February 20, 2022
It was a really good ride on Sunday. The ride started at Death Valley Junction with clear sky and pleasant temperatures though it was not without its surprises and challenges.
Our destination was the Lila C mine site some 7 or so miles to the southwest. I had made this short journey as a very young resident of the Junction more than fifty years ago with my stepbrother riding a Honda trail bike. We had ridden along the railroad bed and arrived without incident or obstacle.
Boy, how things have changed. We were a short distance from our starting point when we came upon the first of many washouts and detours we encountered. The present terrain clearly indicated there had been tremendous amounts of rain in the past. Numerous times we had to navigate our way off the grade, through dips, gullies, large rocks, and quite steep descents and climbs to get back on the grade.
Our time at the mine site was spent in pleasant conversation while having lunch or strolling around exploring.
We returned to the Junction via Potero road. It took us about an hour and a half to reach the Lila C but only around fifteen to twenty minutes back. It certainly was a ride worth taking. I personally would like to return to that area in the future as there is a lot more to see and I highly recommend it.
Thanks, and I hope to see you on the next BOE fun ride.
Butch Baker
Trailmaster
