Day 2A Calico Ghost Town

Arrived at Calico after 9 p.m., found a spot, spread our tarp and our down sleeping gear on the ground, and went to bed. The stars were nice but drowned by a full moon, and we feared that ou ...

2008-05-25T15:32:55Z

elf1
Arrived at Calico after 9 p.m., found a spot, spread our tarp and our down sleeping gear on the ground, and went to bed. The stars were nice but drowned by a full moon, and we feared that ou ...

The campground is pretty bare bones. Only a few sites had picnic tables (I guess if you're in an RV you don't need a table) and only a few had fire pits--not necessarily the same ones. We kn ...

2008-05-25T15:34:20Z

elf1
The campground is pretty bare bones. Only a few sites had picnic tables (I guess if you're in an RV you don't need a table) and only a few had fire pits--not necessarily the same ones. We kn ...

More of the campground. They had at least 100 spaces, I believe.

2008-05-25T15:32:55Z

elf1
More of the campground. They had at least 100 spaces, I believe.

Breakfast, all nicely laid out.

2008-05-25T15:32:55Z

elf1
Breakfast, all nicely laid out.

The town of Calico, it said, was named for the patchwork of colors in the hills around the town. As Linda said, they were being a little generous about the colors.

2008-05-25T15:32:55Z

elf1
The town of Calico, it said, was named for the patchwork of colors in the hills around the town. As Linda said, they were being a little generous about the colors.

We never did figure out what OHV is; we're obviously not the OHV type. Off-something vehicles?

2008-05-25T15:32:55Z

elf1
We never did figure out what OHV is; we're obviously not the OHV type. Off-something vehicles?

The town was founded in a frenzy of mining. Tons of small claims, with miners digging shafts partway or deeply into the hills in search of silver, and then when the market went bust, everyth ...

2008-05-25T15:32:56Z

elf1
The town was founded in a frenzy of mining. Tons of small claims, with miners digging shafts partway or deeply into the hills in search of silver, and then when the market went bust, everyth ...

Barstow.

2008-05-25T15:32:56Z

elf1
Barstow.

On the hill next to the town is the cemetery. It's picturesque but not so touristized as Boot Hill in Tombstone, Arizona. This one is still an active cemetery for the few people who still li ...

2008-05-25T15:32:56Z

elf1
On the hill next to the town is the cemetery. It's picturesque but not so touristized as Boot Hill in Tombstone, Arizona. This one is still an active cemetery for the few people who still li ...

It is a California Conservation Corps site.

2008-05-25T15:36:46Z

elf1
It is a California Conservation Corps site.

The graves were all outlined by piles of native stones. We weren't sure whether they were simply a means of marking the sites or whether (at least for the early graves) they were a way of ke ...

2008-05-25T15:32:56Z

elf1
The graves were all outlined by piles of native stones. We weren't sure whether they were simply a means of marking the sites or whether (at least for the early graves) they were a way of ke ...

Most of the graves appeared to be unmarked. It's a sad thing. I don't know whether they have any records anywhere of who was buried where.

2008-05-25T15:32:56Z

elf1
Most of the graves appeared to be unmarked. It's a sad thing. I don't know whether they have any records anywhere of who was buried where.

Some of the graves had weathered wooden markers with no writing remaining visible.

2008-05-25T15:32:56Z

elf1
Some of the graves had weathered wooden markers with no writing remaining visible.

The cemetery entrance from inside.

2008-05-25T15:32:56Z

elf1
The cemetery entrance from inside.

This was a very recent grave, of a man who had been the town's marshal. The boots were a nice touch.

2008-05-25T15:32:56Z

elf1
This was a very recent grave, of a man who had been the town's marshal. The boots were a nice touch.

And, for fans of Good Eats, it was interesting to note an Alton Brown tombstone.

2008-05-25T15:32:56Z

elf1
And, for fans of Good Eats, it was interesting to note an Alton Brown tombstone.

Another view of the many older grave sites.

2008-05-25T15:32:56Z

elf1
Another view of the many older grave sites.

A shallow mineshaft in a hillside.

2008-05-25T15:32:56Z

elf1
A shallow mineshaft in a hillside.

The layering and folding of the rock above the town's lower parking lot intrigued us, to think of the pressures and movements of the earth that would bend and fold the layers in so many inte ...

2008-05-25T15:32:56Z

elf1
The layering and folding of the rock above the town's lower parking lot intrigued us, to think of the pressures and movements of the earth that would bend and fold the layers in so many inte ...

An even better look at the scale of the folds in the rock. There was no info anywhere, that I saw, discussing the geology of the town and surrounding hills.

2008-05-25T15:32:57Z

elf1
An even better look at the scale of the folds in the rock. There was no info anywhere, that I saw, discussing the geology of the town and surrounding hills.

The main street through the town.

2008-05-25T15:32:57Z

elf1
The main street through the town.

Just lots of cool old (or old-looking) western buildlings.

2008-05-25T15:32:57Z

elf1
Just lots of cool old (or old-looking) western buildlings.

Another building.

2008-05-25T15:32:57Z

elf1
Another building.

Carved wooden western figures were tucked in corners all around the town, adding to its charm. Wish I'd taken photos of all of them.

2008-05-25T15:32:57Z

elf1
Carved wooden western figures were tucked in corners all around the town, adding to its charm. Wish I'd taken photos of all of them.

More of the main drag. The town is now a county-owned park, and although there are a few original buildings still restored and operating, most are recreations from old photographs.

2008-05-25T15:32:57Z

elf1
More of the main drag. The town is now a county-owned park, and although there are a few original buildings still restored and operating, most are recreations from old photographs.

Interesting wagons alongside the main street.

2008-05-25T15:32:57Z

elf1
Interesting wagons alongside the main street.

Town Hall and a tree in beautiful spring bloom.

2008-05-25T15:32:57Z

elf1
Town Hall and a tree in beautiful spring bloom.

One of the old original adobe latrines, now out of service. Better not miss it when stumbling outside at night, as it's at the edge of a small precipice. Hence, the fence.

2008-05-25T15:38:54Z

elf1
One of the old original adobe latrines, now out of service. Better not miss it when stumbling outside at night, as it's at the edge of a small precipice. Hence, the fence.

Ocotillo in bloom above some of the old adobe walls of an abandoned building.

2008-05-25T15:32:57Z

elf1
Ocotillo in bloom above some of the old adobe walls of an abandoned building.

Ocotillo blooms. (Pronounced ock-oh-TEA-oh.) We were very lucky during our entire trip as we caught many desert flowers still in their spring bloom. Later in the season, for example, the oc ...

2008-05-25T15:32:57Z

elf1
Ocotillo blooms. (Pronounced ock-oh-TEA-oh.) We were very lucky during our entire trip as we caught many desert flowers still in their spring bloom. Later in the season, for example, the oc ...

Close-up of ocotillo blooms.

2008-05-25T15:32:57Z

elf1
Close-up of ocotillo blooms.

The old adobe walls intrigued me. Picturing someone living on this floor, now falling apart, among these walls, made us realize how comfy and cushy our lives are.

2008-05-25T15:32:57Z

elf1
The old adobe walls intrigued me. Picturing someone living on this floor, now falling apart, among these walls, made us realize how comfy and cushy our lives are.

Or how about living in this little abode in "China town"? With a tub in which you could buy a hot bath.

2008-05-25T15:32:57Z

elf1
Or how about living in this little abode in "China town"? With a tub in which you could buy a hot bath.

More buildings that haven't been restored. I don't know whether they've completely given up on these old buildings back behind the town or just don't have the money for doing anything with t ...

2008-05-25T15:32:57Z

elf1
More buildings that haven't been restored. I don't know whether they've completely given up on these old buildings back behind the town or just don't have the money for doing anything with t ...

I couldn't find this plant in my Field Guide, but my useful Mom said "how about Palo Verde?" and I believe she's right. Thanks, mom! (Parkinsonia aculeata.)

2008-05-27T13:43:53Z

elf1
I couldn't find this plant in my Field Guide, but my useful Mom said "how about Palo Verde?" and I believe she's right. Thanks, mom! (Parkinsonia aculeata.)

Same flowers and plant--I believe Palo Verde (Parkinsonia aculeata).

2008-05-27T13:44:41Z

elf1
Same flowers and plant--I believe Palo Verde (Parkinsonia aculeata).

This is my arty photo of a window opening in an old wall.

2008-05-25T15:32:58Z

elf1
This is my arty photo of a window opening in an old wall.

The eager miners and their families made use of existing natural structures for parts of their homes, like this native rock used as part of the back wall of this building.

2008-05-25T15:32:58Z

elf1
The eager miners and their families made use of existing natural structures for parts of their homes, like this native rock used as part of the back wall of this building.

Another arty photo through an old adobe window of new stairs.

2008-05-25T15:32:58Z

elf1
Another arty photo through an old adobe window of new stairs.

A lovely wispy desert tree in bloom. Not identified.

2008-05-25T15:32:58Z

elf1
A lovely wispy desert tree in bloom. Not identified.

I loved the texture of this old, weathered wood on an abandoned cart.

2008-05-25T15:32:58Z

elf1
I loved the texture of this old, weathered wood on an abandoned cart.

More of the same old, textured, weathered wood.

2008-05-25T15:32:58Z

elf1
More of the same old, textured, weathered wood.

This intriguing house stood on a hill above most of the town. Its walls are constructed entirely of bottles mortared together like bricks.

2008-05-25T15:32:58Z

elf1
This intriguing house stood on a hill above most of the town. Its walls are constructed entirely of bottles mortared together like bricks.

Another wooden carving of some of the town's prior inhabitants.

2008-05-25T15:32:58Z

elf1
Another wooden carving of some of the town's prior inhabitants.

There's also a little train ride through the town.

2008-05-25T15:32:58Z

elf1
There's also a little train ride through the town.

The back side of the main drag.

2008-05-25T15:32:58Z

elf1
The back side of the main drag.

The street again.

2008-05-25T15:32:58Z

elf1
The street again.

Of course there were amusing old-style signs posted throughout the town.

2008-05-25T15:32:58Z

elf1
Of course there were amusing old-style signs posted throughout the town.

Detail of the glass-bottle house.

2008-05-25T15:32:58Z

elf1
Detail of the glass-bottle house.

Those bottle walls make a wonderful patttern.

2008-05-25T15:32:58Z

elf1
Those bottle walls make a wonderful patttern.

An old wood stove in the museum.

2008-05-25T15:32:58Z

elf1
An old wood stove in the museum.

A typical old claim marker: You nail a tobacco can to a post and put your documents proving your claim into the can so anyone passing by can see them. A good reuse thing.

2008-05-26T09:12:25Z

elf1
A typical old claim marker: You nail a tobacco can to a post and put your documents proving your claim into the can so anyone passing by can see them. A good reuse thing.

Some of the exciting places you can go in Calico. Actually pretty much the only places you can go. Plus the mine train and Behind Main Street.

2008-05-26T09:12:25Z

elf1
Some of the exciting places you can go in Calico. Actually pretty much the only places you can go. Plus the mine train and Behind Main Street.

Another house remnant, high on a hill, which uses a rock outcropping as part of its walls and ceiling.

2008-05-26T09:12:25Z

elf1
Another house remnant, high on a hill, which uses a rock outcropping as part of its walls and ceiling.

From Lookout Point, here's 1 of 4 shots in a panorama view.

2008-05-26T09:12:25Z

elf1
From Lookout Point, here's 1 of 4 shots in a panorama view.

2 of 4.

2008-05-26T09:12:26Z

elf1
2 of 4.

3 of 4

2008-05-26T09:12:26Z

elf1
3 of 4

4 of 4

2008-05-26T09:12:26Z

elf1
4 of 4

More practice for me to get in shape for this week's Havasu hike.

2008-05-26T09:12:26Z

elf1
More practice for me to get in shape for this week's Havasu hike.

The top end of Main Street from Lookout Point.

2008-05-26T09:12:26Z

elf1
The top end of Main Street from Lookout Point.

The main old mine spewed out tremendous piles of rock and stone and dust; this photo shows only parts of the piles.

2008-05-26T09:12:26Z

elf1
The main old mine spewed out tremendous piles of rock and stone and dust; this photo shows only parts of the piles.

My experimentation in self-portraiture continues, here with your handy-dandy tourist popcorn suitable for munching while admiring the view from Lookout Point.

2008-05-26T09:12:26Z

elf1
My experimentation in self-portraiture continues, here with your handy-dandy tourist popcorn suitable for munching while admiring the view from Lookout Point.

The old schoolhouse has been significantly restored.

2008-05-26T09:12:26Z

elf1
The old schoolhouse has been significantly restored.

Another view of the schoolhouse.

2008-05-26T09:12:27Z

elf1
Another view of the schoolhouse.

Now I'm heading back into town, looking for Linda so we can git outta town.

2008-05-26T09:12:27Z

elf1
Now I'm heading back into town, looking for Linda so we can git outta town.

The fronts on some of the buildings are way cool.

2008-05-26T09:12:27Z

elf1
The fronts on some of the buildings are way cool.

Is it true? Guess you'll have to go there and find out.

2008-05-26T09:12:27Z

elf1
Is it true? Guess you'll have to go there and find out.

More cool old-west architctural details.

2008-05-26T09:12:27Z

elf1
More cool old-west architctural details.

I dunno, the idea of using a boot as a vase is kind of cool.

2008-05-26T09:12:27Z

elf1
I dunno, the idea of using a boot as a vase is kind of cool.

The sheriff strides out of his office, fully armed, ready to put on a quick-draw and shooting demo for his fans in Calico.

2008-05-26T09:12:27Z

elf1
The sheriff strides out of his office, fully armed, ready to put on a quick-draw and shooting demo for his fans in Calico.

More rustic old-west buildings.

2008-05-26T09:12:28Z

elf1
More rustic old-west buildings.

Yet another nifty carved-wood figure from Main Street.

2008-05-26T09:12:28Z

elf1
Yet another nifty carved-wood figure from Main Street.

The place seemed to be dog-friendly. It would have to be--in this heat, you'd not want to leave your dogs in the car.

2008-05-26T09:12:28Z

elf1
The place seemed to be dog-friendly. It would have to be--in this heat, you'd not want to leave your dogs in the car.

Linda hanging around on Main Street waiting for the camera person to return.

2008-05-26T09:12:28Z

elf1
Linda hanging around on Main Street waiting for the camera person to return.

Close-up of same.

2008-05-26T09:12:28Z

elf1
Close-up of same.