Cerro Gordo Club Run

Submitted by Eric Bernocco

On Friday Oct 2nd a group of us traveled the 200+ miles up 14/395 to Lone Pine to bed in for the 9AM Saturday run to the little known Salt Tram. The tram ran between the Saline Valley and the Owens Valley over the Inyo Mountains and operated between 1910 and the mid 30's. Go here for more info... http://www.owensvalleyhistory.com/saline_tramway1/page50a.html

Saturday the group consisted of myself, Dave and Elise Weil, Rob and Shirley Miller and let's not forget Elise's awestruck dog who absolutely wore herself out on the day.

We left the visitors center around 9:30 and down the 136 to the one-house town of Swansea for air-down and other preps. Climbing the scenic Cerro Gordo/Swansea Grade to the top of the mountain we passed several old tram towers still proudly perched upon brown rock-covered hilltops scattered throughout the mountain side. We made the 25 mile romp to the salt tram tenders station via the old Burgess Mine equipment shack in about 3 hours. This area is perched right on top of the mountain with very clear views of each desert floor - very majestic. At the Tram Tenders Cabin we stopped for lunch and a quick view of the top [transfer] tram station. It is amazing how dedicated the men were to haul this equipment and lumber up the mountain and then build this huge structure.

From here we traveled southeast across the Inyo crest to Cerro Gordo. The town looks the same as it has but it is in grave danger.

Two weeks ago the remaining owner Mike Patterson passed away [husband of Jody Stewart who passed in Dec, 01]. In town I met up with a lady named Mary who was a member of a local 4x4 club called the Gear Grinders.

Mary told me many things including the fact that Cerro Gordo is subject to destruction by looters. Therefore the club is sending people up to watch the town day and night until the remaining family can figure out what they want to do with the town. Mike had apparently been trying to sell Cerro Gordo but to no avail before his death.

Mary went on to explain that Mike has mineral rights that are quite valuable and offers had been made for those rights but no one will commit to also keeping and protecting the town. In fact they had one offer and were told directly that the town would not be kept in tact. You have to be careful what you wish for.

Subsequently, we did not get a tour although Mary did offer to show us some buildings and the Hotel. Instead, because of the time, we elected to take up a little collection for the operations fund which Mary accepted and headed - briskly - down the washboard hill. If memory serves me right we got back to Boulder RV by around 5:30 and did a quick clean-up for a nice sit-down dinner at the Seasons Steak House in Lone Pine.

The next morning David and Elise joined us for a 9AM breakfast at the "coffee shop" and then headed for home. Rob, Shirley and I went over to the Movie Museum for a tour which was very interesting and informative. At about 11:30 I headed down the hill and Rob was off to see Whitney Portal and such.

I want to thank David and Elise Weil and Rob and Shirley for coming along on this run. I know I had a great time and from the reactions I received - I think they did also. It seemed as though every time we sat down to eat or rest we wound up getting into great conversations about life and love.

I could not have been happier or more pleased with the weekend except for one issue. My wife Deonna and the dogs were not able to join us this time because of her ongoing complications from Kidney Donor surgery in Dec 2007. I missed her with all my heart and it just wasn't the same without my dogs. Sometimes life deals you a tough and unfair hand but with the support of Deonna and the company and comfort of the good people on this trip and in this club - I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the trail.

I look forward to a similar run next year and I hope more people will have a chance to take in this beautiful and historic wonder of nature and man. I also pray for the town of Cerro Gordo and its safety and wellbeing. See you next year, eric