Pioche Benchmarks

On our way back from exploring Bristol Wells Kilns, we decided to "grab" some benchmarks that were located on the hills above Pioche.  What intrigued us about these benchmarks were their ages.  White Cairn BM, was first observed atop Treasure Hill in 1883 and the other, Red Hill BM, was monumented in 1915.  In addition to their ages, we were hoping to find the unique/rare crosses that were chiseled in the rock and used for reference markers . . . we have heard about these, but have never seen one for ourselves.  Since we were in the area and needing to stretch our legs, before the two-hour drive back to St. George, we decided to see if we could locate these rather easy to reach benchmarks.

If you felt like putting your truck to the test, you can drive your 4WD to the top of Treasure Hill . . .
We chose to walk the last mile, from the saddle, and not tear our truck up on the steep and rocky road!
(We know it doesn't look bad, from this picture, but trust us it is and there's no place to turn around)
The skies sure looked threatening and Kent brought his rain jacket just in case of a downpour 

Up on top, Kent checked the GPS coordinates for the benchmark . . . we are close

It's supposed to be right here . . . just a piece of rebar with a white cap was all we could find
No benchmark or treasure to be found on this peak!
The arrow points to Red Hill benchmark . . . our next stop . . . maybe we'll have better luck over there

As we were heading down, it started thundering off to the east . . . 
This put a little, hop, skip and a jump into our steps to get down off the peak!

This picture shows a little of the road's steepness . . . it would have been a scary drive!
The two skyline bumps, in front of Kent, form Mount Ely . . .
It also has an early benchmark (1915), but we won't be able to make it over there today

On the way out we spotted this doe laying next to a foundation of someone's house

Now we are working our way towards Red Hill

Along the ridgeline walk, there are several "bumps" that need to be crossed or side hilled . . .
On top of one of the bumps, we came upon this mine shaft

We could not see the bottom

Thick clusters of Fleabane were scattered along the hillside

Once again, Kent checks the GPS coordinates for the benchmark

There it is (the gold medallion below the wooden stake) . . . but it's not what we were expecting 

The original benchmark must have been replaced . . . the NGS map shows this was monumented in 1952

The GPS coordinates (taken from NGS) show that the benchmark should be under this tree . . .
Needless to say, we couldn't find it or the chiseled cross reference markers we were hoping to see

Keeping our eyes to the sky, we didn't waste any time heading back down the mountain . . .
The arrow points to Treasure Hill, where we had been earlier, searching for White Cairn BM

It's been a while since we've seen such colorful Buckwheat in bloom

We tried our best to beat the storm . . . but no such luck this time!

Although somewhat disappointing that we couldn't locate either of the early benchmarks and chiseled reference markers, it still didn't diminish a good hike that provided us with exercise and great surrounding views.  Between the two hikes we logged about 3.75 miles and 1200 ft of ascent . . . not too bad!  I guess we need to come back and see what's up on Mount Ely . . . another hike for another day!

Nevada Charcoal Kilns

Call us crazy, but we found a dining room table on Marketplace and it was located 20 miles north of Pioche, Nevada.  Most people would have looked for one closer to home, but not us . . . no, we're going to "hit" a few spots of interest that we had missed on prior trips to the area.  First up would be the Panaca Summit Charcoal Kilns, that we noticed on Google Earth . . . after we got home . . . from hiking Vada Benchmark, several years ago.  Then after looking at the table, Carl (the table's owner!) suggested a return trip that looped us through Bailey Springs (stagecoach stop) and the Bristol Wells Kilns.  As you will see from the pictures below, this turned our long day trip into a fine adventure!

Just before hitting the Panaca Summit, we headed north for five miles towards Kiln Spring . . .
To our surprise we found the spring was overflowing with fresh cool water

The kilns are located a half mile north of the spring . . . 
These are the kilns we missed when we hiked Vada Benchmark, a couple of years ago
(Click on the picture to enlarge the print)  

The kilns are in great shape

Here's a closeup of the perfectly arranged quarried rocks and blocks 

Can you imagine building one of these beehive kilns and the adding a window to boot?!

Mud and limestone mortar

The backside of the kilns . . . time to move on to our next stop!

After spending some time with Carl and Peggy (and looking at their table), it was time to head back to Pioche.  Carl asked how we were returning and we told him Highway 93.  He suggested, if we had time, an interesting loop that would take us along a portion of the Silver State OHV trail.  Thankfully, he gave us detailed instructions, as there was no road signage along the way.

Here's a BLM map (taken from a sign at the Springs), showing the stagecoach station layout of Bailey Springs 

Dragonfly at Bailey Springs

Remnants of structure 2

A constant trickle of water keeps this wildlife tank filled . . .
You can't see it from this shot, but the tire is completely full of clear, glorious water!
Not just by the spigot, but also the slits where Kent's foot is placed

We came upon this area covered with Globe Mallow on our way to Bristol Wells

Several old structures were found at Bristol Wells . . .
We didn't do any research on them, but we're sure they had something to do with
mining and being on a stage line

This structure was the most complete of the two and had lots of lime green stone used in it's construction

Allison was being "creative" with interesting shots from inside the cabin, when she "happened" to notice
the kilns a few hundred yards away while looking out the window . . .
Otherwise, we might have missed them!

Interesting that the top part of the chimney appears to have been made later, with red bricks

One last view and perspective of the kilns to the old structure

Next to the old building was this well constructed wall . . . possibly an old corral??

Then it was off to check out the three kilns . . .
There is a small berm, and well maintained road, behind them that allows you to drive right up to their backside

A unique feature that we found in these kilns (and haven't seen before in others) was the use of wrought iron for the door and window frames . . . it gave it a nice touch!

This kiln is certainly deteriorating more quickly than the others . . . hopefully, repairs can be made to preserve their history

An interesting shot . . .
This is looking from the inside of the first kiln window to the outside window of the middle one

One last look before we head to Pioche

The kilns and springs turned out to be a welcome diversion to an otherwise long drive between St. George and Pioche.  Thanks so much to Carl and Peggy's suggestion to incorporate Bailey Springs and Bristol Wells in to our travel plans! (Oh, and by the way, we will be headed back to Pioche to bring home our new table in a week!)  Once we left Bristol Wells we caught HWY 93 and headed to Pioche to hike a few benchmarks above town before heading home.