At about 5000 feet above sea level, looking toward the North West, you can see the remnants of an ore processing mill on the right, just below center. The foundation of the old building is above the tailings pile. On the left, at the center, is a light colored spot that is what appears from a distance to be a home. To the right of it is the old Swastika Mine. Signs along the road warn of private property and 'No Trespassing'. Apparently, the mine is still being worked and the owner has a small piece of private land amongst the National Forrest that surrounds it. Not wanting to disturb the owner's serenity, and having confirmed that there were no photographic opportunities in the area, we turned around and left.

From a more distant vantage point, a similar view. I wanted Evelyn and the bikes in the photo to add perspective. Over her head, at about a 45 degree angle to the upper left is the old foundation and tailings pile mentioned above. To the left of it, up and to the left of center of the photo is the dwelling.

3.5 miles back up the road to the place where we parked the truck and trailer, then a few miles up the mountain bring us to the DeSoto Mine entrance at about 4840 feet elevation. It's long since abandoned, sports a floor covered in about a foot of water, and a tunnel that disappears way back into the mountain. There are more digs farther up the mountain, but we ran out of daylight before we could explore them. I have the itch to go back! This would be a great place to do some model (female) photography, weather permitting. There are a thousand ways to contrast the soft female form against the harsh roughness of the mines, rocks, cactus and cattle corrals in the area.