Month: January 2017

Picacho Peak SP, 227 mile jump

It should be said that often times we grow attached to our campsites for one reason or another, be it the time we shared or the scenery. More often than not, we are a bit sad to leave. Another part of it is that we have finally become acquainted with the locality and we feel like “we are leaving there too soon” (Neil Young). Usually there is more to see there, but the road beckons. Once on the road, excitement builds for new adventure and discovery. The Buddha teaches us to not become too attached to things, but to place ourselves in the present moment where true satisfaction can be found.

Squaw Lake was one of those places where we gained new insight into different, more affordable ways to live on the road. Last year, we really had no cash flow issues. This year, the cost of diesel and the amount we burned early on were significant impacts. Then, California was just plain expensive in fuel, lodging and food. It appears we have put that in the rear view mirror.

The drive today was all interstate from Yuma to the park. Most all of it was desert, including the Yuma Proving Grounds and the Goldwater Air Force Range, land deemed only valuable for blowing up. However, a rain storm moved in and the desert plants responded immediately turning green; a pretty nice treat!

Picacho Peak is redundant. “Picacho” means “peak” in Spanish, so, follow along, we are staying in Peak Peak State Park. Oh well, lost in translation!

It is a unique park placed on the foothills of a massive rock formation that juts nearly straight up from our 2000’ campsite to 3150’, quite spectacular! Penny is out walking on one of the easier trails right now. I am considering climbing all the way up. The flora here consists of many of the aforementioned plants, but one of my favorites, the iconic Saguaro cactus, is ubiquitous. It really makes a statement, in my opinion. The facilities are top notch here and only $30/night including electricity. That is better, but our next jump is a short one, a little closer to Tucson, for only $20/night! Getting better all the time!

BLM Squaw Lake CG

Penny is painting! She is out in the wind again, but has become emboldened by big progress. She just may finish this side soon, weather permitting. The campsite position is also critical; ideally, she wants to be on the north, so no direct sunshine on the work in progress.

BLM Squaw Lake CG

A beautiful morning saw Penny outside practicing her Tai Chi. After breakfast, we hiked around the campground, then a longer stroll by the lake. Lots of birds were about, such as the brilliant vermillion fly catcher and the coot.

After lunch, it was time to go to Yuma, get provisions and do laundry.

“The first principle of value that we need to rediscover is this: that all reality hinges on moral foundations. In other words, that this is a moral universe, and that there are moral laws of the universe just as abiding as the physical laws. (from “Rediscovering Lost Values”)”

― Martin Luther King Jr., Letter from the Birmingham Jail

Today we returned to Joshua Tree NP to expand our exploration to the NW portions we had not yet seen. The Barbs offered to drive their car, an economical Subaru. We accepted! It was so enjoyable to observe as a passenger instead of as a driver. I took a lot of photos last time (almost 100). This time I tried to view the park without the distraction of the camera though I did shoot a few new attractions.

It became evident to me that mountains have a life cycle. My image of hard and durable granite was challenged by my observation of this amazing scenery.  Massive granite mountains stratify into many segments. As the granite decomposes ground water washes the sediment down to the basin below. Eventually, only piles of granite boulders remain as the basin floor ascends. Amazing!

The highlight of the day was Keys View up on the San Bernadino Mountains at 5185′. The view point is about half way between the NW and SW corners of the park looking down into the Coachella Valley, where Palm Springs and Palm Desert are located at 150′. In that valley, the infamous San Andreas Fault line is clearly visible!

We exited the West Gate which is directly west of the East Gate, explaining the nomenclature.

It really boils down to this: that all life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

― Martin Luther King Jr.

Salton Sea SRA   Friday the 13TH!

We are going dark for the weekend by moving to a campsite without hookups. No electric=no computer. Our friends, the Barbs, will be joining us for the three day weekend; in that portion of the park. they can setup their tent in our campsite.

Salton Sea SRA         Trip to Joshua Tree National Park

It was with great expectation that we headed for Joshua Tree National Park. The irony is we had no idea what to expect! That is precisely what makes for an adventurous day. We did know there would be significant elevation gain and resulting loss today as we made our way north out of Mecca, Ca., through Box Canyon to the south gate of the park. The rock formations on either side of the road inspired the name; the huge vertical slabs of monzogranite gave the impression of passing through a box. Without peripheral vision it was hard to know what to imagine. Obviously we were ascending, that was a fact.

It turns out Box Canyon was a passageway through the Orocopia Mountains. The road broke out into a large valley between us and the mountains of the park. Interstate 10 runs east/west along the north edge of that valley. Crossing the freeway, we entered the park and climbed 8 miles to the Visitor Center at Cottonwood Spring. There were no Cottonwoods, and they were drilling a well just outside! With our Senior Pass, we paid no fee.

As the road climbs upward it is passing through a transition zone between the Colorado desert and the Mojave desert. There plants and animals of both types are represented. Basically, the Colorado desert is below 3,000’ and the Mojave is above.

The best memories we have are of the vast wilderness of the Pinto Basin; it is mind boggling. Next, the Cholla Cactus Garden was a treat, but the plants seemed threatened. Many dead, most of the others exhibit blackened trunks. The wind was picking up there. At White Tank, the wind was howling; I am guessing 50 MPH! The elevation was over 4100’ at the summit of the climb. But, there is a very cool (literally and figuratively) campground there among the sculpted monzogranite boulders. Also, a trail from site 9 leads to the rock arch. Wear good shoes, not flip-flops! It’s not difficult, but you need good traction.

From there you coast downhill for miles, with stunning views of the small communities 1000’ below, outside the park. The Oasis of Mara, at the East Gate (which, oddly, is directly north of the South Gate) Visitor’s Center in Twentynine Palms, is worth the .5 mile stroll after that long drive. We did not see half of the park, so we plan to return in a couple days to travel a different route in the NW quadrant.

It was a long drive west to Yucca Valley, south to I-10, and east to Mecca and the Salton Sea camp. Luckily, I got a power nap in the truck while Penny did some grocery shopping! When we got home, she made chicken vegetable noodle soup while I sorted through nearly 100 new photos. We crashed early after that 173 mile drive.