 |
| Almaden Quicksilver County Park |
Map used today:
http://ridgetrail.org/images/interactive_map/maps/AlmadenQuicksilverCountyPark.pdf
Almaden Quicksilver County Park has been on our list to visit for longer than we have been hiking on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Let me explain the title of this post:
Wallace Stegner's novel Angle of Repose is a favorite of ours. This book is based on the writings of Mary Hallock Foote, who lived with her engineer husband at the New Almaden Mine from 1876 until 1878. As we walked through the park, interpretive signs informed us of the succession of residents who mined and then processed cinnabar to retrieve the mercury. Find out more about the mining history here.
Our walk has inspired us to learn more about Mary Hallock Foote, her writing, and her artwork. In the late 1800's, she was probably the most famous American female author and illustrator alive, and her first published writing was her lengthy description of life in New Almaden. At the time, she was newly married, newly arrived from upstate New York, and soon to give birth to an 11-pound boy. You can read "A California Mining Camp" (1878) here. Scholarship around Foote's life and work is rich and inviting. Here is her version of the ridge line that Donna painted:
"Mexican Camp -- After the Fire" (1878)
As usual, we are deeply grateful to the Ridge Trail organization for yet another perfect walk, this one steeped in history, culture, and the voices of people from 150 years ago.
 |
| Misty trail through the oaks |
 |
| The New Almaden Mine Ruins |
 |
| Mt Umunhum wrapped with fog |
 |
| The interpretive plaque in English Camp |
 |
| Rusty barn in the mist |
Here are some more photos from this wonderful day.
No comments:
Post a Comment