Every time Cathy and I go up the hill to Lake Hemet (to go fishing mostly) we marvel at the beauty of the mountains, the pine trees, the meadows and the wild flowers.  No matter how hot it is in Hemet it seems there is always a cool breeze blowing off the lake.  Garner Valley is so pretty and so close that we go up at least once a month even if it’s just to get away for a little while.

We were kind of disappointed when we were told we would not be able to metal detect at Hurkey Creek Park, but we thought we would make the best of the area and it was such a beautiful day, what more could you ask for.

Jay and many others were at the meeting place (the Lake Hemet store) as we arrived, and after we all stood around talking for awhile the rest of our group (about 20 in total) arrived and we headed a little ways down the road to a parking area where we were under the pines in the shade and Jay could orient us to the area and what and where we could metal detect, hike and sight see.

Soon everyone got busy, getting their detectors out and covering the area.

Some left the immediate area for the other side of the hill and another parking area (always good detecting).

Jay took a group on a tour of a local mine which was off the Ramona trail head just down the road a ways.  The mine was about a mile back in the woods and I didn’t think I could handle it so Cathy and I stayed where we were and enjoyed the mountain air.

I think everyone found lots of bullets, shell casing, and junk of some kind.

A few found coins and a couple of us found coins that looked like they had been targets for a 22.  One was a wheat penny and the other was a silver dime.  See pictures

Although Cathy and I left in the afternoon some TVP prospectors planned to stay in a Forest Service camp ground.

We had a great time, and would advise everyone to go up and enjoy the beauty of the mountains.

Thank you Jay for a wonderful day/weekend.

Tom

The San Jacinto Mountains and the Garner Valley have been one of my favorite outdoor stomping grounds for a long time. I visited the YMCA’s Camp Lackey and the Pathfinder Ranch as a school boy and have since fallen in love with the area. Many have. Indians for years have used the area as a high altitude refuge from the hot summer whether common in the valleys and desserts that surround this mountain range. Ditto the ranchers who still summer their cattle in the Garner Valley. I have camped and hunted Thomas Mountain as well as explored the area for the gemstones that have been found in the past. As far as Gold is concerned; I have not found any in the area. Admittedly I have not searched all that much, but have never left wanting any time I have visited. Well maybe wanting a Cheeseburger or a Pizza.

The best way to get to our rally point is via the town of Hemet. Don’t get Hemet and “The Lake Hemet Store” confused they are nowhere near each other. Lake Hemet is accessed via HWY 74, witch is Florida Ave. in Hemet. From HWY 215 / 74 junction head east through the town of Hemet, eventually Florida leads up the windy road to the small town of Mountain Center continue on 74 into Garner Valley. The Lake Hemet Store is on the right once the road flattens on the floor of Garner Valley. It is the only place of its size on the north-west end of the valley. We will meet at 8 AM and leave shortly after to the Hurkey Creek Park nearby on Apple Canyon Road. The address is 56375 Hwy 74, Mountain Center CA 92561. Phone is 951-659-2050. Call for camping details.

The outing will be primarily a Metal Detector oriented trip. However bring some panning stuff, water and a sack for rock and mineral samples. There are areas to camp for free in the valley and very nice campgrounds at Hurkey Creek and Lake Hemet for 20 bucks or so. Campfires are allowed in sites with fire rings. The wether should be warm though. It is high altitude so bring sunscreen and sun glasses. It should be fun call me with questions at (909) 821-0979.

THX Jay