Climbing Out Of Goler Gulch, Part II...

As the drone continues its climb out of Goler Gulch, you can see the trail that heads north west, into Last Chance Canyon. 

I launched the drone from a spot right at the southern edge of The Narrows, which, as stated previously, I was not going to negotiate alone. 

Perhaps some of my readers, who have 4WD vehicles, would be interested in a group expedition to the spot, one day. 

Goler Gulch: The Narrows...

At the north end of Goler Gulch is an area that is known as "The Narrows."

I was alone this day, so I didn't want to attempt the drive through The Narrows.  So, I used my DJI Phantom 4 drone to probe the area.

As the drone climbs out, the vastness of the El Paso Range becomes apparent.

Old Airstrip near Garlock Road...

Here's a still photo of the old airstrip; notice the vehicle, which gives one an idea of strip's width. 

This airstrip is probably an old training runway that dates back to World War Two.  Local lore has it that Chuck Yeager would land here in order to hunt in the El Paso Mountains. 

Today, the airstrip is the domain of off-road drivers.

Mojave Ruins- Goler Gulch...

All rights reserved.  DJI Phantom 4 (https://www.dji.com/phantom-4) image by Scott Schwartz.

Here is an aerial view of Goler Gulch.  The trail which heads diagaonally to the left, takes one into Last Chance Canyon.  Note the abandoned cabin, which is to the right of the trail.

Climbing Out Of Goler Gulch...

See my previous post regarding the area's history.



Notice the crumbling building foundation on the right.

Benson Camp Mining Ruins, Filmed By A Drone...

Mojave Desert mining...

Below is an aerial view of Goler Gulch, which is located in the El Paso Mountains. 

Golder Gulch is so named for John Goler, who stopped in the El Paso Mountains to water his horses.  According to legend, he saw some gold nuggets lying on the ground near the spring that he'd stopped at, but he didn't want to stick around.  He was afraid of hostile Indians.  So, he gathered what gold he could, left his rifle planted in the ground to mark the spot, and he continued on to Los Angeles, with plans to return. 

However, he was never able to find the spot again.

A section of Goler Gulch.
Photo by Scott Schwartz. 
All rights reserved.

Desert Ruins...

This is a building at the old Holland Camp mining claim in the El Paso Mountains.  

The history of this camp is murky, but, according to "Death Valley Jim (http://deathvalleyjim.com/holland-camp/) Holland Camp was developed from a mining claim that had once belonged to William "Burro" Schmidt, of Burro Schmidt Tunnel fame.  Not surprisingly, Schmidt lost interest in this mine, because he was focused on completing his tunnel.  So, he sold the mine, and the new owners developed it into what eventually became the Apache Mine and Holland Camp, during the 1930's.  However, the mining activities here had fizzled out by the end of that decade, and only a few mysterious relics mark the camp's location.

One of these relics is the structure that is shown in the photograph.  It's purpose is unknown, but upon my first visit to the site, I concluded  that this building was once a garage.  Death Valley Jim seems to have come to the same conclusion.

Even stranger, though, are the two nearby unmarked graves.  Well, they may have been marked at one time, but the weather has taken its toll on the wooden markers.  No one seems to know who or what is buried here.  Curious.

Joshua Tree National Park...

This is why it is important to get out of one's vehicle and really explore!  I try to notice everything!
                                           Joshua Tree National Park.  Geology Tour Road.
                                                          April, 2018.

Calico Mountains...

Calico Mountains.
Image taken with a DJI Phantom 4 drone.
March, 2017.

Drone image: El Paso Mountains...

                               I took this photo using my DJI Phantom 4 drone.  Soutn eastern
                               El Paso Mountains. 

Joshua Tree National Park: Life holds on...

April, 2018.

Joshua Tree National Park: Barker Dam...

                           Close-up of the flora that is now growing in the old water trough.
                                                            April, 2018.

Traces of the Past: Joshua Tree National Park...

Two old drinking troughs rest near Barker Dam. 

April, 2018.

Joshua Tree National Park...

 This is Balancing Rock, which requires a hike of a approx. 1/4 mile off the 4WD Geology Tour Rd.  It's an easy hike, but bringing plenty of water with you is still a must.

April, 2018.

Wildflowers in Joshua Tree National Park...

                               April, 2018.  Joshua Tree National Park.

"Martian" landscape, seen from a DJI Phantom 4 drone...

                              Sometimes, the desert does remind me of an otherworldly place!
                               Calico Mountains.  November, 2017.

Old Toll-Road: Cajon Pass...

MDD Drone Image.  April, 2018.

A portion of the old toll road can be seen on the left.

Joshua Tree National Park: Early morning light...

I took this photograph during a recent camping trip in the park.  The beauty of getting up at sunrise, catching the morning light, AND beating the crowds!  April, 2018.

Wildflower: Joshua Tree National Park...

                                                                  April, 2018.
                                                   

Joshua Tree National Park...

Can anyone tell me what kind of plant this is?  I came across it during a recent trip to Joshua Tree National Park.  April, 2018.