I met Dave and Dalene this morning in Apple Valley and we headed out to re-explore some areas that had climbs that I skipped or by-passed back when I was afraid. First we headed north on Camp Rock Road to the Ord Belt Mine. This is an old mining area with several mines and sites to explore. We drove right up the steep and loose climb to the upper level and walked all the way to the back of the mine tunnel. A very cool area with lots to check out. On the way back down we stopped at the overlook and enjoyed the view. Next we headed north for a quick stop at Camp Skee. The miners cabin is still clean and intact, as well as the main mine tunnel. After some shooting, we left for the Aztec springs area. Dave and Dalene hiked to the Springs while I did a little crawling up a rocky canyon in the streambed. After hanging for a while we headed west to Hwy247 and then south to the Gold Belt Mine. This an interesting place with huge concrete foundations that supported a large stamp mill that was in operation from 1930 to 1932. The main tunnel is said to go back 800', but the entrance is small and you have to climb down in about 15 feet before you can stand up. We decided that we would stay out and stay safe on this one.
When we left we stopped at Max's house to claim our "Free Ammunition". We visited for a few minutes and as we left I found a Rock for me to pose on and show off the new tie rod / drag link set-up as well as the new rear diff skid that Ken made for me yesterday. All and All a great day wheeling.
If anyone wants to check out the mines in this area let me know. I'm afraid that our days are numbered in this area. With the "Fry Mountain Wind Project",
the Marine Base wanting to take another 120,000 + acres of our public land, and If that's not enough, Dianne Feinstein (Liberal Democrat/San Francisco) has requested $2,500,000 million dollars to destroy our mines and historical sites in the area because liberals think that we need help to protect us from ourselves! We might get hurt by the mines that have been sitting here from 50 to over 100 years.
Mitch
Upper Ord Belt Mine Dave / Dalene
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_0970.jpg)
Cave Lizard
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_0973.jpg)
Ladder inside the mine
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_0977.jpg)
Heading down from the Ord Belt Mine
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_0987.jpg)
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_0991.jpg)
Looking towards Big Bear from the overlook
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_0996.jpg)
Camp Skee
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_1008.jpg)
Aztec Springs
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_1038.jpg)
1917 cabin foundation
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_1051.jpg)
Gold Belt Mine looking towards Lucerne Dry Lake
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_1062.jpg)
Narrow Shelf road heading down from the mine
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_1078.jpg)
Showing off the new rear diff skid and tie rod
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_1086.jpg)
When we left we stopped at Max's house to claim our "Free Ammunition". We visited for a few minutes and as we left I found a Rock for me to pose on and show off the new tie rod / drag link set-up as well as the new rear diff skid that Ken made for me yesterday. All and All a great day wheeling.
If anyone wants to check out the mines in this area let me know. I'm afraid that our days are numbered in this area. With the "Fry Mountain Wind Project",
the Marine Base wanting to take another 120,000 + acres of our public land, and If that's not enough, Dianne Feinstein (Liberal Democrat/San Francisco) has requested $2,500,000 million dollars to destroy our mines and historical sites in the area because liberals think that we need help to protect us from ourselves! We might get hurt by the mines that have been sitting here from 50 to over 100 years.
Mitch
Upper Ord Belt Mine Dave / Dalene
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_0970.jpg)
Cave Lizard
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_0973.jpg)
Ladder inside the mine
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_0977.jpg)
Heading down from the Ord Belt Mine
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_0987.jpg)
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_0991.jpg)
Looking towards Big Bear from the overlook
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_0996.jpg)
Camp Skee
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_1008.jpg)
Aztec Springs
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_1038.jpg)
1917 cabin foundation
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_1051.jpg)
Gold Belt Mine looking towards Lucerne Dry Lake
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_1062.jpg)
Narrow Shelf road heading down from the mine
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_1078.jpg)
Showing off the new rear diff skid and tie rod
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_1086.jpg)
![](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/great88jeep/100_1082.jpg)
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