2 hours ago
Topic:
Panamint City
BrianPosts: 216
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Not Anza Borrego, but I thought this trip report would still fit here. I did a quick trip to Panamint City (Death Valley National Park) last week. Managed to get a weather window where the bottom of the hike was low 80s and the top was 60s in the day / 40s at night. Just a couple days later on the weekend, the forecast was for lows in the 20s. Glad I wasn't around for that.
This was my first time doing this hike after thinking about it for years. All of the challenges which I anticipated were there but not as bad as I feared. The road to the trailhead did have some spots that were marginal for a Subaru, but I still made it to the end. The parts where you have to walk in the stream and climb wet waterfalls were manageable. There is 3600' of gain, but that was also manageable. There was some minor bushwhacking.
The part I didn't expect - and my least favorite part of the hike - was that the last few miles which I anticipated would be on the former road often ended up in a dry rocky creek bed instead. That made for slow going and foot pain.
This used to be a road until it was washed out in 1983
Some trucks didn't make it out before the road turned into a waterfall
One of the better sections of the dry portion of the hike, after the initial 3 miles of jungly conditions
A couple views of the iconic smelter
the "Panamint Hilton"
leftover equipment from the mining days
my accommodation for the night and town overview
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4 days ago
Topic:
upcoming? Rosa (looking for advice)
BufordPosts: 453
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Nice ram skeleton.
I don't see any exposure on the ridge, I see a trail
It's been windy most times I've been up in that area.
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7 days ago
Topic:
Knee replacement
BritainPosts: 590
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surfponto wrote:
Glad you are able to get back out there and hope it keeps improving. I like the solitude of that Jacumba Jim's hike.
Wife likes Jacumba Jim’s. We may end up there yet.
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7 days ago
Topic:
Wildflowers starting to bloom around June Wash
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1354
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4 axles in a LandCruser?! dammm
DHeuschele wrote:
Heading out tomorrow to check the flowers near borrego springs (Henderson canyon and coyote canyon) with the wife. Taking the wives little Range Rover so will not be doing any 4x4 road. Two of my beast vehicles are down right now. Son managed to break a piece out of torsion bar, a king shock, and break an axel on the LC100 (4th axel he has broke in 2 years). I try to tell him the skilled drivers do not need to ram the car to do challenging 4x4 roading.
So flowers, fonts point, lunch, and serpent is probably all we will be doing.
Looking forward to it as I have not been out to ABSP yet this season. I had 2 hiking trips planned this season but had to cancel on both. edited by DHeuschele on 3/12/2024
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7 days ago
Topic:
Knee replacement
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1354
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Glad you are able to get back out there and hope it keeps improving. I like the solitude of that Jacumba Jim's hike.
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7 days ago
Topic:
upcoming? Rosa (looking for advice)
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1354
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Nice pictures Yeah I kind of don't blame you since you were solo hiking. Maybe we can get Daren to take a visit out west. 🤔
Brian wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
That ridge is calling my name!
I'd try it again if I had you along for moral support. And if it wasn't super gusty. edited by surfponto on 3/21/2024
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10 days ago
Topic:
Greeting!
dtoujoursPosts: 7
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Thanks! tekewin wrote:
Welcome!
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10 days ago
Topic:
upcoming? Rosa (looking for advice)
BrianPosts: 216
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Rocko1 wrote:
That ridge is calling my name!
I'd try it again if I had you along for moral support. And if it wasn't super gusty.
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10 days ago
Topic:
upcoming? Rosa (looking for advice)
Rocko1Posts: 588
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Brian wrote:
dsefcik wrote:
At least you gave it a go and spent the day out in the desert....now you have an excuse to go again..!
Exactly. It was a nice day and I used the extra time to check out the section of Coyote Canyon road between the gate closure and boulder alley.
My nemesis
Unlucky former resident of Palo Verde Canyon
They weren't kidding about Coyote Creek taking over the road
Boulder alley is back to looking the way it did in 2012
That ridge is calling my name!
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12 days ago
Topic:
upcoming? Rosa (looking for advice)
ScooterPosts: 111
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That happens, makes you want to go back even more !
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12 days ago
Topic:
My Retriement
ScooterPosts: 111
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Congratulations Darren !! I retired 7 years ago and never looked back. Love the ability to go mid week without the crowds. Moved to Fountain Hills in Arizona, so many hiking trails 5 minutes from my house Still get back to Borrego about 4 times a year. Enjoy. I hope the blog keeps going. It is so helpful
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12 days ago
Topic:
Greeting!
tekewinPosts: 357
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Welcome!
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12 days ago
Topic:
Knee replacement
tekewinPosts: 357
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Good job getting outside. It sounds like it was an improvement, though I am sure it was painful.
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12 days ago
Topic:
My Retriement
tekewinPosts: 357
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Congrats on retirement! Even though it was a couple years ago.
Those are awesome photos. Very different critters there. I read why you chose Florida, but wow, going from one of the driest parts of the country to wettest. I love mountains too much to live somewhere flat. I don't do harsh winters any more either, so that rules out much of the country for us.
Best of luck going forward and hope you get back to the desert soon.
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12 days ago
Topic:
upcoming? Rosa (looking for advice)
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2609
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You coulda taken that ridgeline, there is even a trail on it...🙂
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12 days ago
Topic:
upcoming? Rosa (looking for advice)
BrianPosts: 216
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dsefcik wrote:
At least you gave it a go and spent the day out in the desert....now you have an excuse to go again..!
Exactly. It was a nice day and I used the extra time to check out the section of Coyote Canyon road between the gate closure and boulder alley.
My nemesis
Unlucky former resident of Palo Verde Canyon
They weren't kidding about Coyote Creek taking over the road
Boulder alley is back to looking the way it did in 2012
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13 days ago
Topic:
upcoming? Rosa (looking for advice)
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2609
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At least you gave it a go and spent the day out in the desert....now you have an excuse to go again..!
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14 days ago
Topic:
upcoming? Rosa (looking for advice)
BrianPosts: 216
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I made an attempt this morning, using the route that goes up Palo Verde canyon (this starts the same as Schad's route to Mile High). I was heavily influenced by this trip report since it said they made it to Rosa in 4 hours. https://www.sdpeakbagger.com/2019/11/27/mile-high-mountain/ That's where I got the red track line on my map.
I made it as far as the ridge line above Palo Verde, but then I was facing a narrow ridge with steep dropoffs on both sides. My fear of heights kicked in. It didn't help that the forecast for the Santa Rosas called for possible gusts of up to 70 MPH.
I should have done the Pyramid route. I've summited Pyramid before, so I know I can make it that far. Next time.
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14 days ago
Topic:
Sandstone Canyon question
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2609
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Buford wrote:
Isn’t there an “official” listing of all rock art in the park kept somewhere with locations?
The BARC has known documented sites in the park but I personally have found several sites not documented so there are definitely more undocumented sites waiting to be found.
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14 days ago
Topic:
My Retriement
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2609
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Buford wrote:
As long as we don’t see you on the news with the headline “Florida man…”
Yeah, the morning radio show always has something about Florida Man.
https://floridaman.com/
--
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14 days ago
Topic:
Knee replacement
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2609
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Britain wrote:
Find anything interesting to do in Florida?
Been mostly busy on my property,lots of tree trimming, gardening, house repairs. Finally starting to get out and explore more. There are some really pretty areas here but the mosquitoes and humidity can be tough.
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15 days ago
Topic:
upcoming? Rosa (looking for advice)
BufordPosts: 453
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Good luck if you go for it.
I haven't done the yellow route on your map, can't comment on if it is better or worse.
Here is the approximate route I did both times. I took the miners trail from Palo Verde to Smoke Tree. If you don't do Pyramid, there is a native american trail that climbs from the the bottom of Smoke Tree on the west side of Pyramid and joins the ridgeline somewhere north of the peak before Marble. The benefit is once you gain the Pyramid ridgeline it is relatively easy going until the final climb to Rosa.
Don't know how all the old native american and miners trails have held up with some of the rain. Some were already hard to find and follow a couple years ago.
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16 days ago
Topic:
Wildflowers starting to bloom around June Wash
dtoujoursPosts: 7
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The wildflowers are getting a little local news coverage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOeJnxZ6hZ0
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16 days ago
Topic:
upcoming? Rosa (looking for advice)
BrianPosts: 216
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Thanks Buford, that's good info.
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16 days ago
Topic:
upcoming? Rosa (looking for advice)
BufordPosts: 453
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I've done Rosa twice, both times as a loop starting with Pyramid, Rosa, Mile High, and Villager once.
There is a well defined trail from just north of pyramid to where the red and green lines meet. The trail follows the ridge or just off it. From where the red and green lines meet, the ascent is completely off trail. I don't remember it being particularly bad. Just steep and rocky like the rest of the desert.
I believe there is an old native american trail that goes from your "trail to Rosa" mark to the green line, if you can find it. I can't remember exactly which saddle it connects to.
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16 days ago
Topic:
upcoming? Rosa (looking for advice)
BrianPosts: 216
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I would like to attempt Rosa before the season is over. This would be an out and back, not one of the loop hikes. I downloaded some tracks from Peakbagger and it looks like there are a few different routes people take. I've been to Pyramid before and was originally planning to do that again and go up from there. But after looking at the tracks, it looks like it's more direct to go up the ridge to the W of Palo Verde canyon. One thing I'm undecided on is the final approach ridge. Looks like there are 2 options (represented by the yellow and red tracks in the pic). For anyone who has done both, which do you think is better/easier?
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16 days ago
Topic:
Little Blair North
Rocko1Posts: 588
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tommy750 wrote:
Another nice trip. Glad you like your new tent. Was watching a youtuber last night review "ultralight tents' and zpacks didn't make the cut (the guy's sponsor was Moosejaw, so...) but it would have been the lightest of all of them. Thought zpacks way more pricy than the competition but that's not really the case anymore. Quite happy with my altaplex. Thanks!
I know that youtuber. I really like Zpacks tents. I also like Tarptent. I think Henry Shires is genius. My Zpacks Plex Solo is pretty darn neat at 14oz. I just barely fit into it but it works.
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16 days ago
Topic:
Little Blair North
Rocko1Posts: 588
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dsefcik wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
dsefcik wrote:
Great pics. Like the camo shirt.
Thanks. Kuiu Peleton 97 lightweight fleece. I would say it's one of the best backpacking items I own. 6oz.
Looked them up, looks like nice gear, have never heard of that company before. The color Valo looks pretty cool also. It's one of my best pieces of clothing. I don't leave home without it. Highly recommend it.
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16 days ago
Topic:
Wildflowers starting to bloom around June Wash
DHeuschelePosts: 87
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Heading out tomorrow to check the flowers near borrego springs (Henderson canyon and coyote canyon) with the wife. Taking the wives little Range Rover so will not be doing any 4x4 road. Two of my beast vehicles are down right now. Son managed to break a piece out of torsion bar, a king shock, and break an axel on the LC100 (4th axel he has broke in 2 years). I try to tell him the skilled drivers do not need to ram the car to do challenging 4x4 roading.
So flowers, fonts point, lunch, and serpent is probably all we will be doing.
Looking forward to it as I have not been out to ABSP yet this season. I had 2 hiking trips planned this season but had to cancel on both. edited by DHeuschele on 3/12/2024
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17 days ago
Topic:
Crowds
DHeuschelePosts: 87
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Retired January 2022. I seem to be as busy as ever and not taking as many trips as I did pre retirement. Will be going out tomorrow to check out the flowers. May do fonts point and the serpent. I typically do a stop at the serpent.
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17 days ago
Topic:
Sandstone Canyon question
BufordPosts: 453
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Isn’t there an “official” listing of all rock art in the park kept somewhere with locations? Obviously not public information though. I’d be curious what sites have faded away.
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17 days ago
Topic:
My Retriement
BufordPosts: 453
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Jealous of some of the wildlife you have there. Hopefully you get back out here.
As long as we don’t see you on the news with the headline “Florida man…”
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17 days ago
Topic:
Wildflowers starting to bloom around June Wash
dtoujoursPosts: 7
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Beautiful! Thanks for the report.
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17 days ago
Topic:
Knee replacement
dtoujoursPosts: 7
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Good on ya getting back out there, Britain!
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18 days ago
Topic:
Knee replacement
BritainPosts: 590
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dsefcik wrote:
I remember you having some knee issues awhile back, doesn't seem that long ago but I am going on almost 3 years leaving SD.
Glad you are able to get back out..👍
Find anything interesting to do in Florida?
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18 days ago
Topic:
Knee replacement
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2609
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I remember you having some knee issues awhile back, doesn't seem that long ago but I am going on almost 3 years leaving SD.
Glad you are able to get back out..👍
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18 days ago
Topic:
Knee replacement
BritainPosts: 590
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Lost my ability to hike a few years back. Tried but the knee was a mess. Finally got the balls to replace it 5 months ago. Did my first desert hike a couple weeks ago. From the waster tank by the tracks to the north west base of Piedras Grandes. Always wanted to peak it. That will need to wait I think I’ll give PAH benchmark another go when I’m capable. The 2 miles lol was a struggle but I got out. Wife wants to back to Jacumba Jims or the Carrizo creek badlands. I’ll go the bad lands, would rather fall in a rabbit hole. But it was good to get out.
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18 days ago
Topic:
Little Blair North
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2609
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Rocko1 wrote:
dsefcik wrote:
Great pics. Like the camo shirt.
Thanks. Kuiu Peleton 97 lightweight fleece. I would say it's one of the best backpacking items I own. 6oz.
Looked them up, looks like nice gear, have never heard of that company before. The color Valo looks pretty cool also.
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18 days ago
Topic:
My Retriement
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2609
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Would be lieing if I said I didn't miss the desert and all of you...😢
Hopefully I will make some trips back out there as life here begins to settle down 👍
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18 days ago
Topic:
Wildflowers starting to bloom around June Wash
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1354
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Thanks Daren, There was a lot more blooming almost a year ago to date. Guessing a couple more weeks so will head out again. Mid-week of course 😎👍
Last years flower fields
dsefcik wrote:
Looks nice Bob 👍
A map by the ABF is available here
https://theabf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Flower-Filed-3-A3-size-map-1.pdf edited by surfponto on 3/10/2024
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18 days ago
Topic:
Four Frogs Canyon
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1354
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I love this response Tom 😎
tommy750 wrote:
Nice trip, Surfponto. Driving out on a Tuesday to explore a canyon, drink a beer and drive home makes me want to quit my job right now! Daren, Gary and I went up Jacumba Jim back in 2017 and I remeber dropping into Four Frogs on the way back but haven't had a chance to explore that canyon. That row of palms on the canyon wall always has looked intriguing. Was out in Rockhouse a couple weeks ago and hiked up into McCain and above the spring that fed Rockhouse. Was aboout 11.5 miles and 2.6K g/s but probably easier than the Schad Four Frogs Jacumba Jim loop.
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18 days ago
Topic:
Sandstone Canyon question
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2609
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I have heard reports from other people that no longer see features in the sandstone walls out there and they were definitely old.
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18 days ago
Topic:
Wildflowers starting to bloom around June Wash
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2609
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Looks nice Bob 👍
A map by the ABF is available here
https://theabf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Flower-Filed-3-A3-size-map-1.pdf
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19 days ago
Topic:
Wildflowers starting to bloom around June Wash
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1354
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I took a quick trip out to see how the wildflowers were progressing in southern Anza Borrego. Didn't see the extensive fields similar to last year but found flower patches that made the 2-hour drive worthwhile. Beautiful day out there.
https://www.anzaborrego.net/2024/03/09/anza-borrego-wildflower-update-march-2024/
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28 days ago
Topic:
Ghosts of the Wilderness with Daniel Toujours
dtoujoursPosts: 7
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This presentation is at Helix Brewing in La Mesa, but its theme focuses on deserts, including Anza Borrego, and the wider American Southwest region.
Ghosts of the Wilderness-Free Presentation with Daniel Toujours-Hiker, Naturalist, and Author
Daniel is an everyday guy who, like many of us, spends as much time as he can hiking during his evenings, weekends, and days off. Looking to explore more, he set out on a mission to find the iconic, but elusive American animals that he hadn't yet seen in thousands of miles of hiking. Along the way, he discovered history from the American Southwest, stumbled upon artifacts, and learned a little something about life. Please join us for an entertaining and informative talk.
This presentation is part of the Adventure 16 Wild Wednesdays Series. These fun and casual FREE presentations are aimed at Inspiring and Informing SoCal's Outdoor Community.
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
6:30pm Meet n' Drink; 7:00pm Presentation, Ends around 8pm
Food Truck on Site
Helix Brewing 8101 Commercial Street La Mesa, CA 91942
https://adventure16.com/pages/events-1
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28 days ago
Topic:
Greeting!
dtoujoursPosts: 7
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Thank you! Gosh, that's a tough one. One of the things I like about Anza Borrego is that there's always a fresh adventure you can make for yourself. That said, I like the badlands south of Truckhaven Rocks with the Salton Sea in the distance and anywhere I can see the ocotillos and smell the creosote! Do you have a favorite hike?
Brian wrote:
Welcome. What's your favorite hike in Anza Borrego?
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29 days ago
Topic:
Greeting!
BrianPosts: 216
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Welcome. What's your favorite hike in Anza Borrego?
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29 days ago
Topic:
Greeting!
dtoujoursPosts: 7
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Hi there, I want to introduce myself to everybody on the form. I've been a bit of a lurker off and on for a while, but looking forward to participating now. Hiking is a big part of my life and I love visiting environments throughout the American Southwest, but the desert is my true home, and Anza Borrego is my home desert. Cheers to you all!
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2/26/2024
Topic:
Sandstone Canyon question
tommy750Posts: 1036
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That's pretty clean! Wonder if a park volunteer helped it along.
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2/25/2024
Topic:
Sandstone Canyon question
BrianPosts: 216
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update:
I returned to Sandstone Canyon this weekend and used identifiable features and timestamps from my 2014 photo series to find the spot where the pictographs had been. They are almost completely gone now. I had to get very close to see any traces which confirmed I was in the right spot.
The spot is tucked in under an overhanging ledge which would have protected it from rain. Having said that, the fact they disappeared in only 10 years suggests they couldn't have been very old.
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2/18/2024
Topic:
Sandstone Canyon question
BrianPosts: 216
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tommy750 wrote:
Nice find. Only issue I would have is what they're painted on. The last Kumeyaay (and Cahuilla) visited Hapaha just up the wash in the 1890's and I would wonder if it would last that long on exposed sandstone. The visitor grafitti etched into the neaby rocks seems to fade rather quickly but there's lots of paint on sanstone like stuff in Utah so who knows. Will see if anyone at BARC has seen that.
I had the same thought. That plus the fact that no one seems to know about this makes me wonder if it was a fake that was recently done at the time I saw it, and has weathered away in the 10 years since then.
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2/16/2024
Topic:
My Retriement
tommy750Posts: 1036
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Well Daren, glad you were able to escape the grind! Can't say I don't miss you, though. Honestly have to say essentially everything I've learned in the past 10+ years about hiking/backpacking/the desert I owe to you. Thanks for the great memories and hoping you can make it out here again some time.
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2/16/2024
Topic:
Sandstone Canyon question
tommy750Posts: 1036
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Nice find. Only issue I would have is what they're painted on. The last Kumeyaay (and Cahuilla) visited Hapaha just up the wash in the 1890's and I would wonder if it would last that long on exposed sandstone. The visitor grafitti etched into the neaby rocks seems to fade rather quickly but there's lots of paint on sanstone like stuff in Utah so who knows. Will see if anyone at BARC has seen that.
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2/16/2024
Topic:
Little Blair North
tommy750Posts: 1036
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Another nice trip. Glad you like your new tent. Was watching a youtuber last night review "ultralight tents' and zpacks didn't make the cut (the guy's sponsor was Moosejaw, so...) but it would have been the lightest of all of them. Thought zpacks way more pricy than the competition but that's not really the case anymore. Quite happy with my altaplex. Thanks!
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2/16/2024
Topic:
Four Frogs Canyon
tommy750Posts: 1036
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Nice trip, Surfponto. Driving out on a Tuesday to explore a canyon, drink a beer and drive home makes me want to quit my job right now! Daren, Gary and I went up Jacumba Jim back in 2017 and I remeber dropping into Four Frogs on the way back but haven't had a chance to explore that canyon. That row of palms on the canyon wall always has looked intriguing. Was out in Rockhouse a couple weeks ago and hiked up into McCain and above the spring that fed Rockhouse. Was aboout 11.5 miles and 2.6K g/s but probably easier than the Schad Four Frogs Jacumba Jim loop.
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2/14/2024
Topic:
Little Blair North
Rocko1Posts: 588
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dsefcik wrote:
Great pics. Like the camo shirt.
Thanks. Kuiu Peleton 97 lightweight fleece. I would say it's one of the best backpacking items I own. 6oz.
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2/14/2024
Topic:
Little Blair North
BrianPosts: 216
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We only saw one other hiker. It's nice to know there are still places that offer some solitude without being too difficult to reach.
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2/13/2024
Topic:
Little Blair North
deborah Posts: 113
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Sounds like you guys timed it perfectly. That's a great area. More beautiful skies that go on forever. Thanks for sharing!
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2/13/2024
Topic:
Anza Borrego Egg Mountain
deborah Posts: 113
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Nice pictures! Love the colors of the sky behind the cholla.
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2/13/2024
Topic:
Little Blair North
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2609
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Great pics. Like the camo shirt.
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2/12/2024
Topic:
Little Blair North
Rocko1Posts: 588
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Brian myself and Mike did a quick and easy overnight trip north of Little Blair Valley two weekends ago. Was in between storms. Weather was perfect. Got a brief shower around midnight. Air was calm. Spent some time checking out the other pictograph site a massive rock shelter and the sunrise. Mike has the new Zpacks Offset Duo. Greatly improved interior space over the Duplex. Was a fun trip. 8 miles, 1200ft gain.
Gossamer Gear The One
Zpacks Offset Duo
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2/12/2024
Topic:
Sandstone Canyon question
Rocko1Posts: 588
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Brian wrote:
I might do that, but first I'm going to try doing a return trip to look again. I'll be better prepared next time. I think I've figured out where to look from the adjacent pics. Oh nice. Don't forget to mark the coordinates..
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2/12/2024
Topic:
Sandstone Canyon question
BrianPosts: 216
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I might do that, but first I'm going to try doing a return trip to look again. I'll be better prepared next time. I think I've figured out where to look from the adjacent pics.
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2/12/2024
Topic:
Sandstone Canyon question
Rocko1Posts: 588
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Brian, might be worth sending these to the ranger if they have an email. Has to be some info on these.
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2/4/2024
Topic:
Anza Borrego Egg Mountain
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1354
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Really was nice 👍 I get glimpses of it from the coast and I always say "Man I bet the desert is beautiful right now. "
Brian wrote:
Nice pics. Sometimes the sky is so beautiful out there.
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2/3/2024
Topic:
Anza Borrego Egg Mountain
BrianPosts: 216
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Nice pics. Sometimes the sky is so beautiful out there.
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2/2/2024
Topic:
Anza Borrego Egg Mountain
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1354
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That is cool Daren. Don't think I have ever seen a fox out there. No wildlife or BP on this trip. Last time I remember a rather large scorpion scurrying around my camp. 😎 Have a pic in the archives somewhere
dsefcik wrote:
I have camped up there several times, nice place with great views. BP visited me every time. Had a fox visit one night at dinner looking for hand outs.
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2/2/2024
Topic:
Anza Borrego Egg Mountain
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1354
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Thanks Camper is a little heavy for it but very comfortable 👍 Britain wrote:
Nice captures cool rig!
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2/2/2024
Topic:
Anza Borrego Egg Mountain
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2609
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I have camped up there several times, nice place with great views. BP visited me every time. Had a fox visit one night at dinner looking for hand outs.
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2/2/2024
Topic:
Anza Borrego Egg Mountain
BritainPosts: 590
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Nice captures cool rig!
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2/2/2024
Topic:
Anza Borrego Egg Mountain
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1354
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Mary and I did a two-night trip to southern Anza Borrego before the rains. I have only camped on Egg Mountain once before, probably over 15 years ago. The 360 degree views are spectacular. I was amazed no one drove up while we were there, but then again it was an early midweek trip. Here are some of the pictures I took during our stay
Morning Cholla
Looking south
North view
Jet Trail
Our setup edited by surfponto on 2/2/2024
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2/1/2024
Topic:
Sad News about Anza Borrego
BrianPosts: 216
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https://theabf.org/coyotecanyon/?fbclid=IwAR10wGfpDTNV6xwX-E8oTH9IjHezzu_hefkgaAg1frVrFSVPdP9SgnmJTVw_aem_AbVH8XuZ26ONyXw95cAF01zTppguxg8ne9HXsOhZv7ShzGlYwAY6SahOfqJ3Hg9ZHrk
Looks like there is a plan to reopen the road, but it will take a while.
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1/22/2024
Topic:
iPhone 12 Video
Ariyan77Posts: 1
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The iPhone 12 video showcased its impressive features, from the stunning Super Retina XDR display to the powerful A14 Bionic chip. The 5G capability and Night mode camera further elevate the user experience. Apple continues to set new standards in design and technology, making the iPhone 12 a top-notch choice.
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1/22/2024
Topic:
Four Frogs Canyon
BritainPosts: 590
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surfponto wrote:
I have been to the East Fork palms. Haven't been up to the West fork (Four Frogs Canyon) palms.
Britain wrote:
You go up the canyon on the west side? Or the east side. Both have palms.
There’s a lot of deep soft sand. It’s a work out.
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1/22/2024
Topic:
Four Frogs Canyon
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1354
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Agree Daren I am glad the junction at Carrizo Gorge and West Fork is not more obvious. It is easy to drive right by it.
dsefcik wrote:
That whole area is worth the time. McCain Valley and down to ABDSP is a special place, almost not visited by anyone anymore. So much to explore. History, remoteness, amazing place, hope everyone keeps it that way.
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1/22/2024
Topic:
Four Frogs Canyon
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1354
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I have been to the East Fork palms. Haven't been up to the West fork (Four Frogs Canyon) palms.
Britain wrote:
You go up the canyon on the west side? Or the east side. Both have palms.
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1/21/2024
Topic:
My Retriement
BritainPosts: 590
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dsefcik wrote:
Britain wrote:
Why Florida?
Mostly family choice for various reasons. I went along with it for financial reasons. I can live here on a 1/3 of what is costs to live in CA. Almost all of my family and my wife's family have left CA...so there it is.
I so miss the desert and mountains but am finding some new interests here.
Makes sense. Lived in Florida in the early 70’s. Liked the life. I retired almost 10 years ago. Bought a house in El Centro, paid it off. Didn’t cost much so property value is low less taxes? Lot of cool stuff to do in Florida so it should keep you busy. Will though miss your hiking adventures with Tommy.
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1/21/2024
Topic:
Four Frogs Canyon
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2609
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That whole area is worth the time. McCain Valley and down to ABDSP is a special place, almost not visited by anyone anymore. So much to explore. History, remoteness, amazing place, hope everyone keeps it that way.
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1/21/2024
Topic:
My Retriement
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2609
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surfponto wrote:
Damm that is close 😲 There are alligators in the retention ponds in the parking lot at Walmart, signs everywhere, different world here. No surprise to walk out to your car and find a gator underneath your car.
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1/21/2024
Topic:
My Retriement
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2609
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Britain wrote:
Why Florida?
Mostly family choice for various reasons. I went along with it for financial reasons. I can live here on a 1/3 of what is costs to live in CA. Almost all of my family and my wife's family have left CA...so there it is.
I so miss the desert and mountains but am finding some new interests here.
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1/21/2024
Topic:
Four Frogs Canyon
BritainPosts: 590
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You go up the canyon on the west side? Or the east side. Both have palms.
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1/21/2024
Topic:
Four Frogs Canyon
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1354
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I think you are correct. I remember a post by Tom a few years back
Britain wrote:
The canyon that goes up to McCain actually has frogs in the springs. I think someone here went up to the top, perhaps Tommy?
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1/21/2024
Topic:
Four Frogs Canyon
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1354
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There is a palm grove a ways up which I didn't get to. A lot of cool rock formations and seclusion, on a Tuesday anyway. I want to go back and do a little more exploring and at least get to the palms.
Brian wrote:
The Four Frogs / Jacumba Jim loop in Schad's book looks like a real slog (starts from the top in McCain Valley). I haven't ruled out doing it some day, but it's definitely not at the top of my list. Never thought of going up from the bottom. Anything interesting there?
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1/21/2024
Topic:
Four Frogs Canyon
BritainPosts: 590
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The canyon that goes up to McCain actually has frogs in the springs. I think someone here went up to the top, perhaps Tommy?
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1/21/2024
Topic:
Four Frogs Canyon
BrianPosts: 216
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The Four Frogs / Jacumba Jim loop in Schad's book looks like a real slog (starts from the top in McCain Valley). I haven't ruled out doing it some day, but it's definitely not at the top of my list. Never thought of going up from the bottom. Anything interesting there?
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1/21/2024
Topic:
My Retriement
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1354
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Damm that is close 😲 dsefcik wrote:
surfponto wrote:
How close did you get to those gators? As close as I want, alligators are everywhere here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aGxddC1lyA
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1/21/2024
Topic:
Four Frogs Canyon
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1354
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I took a quick trip out to Carrizo Gorge this past Tuesday morning to hike up Four Frogs Canyon. I never saw a single car on S2 from Ocotillo to the Carrizo Gorge turnoff.
There was a lot of soft sand in Carrizo Gorge but the Landcruiser just floats over it. After the hike, I drove over to Egg Mountain to have lunch and a quick beer before heading back to the coast. Nice mellow day. You've got to love Anza Borrego mid-week. 👍
edited by surfponto on 1/21/2024 edited by surfponto on 2/6/2024
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1/18/2024
Topic:
My Retriement
BritainPosts: 590
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Why Florida? Fishing is good. Have some friends there.
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1/18/2024
Topic:
My Retriement
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2609
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surfponto wrote:
How close did you get to those gators? As close as I want, alligators are everywhere here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aGxddC1lyA
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1/18/2024
Topic:
Sandstone Canyon question
Rocko1Posts: 588
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Someone has to know about these no? I found nothing online.
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1/17/2024
Topic:
Indian Gorge Campout
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1354
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Since we are sharing snake pictures thought I would share this one. Daren and I found this Red Racer years ago in Indian Valley
Here is the trip report for that hike
Brian wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
Nice boa. I have only seen one also, near Pinyon Mtn Rd years ago. Shockingly I see very few reptiles.
I saw one like that on my solo trip to Alta Seca Bench. Not sure whether I remembered to tell you about that when we went there. edited by surfponto on 1/17/2024
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1/17/2024
Topic:
My Retriement
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1354
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Shots are awesome Daren. How close did you get to those gators? I hope you can make it back out some time so we can meet up for a beer and/or a desert hike.
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1/17/2024
Topic:
Sandstone Canyon question
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2609
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Those look legit. I don't remember anything like that out there but then again that is a popular area.
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1/16/2024
Topic:
Sandstone Canyon question
BritainPosts: 590
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That’s cool. Wonder what the animals are? Been all over sandstone never seen those.
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1/16/2024
Topic:
My Retriement
BrianPosts: 216
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Great pics and I wish you luck in your new home. If you (when you're in town) or Gary would ever like a hiking companion, I'd like to apply for the position.
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1/16/2024
Topic:
Indian Gorge Campout
BrianPosts: 216
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Rocko1 wrote:
Nice boa. I have only seen one also, near Pinyon Mtn Rd years ago. Shockingly I see very few reptiles.
I saw one like that on my solo trip to Alta Seca Bench. Not sure whether I remembered to tell you about that when we went there.
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1/16/2024
Topic:
Sandstone Canyon question
BrianPosts: 216
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10 years ago (May 7, 2014 to be exact) I was hiking in Sandstone Canyon and saw some pictographs. I photographed them but didn't get a GPS waypoint. They were in the main canyon in an obvious location, so I figured it must be a well known site like the ones near Blair Valley. I thought I would be able to easily find them again on future visits.
I have been back several times and have never seen them again. Also, as I've become more knowledgeable about Anza Borrego, I realize that I've never seen anyone mention pictographs in this location. I wonder whether these were modern fakes and/or whether they have disappeared due to weather or a collapse.
I have photos from the canyon that I took that day both before and after the photos of the pictographs. By using the timestamps and identifiable features of these other photos, I may be able to narrow down the location on a future trip. In the mean time, I thought I would post my pics here to see if anyone knows anything about these.
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1/16/2024
Topic:
My Retriement
Rocko1Posts: 588
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Some great pics Darren. Definitely different hiking compared to AB. Hopefully you have found some places to stretch your legs.
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1/16/2024
Topic:
Indian Gorge Campout
Rocko1Posts: 588
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Nice boa. I have only seen one also, near Pinyon Mtn Rd years ago. Shockingly I see very few reptiles.
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1/16/2024
Topic:
My Retriement
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2609
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I know I promised a long story but....a long story short:
Summer 2021 I quit my job and called it retirement since I could cash in on my pension. Sold our home and moved the family to Florida. Bought 5 acres in Rural Florida next to the Green Swamp Spend my days now doing whatever I want, hiking, garden, beer, whatever.
So, that is why I have very few desert posts these days. Hopefully I will start making some trips back out west to visit. Florida is definitely a different place.
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