Abandoned Places – Soledad Canyon and the Burned Ranch

[jjmaccrimmon]

While I’m taking a break from unpacking the household, I thought I might offer something new site wise..

In June, just prior to my relocation east to Alabama, I had the pleasure of going on two hunts with the new socal_abandoned co-moderator fynoda. The first site we found was but by pure happenstance. “The Oasis” campground was one of many 1950’s and 60’s era canyonland ‘resorts’ that catered to Los Angelinos who wanted a place to park a trailer and spend a relaxing time away from the city. Based on what we found there, the site apparently closed as a resort in the mid 1990’s, but it continues to be lived in by some families. While we stuck to the old sections, once we discovered this, we promptly left. Here’s what we saw before departing.

The Oasis Campground





Getting to the old campground we had to wade across this stream


Coming out of the stream bed we were rewarded with this sight














Some cleaning required


We’re sorry but you’ve reached a number that has been disconnected or is no longer in service..








”Attention campers, the pool is now closed..”


We discovered this working water fountain near the playground.

Soon after wandering through the playground, a truck drove down into the site and the driver ignored us. Watching where they went, we spotted several houses and trailers that appeared maintained further down a frontage road. At this point, we decided it was time to go.


Back across the creek, and returning to where I parked the car, we noticed this lot normally out of view from the roadway. Driving out, we spotted several more campgrounds along Soledad Canyon which were still operating. My guess is this one had been unable to keep up with the times or tried to be a campground and a mobile home park and failed at both.

Next – The Burned Ranch

Comments

[siro-gravity.livejournal.com]

weird there's still mail in the mail slots. did you look at any of it?
also thought the cars in the last pic were an interesting combo of rusted old and also newer ones.

[jj-maccrimmon.livejournal.com]

Much of the mail we glanced at was junk mail to the previous resident. There was a couple with name but I didn't delve into them. There was also more than enough black widow webs to discourage more than casual exploration.

I was a bit shocked about the cars. Everything from a 56 Chevy coupe to a modern van. Some of those vehicles were classics and looked salvageable.

BTW, it was pointed out that I'd accidently double posted a photo. That's fixed if you want to reload and refresh the post.