Talk about a trip you took out to Anza Borrego
Cattlemans Shack and Valley of the Moon
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sddarkman619 Posts: 153
12/25/2015
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In a previous posting I was wondering if anyone knew where the old Cattlemens shack was in the area near Valley of the moon. The info I received was right on and a tip from another friend was also right on. I've been there several times about 25 years ago, but things change, terrain changes, memory changes etc....Last times I went there I saw it before it was burned to the ground by local tweekers of the area, and then I saw it just after they burned it. A freaking shame too. Upon arriving I realized I probably wouldn't have found it on the first try but one of the areas I cordoned off for investigation proved right on so I would have found it eventually.
If you aren't looking for it you might walk right past it. The terrain has changed a bit since I last remember it and things have grown as well. One thing I didn't remember is it seemed they built this this in a drainage area. which I wonder why. I know water is nice to have but it seemed to be right in a wash/drainage area and wonder if it ever flooded.
So part of the foundation is left as well as some of the water catching devices. A little fencing is still there as well as some posts and such.
After that we went to the Valley of the moon which I haven't been down IN, for 25 years as well. Was myself, my wife and two girls out for thanksgiving day as I had to work the following day we felt Dad needed some time out and about and mom would cook on friday while dad worked. A couple places were really cool, one I call abstract Frankenstein and a rock formation with a geocache on top. I've tried twice so far for the geocache at the top and both times I've not made it to the top yet but I will on the next try. Anyone wanna join me? It's called Paxtons Villa.
Enjoy...
It's right THERE! Can't you see it?
Someone had to potty and we found this very convenient water smoothed wash basin to use.
The first site of the remnants
a dog's watering bowl. only big enough for a dog, really...
a water catchment device
The remains of a stove, roof , bedframe and foundation
The first 2 step and front porch of the cabin
4 things in life that keep me going, my 3 girls and adventure
Water catchment devices
This was the entrance I believe to the area
And now into the Valley of the Moon, by this time it was getting cold and the sun was getting low as well. We got a late start in the day and after finding the cabin we had to hurry to teh valley to get a glimpse of things
Abstract Frankenstein
Some size comparison
wind caves everywhere!
The rock formation I've tried to get to the top of twice now...3rd times the charm, I hope.
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ziphius Posts: 911
12/25/2015
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Great post and trip. I see abstract Frankenstein, maybe not even so abstract. Very cool ruins in an area I've yet to get out to. - Jim
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http://www.coyotelearning.org
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sddarkman619 Posts: 153
12/27/2015
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yeah it's beautiful out there Jim. Going back up there soon, again, to get that cache at the top of that rock formation.
The wind caves up there are incredible. I'm going to start exploing that area more. I don't knwo that anyone has much so it might as well be me.
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rockhopper Posts: 668
12/29/2015
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Those cattle men were tough! The geology in that area is pretty neat with the weathered granite. Thanks for sharing.
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