Ancient Native American Salt Basins, Sierra Nevada Mountains, California
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- Finding Lost Civilizations - An Educational Series - Additional Treks At - storiesbyalex.com
Trek with me to see the most impressive native American salt production site in North America.
As I watch this it makes me long for a simple beautiful life like these people lived. I’m sure it was hard at times.....but oh to have a time machine.
I grew up camping in these mountains in the back country and all my camp sites have these holes. There are everywhere. Very cool.
Very interesting and educational trip you invited us along for, thank you!
Thanks for taking the trek........alex
Thanks Alex that was awesome
Stupendous! I loved living in the high Sierra's and finding these on my hikes!
your on it Alex
12 30 2018
when time hits the western gates
Thanks for watching and your comments.............alex
give my regards to Oscar
One of Alex’s best! Thank you Alex for making these heartfelt and eye opening videos
I grew up in Northern California. I was born in Placerville and lived around that area until I moved with my dad to Arkansas when I was 15. Anyways. I remember seeing the Mortars on the Consume River as a kid. I spend a lot of time out here in Arkansas trying to locate ancient campsites myself. I love your adventures! Thanks for sharing
Kristy, thanks for watching and your comments.......................alex
Thanks Alex. You inspire me to go and visit these magnificent places which you share with us in these videos.
Mike, thanks for watching and your kind words. Let's keep on trekking.............alex
Stumbled upon your video studying Native American tribes in California, awesome video! Thank you
I really enjoyed this. Your excitement is palpable.
I enjoyed your video :) appreciate that you're putting this kind of stuffout. I'm wondering, tragically, how much that Reservoir covered up... as far as remnants of an native people that lives there... also it's certainly change the whole ecosystem... what beautiful country you are showing us and I appreciate your present, conscientious, educational approach :) well done video! Also, appreciate your reverent and authentic attitude... beautifil music too!
The natives up here in the NW use controlled fire to help hollow out their huge cedar canoes, each made from a massive western red cedar log. There's still tons of carving done, but fire makes the job go faster. Creative uses of fire have helped many cultures survive and prosper, and it seems very human indeed to admire what other people can accomplish with very little at hand but nature and knowledge.
The first question I asked myself, even before the video started, was, "How did they manage to make those?" The who, when and why questions came later.
A lot of pounding with a hard stone, a series of fires, and... water? I know from living in a very wet place that fire causes wet rocks to sometimes split apart, even explode. A rule we use in the woods is to only use dry stones, found a distance from the river, to encircle your fire pit. People have lost eyes, teeth, and even their lives by using saturated stones for their fires.
If they used that principle of water (expansion of water into steam can break apart rocks internally) to break apart the rock, then it would have been dangerous work heating, cracking, and pounding those pits out of the rock. But hunting was dangerous, walking or resting where there are snakes, scorpions, and other venomous creatures was dangerous.
They knew how to get the salt from salt water, and how to make an evaporation pool out of solid rock. And salt would have been a valuable commodity, a prized trade item.
Impressive all the way around!
I can picture a new pool being added every so many years in order to teach younger generations the knowledge and pass on the skills to a new batch of poolmakers. There are so many pools, it doesn't seem logical to think they made all of them at the same time. They are the works of initiated craftsmen over generations, in my opinion.
Thank you for that valuable info on wet rocks...would have never thought of the hazard...you are very helpful to us new campers
Wow! Those salt basins are huge, incredible. Great adventure man.
TurkishKB, thanks for watching and your comments. It was definetly a fun adventure.............alex
Thanks for taking us along
Todd, thanks for watching...............alex
Hi Alex. I have always appreciated your videos and your obvious respect for nature and human history. I love exploring same as you. I hate to see negative responses to your videos but there all all types out there! Anyway keep up the good work.
Bluke Blue, thanks for watching the series and your comments, which I appreciate.................alex
I love your videos Alex. So interesting. My husband is 1/8 native American. He believed for many years he was Chumash but after genealogy research, found out he belonged to the Tataviam Natives. So I'm intrigued with all Native American history and archeological sights. Thank you
Tammy, thanks for watching. I learn something on every trek and for me each one is equally exciting................................alex
That was beautiful Alex. Thank you very much.
The old life of living how sweet it is , how peaceful, we will there again soon , no pain no sickness, god bless everyone
True story 😎🙏🏼
On the south bank of the Mokelumne river is Calaveras county which is named for the Calaveras river further south . When the first Spanish explorers discovered this river they named it " Calaveras " (river of skulls )due to a large number of human skulls they saw laying in the river and on the banks relics from a big Native American battle that had earlier occurred on the site . Life was obviously not as rosy as you're imagining
@@kls2020 the Indians have a dance , it has an imaginary circles , 3 circles and all 3 circles intertwine, they dance around and dance within the circles, some steps forward some steps backwards some in the middle, so they found skulls , bones , that was in the past , you’re in the present, but there is a future , hopefully the present will learn from the past so we can look for the better in the future
@@Paul-iu1omlol what a strange comment. I mean no disrespect but to disregard the nuance of war is disgraceful to the people who lived and died in that battle and human nature as a whole. Humanity has been largely and by this point almost homogenized as a species bound to war. Not that everyone is a bloodthirsty warrior, far from it. Simply that human nature and its intrinsic pursuit of justice continue to guide us into conflict over and over again. Sometimes the parties in conflict aren’t jaded and are educated enough to engage and resolve things diplomatically. It’s what we call peace. War is what happens the rest of the time. War is hell don’t get me twisted, but in the big picture we are just merely caught adrift in our own socioeconomic bubble by the powers at be so we mistrust others who aren’t like us more than our primitive brains already incline us to. Live alil, the river of skulls is a crazy badass name and I’m honored l can live somewhere downstream so I can know my water comes from a river of skulls every time I drink it.
I know about that one and it’s true
Some of the oldest named roads in lots of towns across America are named Salt spring rd. And for good reason!! Excellent video 👍
thank you this was wonderful! i grew up on the monterey peninsula and love knowing about the ancestors
Thank you, just amazing to see what an industry was created w/o metals. Excellent presentation.
Thank you Alex. This is superb. Clear and conversational.
I salute you for your service Alex one million thank you's
Scars, thanks for watching and your kind words..........................alex
music is distracting, but the information is invaluable
Questo è uno dei documentari più balli che abbia mai visto grazie
Fascinating adventure. I can't help but think about David Paulides mentioning in his 411 book series about disappearances in the Sierra Nevada's near granite and granite boulder fields....and you being out there alone.
I'm loving ur work my friend ur passion is outstanding !!!!!!! I just found ur youtube page today
Thanks for showing this. Amazing how clean the lines are in the larger holes
Amazing.speechless.
Thank you Alex
Troy, thanks for watching..........alex
your on the next level Alex
Thanks for watching the film and your kind words. It was definitely an interesting trek.............................alex
Amazing!
Very informative. Beautiful area. Thanks for sharing
KO, thanks for watching. It was definitely a beautiful area...........alex
Great video from a amazing state! Thank you for your passion and for sharing this video, Alex! Keep on hiking I know I will.😎
Ingvar, thanks for watching the series. The trek to the salt basins was exciting and the site was truly awesome...............alex
Thank you, Alex❤️
Just discovered your channel and subscribed. Thanks for providing this content, its really great.
you have to get a major award for this ............................
I grew up in Fresno, for the most part....the one Spectacular thing about Fresno is it’s central location. 2 hours to the Ocean, 3 Hours to the Bay Area ...2 to 3 hours to the high Sierra...90 minutes to Yosemite or Kings Canyon Or Sequoia Natl Parks! So when people say how it’s to darned hot in Fresno, I just laugh! First of all, this is post industrial era America....we do have Air Conditioning! Plus, we have learned how to use our machines to Dig giant holes on our properties that we call built in swimming pools! We are also bordered on the North by the San Joaquin River, and to the South by the Kings River. We have a multitude of LAKES ON THE San Joaquin ranging from the 1000 ft level up to the 11,000 foot level at Edison Lake and Florence Lake which produce much of the Electricity for the State! We also have the absolute best State University that is the Agricultural and Engineering Magnet of the Entire System. Horticulture, viticulture, and Enology are just a few of the specialties within the Agricultural School....Animals such as cattle, sheep, horses, pigs are all bred there. A wide variety of Table Grapes, new Variants Of Any varietal you could dream of are tested and sold on campus...as well as Corn, Strawberries, all new fruits and Vegetables. Enology is the study of the making of Wines....very Chemistry Oriented ...and many of the wine growers in the Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino areas are Graduates who send their top Employees to the University for a Semester or a Quarter to increase knowledge and share what they’ve learned. The process of growing to harvesting is only part of the battle, but must be done correctly or a significant risk of vine death will occur. Many growers have bilingual staff members who go to Fresno to learn the Proper care of the vineyards...Finally, 3/4 seasons in Fresno provide wonderful weather! Summer is Vacation time!
Many thanks from Turkey
I really enjoy your videos. I’m so happy to see the ones you filmed in Monterey County.
Thanks for watching the series. Each trek has a special joy and revelation.................alex
I am a gold prospector and I have seen tons of these perfectly rounds holes on bedrock. I’m convinced they sure naturally occurring.
Scott you are right learned that 60 years ago gold panning with my dad. A real native American we called the Chief up in Mariposa clued us in on how they formed. He said the natives used them but they were there already. Smart people. Wish I could remember his real name.
I find it entirely possible these are natural depressions formed by stones and high stream rates. This is a well known phenomenon to geologists. Firing and chipping would not form perfectly circular depressions. BTW, it is more effective to pour water onto heated rock than chipping it.
They are good to take a shit in...
Thanks for the explanation. Excellent work.
Amazing Alex thanks
Liam, thanks for watching the series and your kind words. It was definitely a fun adventure and I will probably return there to continue further explorations........................alex
Very beautiful by the salt place
Exceelent trekking.. i had to start my Alex K bucket list ...this on it...Happy New Year..
Hello tuledude89, Happy New Year to you and thanks for watching. The salt basins were amazing and I hope to return there one day to further explore the area.......................alex
Thank you
Awesome! I wonder how far that salt was traded
The Coastal Miwok tribes had all of the salt anyone could have needed . From what I had heard there was little to no naturally occurring Obsidian in the Salt Springs area so one theory was salt was traded with other tribes in exchange for obsidian
Wow what a beautiful place
Awesome seeing you again on here Sir, I love to see things with you as you see them 🙂
I'm in Ketchikan AK now Sir. Major sites located on native lands, maybe we can get permission to show the story from around here 🙂
Wesley, thanks for watching the series. It was truly an amazing journey......................alex
Very exciting
THANKS! yesterday i was out N. of barstow ca at a bathing area and found a lil camp? then an Alex vid today!!! thanks again!
Shane, thanks for watching and keep on trekking.......................alex
Dope videos bro
I am Lou, thanks for watching......alex
Over 300 of them. They loved salt.
always nice to come along on your treks, Alex! very interesting site! thank you!
Alfred, thanks for taking the trek ..........alex
awesome video, happy new years Alex. I was watching your other vids earlier today cant get enough, but they never get old.
Tom, thanks for watching and your kind words. Happy New Years to you...........alex
@@storiesbyalex
Copy of my comment:
I appreciate your consistent shuttle reminders of inhabitations having potentials of "greater depths in history".
Clearly the linear model of the "Mainstream Academics 19th Century Darwinian THEORY Paradigm" is as limiting as it is observably "Religious-like" in their resistance to entertaining the "Standards of Science and Research", which requires (without option) an "open mind allowing for all potentials, free of hinderance by opinion, belief, or Theories, (that may otherwise compromise the greater facts emerging).
The "Authentic Academics" remain steadfast in the Standards.
As greater venues of information flow without fears of retribution, it becomes apparent that "Mainstream continues to try to put Cinderella's Shoe on Drucella's foot."
I surmise they are lacking in Conscious Thought and applied Higher Mind, rather living through the Ego-Mind where the fears, paranoias, judgemental behaviors rule decisions.
Wisdom requires Conscious Thoughts and the Higher Mind, allows the facts to emerge.
Academic Careers would benefit from a required study of this subject as well as a general study in Quantum Physics, particularly the Universal Laws (Law of Attraction) and the "proton slit experiment".
A "Bar-Exam" for Academics to be certified as Professionals might be the key to a greater Wisdom experience.
We are quite adolescent when we go about in the Lower-Mind, many due to merely an "absent in awareness".
Such an enjoyable series you've produced.
Best Wellbeing ...
Made me miss the ranges I grew up hiking. It was my escape from trouble. Now though I fully realize what it meant to say. That not knowing where I was headed was the reason the trails called me so deep.
Core E, thanks for watching and your comment ...................alex
Amazing! Thank you!
Thanks for taking us with you on your journey. The camera pans are dizzy and out of focus. I like it when you hold the camera on one point. It works well even walking forward.
I was hiking in the diablo mountain. Range west of Newmman and the 5 fwy near a dry creek bed i found some outcropping mortor holes for acorn food yokut people mortor holes can be found from north western coastal range south into mexico
David, thanks for watching and your comments. It is always exciting to find mortars knowing that ancient man once used that site for food processing...............alex
Learned something new today
Alex thank you
Loving your channel. Ancient America needs more coverage.
Would they have used the mortars nearby the basins to further process salt ?
Very interesting Alex!
💜💙💚❤💛 Thank you for this
We miss you, Alex!!!
Really enjoyable and informative, thankyou.
The Paiute of Pyramid Lake Nv. Wads Res. My people my love my honor my home
Thank you.
I used to going camping here every summer. Way overdue
This is so amazing! Thank you!
Some of the salt springs and the salt made from them contained arsenic.
In Hawaii I was shown the lava beds that they got their salt from . Same principle. After you batter slat you replenish the salt water * I found it magical
Except for making salt ,it’s evaporation ,you don’t want deep pools, you want shallow pools ,those pools were perfectly round and smooth . That’s a lot of effort to grind holes in granite ,to evaporate water ,it doesn’t make any sense to me . Am I wrong ?
Nope completely correct. More than likely those were formed by water that once flowed over the rocks. This is most likely 99% BS, though who knows maybe someone might have used them in the past.
I’ve seen these “kettles” all over the place along river beds. From my knowledge these are made from a small pebble getting caught in turbulence during high water times. These are not man-made. Not a chance! This video is giving people inaccurate information.
Magical. Thank you.
Thanks for watching. It was definitely a fun trek.............................alex
Where I live in Northern Ontario those same large holes are made by glaciers sliding over the surface pushing a rock around in circles basically drilling a hole into the bedrock. Or a heavy ancient stream will get a rock stuck and swirl it around also drilling the large holes. The mortars with the small hole on the side i believe are from natives butvtbe big holes i thing are natural.
They look a lot more like they were cut with a huge hole saw and you can see tool marks in the stone. The Miwok discovered and RE-USED the basics left by a previous civilization.
This is fascinating, thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Trisha, thanks for watching................alex
Great video....Im Cree from Fisher River Nation on Lake Winnipeg, MB. I have some really old pestles that would fit those mortars perfectly.
Great work. thank you so much for your hard work on this video, Thanks again.
Antonio, thanks for watching......................alex
Beautiful
These kind of stuff are the good stuff about California, when anyone thinks of Cali they think of LA or San Francisco
Nope, round here when we think of California, we think of fruits and nuts.
Very cool
Very nice video Alex I'm glad your out and about have a great new year...........
davis long, thanks and Happy 2019 to you......................alex
I’m watching your video and right before you turn your camera to the right to look at the large rocks, there is a tree it’s bent. I do believe those trees were purposely bent as they were growing to should direction....
I'm only 8 minutes in and I am captivated
I'm taking a trip out here, I live in Ridgecrest and it's very close, people don't realize these mountains are full of artifacts, I found some things at the very top of mountains out here very hard to get to and dangerous...but the items are invaluable
Don't take objects from sacred sites
Been there ,and also on the big granite dome above the lake off the coast to crest trail.
All I can say is wow wow wow
At the start of this video you see a tree bent at a right angle- this was a sapling that was purposely bent to grow into a form of native American road sign.
Awesome vid!! Cheers from Texas
Fantastic! Great job Alex. You've inspired me to take a trek to this scenic wonder some day. I thought I would take a plunge into the springs, however, after finding out that there are very high levels of arsenic in the water, I might just enjoy it from the shore instead...
Judging by the number of salt ponds, this must have been quite an operation and involved many people over long periods of time. It would have been a major part of life for these tribes that collected and traded the salt. They probably had salt songs and rituals to celebrate the "harvest" as other tribes have in SoCal and AZ. And its ancient economic influence would have been vast throughout the state and maybe beyond. Have you found anything in the literature to suggest more specifically where this salt may have traveled to? Do any of the contemporary indigenous cultures of that area have traditions that talk of, or even currently practice, the salt collection? Thanks!
Nice to hear from you - thanks for watching and your kind words. There are papers written about salt ponds in the sierras. One is a thesis which can be found at this link: sonoma-dspace.calstate.edu/bitstream/handle/10211.3/185158/CastroM_Thesis.pdf?sequence=1 . Another is a USGS Report at: pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2017/5053/sir20175053.pdf . Also, this article has good info: californiavalleymiwok.com/2010-01-01-Stone%20basins%20may%20be%20Miwok-0.pdf . Anyway, Happy 2019 and keep on trekking.........alex
That was a good trek Alex
Gary, thanks for watching. It was truly an amazing adventure......................alex
This is one of if not the largest prehistoric salt processing sites in the country and no one knows about it
Salt was also used to preserve animal skins, unlike today they use toxic chemicals. That's how the people then stayed warm and dry by wearing animal skins. Back then they used everything from the animals, it was probably the help of the bones that dug out those basins. Where the basins are filled in is where they probably buried their dead, it would be interesting to dig one of them up to find out what's in them.
Bone won't touch granite. More fanciful stories, please...
nice! thank you :)
Beautiful onda.
Likely, the ancient peoples originally followed herds to these salt springs. The animals were attracted to the salt for them to lick for minerals they needed. The attraction of the salt to people also as well as the good hunting of the animals gathered there would have led to those places becoming markets for trade and community among the various peoples. A very special place.
I've always believed that I had found a place that native America's crushed acorns on Forest Creek, out of the little town of West Point CA. Off Wenton Rd, and then off of 7n08 or 7n09 I think?
Thank you just grand were others lived.
As I hadn't seen a video from you in some time, Id recently been wondering if all was well with you. Thanks for showing up to take me along on one of the most scenic adventures of all you've had. Very fascinating. Thanks a bunch, and I hope all is well with you and that you'll be able to continue this amazing channel.
Best regards, Alex.
Dale, thanks for watching the series. All is well and I intend to continue trekking..............alex
Hello, your videos are awesome, I've been to a spot near alta Sierra and sugarloaf where there are huge bath like holes in giants slabs of granite, there is also a cave just below the baths with a petroglyph its amazing!
Nicole, thanks for watching and your kind words......................................alex