In 1997 I began searching for the transfer site. I located it from a point across the river which afforded a clear view of the tramway path. Even though the tramway is 100 years old, the path is still visible from the distance. Even more fascinating, the path which is readily seen from the distance, merges with the forest when you are standing on it and disappears! With the aid of the telescope and topographical maps I marked the co-ordinates of the site. Further technology , a hand-held Global Positioning Satellites receiving unit, allowed me to drive along abandoned logging roads until near the site. Then it was on foot across old clear-cuts searching for the site. Finally located, the site is quite over-grown.
This is the mound where the transfer site was built. Originally a large log structure, probably 60 feet tall, all that remains is a pile of decaying timbers and metal parts. JoAnn is looking at the debris and further on to a collection of buckets from the aerial tramway. That is her son Danny beside her. The view straight ahead is down to the city and the river.
In the picture below right, JoAnn would be standing at the base of the structure.
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| See the bridge at the narrow point of the river? | This is from the construction of the transfer site 100 years ago. Note the similarities of the view. |
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| This 'graveyard' is buckets that hung on the aerial tramway and carried the ore to the smelter. | This is one of the huge bull wheels on which the cable turned. To left of JoAnn's right hand you can see the edge of the wheel, the original cable is under her hand. |
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Nothing like lunch after a morning 'prospecting'! For those who know our family and are trying to place JoAnn, we have 'adopted' her family. With our own families far away our need to 'grandparent' is offset. |
For more information on the whole area, see this link: SILVER KING