HV002 Traditional Cache

One of the things I enjoy doing is checking out the local mines. Unless I have information on the name the claim was filed under I assign it a name. The alpha part of the name represents the location. HV for Holcomb Valley, RC for Rattlesnake Canyon, RV for Rose Valley, etc. A good source of information on the local mines is found at Mindat.

The Forest Service had blocked access to the old road leading to the mine. This will add about 100 yards to your hike to the cashe.

There is an old trail that leads to the mine and the coordinates of this "trail head" are listed below. The cache is within 25' of the entrance.

The Southern Pacific Rattlesnake, also called Black Diamond Rattlesnake, Mountain Rattler, Western Rattlesnake, is the most common rattlesnake in this area. While they can reach a length of 4.5 feet, 2.5 to 3.5 feet is common. They range in color, from gray, olive, to brown. Populations living at higher altitudes are often almost black with very faint markings. Juveniles have a bright yellow-green tail. Young are born live from August to October. Ready to go when born, they are about 10 inches long, have fangs, venom, but no rattle (pre-button). A button, as the segments of the rattles are called, is formed each time they shed their skin. It takes at least two buttons to rattle. If the rattle absorbs enough water in wet weather, it will not make noise. They can shed their skin several times in a year. Frequency of shedding depends on their food supply and particular growth rate. They also shed and replace their fangs about every 60 days.

It is a myth that rattlesnakes are deaf. They have the same basic inner ear structure as other reptiles. They lack an external ear. Sound, vibrations in the air or ground, are transmitted to the ear via other body structures. It is not known how the brain of the rattlesnake translates the vibrations received by the inner ear. Maybe it is similar to having your fingers in your ears.

An adult Southern Pacific Rattlesnake in a classic defensive pose. From this position a snake can strike out approximately one-third to one-half of it’s body length. While the strike is not as fast or accurate as generally believed, the strike is very swift. Too fast to be fully followed by the human eye. (click on photo to hear it's warning)	This photo of an 11" long juvenile was taken at Silverwood Lake. Note the yellow color at the tip of the tail and the absence of a rattle. You can see the "pre-button" at the tip of the tail. Juveniles are quicker to strike than adults and will usually inject all their venom when they strike.