As dawn draws near the valley darkness starts to fade with the sun making it’s presence known just beyond the eastern ridge. Rested, we emerge from our tents with breakfast and coffee as our main priority.
Breakdown and packing ensues as we all know that we have a full day of riding ahead of us just to make it back home …
From our camp spot, we will be connecting Rd 172, Pinyon Peak Loop Rd, up out of the Loon Creek drainage.
The road climbs steadily exposing the surrounding topography …. high ridges in front of us and river drainages just off the exposed side …. definitely gods country!
The road climbs up towards a sort of dog leg where it veers south towards the peak. At that point we pass the old Packer John Mine. Curiosity demands that we stop for a quick look.
Buildings of past times ….
Mess Hall-
Rec Hall-
Main Office-
John V enjoying some morning sun-
Relic-
Right about that time two guys emerged from the backside of the claim … they confirmed that they were of the original family that owned the claim …. and that we were indeed trespassing! … “Time to post some new signs, eh”
Friendly enough they chatted briefly about history of the area. Respecting their space we geared back up and proceeded up the road.
Pinyon Peak-
We enter the burn area left behind by the Halstead Fire from a handful of years back. This fire burned fast and hot consuming a large swath of acreage. I feel unfortunate to not have seen this country before the burn.
Never know what one might find alongside the road-
We continue our push towards the ridge and closer to the peak ….
To be continued….