October 2, 2014
It’s been 16 months since we reported on the Mountain Lily (Ware) Mine at the northern edge of San Diego County. Development is slow when mountain-moving is involved.
For instance, in July, it took days for John McLean, Ben Castillo, and Casey Jones to drive the Deere (pictured below) to the bottom of the hill. Then, up the hill with lead- and trail-cars. Then the Deere literally made its own road.
Deere after days' drive up the mountain to the Mountain Lily Mine.
Click to enlarge. (Photo: Casey Jones)
The Deere had to make its own road. Late July 2014.
Click to enlarge. (Photo: Casey Jones)
The Deere clears out brush in preparation for the pegmatite exposure.
Click to enlarge. (Photo: Casey Jones)
The Deere does some preliminary exposing of the pegmatites in early August.
Click to enlarge. (Photo: Casey Jones)
View of the Deere's work.
Click to enlarge. (Photo: Casey Jones)
Let’s not forget where we are. We have a great view of a grand valley and Lake Henshaw…
View of the valley from the Mountain Lily Mine.
Click to enlarge. (Photo: Casey Jones)
A panorama view from the Mountain Lily Mine. Early August 2014.
Click to enlarge. (Photo: Casey Jones)
Back to work. The Deere eventually uncovered the old workings and adit.
The Deere approaches the old workings and adit. Early August 2014.
Click to enlarge. (Photo: Casey Jones)
Getting there…
Click to enlarge. (Photo: Casey Jones)
At last the adit is exposed. Early August 2014.
Click to enlarge. (Photo: Casey Jones)
Nearly two months later, in late September, more pegmatite exposure. The site is prepared and made safe for future mining.
The Deere scrapes the pegmatite wall. Late September 2014.
Click to enlarge. (Photo: Casey Jones)
Close view of the pegmatite exposure…
Click to enlarge. (Photo: Casey Jones)
…pulling back…
Click to enlarge. (Photo: Casey Jones)
…and back.
Click to enlarge. (Photo: Casey Jones)
Above the clouds…
Morning clouds, mid-September 2014.
Click to enlarge. (Photo: Casey Jones)