Hard Luck Mine Traditional Geocache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This is one of three caches leading to a most unusual place in the desert. For anyone interested in unique architecture, this set of caches are a must. The cache is a simple metal box about the size of a candy box (in fact, it was a candy tin at one time), and there are little items for trade.
It all started 12 years ago when a man and his son where driving their VW buggy through a desert snowstorm looking for a dry mining tunnel to sleep in for the night. Driving on, higher and higher into the snowy elevations, a bit of desperation setting in as the darkness deepened, an apparition appeared. Not knowing where the loop of desert road they were following led, their buggy pulled through the thick clouds alongside a cabin. Knowing most cabins in the desert were little more than rotted, leaky, and near or fully collapsed collections of wood, the man and his son trudged through the snow to check out whether or not they would be sleeping in the mine’s tunnel adjacent to the cabin – The Hard Luck Mine. To their wonderful surprise they found not only an intact cabin, dry and capable of keeping out most of the wind, but one well maintained and stocked with firewood for the drum barrel stove. This cabin, which is still standing today, was, according to the numerous logbooks they found inside, a destination for people just like them – desert wanderers. That night’s meal and bedding was warm and much appreciated. The father and his son where not haunted by the mines namesake, at least not that night. Long story short, the father ended up purchasing the property and cabin and has maintained the cabin and mine for all these years while following his builder’s itch in building his dream home on the site – a most unusual creation. Tours are available if the sign says “OPEN”, stop in and say hi and see what a snowy night and a desert cabin can lead to.
The cabin is 9 miles up the dirt road which is usually well maintained – bare the occasional wash out from heavy thunder storms. (We drove it at 25 MPH in our Honda Odyssey with no problems). The owner of the cabin and builder of the unique structure you will find is friendly and open to folks stopping in to say hello and to take a tour of his handiwork. As with any desert travel, inquire locally about routes before traveling and take extra water and sun protection. Cell phone service and GPS Nav systems are not always reliable in that area. You can call the owner, Randy, beforehand to check road conditions at 775-772-2413. There are two more related caches along the way – The Shrine (GC3PQTC) and The Hardluck Castle (GCPQTV).
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Jbbq fnaqjvpu.