We then headed back to our vehicles and drove south along the Inyo Crest to the summit station for what once had been the longest cable tram in the world, 13 miles, and designed just to haul salt. It was in operation between 1915 and 1930. This impressive, gigantic structure, a marvel of engineering, was alone worth the arduous drive. The abandoned tram's western terminus is near Swansea. The eastern terminus for the tramway is in the Saline Valley.
We then
drove to the starting point for Pleasant Mtn, Climb/Route C. The steep grade
down from here is considered the worst place when driving in from Cerro Gordo;
which some think is easier than from Swansea. It has a drop-off along the edge,
and the shale road can be slippery.We climbed the peak and got down with well over of daylight remaining. I reached the rounded, class 1 summit in 30 minutes with Jim Whitted on his first DPS trip close behind. Camp was set up among the pinyon pine where we parked for the climb. A better location at the opposite end of the spur road was already occupied. Food and drink were brought by various members of the group, but tops I think was the Champagne provided by George Pfeiffer and a delicious pasta dish served by Kaye Rowley. My collapsible, rollable GI fire ring functioned well and I hope DPS members can use the practical design. After a good nights sleep, Sunday morning we broke camp and headed for Cerro Gordo, arriving in about 45 minutes. There, we met Jody Stewart, owner of the holdings. Except for the road, the historic silver, lead and zinc mining area is now closed to the general public due to liability problems.
Attractive, and sociable, Jody drew a disheartening picture of lost hope and dreams for the historic area; abuse by the DWP (a conspicuous relay station) and indifference from the state and organizations who should care. But she was full of praise for the Backroad Explorers Committee, Federal Aeronautics Administration, and Phelps Dodge Corp who have been leased the mining rights. The history is fascinating. It was the Comstock of Los Angeles. At one time its minerals comprised 1/3 of all shipments from the Port of San Pedro.
Our Group divided here; George Pfeiffer, Judy Ware and Owen Maloy headed for home, while the rest of us drove down the east side of the range on good dirt road, headed toward Saline Valley and the hot springs; quite impractical because of the distance involved, but not once regretted. Although not our purpose for going, enroute we saw the eastern terminus of the tramway. Only the day before, the Saline Valley Road had been newly dedicated as a "Backcountry Byway" by BLM. There was considerably more back road driving than climbing on our trip; but the features combined nicely (tho ideally we would have met the list completion celebrants on Pleasant Mtn) and the Fall weather was perfect.