Rockwall to Campsite8 bedrock mortars and grinding slick.What’s the function of this wall? A section line? Not likely. Why is it aligned with a Yrgin camp and a spring?Another view of the wall.Photograph by Bob BardellTake time to find all the mortars here and enjoy the ambience of this site. It’s cool in the summer, […]
Tolenas Springs Village41 bedrock mortars, 10+ cupules, probable mortarsElevation 268 ft.An artesian spring once geysered water ten feet into the air near the source of Soda Springs Creek, but quarrying for travertine and onyx (begun in the 1850s) eventually destroyed that flow. Patwins referred to this area as the land of healing waters. A resort […]
Chinese Tree of Heaven18 bedrock mortars (including 5 bowl mortars), 3 metates, 2 cupules, incised rocks, rock rectangles, rock walls, and rock-lined pathwaysThe Chinese Tree of Heaven tree (Ailanthus altissima) was introduced to California by the Chinese during the Gold Rush. The presence of this tree along with the dry-laid masonry skill apparent in a […]
Ryan’s Hideaway24 bedrock mortars.This site is named in honor of Ryan the Cowboy, who has kicked us off the ridge several times when we accidentally strayed onto private property.Being tucked away in a little hollow amid sheltering trees gives this site a “hideaway” feel. Look for more mortars on and around the little hill that […]
Upper Palomares CanyonOne bedrock mortarElevation 1450 feetThis rock sits below a spring box, which itself lies directly below the Rockwall to Campsite site. The mortar is a no-doubt-about-it cone six inches wide and six inches deep.One should secure permission before visiting this site.
Garin Park, east spur2 bedrock mortars and possible grinding slick.This is on one of the principal routes to Walpert Ridge.One should secure permission before visiting this site.
South of Prayer CircleBowl mortar, pestle, and slick.This little camp is about 1300′ above sea level.Assuming the pestle went with the bowl mortar, how was it used? Please do not remove the pestle. Leave it for others to enjoy.One should secure permission before visiting this site.
Upper San Leandro Reservoir8 bedrock mortars, 3-5 cupules. Site may be underwater.This is a beautiful spot now because of the Upper San Leandro Reservoir, but it was probably nice in Jalquin times too. Back then these mortars were on a little hillside terrace above Kaiser Creek, a perennial watercourse. How many mortars here and how […]
Garin, single mortar1 bedrock mortar next to the trail under a tree.Was this little camp a traveler’s rest stop?Bob’s right hand just about spans the mortar’s mouth.One should secure permission before visiting this site.
South Vargas Plateau3 bedrock mortars.Elevation 1150 ft.A real power spot. Fabulous views. Mission Peak and Upper Alameda Creek in background.One should secure permission before visiting this site.
