine for 23 years, Randall Henderson is
hiked over and explored the Colorado Plateau. booms, of men who braved hot wastes to
one of the first good writers to reveal the
Citing the area as a typical example of the find gold and silver bonanzas from 1 8 4 9
beauty of the mysterious desert areas.
earth's overall evolution, he gives a vivid ac- to World War II. Accounts of the famous
His experiences, combined with his torn-
count of the geology, paleontology, archeology Lost Gunsight and Lost Breyfogle mines
-nents on the desert of yesterday and
and uranium discoveries starting back 1000 and an explanation of the Lost Mormon
today, make this book a MUST for those
million years. Written for the l a y m a n , the non- Diggings are based on factual research.
who want to understand the southwest.
fiction account reads like a journey through
Hardcover, illustrated, 3 7 5 pages. time. Hardcover, illustrated, 3 0 0 page:., $ 3 . 7 5 . Paperback, illustrated, 72 pages.
$5.00 $1.95
BIRDS OF SOUTHWESTERN DESERT by G. T.
Smith. Informal, but informative w i t h colored
d r a w i n g s and lively text. $ 2 . 9 5 .
FANTASIES OF GOLD by E. B. Sayles. During GEM, MINERAL AND 4-WHEEL-DRIVE MAPS com-
his search for archeological finds for more than piled by Dale Hileman. Maps showing gem
30 years, the author was exposed to the rumors and mineral collecting areas, roads for passen-
WHEN ORDERING BOOKS
and legends of lost gold and treasures. After ger cars and 4 W D roads only. M a p No. 1 is on
his retirement as curator of the Arizona State PLEASE Last Chance Canyon, Mesquite Canyon and
Museum, he classified and delved into these Iron Canyon in Kern County. M a p No. 2 covers
still unsolved mysteries. An interesting and in-
Add 50 cents PER ORDER the Opal M o u n t a i n and Black Canyon areas in
formative book on lost bonanzas and legends, (Not Each Book) San Bernardino County. Both are black and
many of which have never been published. red colors on 1 6x1 7-inch parchment paper.
Hardcover, w e l l illustrated, 135 pages, $ 6 . 5 0 .
for handling and mailing $1 .00 per m a p .
California residents a d d 5 percent SOUTHWEST INDIAN COUNTRY by the Editors
MAMMALS OF DEEP CANYON by R. Mark Ryan. sales t a x , regardless of whether you of Sunset Books. A concise a n d comprehensive
A study of the habits of more than 4 0 animals are a Republican or Democrat. guide covering the 4 8 reservations and Pueblo
living in the Deep Canyon Research Area in the Send check or money order to Desert M a g a - villages in Arizona, Utah, N e w Mexico and
Colorado Desert. The site was selected because zine Book Shop, Palm Desert, California Colorado. Includes w h a t to see, how to buy,
its ecology is typical of deserts throughout the 9 2 2 6 0 . Sorry, but we cannot accept charges conduct, history, and ceremonials. Large format,
w o r l d . Paperback, illustrated, 137 pages, $ 2 . 9 5 . or C.O.D. orders. colored illustrations, heavy paperback, 80
pages, $ 1 . 9 5 .
95
Priced so
every member
of the family
can own one!
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
After comparing Metal Snooper with any
other detector on the market . . . If you
are not completely satisfied, your money
will be cheerfully refunded!
FEATURES:
A Weighs less than 10 ounces
A Adjustable, multi-purpose handles
A Latest development in solid-state circuitry
A Rugged, durable construction
A Distinguishes minerals from metal objects
Metal Snooper requires no tuning
ihours of fun on
Biooper weighs
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| ^
ish
metal objects from minerals! A multi-purpose adjustable Dealer inquiries invited.
plastic handle increases detector efficiency by decreasing the PATENT APPLIED FOR
amount of metal within the immediate area of the search-coil field. MADE IN U.S.A.
BANKAMERICARD CHARGE TO MY: California residents add 5% sales tax master charge]
BANKAMERICARD ACCOUNT NO. THE INTERBANK CARD J
INTERBANK MASTER CHARGE NO.
ivetmne For Interbank Master Charge include Bank No..
NAME
ADDRESS.
K. L. BOYNTON, Naturalist
CONTENTS
F E A T U RES
GOLD OF MONTE CRISTO by John W. Robinson
GIANT WAGONS OF DEATH VALLEY by Richard Bloomquist
DIRTY SOCK AND BEYOND by Roberta Starry
DESERT DUNE DANCER by K. L. Boyton
GOLD AT THE SUMMIT by Mary Frances Strong
CLOISTERED CHLORIDE by Betty Tucker
ENCAMPMENT PROGRAM Annual Event
THE MOODS OF DEATH VALLEY by David Muench
THE COVER: DEATH VALLEY MEMORIES by Helen Walker
Sun-dried mud cakes in the GHOSTS OF GLEESON by Arnold Tilden
Death Valley sand dunes
appear as a pattern of foot-
prints. Photo is by David TRAIL TO MAZOURKA by Betty Tucker
Muench of Santa Barbara.
DEPARTMENTS
A PEEK IN THE PUBLISHER'S POKE by William Knyvett
EDITORIAL, CIRCULATION AND ADVERTISING OFFICES: 7 4-109 Larrea St., Palm Desert, California 92260. Telephone Area Code
714 346-8144. Listed in Standard Rate and Data. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: United States, Canada and Mexico; 1 year, $5.00; 2 years,
$9.50; 3 years $13.00. Other foreign subscribers add SI.00 U.S. currency for each year. See Subscription Order Form in this issue. Allow
fi\e weeks for change of address and send both new and old addres~.es 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 1970
by DESERT Magazine and permission to reproduce any or all contents must be secured in writing. Unsolicited manuscripts and photo-
graphs WILL N O T BE RETURNED unless accompanied by a self-addressed and stamped envelope.
by John W. Robinson
Mother Lode Books A GOOD BOOK FOR THE an insight into a little-known part of our
Western history.
LAPIDARY HOBBYIST The diary of Stacey—who later became
a colonel in the United States Army—is
COLOMA
Little-known talcs
and anecdotes about
Tl -.Nil r.i.
"TUMBLING augmented by a description of how the
TKIHNMH ts camels were purchased in Asia and Beale's
the lives and some-
times violent
TECHNIQUES later report to the Secretary of War. Long
deaths of the people out-of-print, the book has just been re-
of Coloma, where AND published by the Rio Grande Press. Hard-
ASSEMBLING
ISSRUUIt <3
California's ailllK.IBIH.hi! I
Gold Rush started. cover, 298 pages, $8.00.
BAROQUE
75c JEWELRY"
2nd Edition
CROSLEY BOOKS (By G. L. Daniel)
BOX 62 AMADOR CITY, CALIF. 95601
This complete illustrated book takes a
step-by-step approach to the techniques NOTICE all the books re-
Calif, residents add 5% sales tax
of tumbling gemstones and assembling viewed in DESERT Maga-
jewelry. Very clear, very well organized.
* Tumbler Types • Speeds • Prepara- zine are available through
CALIFORNIA'S tion of Material * Charging * Grits, the Desert Magazine Book
MOTHER LODE coarse, fine * Polishing * Cementing
Shop. Please add 50 cents
Contains an L85 1 * Epoxy Setting + Wiring • Layout
map and dozens of * Packaging -k Helpful Hints per order (not per book)
historic photographs
of places and for handling and postage.
Order direct or
people taken at the
time the Mother
Lode Country was
$250 pick one up at
your local Rock
California residents must
also add 5 percent sales
Calif, residents
in its full glory. add 13c sales tax Shop.
tax for the total amount of
$1.00 GORDON'S books.
P.O. BOX 4073D LONG BEACH, CALIF. 90804
"Here's hoping your trail is a long one, etc." - Born ti) Run Free -Wishing you a Blessed Christ Memories of a Frontier Christmas - Merry "Blessed are they that have not s e e n " - M a y
Merry Christmas...Goodfriends,etc.-CM.Russell mas and Happiness in the New Year Steffen Christmas and Happy New Year-Swanson the Peace and Joy of Christmas, etc. - EchoHawk
CHRISTMAS CARDS
OF THE WEST
TOP QUALITY ART IN BEAUTIFUL FULL COLOR
Bright colorful scenes fold to make a rich card 5 x 7. We can print your
name, or ranch brand or BOTH in red to match the greeting. Also, your
return address on the deluxe white envelopes-extras included. You
will be proud to send these beautiful cards and you'll like our "stam-
pede service" on orders right up ' t i l Christmas.
ORDER DIRECT FROM THIS AD OR Yucca Candles-May the Peace and Happin
SEND FOR FREE SAMPLE AND CATALOG l o t Christmas, etc.-Vannerson
. < •
'
A Memory of Christmas May you have a Merry 1 "Whisper of a Pine Tree, etc."-Peace and Caroling Neighbors — Thoughts of treasured "Thou f i l l ' s t the solitude."-Peace and Good
Christmas in the old fashioned way, etc. Stahley 1 Good Will at Christmas, e t c . - L a u friends make Christmas...etc.-FitzSimmons Will at Christmas, etc. -Barks
5r
.- •
IJITM T249
1
"In the heart of the wilderness" May the Joy 1 Hello there, folks, e t c . - M e r r y Christmas and "Within an old log church, etc." — May you "Christmas S p i r i t " - M a y you and yours this
of Christmas be with you. etc. - Swanson Happy flew Year - Marks have the Spirit of Christmas, etc.-Gomez Christmas Day and every day, etc. — Lowdermilk
H O W T O O R D E R : Circle total quantity and cost. Mix and assort at no extra cost.
Order all of one kind or as many of each as desired. Canada residents please remit in U.S.
L J dollar values. Colorado residents add 3% sales tax. California residents add 5%. No C.O.D.
Fill out coupon or order by letter and mail with check or money order.
K ? a--
•
TOTAL QUANTITY 12 25 50 75 100 150 200 300 500
WITHOUT NAME $2.25 $4 25 $ 8.50 $12.50 516 00 $73 50 $31.00 $46.00 $74.00
WITH NAME OR BRAND $3.25 5.50 10.00 14.50 18.00 26.00 34.00 50.00 80.00
WITH NAME AND BRAND $4.50 6.75 11.25 15.75 19.25 27.25 35.25 51.25 81.25
RETURN ADDRESS $1.25 1.50 ?00 2.25 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.50 6.50
FILL IN T200 T220 T230 T243
Red Ribbon Rnadrunners - Merry Christmas and 1 Surprise on the Trail-Merry Christmas and a QUANTITY
DESIRED T203 T222 T232 T147
Happy New Year - Lau New Year chuck full of Happiness-Thomas OF EACH
CARD T205 T223 T235 T248
IN BOX
BESIDE T109 T228 T239 T249
THAT
NUMBER T114 •• :
_ State _ -Zip_
1 A Good Day for Visiting May the Spirit ol 1 Christmas Eve on the Desert-May you have
1 Christmas Abide With You, etc. Thomas the Spirit of Christmas, etc.— Lau
Lake. Five miles from the junction with At the other end of town, along Ma-
State 190 is Keeler, once a busy part of lone Street, a modern swimming pool
the 1870's silver boom and a soda opera- and bath house give little hint of the
tion in the 1880s. Today it has relics of early occupants of that location. In the
that exciting period and less romantic old days the area had been a thriving
but active talc mill. The streets lack the Chinatown with the usual gambling and
rumble of ore and freight wagons but opium dens, secret tunnels and hovels.
the false front buildings, the large old Opposite the entrance to Keeler is a
bell at the firehouse, the ornate school- dirt road climbing to a trail that leads to
house and empty railroad depot are stand- the rock ruins of the Darwin Oxide
ing reminders of life 100 years ago. The works. The road goes on up into the sil-
large old Carson and Colorado Railroad ver country but a good turn-around can
depot dominates the town and a few be made at a block house just above the
•:«* * blocks north, along a now trackless rail oxide company sign. The view is spectacu-
line, stand a few of the freight and pas- lar. Below lies a nearly buried cemetery, a
senger cars. trench to prevent a flash flood from bury-
ing the town of Keeler, the remains of a
soda plant and evaporative t e d s out into
the great expanse of the dry lake.
Continuing north on 190, three miles
from Keeler is a historical marker. Near
BEYOM)
here the town of Swansea once stood.
Buried by debris from a cloud-burst in
1874, there are only a couple of rock-
walled cabins and part of the Owens
Lake Silver-Lead Furnace to indicate
where tons of silver ore were worked into
bars weighing 83 pounds each at the rate
of 1 50 bars every 24 hours.
Near here the steamship Bessie Brady
was launched in June of 1872. From a
300-foot wharf she picked up bullion
and steamed across the lake to deposit the
load at Cartago, cutting days off the time
taken by freight wagon to circle the lake
with a load of silver. She carried 700 bul-
lion bars at a time in a three-hour cross-
ing that stockpiled the silver like cord
wood, too fast for freight wagons to
haul it out to Los Angeles.
Approximately two miles north of the
furnace ruins are the remains of a num-
ber of wooden buildings scattered over
a wide area on the right side of the
Dirty Sock, road. Here was the terminal of the Sal-
once a spa for ine Valley electric tramway. The opera-
Indians and weary tion, from 1913-1930, transported salt
prospectors now out of Saline Valley in buckets over a
has modem 14-mile route over the mountain to the
facilities and
site along State 190.
swimming pool. Continued
15
Remains of Owens Lake Silver Lead
Keeler Chevron furnace is a few steps off the highway
just north of Keeler. Built in 1869 it
Service closed down in 1874.
Chevron
A A few of the tram towers can be seen
high on the mountain side indicating the
Complete Tourist Information route traveled. Though the salt on the
of the area floor of Saline Valley was considered
purer than any other known source the
COLD DRINKS
operation was too costly to continue.
ROCK SHOP
From this point the road passes through
Keeler, California a dolomite mining area evidenced by the
dark, gaping mine holes above snow
white dumps. Shortly after crossing the
now dry Owens River the road joins U.S.
J 395 two miles south of Lone Pine.
To continue the trip around Owens
Lake turn south on 395 and follow the
route covered by Captain Joe Walker,
first known white man to travel the val-
ley. He passed this way in 1834, when
Owens Lake was a great body of water;
wild game was plentiful and Indians
freely moved to the warm valley in win-
ter and up into the cool Sierras for patterns, but sealing the fate of the his-
rummer. toric structures.
In approximately ten miles a road The highway passes Bartlett near
sign indicates the route to the Cotton- where the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Com-
wood charcoal kilns. During the silver pany, until recent months, was actively
mining days the mountain slopes to the refining chemicals from the brine of
west were stripped of pinon pine to fur- Owens Lake. The plant is closed, and
WHITNEY PORTAL
F/SHiNG, H/KING, B/& TQ££S, nish fuel for steam engines, heat for liv- discarded tanks, floats and other lake
8O CAMPS,
\#£Sr#OOAl5, P/P£D WATER ing quarters and provide charcoal for the equipment clutter the shoreline adding
smelters. Years of sun and wind have to the sad story of the decline of activity
SCENIC POIMT
9.5 M l .
carved the kiln walls leaving interesting on and around the lake.
LONE PINEC.G.
36 CAMPS, II PICNICS,
STOVES, ffESTROOMS.
FOREST
; SERVICE
TUTTLE
BISHOP
ONE PINE PARK
IONE PINE
LONE PINE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
i.iiui.n m Death Valley"
Offices in Department of Water and Power Bldg
Trails Motel
Hunting and Fishing Information
633 SOUTH MAIN STREET, LONE PINE, CALIF
Phone (714) 876-5670
Dale and Hazel Quast, Owner-Managers
Rustic Motel
QUIET, MODERN, OFF HIGHWAY
OLANCHA, CALIFORNIA
Complete Tourist Information
OLANCHA
Mr. and Mrs. Kramer, Mgrs. Approved Major Credit Cards Accepted
LRSHM
More interesting than the sight of the
chemical plant's discards is the small GAME
town of Cartago. Like many one-time
busy communities along the valley route,
Cartago's population and income depend-
ed on the mines. When the Cerro Gordo
mines shut down in 1879 the entire area
was affected. Once the unloading port for
the steamship Bessie Brady and later the
Molly Stevens, Cartago today shows no
signs that silver bars were once stacked
everywhere.
Little remains to tell of the silver, the
miners or the steamships and the little
settlement of about 50 persons can easily
be missed by the speeding traveler. Out HYDRAULIC CONTROL •
of sight of the highway, toward the IT RAISES-IT LOWERS
lake's edge, is the barracks, a part-brick FOR TRAVEL SAFETY. Wind resistance is reduced with Alaskan's low profile in highway
building containing a vault and piles of travel. Gas mileage is increased and crosswind cut down. With lowered top, passengers ride in
white material, all dating back to World luxurious comfort.
War I when a chemical company mined A UP FOR LIVING COMFORT. Alaskan camper top, operated by patented hydraulic system, is raised
in seconds. (Let a child do it, and see how easy it is.) Safety lock prevents accidental lowering.
the lake for soda derivatives.
Weather-tight, walk-in quarters completely furnished. Three-burner stove, stainless steel sink,
Two miles south is Olancha, the start- cabinets, icebox, beds, plus many other luxury features.
point for the trip around Owens Lake. 8 ft. and 10 ft. models. Sold and installed only at Alaskan Camper factories at factory prices.
Olancha was an early-day mill site and a Also available at authorized factory outlets.
Write today to the factory nearest you for free folder describing the most advanced camper on the road.
rest station for valley travelers, the freight
R. D. HALL MFG., INC., 9847 Glenoaks Blvd., G. R. GRUBBS MFG., INC.,
drivers and their long teams. When the Sun Valley, (San Fernando Valley) d/b/a Alaskan Camper Sales, 9042 Long-
California 91352, Dept. D2 point Rd., Houston, Texas 77055, Dept. D 2
mining era passed the community became Factory Outlet: ALASKAN CAMPER SALES, INC., FORT LUPTON CAMPERS, 1100 Denver Ave.
a popular place for outfitting pack trains Interstate 80 (half way between Fort Lupton, Colorado 80621, Dept. D2
S.F.-Sacramento), Route 1,
before going into the High Sierras. Once Box 332, Suisun City, Calif. 94585, Dept. D 2 EINARS CAMPER MFG. CO.,
ALASKAN CAMPERS NORTHWEST, INC., d/b/a Alaskan Campers North Central,
the gateway to the silver country, Olan- 6410 South 143rd Street, (Tukwila) Seattle, 3726 North 9th Avenue, Sioux Falls,
Washington 98168, Dept. D 2 South Dakota 57104, Dept. D2
cha today is the gateway to exploring the PENNACAMP, INC., 401 West End Avenue, Manheim, Penn. 17545, Dept. D2
past and present of Owens Lake country.
• US PATENT NO 2879103 CANADIAN PATENT NO. 637-543
JTTU; Uma, the fringed-toed lizard, from being forced into the lizard's California, where strong northwesterly
L dwells in a world of blowing and
swirling sands so grim even the hardiest
mouth. Large scales, properly placed,
serve as flaps closing down and protecting
winds pick up sand from Whitewater
Wash to the north and deposit it further
of desert shrubs are poor and stunted. his ears. There are shut-off valves in his south and east. Involving both field and
A desolate homeland, changing and shift- nostrils which can be closed entirely or laboratory work, the study throws a lot
ing with every whim of the wind, it is a just enough to keep the particular size- of new light on Lima's desert survival
harsh land with little to offer to sustain sand particles from getting up them. techniques.
life. Yet, so thoroughly at home is this Fringes of scales on both eyelids protect He found that these lizards must con-
little lizard in the windblown sands of his eyes. Any sand that does get in is stantly make adjustments in time spent
the great southwest deserts, he is never pushed out the inner corner by a mem- above surface, and time buried under the
found elsewhere. brane that slides across the eyeball. sand in order to cope with the blasting
What to him that the loose sand shifts Interestingly enough, the lizard holds heat of their surroundings. What makes
and slides underfoot? The fringe of scales its front legs close to its body when dig- it very hard is that there aren't holes
on his hind toes widen their supporting ging itself in with alternate kicks of the around deep enough for them to use to
surfaces, and carry him skimming lightly hind legs. This stunt, it took Herpetolo- escape the sun's heat. In much of Uma's
over the top. Running at full speed, fore gist Pough to show anatomically, provides range ground squirrels, kangaroo rats
limbs off the ground, tail held high, he a sand-free pocket of air under each arm and the like who normally provide fine
can make up to 25 mph. ; leaving only and forward under the chest for the lizard underground retreats for free-loading
puffs of dust in his wake. to breathe while down below. lizards, are not there because the sand is
Pough's latest study of the little fringe- so loose they can't keep their burrows
What to him if there are no rodent
toes just reported in scientific literature from collapsing. Further, the lizards
burrows handy to duck into when pur-
was done in an area east of Palm Springs, themselves are small and subject to
sued? Any old spot is okay for the quick
disappearance act of a sand digger such
as he: a quick dive-in, some expert kicks
with his hind feet, a final tail wiggle,
and he's hidden.
Scientists have long been interested in
this little guy who lives with ease in such
a tough environment, and who is so hard
to catch since he practically always sees
or hears enemies coming in plenty of
time to dash over a dune edge or, with
Desert
what looks like a mighty impudent wave
of the tail, disappear into the sand before
their very eyes. And they know all this
cannot be without some extra good body
equipment, and a long-time know how.
Indeed this is so, for Uma belongs to
an ancient tribe of sand lizards whose
members lived in beds of intermittent
streams about 10 million years ago, Dune
Dancer
Lima's particular kind gradually becoming
highly specialized for life on loose sands.
Number one requirement for such ex-
istence is quick digging skill. Zoologist
Stebbins found that not only does this
lizard have a shovel-shaped snout for
the opening spade work, but its especially by K. L Boynton
streamlined body is covered with small 1970
granular scales which make it smooth
and resistance free. The hind toe scales
that serve as shoes on the surface sand
now can be raised to provide greater push
area for that kick driving him forward
in burying himself.
Other below surface problems arc-
solved by further neat arrangements: a
countersunk jaw, for instance, keeps sand
16
heavy pressure from the sand if they zontally through the sand trying to find worst of the night's cold, while the roots
bury too deeply, and so normally go cooler spots, but do not dig deeper. At and branches and leaves, half covered
down only some 1.2s) to L.5 inches. last when the hot sand about them raises with blow sand, provide lots of air
Uma's day begins shortly before or their temperature dangerously near the pockets. There is also greater safety
just after sunrise, with a warmup, each 113 degree mark, they must come out from predators, too, it being hard, for
lizard orienting himself towards the onto the surface. Tail held high, they instance, for a coyote to locate a lizard
rising sun and soaking up the early rush over the sand to the shade of a tucked under the sand in all that tangle.
warmth. When his body temperature small dune or stunted creosote or Dalea Is there a fine brotherly sharing of
has come up to his activity level, for- shrub. choice Dalea shrub night spots ? Nope.
aging begins, the lizard running for- As the day ends, they must bury them- {'via, it seems, is highly adverse to
ward two or three inches and digging selves to survive the night chill. Fussy crowding, and since nearly all the liz-
for insects or picking them off low vege- about their selection of night retreats, ards bury for the night in a twenty min-
tation. Even youngsters of the same- they seemingly are influenced by the ute interval some half hour before sun-
species, not quick enough to dodge their size of the sand grains, avoiding both set, there is considerable scurrying
elders, go down the hatch. the coarse spots and those with the very around to get located before the other
As the morning wears on, there is a finest sand. Most lizards prefer depths fellow. Any attempt of a late-to-bedder
decline in activity until by ten o'clock from three-cjuarters to one and a half to muscle in is repelled with vigor.
not a lizard is in sight. At this time inches down under Dalea shrubs, in- Herpetologist Carpenter, long inter-
their body temperature has reached an vestigation of which showed that they ested in lizard behavior, collected a
uncomfortable 100 and they have buried know what they are about for there the batch of fringe-toes and installed them
themselves, thereby gaining temporary temperature is comfortable, the parts of in an enclosure where he could watch
relief. They may even move along hori- the shrub above ground fending off the what went on. The lizards promptly
made themselves at home, putting in a
normal day, which, when they were
above ground, consisted of four major
occupations: feeding, sitting in the sun
or shade, annoying each other, and in the
case of the males, chasing the girls.
Y
nee T HE LURE of gold has challenged man
since he raised up on his haunches
o and began to use his brain for thinking
Address_
City .State
D-3 Near the center of the Summit Diggins, this old fireplace is all that remains.
20
screened material is then allowed to lay
out in the sun for at least a day. Even SUMMIT DRY DIGGINGS
freshly dug desert gravels will always
contain slight amounts of moisture which Mileage Points
Placer Ground
will interfere with proper dry-washing.
Claims
The gravel must be thoroughly dry!
The Summit Diggings is an interesting
desert locale to visit. They lie in an ex-
tremely arid region which can be blister-
ing hot in summer; while, in the mid-
winter months, icy winds may roar across
the land with gale-like force.
In rare years, when several winter and
spring storms manage to drop adequate
moisture—there will be gardens of wild
flowers in bloom. The main flora is a
sparse covering of creosote bushes which
are small and stunted from lack of ade-
quate moisture.
Dozens of prospect holes dot the
slopes and a few head frames gallantly
rise skyward, having withstood time and
the elements. A number of old dugouts
remain in good condition—a fine testi-
monial to the aridity of the region.
The Summit Placer Diggings were dis-
covered in the winter of 1892-93 when
hundreds of prospectors from the north-
By
METAL LOCATORS it was the old story—the diggings didn't
hold up and the camps were crowded
with prospectors unable to locate claims.
Many of them left the camps and fanned
out over the eastern hills in search of
new deposits. The next camp to take
8 Modcli (complete)
shape was the Summit Diggings.
: . - •
L
its ghosts are still making themselves felt Wells Village. Also dancing at Fur- 7:30 p.m.—NATURALIST TALK, Visi-
and it would be a shame to push them nace Creek Ranch. tors' Center Furnace Creek Ranch
out. •
Sunrise, Golden Canyon from Zabriskte Point,
aVlcf 1V(yjen.c\
During the past two years many of the covers of
Desert Magazine have been photographs by David
Muench of Santa Barbara, California. His dynamic
photos have also appeared in national magazines
and books about the West. David is not only an
expert technician but has the rare ability to capture
the moods of the area he is covering—such as this
trilogy on Death Valley.
26
©f <Deqt\ Valle/
Vlcf 1V(aenc\
terials for shelters. Trails widened into Panamint Range in 1873 was the begin- at the greenish-blue veins of copper-sil-
rutted tracks. Merchants followed the ning of the mining era. Coined from a ver ore. Smoke belched from the tall
miners. Cities flourished overnight. Then, phrase, "Pan a mint of it," Panamint City brick chimney as the thump of the stamp
when color ran out, efforts crumbled to became the first of the boom towns. Its mill beat a rhythm into the echoing hills.
dust and splinters in the hot, dry sun. reputation for hell-raising and lawless- The solitary approach to Panamint
Today, ghostly memories linked together ness was never equaled. It lured more City was up a narrow rock-carved road
by hand-me-down tales, keep the '49ers than a thousand fortune seekers, who through Surprise Canyon. Each bend of
spirit alive. raised a town of wood, stone and brick the road was a potential ambush point
A silver strike on the west side of the structures. Assays were high as men dug for outlaws who infiltrated the area.
John Walker photo
Above: Charcoal kilns
in Wildrose Canyon.
Used in 1870s, they
still stand. Opposite
page: Panamint City—
the stamp mill
chimney and a few
old foundations
are all that remain.
Right: Tie Canyon.
showing ties
purchased by Death
Valley Scotty to heat
his castle. Enough
for many
cold winters!
Wells Fargo refused to carry the ore—
In the heart of
DEATH VALLEY
Historic
STOYE PIPE WELLS YILLAGE
Death Valley, California 92328 Area Code 714 Stove Pipe Wells # 1 Toll Station 3*
30
ait:
Puffy white clouds add emphasis to the REE-CATALOG
barren ess of Death Valley with its heat-
FUN & PROFIT
scorched volcanic soil in foreground.
WITH
METAL DETECTORS
idea was conceived ahead of its time, and GOLDAK, WHITE'S, DETECTRON, RAYSCOPE
there was not sufficient knowledge avail- Prospecting and Hiking Equipment
Books — Topo Maps
able to perfect it. Unfortunately it had to FREE—Indexes for Topo Maps, stock Western
be aborted, before it could be given a states, each state has index.
fair chance to operate. JACOBSEN SUPPLIERS
Gold had its heyday near the turn of 9322 California Ave., South Gate, Calif.
Phone 569-8041 90280
the century. It was gold that originally
brought the emigrants stumbling into the
desolate sink, impatient to find a short-
CHRISTMAS DECOR
Ranch - Grown
cut to the gold fields in Northern Califor-
nia. A shroud of mystery blanketed the
valley in the wake of the '49ers, and the CUT
Indians had the area to themselves for
the next two decades. Now and then an
Desert
inquisitive prospector wandered in and HOLLY
a few returned with ore-bearing samples.
Unique long - last-
Their stories nourished tales of nug-
ing festive foliage
gets the size of a fist, and giant ledges
for a true desert Christmas
of ore-bearing rock. But none seemed able
to do more than produce the samples— . . . GIFT BOX 1 8 x 6 x 4 "
Mojave was a real problem. Wagons of $3.50
the sites were seldom found.
rugged construction and large hauling tax, postage included
capacity were needed. J. S. Perry, of Mo- Gunsight was the first of the famous
ORDER BY MAIL FROM:
jave, designed and built 10 such wagons lost gold mines. It was told that one of
DESERT LAKESHORE RANCH
at a cost of $900 each. (See other article- the emigrants passing through the valley
Box 183, THERMAL, CALIF.
in this issue.) in 1849 pocketed a hunk of ore. He took
the ore to a gunsmith in hopes of having
Engines such as Old Dinah, now in
it melted down for a new sight on his
front of the Furnace Creek Ranch, were
gun. The gunsmith declared the ore to be
an experiment to find a cheaper and more
the purest silver he had ever worked. The
efficient means of hauling. However, the
prospector returned to stake a claim to the
mine, and appropriately planned to call it
"Gunsight." Years of wandering never
located the site.
JUST $4950
PLUS POSTAGE (Wt. 11 lbs.)
ooooooooooooooooooooooooo
GORDON'S ALL-NEW
1970 CATALOG
2lS NOW AVAILABLE. OVER 250 PAGES O
O O F MOUNTINGS, TOOLS AND SUPPLIES.
O A MUST FOR NEW ROCKHOUNDS
$1.00, REFUNDABLE
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o
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8OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
To RA1NDSBUFG
Going to the beach? Or hunting, fishing
or camping? You can add extra fun to
The castle has been a favorite spot Today, there are highways into Death your next family outing by taking along
a Fisher "Metalert" Treasure Detector.
for visitors in the Valley. The National Valley from four directions. There are Who knows, you might bring home a
Park Service this summer bought the accommodations, services and informa- valuable lost relic;even silver and gold!
castle at an estimated cost of $850,000 tion centers to make your visit a memor- • Unsurpassed power and sensitivity
and will maintain raid service the his- with solid state circuits.
able one. Most of the points of interest
1 Fasy to use; adjusts and operates
torical old ranch. The tours through the are located a short drive off the main with one hand! Superb physical bal-
castle are still being offered as in the past. road, each marked with plaques, briefing ance; arm support.
Automobiles brought the first tourists you on the historical and geological facts. D Waterproof sensing head completely
Some of the points of interest lie in the submersible. Telescoping shaft for
to Death Valley. In spite of the roads compact storage and transportation.
being no more than rutted wagon trails, back country and are reached on side trips
• Replaceable transistor battery avail-
lack of fuel and water, tires that split marked, Jeep Roads. They are less travel- able everywhere; built in tester.
and buried their burden, the motorist ed, therefore it is advisable for only the Built to the same exacting standards as
more experienced travelers, and those Fisher precision instruments for indus-
continued to come. One of the first try and science. Send for complete free
hotels in the area was opened by Bob with sturdy vehicles to attempt these trips. literature. Also, collectors' edition
Eichbaum, at Stovepipe Wells. Eichbaum It is also suggested you check at head- guidebook "Discoveries From the Past"
quarters on the current road conditions, sent if you include 50c postage.
was also the instigator of the first im-
as sudden floods often change the paths "Metalert" . . . the Finest You Can BUY
proved road into the valley. It followed
the route that the emigrants took on their of streams and close entire areas.
way out—over Towne Pass, down to The fear and mystery that once cloaked
Darwin Wash, and finally on into Lone Death Valley are vanishing. Her scars
Pine. It was dedicated as "Eichbaums you will see, her past you will under- FISHER TREASURE DETECTORS
Tollroad." The toll was $2.00 per car, stand, as you search for answers to this Department DM Palo Alto, Calif. 94303
plus 50 cents per person. era of our California heritage. •
33
Ghosts
of by Arnold Tilden
PICCSOII
' • < > &
I -. >.;• <
•MM m
0. t
Gleeson today.
s YOU top the crest of the winding While some stones mark the graves of Gleeson might actually have been one
A gravel road that has been follow-
ing the hogbacks all the way from Tomb-
persons born as early as 1848 and buried
in 192 4, one very new stone is the rest-
of the oldest mining centers in Arizona.
Just when mining was first begun in the
stone, Arizona, a desolate cemetery on ing place of Yee Wee, birth date un- area no one will ever know, but certainly
the left is the first indication of one of known, who was buried on February 20, by early Spanish times, and perhaps
the many former mining towns which 196S. much earlier, since Indians were mining
pockmark the deserts and hills of the Who were these people and where blue gemstones which played, and still
southwest. The cemetery appears to be did they live? What did they do and play, such an important part in the jew-
the last resting place of the inhabitants why were they buried in a little, almost elry and personal adornments of the
of a long-dead mining period. deserted, rural cemetery, just two years Indians of the Southwest.
However, stones indicating burial as ago? A return to the car and a coast to Richard van Valkenburgh, writing al-
late as I 968 and others in good condition the bottom of the hill brings some in- most 25 years ago, tells of his investiga-
are definite proof the living are still formation. There a sign reveals you are tion of the turquoise deposits and pre-
much interested in memories of the past. in the center of Gleeson, Arizona. historic Indian sites in this area {Desert,
34
m
safe *
Vmivr M
February, 1947). The evidence which he work the area without interference. There- and a post office was established in
found indicates both Hohokam and Mo- is even the supposition that the moun- October, 1890, but within three years
gollon utilization of the area on a large tains might have contained the famed and eleven months activities ceased; the
scale as early as the 13th Century. He also "lost mines" of the Zuni reported by post office was closed, and the town re-
found indisputable evidence of continued the early Spanish chroniclers. Although turned to the deep sleep for which it is
use by the Apaches of the immediate early Indian utilization of the mines may again noted.
mining area as well as larger sites in the still be shrouded in mystery or uncer-
The sleep on this occasion was not
nearby Dragoon Mountains. There is no tainty, their exploitation by the white
for long, for the town awakened six
doubt the Chiricahuas under Cochise man is a matter of record.
years later (October, 1900), and began
used the area until his death in 1872, By 1890 "Turquoise Mountain" was an active mining career, lasting until the
and that the tribe continued to control sufficiently enchanting to lure Tiffany copper boom of the World War I era
the area until its final surrender in 1886. and Company, of New York City, to
collapsed. Its real claim to fame began
Three hundred miles to the north, purchase the available claims in the in 1909 when copper was found in
Navajo tales, handed down from the area and to engage in the first commer- quantity. Two railroads were built into
period of the 1880s, indicate the cial exploitation of the old Indian gem the town to compete in transporting the
Apaches permitted selected Navajos to fields. The town of Turquoise was born
15
ore 35 miles to the smelter in Douglas
Make Your and a local newspaper, The Arizonian,
bragged that "more ore has been mined
Outings at Gleeson, to the amount of develop-
ment in the mines, than in any camp in
More Fun the world."
Unfortunately for Gleeson and its
<utd 'P kindred towns throughout the West, ore
has the unfortunate habit of exhausting
METAL DETECTORS
itself, becoming less and less plentiful
• Detectron
until the cost of operation exceeds the
• Excelsior Find income. So it was with Gleeson and its
Get the Best . . . f
Top Guarantee . . . f neighboring camps. Gleeson continued
Easy to Operate / . , .
A n
to eke out a meager existence as a near-
From i Old Coins
$ 1 1 9 . 9 5 to _ by supply point for the local cattle
$16500 ^ H ^ f t Treasures ranches in the area and periodically
would experience a boom when a movie
Stop By And See Our . . .
company would select it as a location.
Western Artifacts, I n d i a n Collection, Jewelry Gradually returning to the soil, Gleeson
Display, Lapidary Equipment, Tumblers, Gold
still retained the loyalty of a few of its
Pans, Dry 'Washers, Books on Treasures a n d
older and more beloved citizens, none To TOMBSTONE S HWY. 80
Lost Mines . a n d other items of f u n tor (FROM GLEESON, (6 MILES)
the entire f a m i l y . Fnr i n f o r m a t i o n just wrte perhaps more loyal than Yee Wee.
to or call:
No one knows where or when Yee
Wee was born nor when he arrived in
COMPTON the United States. Sometime before the
ROCK SHOP end of the 19th Century he came to San
1405 South Long Beach Blvd.
Francisco and from there to Tombstone.
Ph. 632-9096 Compton, Calif. 90221 There he worked for a relative, Quong
Kee, who operated the famous Can-Can the occasional traveler, the prospector
restaurant. About 1900 he came to Glee- and the nearby cattlemen.
Amazing
Educational
son where he opened a restaurant that During the depression he found it
No Care Required became famous throughout the territory more profitable to close his business and
PREHISTORIC
vnuGEsnE ApACHE } W M
CAMPSITE
TURQUOISE
RIDGE
GLEESON-\
To DOUGLAS a HWY. 80
(44MI.)
SUGARLOAF HILL
SIGNAL HILL
>y
Station in '<yZ//l\^ 'HARMON RANCH
•' the '80s) JZ?41i r -
Western Trails
come from Willard and Shirley Mayfield
whose mineral and historical museum Western Trails
represents the result of more than 30
Quest Ranch
years ol collecting. Modern prospectors
can not only feast their eyes on the truly
beautiful products of nature but can also
During October, November
and December
Guest Ranch
(JUST 10 MINUTES NORTH OF PALM SPRINGS)
receive information and encouragement
which might help them in their own Enjoy something new and different in the pure clean Desert, where the
search for turquoise. beautiful snow-capped, 11,000-foot San Gorgonio and San Jacinto
mountains tower above you as you relax, swim, Bar-B-Q, hike or explore
The Mayfields ask but two things. on horseback the exciting open Desert.
For your own sake be careful! The hills Swim or relax in the sun or shade around the LARGE MINERAL POOL
are full of abandoned mine shafts and and cabana. Play shuffleboard, horseshoes, games and cards, or watch
volcanic caves. And second, don't be a T.V. in the Pool Cabana Recreation area.
vandal. Leave Gleeson as you found it— Enjoy your own private Bar-B-Q with Bar-B-Q supplies available at the
a peaceful and slumbering town which Ranch
may someday once again reawaken. •
Location of Ranch: 10 mil tes
north of Palm Springs on Indian
NOTE PflPER Avenue to Pierson Avenue. Four
FOR RESERVATIONS WRITE
DESERT 5KETCHEB WESTERN TRAILS GUEST RANCH minutes west of Desert Hot Springs
on Pierson Avenue.
by NORTON BLLEN 6 3 9 0 0 PIERSON AVENUE From Los Angeles: Take the North
DESERT HOT SPINGS, CALIFORNIA 9 2 2 4 0 Palm Springs turnoff from Route
10 and go north to Pierson Ave-
8 Sheets S. Envelopes Postpaid B— OR PHONE (714) 3 2 9 - 6 0 2 6
nue, turn left 300 yards.
_ P.O. BOX 1444 •• EL CA JON, CA. - 92020 _
_ Ca/if. ^esidenfs Add 5% Tax _
37
TRAIL TO
MAZOURKA
OLLING OVER in the sleeping bag I canyon full of history. Just south of In-
R looked up and saw Mt. Whitney
holding her blue-grey craggy peaks out to
dependence on U.S. 395, we turned onto
Mazourka Canyon Road and faced the
warm in the rays of California's morning Inyo Mountains. Inyo is an Indian name
sun. A small lonesome cloud drifted meaning "dwelling place of a great
around and then finally hid itself from spirit." In April, I860, the New World
view in the portals. Mining and Exploration Company led
Close by, Lone Pine Creek rushed past, by Colonel H. P. Russ came over the
the water leaping and laughing as it Walker Pass from San Francisco and lo-
bounced off boulders and ran helter-skel- cated near the Owens River just south of
ter over branches of overhanging trees, Independence. Like the Paiutes, they, too,
creating riffles in a miniature white water had their eyes directed toward the "great
run, and then resting in a deep quiet pool. spirit" in the mountains but they saw the
The smell of bacon and eggs frying "dwelling place" full of gold.
lifted me out of my reverie and my sleep- Finding such a gifted mountain enticed
ing bag. It was going to be a big day and the company to move closer to its treas-
when you regress from 1970 to 1862 you ures and they organzied the Russ District.
had better get an early start. They staked out several mines, the most
Within an hour Harry, our dog, Bran- productive being the Eclipse, Ida and the
dy, and I were exiting through the Ala- Union. Then a prospecting soldier from
bama Hills and headed toward a whole Camp Independence found gold on a
TRIPLES
14200 NORTH INDIAN AVENUE
P. 0. BOX 348 N. PALM SPRINGS, CALIF.
NORTH PALM SPRINGS
PHONE (714) 329-7418
' 1b "ftE-HlGH DESERT
facility is a development of
A.B.C. r i g u r Co., San Francisco.
41
The history of this series of forests is tion of the final forest was probably the
very interesting. Near the southern end last gasp of Mt. Mazama. The forces of
'Desert "Bloom
year . .
With
Cjift Subscriptions!
Use enclosed postpaid envelope
used for cloth. Mix one package of dye black, clear white or pastels, spray paint-
with one quart of water. An empty milk ing is preferred.
Viewpoint
Swish up and down until the dye seeps has a heavy look. Follow the directions
into every part. on the can for perfect results.
Shake off excess dye and hang plant Is there a corner in your house that
upside down to dry. Finding a spot where could use a splash of color? Imagine a
the concentrated dye can drip is a prob- massive bouquet of purple yarrows in
lem. Outdoors is probably the best area an old bross spittoon; or a few lemon
for this project. yellow teasel burrs in a black umbrella
Because the dye can only reach a few holder; or an arrangement of natural
inches below the flower head, also dip cattails and lime-colored sea oats in a
the bottom part of the stem in the dye. tall wood cube. Let your imagination
If this leaves an uncolored space in the run wild on this project.
center of the stem, paint some dye on it
with a water color brush.
The yarrow in my moonshine jug has CACTUS PEAR SALAD
been colored a deep red with dye. From 1 pint creamed cottage cheese
this bouquet I have noticed the sunlight 1 small can crushed pineapple
H AVE YOU seen the brightly colored
dry plants on the market this fall?
Furniture and import stores have tubs
rapidly fades the colors. 8 ripe cactus pears
l/2 cup salad dressing
of dry weeds and garden plants in vivid 1/2 cup pineapple juice
colors—the perfect accent for any decor. maraschino cherries
If you have a corner that needs a dash of lettuce
color, maybe you'll want a bouquet of Peel and rinse the pears. Remove
orange teasel burrs or kelly green mullein seeds from the halves of fruit. Soak
spears. the fruit in pineapple juice for 15 min-
By experimenting I found dry plants utes. Mix cottage cheese and well-
can be colored at home. Pick long- drained pineapple. Remove pear halves
stemmed weeds or cultivated flowers from juice and arrange petal fashion
with firmly attached heads. If the plant on lettuce leaf. Pile cheese mixture in
is still green hang it upside down in a center of fruit. Spoon salad dressing over
well-ventilated area until dry. If you de- cheese and top with a maraschino cherry.
sire the stems curved, prop the plant up- To pick the pears use a pair of kitchen
right in an empty vase, bend the stem, tongs with a sharp knife. Brush the
and tie until dry. Yarrow, sea oats, dock small thorns off with a pastry brush or
cattails, teasel, burdock, Pearly Everlast- Dry floiver arrangement a small bundle of twigs from a nearby
ing, rabbit brush, yucca and many culti- Many plants and colors look best with bush. Remaining thorns can be singed
vated plants can be used. spray paint rather than dye. Dry plants off at home. To peel the fruit, stick a
One method of coloring dry plants is that are naturally dark colored cannot be fork in the bud end and peel the skin
to dye them with the same powder dye covered with dye. And to obtain deep down towards the fork. Slice the fruit
off close to the fork.
Editor
a dune buggy?
we must receive the information
MRS. J. K. ASHCRAFT. at Icait two months prior to the
Wichita, Kansas. event. Be certain to furnish com-
Letters requesting answers must include Editor's Note: Dune buggies are allotted in plete details.
stomped ssli**Qadrvts0o envelope* /he wind dunes in Imperial County just off
Si.i/e Route 7S between Brawley and Glamis.
OCTOBER 2i, ANTIQUE BARBED WIRE
Look lor /he turnoff designated as the Hugh
SHOW. 2200 Santa Rosa Ave. So.. Santa
Osborn Park Lookout.
Mother Lode Book . . . Rosa. Calif. Sponsored by the California
Barbed Wire Association. Free admission.
Your September, 1970 issue presents a
Photo Credits . . . Buy, sell and trade.
strong Mother I.ocle orientation. I think I've
seen the trend developing in prior issues. Editor's Sou: hi two recent issue* credits \ur OCTOBER 2i & 25, SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Well and good. photographs were inadvertently missed. 'The ROCKHOUND GEMBOREE sponsored by
In the way of a guidebook, Sunset Book's photograph oj Tiburcio Vasquez In the article. the San Diego County Gem & Mineral So
Gold Rush Country is a fine document. How- Vasquez Rocks by Helen Walker in the Sep- defies, Scottish Rite Masonic Memorial Center.
ever, I'd like to mention another gem of a tember '70 issue teas through the courtesy of 1895 Camino Del Rio South. Write F. B.
handbook for Gold Rush buffs. It is George the California Stale Library. In the article. Twiss, 8591 Mellmanor Drive. La Mesa, Calif.
Koenig's pocket-size Ghosts oj the Gold Doing Nutting by Elizabeth Beebe in the Aug- 920 11.
Rush, published by I.a Siesta Press of Glen- ust "10 issue, the photographs were through
dale. California. the courtesy oj the Nevada Press. OCTOBER 2i & 2-.. ANTIQUE BOTTLE
Koenig reports first-hand what he saw and SHOW & SALE, Glendale Civic Auditorium,
how he got there. The book covers die entire ! 10 1 North Verdugo, Glendale. Calif. Spon-
Mother Lode area. Il will appeal lo those sored by the Los Angeles Historical Bottle
who are interested in trekking off of Highway Club. Admission so cenls. children under 12
i9 through little-known sites whose ruins free.
are gone, or will soon be gone.
The major points of interest are also well OCTOBER il \ NOVEMBER I, ['REE GEM
covered, and the little book is unique in its & MINERAL SHOW sponsored by the Monte-
thorough geographical coverage. The marvel bello Mineral ami Lapidary Society, Masonit
is that all the dozens of places—-don't look for Temple Bldg.. 6 i l o Lasi Olympic Blvd., East
them on a gas station map—are accessible with Los Angeles. Calif.
FREE! a standing tree can be seen; some arc- ly colored petrified wood from Arizona
nearly completely overgrown by living and other popular locations, the wood
trees. The usual standing petrified tree is from Specimen Ridge might be a dis-
Lapidary — rockhounding about two to three feet in diameter, and appointment. It is probably just as well,
— jewelry making . . . add up Co
GET a fascinating creative art! up to 20 feet tall. These trees were un- because collecting is not allowed. Also,
CRAFTS SEND FOR FREE CATALOG doubtedly much taller when living, but one needs to only look down the moun-
BIGGEST World's largest selection - -over 10.000 i
offered. ..imports from all parts of the world.| now the upper part is gone, part probably tain to the beautiful panorama below him;
STONfS — JfWflHY MATEItlMS- MOUNTINGS I
BOOKS- CKAFT TOOLS - MACHINHY— SUPPUIS-
broken off at the time of the eruption, the long arduous trip down is much easier
GRIEGER'S. INC. and part after being uncovered by erosion. without a load of stone. •
D«pl S3 -1633 E. Wolnmi — Palod.no, Calif.
Those that will make the effort to reach
the extreme northern top of the ridge
will see the group of three trees illustrat-
EQUIPMENT' ed. The largest is more than five feet in
diameter, and probably was about 500
years of age at the time of burial.
The types of trees that grew here, at
least in the upper levels, evidently were
not greatly different from what might be
FOR DUNE BUGGY OWNERS |
4 WHEB DRIVE ENTHUSIASTS • expected in the region today. It is very
CAMPERS HUNTERS FISHERMEN I
difficult to completely identify a fossil
52 Pages of goodies • Priced Right! When most other desert lizards are
tree from its wood structure without lab-
ARMSTRONG seeking the cool confines of rocks and
NORSEMAN **" oratory equipment, but these are obvious-
bushes, the mighty iguana, whose sci-
4 Fly 10 1" W i * 29 6' OD ly the type that appeared late in the
2 Tirn & 9 " Wida Wrwili 198.95 entific name is Dipsosaurus dorsalis
'EO E»CI1E T . i mCLUDEO WE JHIP M U H I
earth's history. By looking at rock chips
(meaning dry-lizard with back crest)
DICK CEPEK
P.O. BOX 1181 9201 CALIFORNIA AVE
1213)
569 1675
found in the area we were able to find
leaf prints that resembled sycamore or
can hot-foot around the desert and be
king of all he surveys. Naturalist-pho-
SOUTH GATE, CALIFORNIA 90280 maple. We also found what we were
tographer Hans Baerwald used his
quite certain were prints of pine needles.
35mm Exacta with 600mm lens to cap-
I.. The agatized wood is not colorful, ture this portrait of "the king."
46
HOW TO PLACE YOUR AD
The Trading Post Classified Ads ^ Mail your copy and first-insertion remit-
tance to: Trading Post, Desert Magazine,
Palm Desert, California 92260. Classified
rates are 25c per word, $5 minimum
per insertion.
DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS IS 10TH OF
SECOND MONTH PRECEDING COVER DATE.
• BOOKS - MAGAZINES • BOOKS - MAGAZINES
OUT-OF-PRINT books at lowest prices! You WHERE TO RETIRE or Vacation. Where costs are
name it—we find it! Western Americana, LOW! Norman Ford's 100,000 word book, GEMS & MINERALS
desert and Indian books a specialty. Send "Off-the-beaten-Path" covers hundreds of METALS & MINERALS BUYERS GUIDE: Who buys
us your wants. No obligation. International World Paradises. Only $2.50. W. C. Camp- what and where! $3.00. Comprehensive,
Bookfinders, Box 3003-D, Beverly Hills, Calif. bell, Dept. Dl , 632 Grove Street, N.E., Albu- Dept. D, Box 1043, Hanford, Calif. 93230,
"OLD MINES of Southern California" (1893], querque, N.M. 87108. USA.
96pp, $2.50. "Southern California Treasures," "DEAD MEN DO TelPl"ales" By Lake Erie Schae-
Rascoe,, 174pp, $4.00. "Old Mines-Ghost fer. Facts about Frank Fish's mysterious death, • INDIAN GOODS
Camps of California, E<man, (1899), 144pp, still unexplained. Sequel to "Buried Treasure
photos, $3.50. "Old Mines of California and & Lost Mines" the Treasure Hunters manual. FINE RESERVATION-MADE Navajo, Zuni, Hopi
Nevada," Raymond (1369], I34pp, $3.00. $3 postpaid. L. Erie Schaefer, 14728 Peyton jewelry. Old pawn and Kachina dolls. Navajo
Postpaid immediately. Frontier Book Head- Drive, Chino, Calif. 91710. rugs, Yei blankets, Chimayo blankets and
quarters, Fort Davis, Texas 79734. GOLD HOBBY—the book for prospectors,- plans vests, pottery. Kaibab moccasins. A collector's
for famous folding drywasher, test for un- paradise! Open daily 10 to 5:30, closed Mon-
WILD & WOOLLY WEST BOOKS: Indians, Ghost
seen gold, some desert dangers to be aware days. Buffalo Trading Post, Highway 18,
Towns, Old Trains, Prospecting, Mark Twain,
of. Hard back, $3.95 and 30c handling fee. P.O. Box 697, Apple Valley, Calif. 92307.
Yukon Poems, etc. Send stamp for illustrated
catalog, or $1.00 for sample illustrated book P. O. Box 4195, Torrance, Calif. 90510. AUTHENTIC INDIAN jewelry, Navajo rugs, Chi-
on the Wild West. Filter Press, Box 5D, Palmer mayo blankets, squaw boots. Collector's
FREE 128 page catalog on detectors, books and
Lake, Colorado 801 33. items. Closed Tuesdays. Pow-Wow Indian
maps. General Electronic Detection Co., 16238
Trading Post, 19967 Ventura Blvd., East
SOME NEED TANGIBLE reason to visit boonies. Lakewood Blvd., Bellflower, Calif. 90706.
Woodland Hills, Calif. Open Sundays.
Old bottle hobby furnishes profitable motive. GUIDE TO MEXICO'S gems and minerals: locali-
"Old Bottle Magazine provides necessary ties, mines, maps, directions, contacts. Eng-
knowledge. $5.00 delivers twelve invaluable lish-Spanish glossary, too. $2.00 postpaid.
• JEWELERY
issues. OBX, Box 243-D, Bend, Oregon Gemac, Mentone, Calif. 92359. CHRISTMAS JEWELRY SALE. Price lists a v a i l a b l e .
97701. DESERT MAGAZINES: 1937 Volume 1 through Free Christmas earrings w i t h each order of
1 $2 or more. Jean's J e w e l r y , Box 1 1 0 1 ,
"6vERLOOKED~~FORTUNES' in minerals and gem Volume 30. First four volumes bound. Ex-
stones; here are a few of the 300 or more cellent condition. Make offer. Paul Dunlap, Glendale, Arizona 8 5 3 0 1 .
you may be overlooking: uranium, vanadium, 1 162 Madison Avenue, Grand Rapids, Mich.
tin, tungsten, columbium, tantalum, nicke!, 49507. • MAKE JEWELRY
cobalt, gold, silver, platinum, iridium, beryl-
lium, emeralds, etc. Sone worth SI to $2 a "MAKE PROFESSIONAL JEWELRY" for Gifts, Fun
pound, others $25 to $200 per ounce; an • BUSINESS or Profit. Send 25c for instructive picture-
emerald the size of your thumb may be catalog of jewelry parts, semi-precious stones,
OPPORTUNITY! WRITING FILLERS. Tells how, rhinestones, beads, plus "How To" section.
worth $1000 or more; learn how to find, what to write. Includes Directory telling
identify and cash in on them. New simple Everything you need from start to finish.
where to sell your articles. Send $1.00. Sy Schweitzer & Co., Inc., P. O. Box 106,
system. Send for free copy "Overlooked For-
Dubois, 305 Swan Avenue, Houma, Louisi- Dept. D, Harrison, N.Y. 10528.
tunes in Minerals/' it may lead to knowledge
ana 70360.
which may make you rich! Duke's Research
Laboratory, Box 666-B, Truth or Consequences JADE EAR-RINGS! FREE pair. Assemble jewelry • MAPS
New Mexico 87901. at home. Everything furnished. Enjoyable IN-
COME. Jade World, 347 North Main, Ukiah, OVERVIEW OF MOJAVE Desert Map, new two
LOST DESERT GOLD, legendary and geological Calif. 95482. color, 22x35 inch map on topo base. Fea-
history of the southern California desert, with tures Ghost Towns, Mining Camps, Historic
photos and maps to pinpoint locations. $2.50 Trails and Routes, Abandoned Railroads, In-
postpaid. Gedco Publishing Co., Box 67, Bel I - • EQUIPMENT dian Sites, Geology and Special Back Country
flower, Calif. 90706. GOLD DRY Washer plans, portable hand opera- to Explore. Price: $3.00 folded, $3.25 rolled.
DESERT MAGAZINES: Vol. 1 to Vol. 30, No. 12. ted, recover gold from gold diggings, from Desert Enterprises, Box 286-D, Ontario, Calif.
Excellent condition. $200.00. Ray Schee, 1043 dry river beds, etc., by air principle. $2.00. 91764.
N. Laurel, Ontario, Calif. 91762. (714] 984- R. Bown, P.O. Box 7 9 1 , Arcadia, Calif. 91006 "THE ROAD MAP TO California Pioneer Towns,
6446. FOR SALE: Gula's gold dry washers. All one Ghost Towns, and Mining Camps '—over
unit, 52 lbs., with motor, $225.00. F.O.B. 400 places with index classifying and de-
"UPPER MOJAVE DESERT," first book to reveal
9884 Coalinga, Montclair, Calif. 91763. scribing town or site. Folded or rolled, $2.95.
route of extinct Tonopah-Tidewater Railroad,
Phone (714) 626-6948. "The Road Map to Lost Mines and Buried
original names of present towns and cities, Treasures of California"—127 locations with
the Borax story, biographies of pioneers. DRYWASHERS, GOLD* PANS, metal" detectors, text providing best available clues. Folded
Hardbound. Many priceless photos. Only books, custom Jeep seats, etc. Send for liter- only. $4.00. California residents add 5 %
$4.95 postpaid from author: Mary O'Conley, ature1. Hoffman's Desert Products, Box 402, sales tax. Both maps for $6.50. Varna En-
Baker, Calif. 92309. La Mirada, California, or see display at terprises, P. O. Box 2216, Dept. A, Van
13244 Whittier Blvd., Whittier, Calif. Nuys, Calif. 91404.
RIVER OF GOLD, the richect treasure of them
all. A new book "Treasure Travels" contains SECTIONIZED COUNTY maps — San Bernardino
all new photos, maps and other valuable GEMS $3; Riverside $ 1 ; Imperial, small $ 1 , large
information on California's most fabulous
SHAMROCK ROCK SHOP, 593 West La Cadena $2; San Diego $1.25; Inyo $2.50; Kern $1.25,
treasure. $3 postpaid. Gedco Publishing Co.,
Drive. Riverside, California 92501. Parallel other California counties $1.25 each. Nevada
Box 67, Bellflower, Calf. 90706.
to Riverside Freeway. Phone 686-3956. counties $1 each. Include 5 percent sales tax.
ANTIQUE BARBED WIRE Identification Hand- Come in and browse; jewelry mountings, Topographic maps of all mapped western
book; 200 wires illustrated, $1.00. My chains, supplies, minerals, slabs, rough ma- areas. Westwide Maps Co., 114 West Third
sketch list catalogue 25c. Wire Sales, Box terial, equipment, black lights, metal de- Street, Los Angeles 13, California.
6392-P, Bakersfield, Calif. 93306. tectors, maps, rock and bottle books.
GHOST TOWNS: Southern California and south-
"GEMS & MINERALS," the monthly guide to ROCKHOUND SPECIALS! 30 different beauti- east Nevada regions. Old T&T railroad map
gems, minerals, and rock hobby fun. $4.50 fully polished agates, etc., $3.00; 15 differ- of the early 1900s. $1.95 ppd. PhoCar, Box
year. Sample 25c. Gems & Minerals, Mentone ent named mineral stones, $2.00. Both 5743, Pasadena, Calif. 91107.
Calif. 92359. units, $4.50. Ernie Phillips, Box 131 Ban-
SURVIVAL BOOKS! Guerrilla Warfare, Wilder- ning, Calif. 92220. • MINING
ness Living, Medical, Guns, Self Defense, POCKET GOLD, $2. Placer gold, $2. Gold dust, ASSAYS. COMPLETE, accurate, guaranteed. High-
Nature. Books—Vital, Fascinating, Extraor- SI. Attractively displayed. Postpaid. Money- est quality spectrographic. Only $5.00 per
dinary; Catalog free. Adobe Hacienda, back guarantee. Lester Lea, Box 237D, Mt. sample. Reed Engineering, Box 121, Wright-
Route 3, Box 517A, Glendale, Arizona 85301. Shasta, California 96067. wood, California 92397.
48
• MAPS TREASURE FINDERS • MISCELLANEOUS
ASSAYS: GOLD and silver, $3.00. Gold, silver, FIND BURIED TREASURE with revolutionary "BIT OF THE OLDE SOD" One Square Inch of
lead and copper—combined assay—$4.00. patented, analytical metal detector. Features Tipperary Downs, County of Tipperary, Re-
Spectograph, $5.00. Utah Assaying Co., Box push button and automatic tuning, negligible public of Ireland. The magic of the Emerald
Box 674, Grantsville, Utah 84029. ground pickup, greatest range. Free catalogue. Isle is recaptured in a 9 " x l 2 " 4-color docu-
Gardiner Electronics Co., Dept. 5 1 , 4729 N. ment conveying sentimental rights to an
7th Ave., Phoenix, Arizona 85013. ACTUAL SITE in County Tipperary, Ireland.
OLD COINS, STAMPS Hand inscribed with any name(s). Includes
FREE TREASURE GUIDE! Fact-filled collectors
RARE 1878 CC Dollar $5.00. P, O or S mint edition; send 50< for postage. Also request map and fascinating story of Tipperary
$3.00 each. Illustrated 65 page Catalogue free literature on ultrasensitive, professional Downs, and a cleverly worded Irish Blessing!
of coins, 50c. N. Shultz, Box 746, Salt Lake Fisher Detectors, Fisher Research, Dept. D - l l , Makes an enchanting and everlasting gift
City, Utah 84110. Palo Alto, California 94303. for friend or loved one. Suitable for framing.
Only $3.50 postpaid from Ember Enterprises,
POWERFUL METROTECH locators detect gold, sil-
10530 Encino Ave., Granada Hills, California.
• PHOTOS ver, coins, relics. Moneyback guarantee. Terms
California residents include sales tax.
free information. Underground Explorations,
SELL YOUR PHOTOS. Report tells h o w , w h e r e . "LUCK O' THE IRISH TO YE"
Dept. 3A, Box 793, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025.
Color slide markets. O n l y $ 1 . 0 0 . G o o d f e l l o w METAL DETECTORS: Detectron, Fisher, Goldak, GUMMED NAME AND address labels: 1000—
Sales, Dept. 6, 1 6 0 9 A v e n i d a Sirio, Tucson, Metrotech, Precision, Rayscope. Send for free $ 1 , 3000—$2.25. Two week delivery. C.
Arizona 8 5 7 1 0 . information. Aurora Prospector Supply, 6286 Friday, 4705 Adam Road, Santa Susana,
Beach Blvd., Buena Park, Calif. 90620. (714) Calif. 93063.
• REAL ESTATE 521-6321. SHOPPING BY MAIL is fun. Write for our free
GOLDAK Treasure Locators—Pleasure and profit catalog "Gifts for Gracious Giving." Ember
LANDI EASY TERMS less than bank rates. North-
in a hobby you'll enjoy. Find-coins, relics, Enterprises, 10530 Encino Ave., Granada
west Timbered Acreages as low as $950 total
gold, silver. Charge on Bankamericard. Gol- Hills, Calif. 91344.
price. 5-10-20-40 acres. For people who
dak, Dept. DM, 1101-A Airway, Glendale,
love the land—a tract of Recreation Land to MAGNETIC CHESS SET made of sturdy plastic is
California 91201.
have for your very own! In Northern Idaho, finely detailed with built-in magnets. The
Northeastern Washington and Western Mon- ROTH METAL LOCATORS—for pleasure and King is 1-5/8 inches high. Vinyl board and
tana. In the heart of lakes and big game treasure. Authorized Roth dealer. Free infor- cushioned cover folds to a compact 7 % by
country. All covered with growing timber. Ac- mation. Sonac Industries, Box DM-1202, Po- 3 3/j inches thick, with chessmen enclosed.
cess and Title insurance with each tract. This mona, Calif. 91766. Ideal for servicemen or for traveling. Only
is select land with natural beauty, recrea- FREE CATALOG EXANIMO—a name you can $4.95. Order today. Free gift catalog. Elm
tional and investment values. Plan for the trust. Detectors, prospecting, treasure-hunting Sales, Dept. D, 2605 W. Beech, Visalia, Calif.
future and retirement recreation. We have equipment, sporting goods. Exanimo, Sequndo 93277.
tracts of many types and sizes from which 2, Colorado 81070. FOUR "WILL" FORMS and Lawyer's 64-page
to choose, including beautiful Northwest GHOST TOWN EXPLORERS: Over 400 Mother booklet. Plus important "Guide to W i l l s " —
Waterfront property. Your inspection is we! Lode locations in "California Pioneer Towns," complete, $2.00. (Guaranteed.) National
corned. Write us for free list, maps and com- $2.50 postpaid. Goldbug, Box 588-D, Alamo, Forms, Box 48313-DS, Los Angeles, Calif.
plete information. Write to: Dept 3C, Re- Calif. 94507. 90048.
forestation, Inc., P. O. Box 106, Opportunity
FREE 128 page catalog on detectors, books and GOLD NUGGET REPLICAS! Ounce, $2.00! Astro-
Station, Spokane, Wash. 92214.
maps. General Electronic Detection Co., 16238 naut pen, nugget, $3.00! Five acres ($1500)
FIVE ACRES VIEW property overlooking Salton Lakewood Blvd., Bellfiower, Calif 90706. Christmas Valley, trade for camper van! Don
Sea. Fabulous recreation area, water on orop- WHITES GOLDMASTE? Metal-Mineral detectors. Bush, 639 Rosemont, Pasadena, Calif. 91103.
erty, electricity available, approximately '/? Sales and rentals. (Rental applies on pur-
mile from Sea above Highway 111. May be 1000 NAME AND address labels, $1.00. Printed
chase). Discount for cash. Bookman, 622
divided into 4 parcels. $2000.00 per acre. on quality gummed paper. Golden Merit
Orange, Redlands, California 92373. Phone
Low down. Write: Merl Kesel, 1906 C Ave- Sales, 1240 Hood, Dept. 101, Albany, Ore-
nue, National City, Calif. 92050. 793-6112, 10 a.m.—5 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.
gon 97321.
G O L D T S I L V E R , RELICS! Located with p ^ e T f u l
FOR SALE: New 2 bedroom and den cabin. Detectron Metal Detectors. Free information. MAKE WINE AT HOME! Quart jars only re-
Garage, patio, viewport, 2 V2 acres. FA.P., Terms. Detectron, Dept. D - l l , Box 243 San quirement. Fun holiday gifts. $1.00 plus ad.
P. O. Box 35, Pinon Hills, Calif. 92372. Gabriel, Calif. 91778. June, Box 324, Yucca Valley, Calif. 92284.
HISTORICAL GOLD MINING CLAIM, Julian, Call
fornia. Eleven acres pines and oaks. Several
beautiful campsites. Two horizontal tunnels,
150 and 250 feet deep. Dig for gold while Clyde Forsythe's Famous . . .
STATEMENT OH OWNERSHIP
you vacation. $5000. C. J. Wall, 4654 Avo
Hold Strike
cado Blvd., La Mesa, Calif. 92041. Statement of ownership, management and cir-
culation (Act of October 23, 1962 Section 4369,
BOATING, FISHING, EXPLORING. Bargain view
Title 39, United States Code).
lot Salton Riviera, $3,995.99. Low down,
terms. Owner: V. L. Clithero, 6636 W. Ave., 1. Date of filing: September 15, 1970.
L-15, Apt. C, Lancaster, Calif. 93534. 2. Title of publication: DESERT Magazine
GOVERNMENT LANDS: Low as $1 acre. Millions
acres! For exclusive "Copyrighted Report'
plus "Land Opportunity Digest" listing lands
throughout U.S.; and valuable 17x22 Trea-
sure Map of U. S., send $1.00. Land Dis-
3. Frequency of issue: Monthly.
4. Location of known office of publication:
Palm Desert, Calif. 92260.
5. Location of the headquarters or general
business offices of the publishers: Palm Desert,
Series
Four Mining Camp Scenes
posal, Box 9091-DE, Washington, D.C. 20003.
Satisfaction Guaranteed. California 92260.
6. Names and addresses of publisher and
GOVERNMENT LANDS . . . l o w a s $ 1 . 0 0 acre!
editor: Publisher: William Knyvett, 79-890 Horse All In 4-Color
Million acres! For exclusive "Government
shoe Rd., Indio, California 92201.
Land Buyer's Guide P'lus "Land Opportunity Each 1 4 " x l 7 " with white margins
Review" listing lands available throughout Editor: Jack Pepper, 73-170 Tumbleweed Lane,
U.S., send $1.00. Satisfaction guaranteed. Palm Desert, California 92260. on high quality paper suitable for
United Lands, 306-RK Carry Building, Wash- 7. Owners: Jack Pepper and William and
ington, D.C. 20005. Joyce Knyvett. framing.
GOVERNMENT PUBLIC LAND (400,000,000 8. Bondholders, mortgagers, security holders:
acres) in 25 states. Low as $1.00 acre. 1970 None. No lettering or folds.
report. Details $1.00. Land Information, 9. Re No. 8: None.
A SET
ONLY
$2.50
422DM Washington Building, Washington
10. Average over 12 month period of issues
D.C. 20005. Postage &
from November 1969 to October 1970: 46,296
copies printed; paid circulation: 22,000 news- Tax included
• TREASURE FINDERS stands, 23,500 mail subscriptions, 45,500 total
Send Check or Money Order ro
paid. 300 free distribution, 45,800 totni distri-
TREASURE-METAL and mineral locators. Free 24 bution, 496 office use, spoiled, etc. Desert Magazine Book Shop,
page booklet. GeoFinder Co., Box 37, Lake-
Palm Desert, Calif 92760
wood, Calif. 90714.
49
FIND BURIED TREASURE
1971 MODELS
GUARANTEED
FOR 60 DAYS EQUAL
$200 DETECTORS OR YOUR"
MONEY BACK
DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED
Jr/
..a low cost, lightweight version Model 820 Metal Locator
OT t h e famOUS '720' Same Speaker f o r Model 8 2 0 . . , ,ifo. 2 4 7 - H . . . $ 1 ^ . 7 5
features, same performance characteristics but without speaker and meter
...equipped w i t h headphones, one piece handle ready to operate
Warranty MODEL 8 2 0 . . . . N O . 2 4 7 - 7 $ 94.50*
Goldak instruments are guaranteed to [§
outperform similar competing devices >| The 'BONANZA', a powerful t r a n s m i t t e r - r e c e i v e r type
and all carry a two year warranty l o c a t o r , is c a p a b l e o f p i n p o i n t i n g l a r g e m e t a l
against defects in workmanship and g objects, buried treasures, placer pockets, ore veins,
materials. B etc., buried to depths as g r e a t as 20 feet. 'True-
Power' b a t t e r y checking system, depth indicator, rugged
injection-molded Cycolac' wses, detailed instructions. Uses
flashlight batteries, ready to operate. Rugged carrying
case available o$ optional accessory. NO. 247-10 $16.00*