Greenspar Mine

 Greenspar Mine 1966 isn't too far from our campground.

It was discovered in 1924 and worked until 1947.

Surface and shaft mining produced fluorite and quartz.

Fluorite lenses are valuable in microscopes, telescopes and cameras/binoculars.

The stone is also ornamental and colorful thus used in beads and jewelry.

The 'road' isn't for the average vehicle and perfect for the jeep.

Getting out and walking ahead to take photos is often much harder for the photographer than the jeep!

I thought we had climbed quite a distance when we arrived and the land below looked like "tinker toy" world.

Imagine going to work by climbing down into this shaft......

Rain showers across the valley

After threading our way over to the next hill and looking back, I realized that we hadn't been so high after all.

The arroyos or washes (dry creekbeds) only have water during torrential rains. 

When there is any chance of precipitation, they are places to avoid.

Otherwise I enjoy seeing how Mother Nature has carved these areas.

 Here she has carved away the soil and exposed these roots.

It's amazing to me that, with this tenuous hold on life, it will continue to thrive