David K - 5-23-2026 at 10:17 AM
From Coco's old Corner, we took the graded road northeast then curves south branching right for the original gulf coast road south, which uses
Calamajué canyon. We stop where El Camino Real crosses the graded road then again at the canyon viewpoint next to the gold mill site, on the side of
the arroyo cliff. Next we drive into the arroyo and up the opposite side to see the mission site (1766-1767)... The water here was so mineralized
(salty) that food crops withered and died. The mission was moved to the site we call Santa María de los Angeles (1767-1775).
South to Calamajué
Gold Mill operated by Dick Daggett around 1905.
The vehicle
The gold mill site, as seen from the mission site
The mission church
Stone corrals may be from the mission period, or later (I read somewhere).
Heading towards the canyon entrance and the white bench is seen.
Next, up the canyon floor, passing palms, and climbing out to cross the desert to El Crucero and Mex #1.
In 2012:
In 2012, I called these, the 'Dancing Boojums'. In 2016, they were still dancing.
However, in 2026, the dance was over! One partner has even left and the other broke his back!
[Edited on 5-24-2026 by David K]