Rick picked up Jeff at 2:30 AM for the trip out to Manzanar, a very long drive out highway 395 into the Owens valley. They arrived at 7:30 AM and after breakfast met with the NPS Archaeologist for some background information.

This magnificent area at the base of Mount Williamson was a relocation camp during WW II however their search was directed to look for remains of a mansion and ranch that existed between 1860 and 1937. The Water Department had purchased the land in 1937 and burned down the structure. Years of nature's effects had covered any visible signs of this important bit of history. Under the direction of the park ranger the men began the search looking for patterns of square nails and artifacts. They marked each signal with a flag for further excavation and evaluation.

They worked until 6:00 in the evening confident in the fact that they had located nails, pipes, foundations, a WW II uniform button, marbles, bits of a pocket watch and most exciting - Indian trade beads. The glass beads had surfaced under the trowel of the archaeologist. While Jeff rested his arm from swinging his detector the ranger allowed him to work along side with gentle slow strokes of a small trowel.

Jeff and Rick drove home that night wishing their work schedules allowed them to remain a few more days to continue work on this fascinating project. They experienced first hand the thrill of exploring history and sharing their expertise with the National Park Service archaeologist. They also helped to reinforce the fact that our hobby is a valuable resource.