Canyon, which must be of
easier access to autos, since the pipeline in Tuber has been extracted. Steel
pipe was favored up until Tuber, when cast iron pipe took over. The cast iron
fittings were hacked off with sledge hammers and the pieces can still be seen
along the route. The most entertaining part to some hikers was the Tuber Canyon
ascent up the steep north face where some of the few sections of pipe remaining
served as our walkway. From its hump, one can clearly look across Wildrose
Valley, as it was formerly called. All has vanished except the big scar on most
of the Wildrose crossing, yet in the southern heights a good bit of pipeline
lies partially buried, and neglected by the salvagers back when. The remarkable
part of the pipeline is that there was no pumping plant required-we kept
looking for one. The source is at elev 7,220' while Skidoo's 4,700' level made
for a favorable flow. One would swear along the highs of the right of way that
it flowed uphill. One hydraulic engineer in the group was consistently
searching out the old valves at the high and low points along with the leader.
Old brass Crane valves still allow the user to turn them off and on. Should be
a Crane testimonial commercial! Once down in Wildrose at the paved road,
interest ceased for a complete run into Skidoo, as the best part had been
visited. However, the third day was spent in exploring sites along the way by
car and the end of the line still has a few sections of pipe left at the old
Skidoo mill, which still stands with its 15 or so stamps exposed to the wind.
It is in a side canyon so not many visitors know its whereabouts. Also the old
bunkhouse has been burned, a place of comfort in a 1964 DPS climb of Tucki Mtn,
when a snowstorm passed through the area. Only nails are left-not even
blackened charcoal. This writer surmises the winds hauled off the ashes and
left only the heavies-not gold dust but rusty nails. The 20-mile project is one
to be revered, as the terrain is so rough and mostly inaccessible. So for the seven persons that made the whole hike, we say we would like to do it again. It was an adventuresome trip! The dog didn't whimper about conditions either. |
|
by Robert O. Greenawalt |
|
ANNOUNCEMENT: Due to circumstances beyond who knows who's control, the Jan l7-18 trip Kingston/Eagle #1. led by Doug Mantle and Cuno Ranschau has been cancelled. |
Page Index | Prev | Page 6 | Next | Issue Index |