Saline Salt Tram November 9-10, 2007

[teotwaki]

Four hardy souls signed up for this trip and have come back with a shared experience that I will attempt to chronicle here. We ventured high into the mountains, braving high winds, 30 degree temps and steep scree covered slopes in search of the history of the Saline Salt Tram.

Rich demonstrating that readers of Overland Journal are not armchair explorers
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/817/tramnov070181ar3.jpg (hSaline Salt Tram November 9-10ttp://imageshack.us)

Mike at the wheel and Alan wrenching while reliving the hard workdays of the Salt Tram operators
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/6864/tramnov070881zf0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

One of the many Salt Tram structures, sprawled across the hilltop like the bones of an ancient mechanical beast
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/5749/tramnov07002jp4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[teotwaki]

Rich and I met up Friday morning at the start of the trail, planning to hike to various portions of the Salt Tram that are not accessible by vehicle. Mike and Alan planned to meet us in the evening.

Here is an example of the rugged terrain we hiked that is just part of the 13 mile long tramway
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/2903/tramnov070101fd7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Look at the size of this tower! Almost all materials were hauled by mules, there was no electricity and no power tools.
http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/3189/tramnov070201kx6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Note the makeshift ladder on the vertical post consisting of 2 foot wide slats nailed upwards to the top.

Here is Rich near the middle towers of the first photo.
http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/5898/tramnov07015zk0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
You can see the road we drove down below. Many branches of the road have been blocked by the BLM.

[teotwaki]

This was a Holy Grail of sorts as we had only seen the shattered remains of these carriers up until now. Realize that this has been hanging here for about 80 years, untouched by vandals. It is fully functional!

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/4647/tramnov070241ir8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The lid can be lifted and latched, the whole drum will rotate to dump its load and the wheeled assembly still rolls on the cable.

Detail of the latching mechanism that pulled the cart along drive cable.
http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/7256/tramnov07026ja9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
This is how it clamped onto the cable.

Here is the lever side of the mechanism. The large ball on the end of the handle allowed a kick out bar to engage or disengage the clamp. The whole mechanism can rotate within the clamp to allow for steep cables where the weight of the barrel would orient the frame vertically.
http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/2017/tramnov070381ce0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

End points for mounting that allowed the barrel to rotate.
http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/8256/tramnov070361go0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The end points fit into the mounting points on the hanging frame
http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/6950/tramnov070211xg2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Salt barrel side view
http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/1438/tramnov070271ko7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

It appears that all of the tramway's iron work was built in New Jersey
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/8804/tramnov070661ch2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
This label was on one of the barrels that fell off of the cable and we saw similar markers on other hardware. Apparently barrels and frames fell off fairly often, plummeting hundreds of feet.

Cables of the type used on the tramway were called wire rope and Trenton was a very large manufacturing area.

From http://www.wireropedistrict.com/

Iron and steel manufacturing began in the Trenton area around the mid 1700s, providing armament for the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

It was not until 1847 that the Trenton Iron Company (founded by Peter Cooper and his son, Edward, and Abram Hewitt) was functioning, and included a wire mill on Hamilton and South Broad Streets.

In 1831 John A. Roebling migrated from Germany, moving to Trenton in about 1848, when he purchased some acres of land on South Broad Street where his new wire plant would be located.

His main focus was in producing wire for the telegraph, telephones, electric power lines, the newly invented elevator by the Otis brothers and the massive twisted cable for suspension bridges, the most famous being the Brooklyn Bridge, which he did not live to see completed in 1883.

The WIRE ROPE DISTRICT occupies the area immediately surrounding the now defunct John A. Roebling's Sons Company complex. It borders the Chambersberg Italian District, famous for its fine Continental and American cuisine, on the east the East State Street Redevelopment District, on the south, the Mill Hill District and the Capital South District on the north, and the Riverfront District along the Delaware River on the west comprising the area between South Broad Street, Hamilton Avenue, South Clinton Avenue and Dye Street, roughly an eight block parcel of land which was the site of some 44 Roebling industry buildings.

It is now the hub of a major area redevelopment effort, retaining as much of its vintage mileau and charm, yet in a somewhat more modern setting

[teotwaki]

By the time Rich and I finished checking out the western tram towers it was getting dark and we headed up to the top to stay in the old tramkeeper's cabin. See pictures and details from a previous trip
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4846&highlight=saline

Rich's wife had prepared some super carnitas, salsa and salad for us. As the wind howled outside we enjoyed a hot meal and Sam Adam's bottled beer along with chocolate cake. By 8 PM we had turned in. Around 10:30 Alan and Mike made it up safely having traversed the ridge route in the dark. By then the temps in the cabin were 34 degrees. My Engel Fridge readout said that inside the truck it dipped to 31 degrees.

Saturday morning was the start of the long hike to the more remote towers.
Here is Rich pointing out the finer details of the first one that we hiked to.
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/1889/tramnov07029qj1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This hike would include descending 2500 feet, bushwhacking and trailfinding, dry rocky waterfall climbing and a few surprises.

Here is Mike inspecting the timbers
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/3407/tramnov070301uj1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

While Alan climbs up for a closer view of a grease bucket hanging on a nail just as it was left when the tram shut down.
http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/7274/tramnov07045ys0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Note the large box of rocks used to counterweight the cables

Got it!
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/3013/tramnov070541hd6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Cable wheel with grease fitting on the right axle bearing.
http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/1628/tramnov07035nw1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[teotwaki]

Using rock quarried nearby these large boxes provided the necessary tension for the cables. Made of timber, they had large iron rods that fitted to large hooks at the end of a massive chain that was in turn fastened to the cable that ran across a wheel.

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/3040/tramnov070461ie6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/8966/tramnov07048oz1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/7405/tramnov070561bm2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

There were a number of these counterweight stations in the tramway with one box for tensioning cables in each direction of travel
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/4395/tramnov070701lq7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

We saw places where the box needed more room to pull downward so the workers had to excavate large holes beneath the boxes.

[adventureduo]

Incredible shots!!! What a great adventure! You were just in that general area last month right? Life is good for you Jim!

[rmarz]

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/7100/bucketfoundzu2.jpg
Posing with the bucket
http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/5287/towerseastviewzd5.jpg
The view east into Saline Valley
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/5202/towerswestviewea3.jpg
The view west towards Owens Valley

[teotwaki]

The trail was pretty well defined in the early sections but gradually disappeared in the loose rock and soil that creeps down the slopes.
When you have to descend 2500 feet in 1.5 miles you don't want to have to turn back to reclimb the steep slopes.

Alan was pretty sure that we should head into the bottom of an adjacent canyon and work our way down from there. On our way down we spotted numerous salt carts that had broken free of the cable.

We discovered piles of old rusted food cans and an old water system
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/1843/tramnov07080zq8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Strands of barbed wire
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/4398/tramnov07076ij8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

A massive anchor chain was left wrapped around this post but was fastened to two large bars that were anchored deep in the rock.
http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/5914/tramnov07085hh3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

High above us in the rocky canyon walls the tramline continued its steady downward march
http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/5167/tramnov070721fu4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/3082/tramnov07073es0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[teotwaki]

Our final goal is getting closer but still required a downclimb of a dry waterfall then we needed to ascend the hill the control station sits upon

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/947/tramnov070831ux7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Here is Mike above the waterfall
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/4650/tramnov07087zr6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Mike and Alan on the climb
http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/1665/tramnov071461iu5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Willman]

Sweet old place!

Love the pictures and the write up!

:)

[teotwaki]

Here it is, the mid control station at 6000 feet. The view is looking back up to where we started at 8700 feet. To the left are the heavy gauge power lines that were installed later when the gasoline engines were replaced. On the slope to the right are the remains of the living quarters.

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/5003/tramnov07135xs2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/2576/tramnov07136km3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This control station was only missing the large leather drive belt but the motor, gears, clutch, speed governor and disc brake were all there.

Alan inspecting the output drive shaft of the 75 horsepower Westinghouse electric motor
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/9300/tramnov07103zp4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/6355/tramnov07111xq0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Mike in contrast to the size of the 5 to 1 gear set
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/3801/tramnov07106hg4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Behind the large output gear is a manually applied brake made of a large leather band tensioned around a drum by a lever up above the planks
http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/6305/tramnov07115gr8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The large clutch assembly that applied curved wooden pads to the inside and outside of a drum.
http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/2253/tramnov07118ih6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Behind the clutch can be seen the large disc brake that was controlled by a mechanical governor assembly.

Spare clutch pads!
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/4021/tramnov07114ju1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[teotwaki]

The governor that controlled the disc brake below it in the motor drive pit. The rods that go down through the planks applied the brake pads
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/1483/tramnov070931hu1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Alarm or Signaling Bell?
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/4681/tramnov07089pz1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Large cable drive wheels were spun by the cable seen to the right of the large gear set in the drive pit photos in the previous message
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/4655/tramnov07120ol4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Tools everywhere, some still neatly hung on nails
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/7505/tramnov070951lf4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/4916/tramnov07099tr8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[pismo62]

Jim,, excellent write-up, and history lesson. Thanks

[teotwaki]

Thanks! We'll have some more pictures and observations to post from the Mike and Allen as well as a bit more about the way the tram builders hauled materials and ran the powerlines. Rich was busy on the USS Reagan tour on Sunday but he has more to add to the story too.

[ujoint]

Great pics!! I was in that area earlier this year, but didn't explore as much as you guys did! Thanks 4 the pics!

[Tucson T4R]

Outstanding shots and descriptions.:wings: It's really nice that once you got off the beaten path, you were able to find so much untouched history along the line. What an amazing area to have in your backyard and be able to explore as you have.

[teotwaki]

Outstanding shots and discriptions.:wings: It's really nice that once you got off the beaten path, you were able to find so much untouched history along the line. What an amazing area to have in your backyard and be able to explore as you have.

I've been planning this for weeks with satellite photos, old topomaps, hundreds of google searches, old photos and documents, etc.

It made the difference by having good intel before we took the first step.

[teotwaki]

Alan just emailed some to me that help to give other views besides my camera. They are mixed in terms of matching the sequence of my previous posts..

Here is one that gives the scale of the dry waterfall with arrows pointing to Mike and I as we descended
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/6285/falls21rp4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

trying some different lines while ascending on our return trip
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/3739/jimclimbingsa8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

No. 4 pickaxe head made by "Washo"
http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/9223/jtooltn9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Me, huffing and puffing after the last steep ascent
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/181/jmssq7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Standing by the speed governer
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/8424/jimmidgd7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Examining some of the tools; a sledgehammer head and another #4 pickaxe head
http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/1434/jtoolsyn8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

A hanging salt carrier over a deep canyon, below the second tower down from the control station
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/3879/belowmidjm4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[CLynn85]

Sounds like an awesome trip. It amazes me how much of the mining gear and equipment gets left behind out there, and remains there to this day. Even the tools hung on the pillars! It's such a foreign concept compared to the way things are out here.

[Green Ganesha]

I've been planning this for weeks with satellite photos, old topomaps, hundreds of google searches, old photos and documents, etc.

It made the difference by having good intel before we took the first step.

The fruits of your exhaustive planning really show! What a spectacular trip, and all the more so with such fascinating and informative illustration and documentation.

The Saline Salt Tram has intrigued me for years. I've driven the Swansea/Cerro Gordo trail several times, explored the summit station, hiked down a bit in each direction, poked around Daisy Canyon on the Saline side, but NOTHING even close to what you've uncovered!

My hat is off to you, gentlemen.

[Green Ganesha]

Sounds like an awesome trip. It amazes me how much of the mining gear and equipment gets left behind out there, and remains there to this day. Even the tools hung on the pillars! It's such a foreign concept compared to the way things are out here.

Inaccessibility. The relics are scarcer at the more approachable tramway termini. But most of its route is ridiculously hard to reach, making this trip all the more impressive. (Did you check out the scale of that dry waterfall?)

Kudos, and more kudos.

[teotwaki]

On Friday Rich and I pretty much roamed portions of the right side of the diagram

On Saturday we went from the 8700' summit down the left side of the diagram to
"Control STA for Sec II (Motor Drive)" at 6000', letters D and H

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/3102/svtramrouteprofilejx2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[rmarz]

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/7685/arduousterraincc4.th.jpg (http://img134.imageshack.us/my.php?image=arduousterraincc4.jpg)
Some of the arduous terrain, nothing will stop Teotwaki when he has a goal!
http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/7976/jimsinspectionrg9.th.jpg (http://img255.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jimsinspectionrg9.jpg)
A thorough inspection reveals that OSHA was not a factor back in 'the day'.

[ckkone]

Added this to my long list of things to do before I go six feet under, thanks for the report!

[Andrew Walcker]

Jim and Richard, absolutely an incredible trip!!! Great pics and write up, thanks for sharing!

[rmarz]

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/6796/arduousterraingn9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
By rmar (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/rmar)

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/4469/jimsinspectiondv4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
By rmar (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/rmar)

Thumbnails, hot links, codes, computers, sorry for the little pics, here are the right formats...

[HMR]

Jim and Richard, absolutely an incredible trip!!! Great pics and write up, thanks for sharing!
+1

[teotwaki]

Here is a small sled that is about as wide as the mule trail. Note the iron skids and hand forged links
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/9296/tramnov07049pt3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Alan holding the sled up for a better view of the skids
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/8676/tramnov070501sx7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/1651/tramnov070511jr9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Some material could be carried on completed portions of the tramway and some was carried by mules or on sleds pulled by mules

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/8792/img0039ud1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This is from a glass slide that is archived at the Colorado School of Mines

[Ursidae69]

Next time I go back, I have to do this hike. Great photos. :wings:

[teotwaki]

Here is a brief description:

Title: A 13 mile bucket tramway.

Publisher: New York : Hill Pub. Co., 1913.

Notes:

The Engineering and Mining Journal, Vol. 96, No. 16, Oct 18, 1913

A 13 mile bucket tramway for the Saline Valley Salt Company
was completed late in June, and was built for the
transportation of salt from the beds in Saline Valley to
the railroad at Swansea in Inyo County, California. It
was built by the Trenton Iron works and it is said cost
$500,000. The total length of the bucket line is 26
miles, and is made up of five sections, each working
independently. It is electrically driven. An
interesting feature of the construction is the use of
the down pull on the west side of the mountain for the
generation of 75 hp., wish is used in aiding the pull of
the load up the east side of the mountain. The bucket
line is its travel reaches an elevation of 8700 feet.
The rated capacity of the plant is 20 tons per hour,
which can be increased by increasing the size of the
cables. The Saline Valley Company owns 1400 acres of
land in Saline Valley in the northern part of Inyo
County, east of the Inyo Mountains. Salt has been mined
here for the last 10 years, but transportation by mule
team was too costly to permit the creation of a market
for the product beyond the local demand. The tramway
will deliver the salt at the railroad station, and
should place the company in the position of a large
competitor in the salt industry of California

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Very nice....Jim!

Thanks for sharing!

I always enjoy the History side of trips.

You Always do the Kewlest Stuff!:wings:



.

[Green Ganesha]

Jim, once again, your narrative, photographs, and research are phenomenal! The tramway, an engineering marvel, is the centerpiece of an area filled with fascinating relics: the original road through San Lucas Canyon, the tunnels below Cerro Gordo, the ruins of Beveridge, and all the lesser tramways cross-hatching the Inyos. Throw in the Saline Valley hot springs, and it's one of my favorite offroading/camping destinations.

Just curious: do you already have Mary DeDecker's booklet, "White Smith's Fabulous Salt Tram"?

[teotwaki]

Jim, once again, your narrative, photographs, and research are phenomenal! The tramway, an engineering marvel, is the centerpiece of an area filled with fascinating relics: the original road through San Lucas Canyon, the tunnels below Cerro Gordo, the ruins of Beveridge, and all the lesser tramways cross-hatching the Inyos. Throw in the Saline Valley hot springs, and it's one of my favorite offroading/camping destinations.

Just curious: do you already have Mary DeDecker's booklet, "White Smith's Fabulous Salt Tram"?

I have a number of old Mitchell and Wheelock books but not Mary's. It has been out of print for a long time too. Apparently Mary scooped some other person and bought the photos and negatives that are used in the book.

Thanks to everyone for all of the complements. I have a few more pictures to upload and I think Rich has a few too. Mike took lots of nice pictures of me; sort of like having a backpacking paparazzi!

[Green Ganesha]

I have a number of old Mitchell and Wheelock books but not Mary's. It has been out of print for a long time too. Apparently Mary scooped some other person and bought the photos and negatives that are used in the book.

Jim, I have a copy of Mary's book. ("Book" is a stretch, since it's only 24 pages long.) If you'd like, I could scan it for you.

[Green Ganesha]

Here's another resource, which perhaps you've already seen: an August 1959 article from Desert Magazine.

[teotwaki]

Here's another resource, which perhaps you've already seen: an August 1959 article from Desert Magazine.

That is priceless! I loved the comment about the supply of straw for the mules still being there.

[bayswim]

We were just in Saline this past long weekend and while leaving Monday, we looked up at the tramway and said that our next trip would include Cerro Gordo, etc.

You just sealed the deal. Thanks for posting....very enjoyable to read.

[teotwaki]

We were just in Saline this past long weekend and while leaving Monday, we looked up at the tramway and said that our next trip would include Cerro Gordo, etc.

You just sealed the deal. Thanks for posting....very enjoyable to read.
Great! That is exactly what this forum is for. When you plan your trip you can hit me up with questions.

[teotwaki]

This has filled in a gap in my knowledge and corrected a misunderstanding. It looks as if the entire tramway was electrically powered from an Edison plant at Cottonwood. Gasoline engines were used in the Saline Valley for driving machinery and often broke down. Below is the story of the men who extended the tram's electric lines down into the the valley

from Explore Historic California
http://www.explorehistoricalif.com/salt_tram.html

The Electric Crew Comes to Saline Valley

by Cecile Page Vargo

In the 1920’s two men, Charley J. Southey and William A. Kemp, worked on electrical lines that were needed for the salt operations. In July, they ran across a prospector in Big Pine who advised them how to survive working in the hot summer sun. Work was impossible after 2 p.m. when temperatures peaked, so they were told to head for Saline Valley early in the morning, around 6 a.m, and not quit for lunch, just grab a donut or sandwich that could be eaten quickly while continuing to work. Charley and Bill heeded the old prospectors advice and worked their eight hour shifts straight through until 2 p.m.

The living area at Saline Valley in those days, was supplied with a six inch pipe that brought water in from Hunter Springs to flow into a big bathtub. The men would wet their shirts before they put them on, then wet blankets and hang from the ridgepole of their tent to keep cool.

On the tram was a refrigerator car that was kept cool with ice. Fresh meat and vegetables came in twice a week. Dried beans, cereals, and other staples kept the men satiated in between time. The cook was noted as being very good, and the men talked of wonderful meals including such innovative dishes as cantaloupe pie. The living quarters were near fresh water from Hunter Creek, so water was never a problem.

When Charley and Bill first arrived to work, salt was not being transported out of Saline. Machinery for the salt operations had broken down and was being worked on, but the tram itself was running. Electricity was being put in the valley to replace the gasoline engines that strained to work in the summer heat. Valves were known to burn and gears would run dry. Bill Kemp remembered that much of the equipment the salt company used had rawhide gears that failed often and needed to be replaced.

Charley and Bill went to Saline Valley with a mule team by way of Waucoba, and came out on the tram. Once the tram started running, they would ride from the valley up to Station 7, the first station above Saline Valley. From there they had to walk back down to their work place. The equipment they used for their work was hauled on the tram also, and snaked backed down by hand to where they could use it. The sides of the mountain were way to steep for the teams of mules.

One trip into Saline by truck was nothing but trouble. At Bunker Hill Mine, near Willow springs, all the rubber was lost off of the wheels and chains were broken. They were stranded until word was gotten out to a man named Laney who came in and helped them unload. Everything was then teamed down into the Valley. At Willow Springs, the men remembered grapes growing there, and enjoyed them by the handful before heading down into Saline Valley . Everyone walked into Saline except William Kemp and the mule skinner. William played the banjo and sang, as they traveled by the light of the moon at night when temperatures were more comfortable.

The gondolas, or buckets of the salt tram were comfortable for the men to ride in. Two men at a time could sit inside, facing each other. The bottom of the buckets had drain holes on them and a line of salt could be seen on the ground beneath the tram line. when Charley and Bill rode the tram in 1920 there were no lids on the buckets, but in it’s early days there were.

The ride on the tram must have been daunting. As they traversed over Daisy Canyon, the men could see cars lying on the canyon floor. They would look up ahead and wonder when the next bucket would break loose, and come back to smack them. One afternoon, after a hard day’s work, Charley and Bill were coming back down to Saline Valley, and chose to hike up to Station 7 and ride a bucket back to camp. Charley was in the bucket below Bill Kemp when the power went off. Time lingered forever. Another man, by the name of Bill Southey, and others hadn’t loaded up yet, so took hand lines and threw them over the cable and walked down to the stranded bucket. Other hand lines were added on as they needed them. Bill Kemp was about 125 feet above the ground when they arrived at the bucket, and he came down hand-over hand on the double line. Charley was about 300 feet off the ground by the time they got to him. His hands slipped and he burned his hands and legs, but somehow made it down. The tram remained out of operation until sometime that night, so the men were glad they were not left hanging there the entire time.

[teotwaki]

A lot of the electrical infrastructure has been damaged by time, vandalized or stolen. Many miles of galvanized steel line are gone, electric motors and transformers scrapped for copper windings and brown ceramic pole insulators shot into pieces.

A few of the remote areas have survived...

Large power pole where the lines transition from heavy gauge cable to single strands of galvanized steel. There should be three downhill strands
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9946/tramnov07064md2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

close up of insulator on downhill side
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/2295/tramnov07062my7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

broken insulator from missing third downhill strand
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/9655/tramnov07063jf6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

power transformers, oil cooled
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/3943/tramnov071191ii2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

electrical breakers, adjustable for break point
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/5237/220118837img7959ez6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[teotwaki]

A number of Mike's photos make some good points as to terrain.
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/2509/220118349img7946pc0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Trying to rediscover the old mule trail
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/4193/220114674img7834eu3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Steep scree covered slopes that we came down
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/9207/220116912img7902rx5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Posing.....
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/2420/220118170img7942tj2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Where the heck am I??? I need my GPS!
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7229/220117162img7908hp9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

After climbing down the waterfall we had to climb back up to get to the control station
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/1854/220126637img8047rs5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[teotwaki]

and a few more

Historical photo from the Colorado School of Mines of barrels near the control station
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/3811/img0089kl7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

the view towards Saline valley and a lonely barrel
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/8327/220122944img8006yw2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

side view of same barrel
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/9527/220123921img8019fc8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Just look for the bright orange backpack
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/9932/220126996img8057mg4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Made it back by sunset!
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/8305/220127451img8073nv9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


Thanks for all of the interest and comments! I know Rich has a number of photos to share but has been busy and will soon post those.

[rmarz]

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/6199/thethreeamigossb5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
By rmar (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/rmar)

It is tough to compare my quickly made snap shots with your pics! Great Job Jim with both the pics and narratives! Here is one of mine from when we parted ways (okay when I bailed) on the east side.........

[trailerman]

I'm late to this thread, awesome pics guys. When we went through there in October I was impressed with how difficult the construction of this enterprise must have been. Your research paid off Jim, and well done to all of you.

[RHINO]

awesome trip and great pics !!!

[Hedge]

Teotwaki, thank you for documenting and sharing this adventure.

[James86004]

Great thread!

[luk4mud]

Thanks for bumping a great set of pictures, Franz. Makes me want to to go back. I thought most of the really cool parts of the tram were gone, but now I know better. Maybe I'll go visit the bucket o' grease just to say I did!

[Linus Tremaine]

I am so proud to be able to claim membership in this online community. Whenever I get depressed about things that are going on it the world politically, environmentally or otherwise- I know that I can come here and find people who will fight to protect the things that I love. I feel a great bond with all of you, even though it is merely an indirect bond via the internet. Still, I know that when I am traveling these trails that great people have come before me and that is why I am able to see what still remains.


Jim,
your information is priceless and your defense for our history is a great representation of what all expo members should strive for. Thank you and everyone else for going out of your way to do the right thing for the people who follow you.

[Borrego60]

Very nice posting on the tram and would love to visit it some day. Pictures were great and the mountain shots of the tram most excellent.

[teotwaki]

I've always wanted a grease bucket. This reminds me of the concept of the "Outdoor Museum" that David Roberts talks about in his book: "In Search of the Old Ones." Nothing neuters history like removing items from the context either in the spirit of preserving them or for making them more accessible. Some things should be really hard to get to and hopefully the route not too plainly revealed even on this board. I'm also glad the spirit of this board is "Leave the stuff there."

The route is not always an obvious hiking trail but the tram towers and the cables are easy to follow. However, it is a difficult descent and involves some route finding. You have to be in fair shape to do it in a day. Folks who go to that much effort are unlikely to vandalize things that are down a steep mountainside.

[teotwaki]

Very nice posting on the tram and would love to visit it some day. Pictures were great and the mountain shots of the tram most excellent.
Thanks for the kind words.

[kjp1969]

Edited. I goofed. Big time. Sorry Jim!

[Borrego60]

I was wondering how were the dirt roads leading to the tram,and places to offroad and camp? Maybe do an expedition there one or two days with some folks from the portal.

[teotwaki]

I was wondering how were the dirt roads leading to the tram,and places to offroad and camp? Maybe do an expedition there one or two days with some folks from the portal.


On my most recent trip the roads were quite good. The previous snow drifts were gone and the road was undamaged by mud. There are two sections that require 4WD. One is between Cerro Gordo and the Tram cabin. Coming from Cerro Gordo (Keeler entry) it is a loose left-turning uphill section with lots of ruts. The other is the section coming from the other side of the Tram Cabin (Swansea entry). It is a loose dirt uphill section followed by a steep and rocky uphill section.

Modest ground clearance is fine but vehicles with a wide stance will have to beware of tire sidewall damage.

As for car-camping there are a few places but it is so limited due to all of the so-called "wilderness" road closures.

Coming up from Swansea has the best areas:

After the uphill rocky section there are a number of nice sites in the trees above 6500 feet. After that you could camp by the Burgess Mine cabin but if it is windy you are fully exposed. Great views in all directions! You can also stay in the old Burgess Cabin. It is often used by hikers of the Lonesome Miner Trail. The best spot is close to the Tram Cabin on the right side of the road on a little spur that provides great views of the Sierras.

Coming up from Keeler towards Cerro Gordo:

Before C-G there is a lot of "private" desert land (mining claims) that is not that suitable. After you go through C-G on the road towards the Tram Cabin there are a few spots but none are far from the road so any vehicle activity won't be far away.


In my other planning posts on the Tram there is a link to great topo map from a Land Rover club. Search on my name as author. Keywords are "saline", "salt', "tram" and "Inyos"

[HiddenDuke]

Jim,

I enjoyed your trip report the first time and enjoyed it even more the second. Thanks for the pictures of a place I will most probably never get to see.

[kjp1969]

Edited. Boy did I goof that one up. Sorry Jim!

[Borrego60]

Thanks loads for the info, I will have to get up there this year I hope. Loved the write up and the pictures. I will post something in the future if maybe a group can get together and do this trip.

[Thorminator]

Got pointed here from the treework forum, this place is great. This expedition thread was fascinating reading, truly fantastic piece.
I live in Wales, and close by there are some very old slate mines that used a 'Blondin' system, very similar to the salt tramway. This piece has inspired me to go and photograph them while they still stand.

[teotwaki]

Got pointed here from the treework forum, this place is great. This expedition thread was fascinating reading, truly fantastic piece.
I live in Wales, and close by there are some very old slate mines that used a 'Blondin' system, very similar to the salt tramway. This piece has inspired me to go and photograph them while they still stand.

Welcome aboard! I've seen some of the other forum's postings and ascending 300+ foot trees is quite inspirational.

Please get those photos of the Blondin system and post them up in a new thread with some history and local information. I'd love to see it!

[ETAV8R]

Found this thread while searching for info for Saline Valley. Your photos and information are great. Thank you for the hard work on that trip a couple years ago.
:bowdown:

[teotwaki]

Glad that it is still useful! Current road conditions are that there is snow too deep on the road from about the Burgess Mine to the Tram cabin. I can only imagine that the other direction is similar back to Cerro gordo.

[stolenheron]

see any wildlife in or around the old structures?

[ETAV8R]

When is the next trek out there?

[teotwaki]

see any wildlife in or around the old structures?

not personally but we've seen the remains of a bighorn most likely eaten by a mountain lion

[teotwaki]

When is the next trek out there?

No plans just yet since the snow is blocking the roads.

[Skidoo]

Great write up, didn't know so much was there. We did the trail from Cerro Gordo to New York Butte to Swansea in fall 2008. Had lunch at the summit station. You all are part mountain goat, some serious hiking there.
Thank you for all this wonderful detail.

[Explorer 1]

Just lead a group up there last weekend, Was a great trip. You guys must be part mountain goat to visit all those towers.

Found these cute kids hanging around the top!

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q41/fredsjeep/Papoose%20Flats%20June%202010/IMG_4027.jpg

Thanks for sharing,

Fred
Explorer 1

[ETAV8R]

Just lead a group up there last weekend, Was a great trip. You guys must be part mountain goat to visit all those towers...Explorer 1

What was the weather like up there this time of year?

[Explorer 1]

I was also up there 3 weeks before. I believe I was the first one to drive up from the Cerro Gordo side from the snow drifts I had to get through.

This weather this trip was windy and cooler, If it wasn't for the wind, sweaters would of been enough. We spent the night at Papoose Flats and it snowed on us that evening, nothing stuck, but it was still a bit cooler than we expected.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1