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Panamint Valley      Dec 29, 2014-Jan 6, 2015
I had planned on getting out and doing New Years resolutions alone. Ended up out for eight days and was virtually never alone. Tried something new, accidentally ended up with six 357 magnum bullets in the fire while with Dave. Camped at Surprise Canyon cutoff where I usually spend New Years. (Missed it last year while we were in Indian Wells Canyon closer to Ridgecrest)  Explored several nearby small canyons with Scot and Austin, as usual they don't get in very far until a vertical 40' dirt wall stops you. Got up into Surprise Canyon above Novak Camp. Explored Jail Canyon for the second time (1st was 10 years prior). Middle Park and Jackpot were also explored.
First camp 4 days (Scot, Austin, Shawna, Tyler, Brittany, Patience, Curtis & Brenndon)	Second camp across the road 4 days (Dave)
Jail Canyon
Thingamagig in Jail Canyon.
Ten years ago when I was at the end of the road in Jail Canyon I had taken a road that went into Hall Canyon to about the half way point in order to make an attempt on Telescope Peak. After I had parked the Jeep I realized that the gas tank had a hole in it and it was dripping. I bailed on the attempt. The road is now closed off by a wooden barrier and only open to horses and foot traffic. The cabin is in good shape
Middle Park
I have removed any pictures I had posted of Middle Park Canyon. Although there was gate it was not posted. I have since learned from the owner that it is still private property and should be respected as such
Jackpot Canyon
Mining structures in Upper Jackpot Canyon	Vehicles in wash leading up to Jackpot Canyon structures
With names like Panamint, Jackpot Canyon, Happy Canyon and Surprise Canyon it is obvious what the area offered. Mining was big from the late 1800's until the mid  to late1900's. Brigs Mine, a huge gold strip mine. The Surprise Canyon road washed out in the mid 1980's closing Panamint City operations. The operation in Jackpot Canyon looks like it closed down late last decade. The big steel building houses a 50KW diesel generator as well as a work area. There is a trailer with a cover which someone has broken off two lock hasps in order to gain access. There is also an old concrete structure in the salt cedars which has various junk inside. The area has water seeping out of the ground and includes a large pomegranate tree.
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