Moved out west into the desert recently so I didn't think there would be much to explore around here... that is until I discovered abandoned mines! Been taking the rig out almost every weekend through the high desert to find and explore the area. Most of the mines require 4x4 and the better part of the day to approach but it is definitely worth it. Here are a few pictures from the last month or two with the rig and some of the accompanying adventures.

1. Out in Joshua Tree Park


2. The selection of vehicles in the parking lots is telling


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4. Meeting new friends out on the trail to some more mines.


5. Posing on some fodder


6. Rallying around in the dunes at the bottom of the valley


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8. Stopping to help the less 4WD capable vehicles


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14. A mine shaft that actually still has a wooden collar. Most of the collars were either removed for parts at the next mine site or taken by adventures for use in bonfires.


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16. Inside the cab reloading and picking out new targets


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19. Getting ready to drop into one of the shafts using the rig as a primary anchor.

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20. View from the cage camera of one of the old foundations belonging to the miners near the mouth of a site.

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21. Looking back up a shaft about half way down and thanking previous me for investing in a solid helmet.

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Too cool! Great explores! I suspect some of those mines are a bit sketchy. I like the dry erase on the windshield to keep track of maintenance records

not as cool as a mine in S-Cal, but you gotta love growing developments - best part is the look on the face of the neighbors when they're out grillin

Not exploring so much, but we were in an area we weren't supposed to be:

Posted by splumer Not exploring so much, but we were in an area we weren't supposed to be:

sounds like splorin' to me!