Salutations explorers!

This post is a continuation of my previous post, Misty Eye of the Mountain. Please check it out first before jumping into this story. (-:

With a phenomenal expedition under my belt, I headed down the mountain to go check out another precariously perched abandoned cabin. The journey to this new location was short but by no means easy.

I caught wind of an old trailhead known as Jackass Flats. It soon withered away leaving nothing more than narrow fissures as footholes. With sheer drops below and nothing to truly stand on/grip, it became a real gutwrenching "Eye on the prize" kind of climb.

The adrenaline coursing through my veins gradually lifted me to what remained of the old claim. From below, there appeared to be no access to this location, but we explorers have a way of making things happen.

My journey continued as follows.

1.
IMG_9310 by Patrick, on Flickr
2.
IMG_9312 by Patrick, on Flickr

3. This little table was nice, with lots of old miner's relics. (I think this is part of a boot!)
IMG_E9321 by Patrick, on Flickr
4.
IMG_9324 by Patrick, on Flickr
5.
IMG_E9326 by Patrick, on Flickr
6.
IMG_E9329 by Patrick, on Flickr

7. This stoped-out cavern was massive. Although it's hard to see in this picture, I'd guesstimate that you could fit a two-story house in here. Or maybe even 2!
IMG_E9332 by Patrick, on Flickr

8. There was a very steep and mysterious tunnel snaking upwards above the cavern. I wanted to explore it so badly, but ultimately I decided to save it for another day.
IMG_9333 by Patrick, on Flickr
9.
IMG_9337 by Patrick, on Flickr
10.
IMG_E9338 by Patrick, on Flickr

11. I was standing upright when I took this picture. Hopefully, this gives some clarity on just how sketchy this terrain is. The cavern and small cabin with relics were located at the top of the wash.
IMG_E9341 by Patrick, on Flickr
12.
IMG_9344 by Patrick, on Flickr
13. End.
IMG_E9348 by Patrick, on Flickr

By now it was getting late, and nearing the 9.5-mile mark, I was thoroughly worn out. I followed the flats back in an effort to link up with a more established trail. Eventually, I checked my maps and saw that I was miles from the nearest "Safe" passage.

I wanted off that mountain so bad that I made a rash decision. There was a small slot canyon carved into the cliff face. Methodically, I inched my way down until it turned into a flood channel loaded with debris. After clearing the trenches, I made one final push down a tree since I'd run out of ground. (It got too steep right at the very end to continue so I jumped over and shimmied down a tree)

Emerging from the forest I darted right into somebody's heavily wooded backyard (I thought it was a summer home since it was very isolated). And of course, the owners were just pulling into the driveway. It must've been such a sight to see. A battered adventourer, adorned in full exploring gear, emerging from the shadows of their yard.

Naturally, I did the only thing that I could think of. Awkwardly ran off into the woods.

Thank you so much for following along with me on this amazing journey!

Holy shit that's so awesome, the mineshaft rail next to the cliffside looks right out of a movie.

Posted by Illmatic Holy shit that's so awesome, the mineshaft rail next to the cliffside looks right out of a movie.

Thank you for commenting!

That's how I felt about the little cabin with the dead tree next to it. It's something you'd see in an old western or a Tarantino flick.

It's not often the landscapes steal the show in a UE post! Gorgeous imagery, and that thing looks so precariously perched I got a sinking feeling in my stomach just looking at it.

Posted by DescentOnARope It's not often the landscapes steal the show in a UE post! Gorgeous imagery, and that thing looks so precariously perched I got a sinking feeling in my stomach just looking at it.

Thank you!

I had the same feeling during most of my exploration. But, it's worth it to see some of these crown jewel locations. Luckily others usually don't dare to venture into places like this. It's what keeps them preserved from vandals.

I appreciate the feedback. (-:

GOOD GAWD man, are you part Billy Goat??

I truly do appreciate your tenacity to get to these "gems" but sure hope you stay safe !

The broken rails remind me of the crazy mine cart ride on Sonic Hedge Hog game

The scenery is mind blowing

Thanks so much for sharing....and be careful eh? LOL

Posted by leafloving4x4gal GOOD GAWD man, are you part Billy Goat?? I truly do appreciate your tenacity to get to these "gems" but sure hope you stay safe ! The broken rails remind me of the crazy mine cart ride on Sonic Hedge Hog game The scenery is mind blowing Thanks so much for sharing....and be careful eh? LOL

Of course, it may not seem so, but safety is always #1. Thank you for your support and concern.

I'm hoping to expand on Urbex-infused scenery. Unfortunately, out here, there are not many real abandoned places (Like asylums and steelworks or really anything substantial at all). So I'll keep trying to make the best of what I have to work with.

Thanks again! Hopefully I'll have more adventures to share soon.

This kind of place is very breathtaking. I don't think I have that kind of spot in my area... or in shape... I really need to do more hiking

Thank you for sharing

Posted by SugarRAt This kind of place is very breathtaking. I don't think I have that kind of spot in my area... or in shape... I really need to do more hiking Thank you for sharing

You bet, thank you for commenting!

Hiking is always a blast if you come prepared.