Fourth of July must be a lucky trip. In 1995 the snow was so high in the upper elevations of the Sierras that they were virtually snowed-in. We opted to go to a place called Parole Cabin. Apparently, prisoners used to be kept here to moil as an alternative to prison. An early day work camp, I suspect.

Getting there was no picnic. We had to make one of the more difficult stream crossings ever. The depth never got much beyond knee deep, but the water was flowing pretty fast. Once across the stream, we saw no one else the entire trip, until the way out, when we met our friends, Bill & Lynne.

Parole Cabin itself is only a remnant foundation these days. The true location is across the meadow from where the marker is located. We camped on the other side of the meadow from the old cabin. Cathy found this token sitting on the ground...didn't even need no metal detector.

I set my rig up and before long, I was finding lots of Colt .45 shells, along with a great variety of black powder rounds, 45-70s, 32-40s, etc. These old shells were from the late 19th century and very early part of the 20th century. As a historical note, although smokeless powder (cordite) was developed in the late 1880s, usage was generally restricted to the military and use by the general public came somewhat later. Even after smokeless powder came into general usage, using smokeless powder in a firearm intended to be used with black powder could have fatal consequences, as the pressure in smokeless powder cartridges was substantially higher. Ammunition companies continued to produce black powder loadings well into the 1950's, and possibly beyond.

In the same area, about a quarter mile away, I spotted what looked like an old cowboy camp. The trees had fallen. The site was well disguised from years of disuse, but the signs were there: SCA (sun-colored amethyst) glass, i.e. purple glass shards, soldered tin cans, etc. The hot spot was actually in front of the fallen log in this poor quality vidcap. Given the tin can construction and the purple glass, I knew this was an early site.

After popping numerous rifle and pistol shells in outlying areas, I got into one area that might have been near the old fire ring. Up popped a 1912-S Barber dime, in very fine condition.

Not very far away, up came another fine 1907 Barber,

followed by a very fine 1919-S Mercury dime.

Finally, I got another good hit and looked down. Sticking part way out of the ground was a 1920-S Standing Liberty quarter.

I scoured the tar out of this spot, but didn't turn any more coins. That I didn't find any pennies amazes me, but I ain't complaining. I contemplated the good detecting around the campfire that night.

Cathy found a nice pink whiskey bottle. I found one more interesting thing, the suspender clasp below.

We left the area after spending 5 days in the backcountry. We had a fun time.