all messages by user

Rocko1 wrote:

Saw there was a guzzler near Yaqui peak also.

Yeah, that is one of the guzzler locations, I have not been to that one yet, post any photos if you get up there.

Rocko1 wrote:

Very nice! There were so many cat tracks in that area when I went-many in the Nolina wash just east of the saddle separating Bighorn Canyon. It's disheartening that someone would take the skull but doesn't surprise me. What model trail cam is that?

Are you saying the animals are travelling up Bighorn and back out the same way?
edited by Rocko1 on 3/18/2019

Hey Rocko1, the trailcam is a Bushnell 20MP Trophy Cam HD Low Glow (about $140 on Amazon). It has a faint red LED at night that animals notice which gets their attention and they often look at the camera. It doesn't scare them.


Yes, the animals all appear to enter and exit from the right which is downstream in Bighorn Canyon. I was sad to find the skull gone.

Nice flowers.

Too bad flower season has become such a train wreck around town.

tommy750 wrote:

Great trail cam clips, Tekewin. You can see a little brown line just to the right of your route starting point. That's where I found a cache of several sheep remains a while back. Your kitty is getting around. Need to start parking my old trail cam out in the boonies again!

Cool! I suspect desert lions have a big territory. Trailcams are fun and addicting, but often disappointing, too.

There is a great web mini-series on Lions produced by UC Davis here. They have released 4 out of 7 episodes so far on Youtube.

Thanks for the trail camp placement. Great work. I've seen a lot of nice Cat tracks in the wet sand gulley bottoms. Glad I am zipped up in my tent at night!

Rocko1 wrote:

When the wife and I backpacked near here a few months ago she woke me up at 2am saying there was something sniffing the tent. I said it's probably a mouse and fell back asleep. I showed her this video and she said 'See! It was a Mountain Lion!'
edited by Rocko1 on 3/20/2019

It could absolutely have been that lion trying to figure out if you were food! The timing of her patrol would line up pretty well with your trip, plus all the big prints you found on the way out. Exciting times.

Rocko1 wrote:

What would you guesstimate the size/weight of that cat you captured?

Well, my wild guesstimate would be 130 pounds +- 10 and a little over 6 feet long with tail. I would also guess female based on the lack of scarring on her face, but the only way to know for sure is to look under the tail. Males have a black spot there in addition to other goods.

Rocko1 wrote:

Thanks. Do you mind telling me what settings you use on your trail cam?

I know with my trail cam I struggle to decide on using burst mode photos or video, I am gonna have to buy a second camera just to be able to use both. What settings exactly are you thinking of? There usually aren't a whole lot of choices other than burst amount and timing/number of photos.

Rocko1 wrote:

Thanks. Do you mind telling me what settings you use on your trail cam?

No problem. I experimented with photos only, then photo/video hybrid, but now I always set it to record video at 720p, up to 30 seconds at a time. Less chance of missing something and each clip will stop before that if motion stops. Unless something is moving fast, I can usually extract nice stills from the video. Many animals are nocturnal or Description but the camera takes pretty nice color video during the day.

edited by tekewin on 3/26/2019

Rocko1 wrote:

Very nice! That is a well fed bear. How long was that camera in place?

Makes sense on the video settings. Thanks for the info.

I usually leave cameras out 6-12 weeks. I think that time was about 8 weeks.

Rocko1 wrote:

Got it. Do you have to choose a place that is pretty far away from trails so that it won't get stolen? Also, do you use a small tripod or just put it on a rock and brace it with other rocks?

Cameras are safer off trail, but the trick is to find an area where you expect animal traffic. I've had my cameras spotted often, but left alone (so far). I know other people who've had their cameras stolen. Watering holes are good because everything needs water.

I don't use a tripod, it comes with a strap and I just strap it to a rock/tree, sometimes supported with other rocks. When I first started, I mounted it too high and missed most of the action that happens close to the ground. I try to keep it no higher than 3' and often lower, depending on the area. Professional photographers build custom DSLR rigs with expensive gear. I am just a hobbyist.

Thanks for your efforts. Nice to see the wild life out and about while I am sleeping in my tent. This year should be beneficial to all wildlife due to the much needed precipitation.

Rocko1 wrote:

Buford wrote:

tekewin wrote:

The snow covered desert doesn't look natural. Super photos, though. Looks like some zoom on those sheep, I'm surprised you spotted them if they were far away.

My usual method for zoomed in sheep pics: hold cell phone camera in one hand, 10x binoculars in the other hand. Line up the camera lens with the binocular eyepiece, and instant zoom lens. Binos don’t have to be in perfect focus, camera can focus. It can work surprisingly well for snapshots like this.

I heard the sheep before I saw them. Lots of rockfall. I knew they were recently in the area because of all the fresh tracks. There were at least 8 rams and 4 ewes.

You are better at this than I am! After trying this a few times and missing the shot due to animals moving I bought a used Canon SX260. 25X optical zoom. Not nice enough to worry about damaging it on hikes, but good enough to take pics vids further away.

Here is Stagecoach Trails Campground/Store from near the top of Granite Mt. 25x zoom.


Here is a non-zoom picture near where I took this for reference. https://i.imgur.com/nZ0XTyM.jpg
edited by Rocko1 on 3/1/2019

Do U use some particular binos? I'm currently considering on one to use it with my camera too) Found few options here https://opticzoo.com/best-binoculars-for-long-distance-reviews/ but still don't know which one to choose. Any thoughts on Celestron 71017 SkyMaster 25x10?

Rocko1
This was my Brothers 1st time down the Cactus Spring Trail so we made it as far as the pass going down to the Agua Alta spring, the start of the Martinez mountain climb. I think this is like the 6th time I have been out here. I went up the CST up Martinez canyon to Jack Millers rock house from Hwy 86 and down the CST from Hwy 74 to the Jack Miller rock house. This trip was more about exploring areas I passed thru before. We saw a few day hikers day one. Nobody on day two, but we could faintly hear the Coachella concert ( only the bass) ha!
edited by rockhopper on 4/22/2019

Nice. Definitely a lot of elevation gain and loss with some good views.

Those rock wind breaks sure are multiplying rapidly over the last couple years.

A good way to do Rabbit is spend the night on Villager and leave early in the morning for Rabbit. After you get back from Rabbit hike out to your car. The views from Villager are much better than Rabbit since it has A lot of trees and brush. We also like it leave water bottles on the trail on the way up to Villager so you don't have to carry all the water up.

caltopo.com Find an interesting starting point, destination, and end point and go.


Schad’s book

https://peakbagger.com/list.aspx?lid=5058

6582

All depend on time of year and how much you want to suffer.

All of the suggestions are very good. Many are much tougher then Granite, Villager, or Whale.

Bring a headlamp for some. Be careful of the reports, the type of people who dayhike these are often faster than normal.


Also add:
Palm Mesa (via Henderson Canyon, BPC, or Los Coyotes)
Rosa and Pyramid(separately or can be combined with Mile High, Villager)

Sawtooth and Red Top can be done in <12 hours from Indian Canyon

Don't forget Coyote peak next to Clark lake. Can be made into a fun day hike. Come up the east side and loop around to the north and back. Sections of the PCT near Granite mountain are fun. Also if you don't mind waiting till the snow melt and heading north a little bit, San Jacinto, San Gorgonio are some of my favorite day hikes.

Rocko1 wrote:

rockhopper wrote:

Don't forget Coyote peak next to Clark lake. Can be made into a fun day hike. Come up the east side and loop around to the north and back. Sections of the PCT near Granite mountain are fun. Also if you don't mind waiting till the snow melt and heading north a little bit, San Jacinto, San Gorgonio are some of my favorite day hikes.

Thanks. I want to do Coyote-that seems like an interesting route.

Have you done Gorgonio? I am planning that for the next couple of months.

Yes, multiple times. From the South and the North hiking trail heads. Always wanted to do the West route up 10,000 ft ridge and on to the summit. Camped at the summit once. Lots of rock wind shelters. I would suggest the North side first. Just more interesting than the South side uphill grind. It is the highest summit around. Great views on a clear day. Best after a East wind event. Have fun!

For San G, I prefer the Fish Creek Route over the Vivian route and not only because the knees have gotten old with lots of miles. Fish creek may be more miles and take a bit longer but I find it to be easier and I like the route better. Not sure if the road to fish creek is open yet.

Water secret spot: the mine on a good snow year like this one is likely to have water (snow) into July or August. It is maybe 100 yards off trail.

Roughly following San Felipe Creek/Old Kane Springs Rd to Fish Creek to Sandstone Canyon to Storm or Cottonwood or Oriflame Canyon would shave off 6-10 miles. Looks like a nice trek whatever route you chose.

If I had the extra time I would join you....looks like a great route.

I might offer a suggestion of cutting south at earthquake valley and thru blair/box cyn and going up oriflamme instead.

I would also suggest staying out of Oriflamme if it is a holiday weekend or such as there will be 5 million jeeps on that dirt road.

Sounds like a interesting adventure trek. Personally I would follow the San Felipe creek, cut across Split mountain gap and onward to Auga Caliente route to avoid the traffic along the 78. Packing water would be the main issue. Good luck. Keep us posted.

I took my son to that same cave and area when he was about 17, lots of cool shelters around there.
So is that Dyneema camo? I bought several yards of that thin stuff and haven't made anything yet with it, kinda a tricky fabric to work with.

Sounds like a fun trip! I bet the moon was amazing.

Rocko1 wrote:

Great pics. What type of vehicle do you have? I want to do a trip up Rockhouse Canyon and would like to get as close as possible in my Ford Escape.

I have a Tacoma. The short distance that I went in a few weeks ago was bumpy for sure, but probably not surprising since I didn't bother to air down. I thought it was very manageable until I got to my stopping point. There were some medium-size boulders in the path I was following. I didn't spend much time looking for a way around.

Rocko1 wrote:

Yes, it's a .67oz/cubic yard dyneema composite. It's a bit thicker than their standard dyneema as the camo is laminated on. It makes it less see through than the lighter .51/oz material. The moon still shines through pretty well though.

I am gonna have to get back to some sewing projects, Dyneema is cool but expensive. I did make some food storage bags for our Grand Canyon trip back in Nov. The material is supposed to be rodent resistant.

Buford wrote:

Most SUVs and trucks should be able to get to the Butler/Rockhouse junction. The final 3 miles to the end of Rockhouse Truck Trail can be a mess. It depends on how bad the monsoons were, how armored your vehicle is, or how tolerant you are of body damage.

Very tolerant....this was from back in 2013, just didn't see that boulder...

Here is the back of one of my old shirts from the race, it can give you some real miles along the way.


edited by dsefcik on 9/15/2019

rockhopper wrote:

Daren, Great photos. I like photo #6 the best. Something about b&w that makes it special. Also the last photo makes you wonder. I see a face in it too. Kudos to ranger Steve. Rest in peace. Hey, Car camping (Truck bed) is my preferred way to go for day hikes or combo day/ back packs. I now use a 4" foam pad. hehe. Nice trip.

btw. Glad to here your back is getting stronger.

When I purchased the truck from tommy750 he was kind enough to also include a nice 8" memory foam mattress which I had to cut down to 4" and make a little setup from scrap wood from work.

(note 25 liter SquadBak)




--
edited by dsefcik on 10/3/2019

deborah wrote:

Anyway, here's a link to map. I think I have it set to be visible, but let me know if you can't get to it.

https://caltopo.com/m/VLAV

Your route is slightly different than the original...check out the wayback machine for the last one:

https://web.archive.org/web/20030603211938/http://www.lostboysultra.com/

Here is the course map

Rocko1 wrote:

dsefcik wrote:

Here is the back of one of my old shirts from the race, it can give you some real miles along the way.


edited by dsefcik on 9/15/2019

That race looks awesome but brutal. I was hoping they had the gps track but I didn't see that on the website.


Found out my brother is moving out of state soon so this trip may have to be shelved for a bit.

I put a route for this run into CalTopo a little while ago. I haven't done the run myself, but I was curious. It looks like a beast. I based the route on the website description. Hopefully it's representative. I can't remember why I broke it up into sections. It was either for cut-off times, or maybe just playing around with fun day hikes.

Anyway, here's a link to map. I think I have it set to be visible, but let me know if you can't get to it.

https://caltopo.com/m/VLAV

Rocko1 wrote:

My brother got tired of the scratches as well and painted his entire Explorer in bed liner. Problem solved.

OMG...Desert Tan bed liner no less...I know what I am doing this 3 day weekend..!!!

Rocko1 wrote:

I have been wanting to hike from Laguna to the desert floor and interested in the best route. Other than the PCT, has anyone tried Storm Canyon or have any other routes?

Rocko looks lime a great trip, two years ago did Schads route off the end of Monument Peak Rd down into the Potero Canyon. Spent the night at a spring on the desert floor. Next day hiked out and spent the night at Auga Caliente Springs campground. Dramatic views hiking down off the Lagunas. Good Luck

Rocko1 wrote:

Will be getting some time off soon and I'd like to try this route https://caltopo.com/m/S0R8 as a day hike. The majority of it appears to be on BLM. Anyone see any issues with this and the possibility of it crossing private land?

Can't comment on the Cuyamaca route but your Mason Valley truck trail and Cottonwood routes look fine. You could take a bit of the old Lassater Hay road back to your vehicle by following a ridge with a faint road just as the MVTT turns toward the NW. Pull up the 1915-1945 historic topo layer to see it.

Hi Everybody:
Some updates - we are getting into the Kumeyaay Nation - today a rock art tour with some Kumeyaay to a site on Private Land with permission. Beyond the Casinos - there is a lot of help needed on the Rezs. We get to present to their students and share with their elders about our work. On another topic, so far, we have book tour dates that are on the Book's website [larumorosarockart.com] for ABDNHA, PCAS, San Diego County Archaeological Society, Pacific Beach Public Library and many sites beyond San Diego including Coachella Valley and Arizona. In short, we are getting the word out on our rock art.
Thanks to everyone,
Don

These routes look like fun. I did the Mason Valley Truck Trail from Blair Valley a few years ago. It was really pretty, only saw two vehicles despite it being on the weekend. I especially like the change in vegetation along the route. And it was a little drizzly that day too. Started off the day with a nice rainbow!

Whichever route you choose, looking forward to hearing how it goes!

Looks like a great trip!! there is the old Redmond mine on the Southwest slope of Granite that is interesting to look around. It is labeled on the Topo maps. I too have had that problem of losing energy at the end. Even on Villager which I have done several times. I think nutrition plays a big role toward the end of the day.

What a great day out! I really like the pictures. I'm always amazed at the vibrant colors of moss.

Regarding energy, one thing that really helps me is staying on top of my electrolyte intake. Even then it still seems like an art form sometimes. It may not be relevant for you, but thought I'd mention it just in case.


Thanks for posting the trip report. I didn't actually get out this weekend and this gives me my fix.

Cool trip.

I've used the Hay Road. It needs some use to keep it open.

Great report and trip! It was a big day even without hitting the top of Granite. I'm surprised you didn't run into more brush coming down from S1. Not too familiar The southwest route is the only one I've taken up Granite. I peaked into two mine adits that were accessible but had rodent droppings inside. I also remember an ocean of what looked like prickly pear around there. Did you navigate through that?

For super long days (>12 hours), I had to add a lot of calories and carbs. I started adding a large sub from Wich Wich or Jersey Mikes. I usually pick it up the night before and keep it in the fridge. It is a black art to find the right combination of food and fluids when you are pushing yourself. I'm sure you'll find what works for you.

Great trip! Gorgeous mountain lion tracks too. Post those to iNaturalist! What size were your mystery tracks? They are not opossum, but could be striped skunk, but it's hard to judge scale from the photos.

Great trip report and photos! That's a long bold hike with short day lite hours. You must have been really moving. You probably burned thru all your Calories for the day. Granite Mtn. has unique views at the top. Don't worry, it took me three times to climb it from the East side. First two times got hit with Rain, then Snow. Climbed Granite mtn. from the West from Rodriguez canyon near the Tourmaline mine. Looks like you went right past the Mine shaft on the South face of your Granite accent. I did your hike on three different outings.
edited by rockhopper on 11/20/2019

Nice trip, Rocko. The 2002 Pines fire cleared out all the brush on the eastern slopes of the Lagunas but is it ever back with a vengeance! Daren and I were out exploring off trail in that same band of chaparral a couple weekends ago and gave up after a couple miles of nasty bushwhacking. Your really healthy area on Granite below 4000ft doesn't show any recent fire damage so maybe that's why it looked so good.

rocko1 I agree. The east approach to Granite Mtn starts at around Elevation 2500 ft vs the West approach starts 1000 feet higher at about 3500 feet at the Rodriguez canyon truck trail. BTW first time I went up/down the Oriflame trail steep section It was real rough. I remember the "Turn" on the side of the canyon being pretty scary in a RV going down hill. I read the early ranchers/ wagon trail builders basically followed a Early Native American trail to build the road.

Rocko1 wrote:

Great pictures. Granite looks fantastic with snow!

Seemed like everything had snow on it.

Whale Peak

Looking over at the entrance to Indian Gorge

That's looks like a fun way to do Grapevine. Thanks for putting up the pictures of the scenery along the way. I can't believe you packed a chair all the way up.

Nice! Found a firefighter burned handheld radio up near the ridgeline a while back. The Redmans mines are always fun to explore. Theres a Geocache next to the V shaped rock formation near the ridgeline also. That hike is a tough one for me.

Rocko1 wrote:

Britain wrote:

Nice! Found a firefighter burned handheld radio up near the ridgeline a while back. The Redmans mines are always fun to explore. Theres a Geocache next to the V shaped rock formation near the ridgeline also. That hike is a tough one for me.

Interesting. There are quite a few decent camp spots as you move up the ridge. Would be a good 2 day hike as well. It would be nice to see the sunrise from that ridge.

I did my hike when I was 61. I got to the ridgeline and at the base of the rocky final and ran out of steam. I should have just finished it.

This is a photo about 1/4 mile past the old bed.



Gus is buried in the Julian cemetery.
Geo next to this formation at the bottom

Its a fun place would be good for a 2 dayer

I am guessing they were mining for Gold? Looks like the same schist formation found in Julian hard rock mining. Nice hike! I really enjoyed hiking all over Granite form the East, West and South. A North approach would be a challenge. Mainly a parking challenge. Where to park your rig? Granite side note: A geologist suggested the Granite mountain was part of the Laguna range and was detached as a fault block and slid away as part of the Salton sink pull apart basin tectonic plate movement, Wow!

Nice photos + trip. I bet you're the 1st person to carry a chair up to Granite.

Oh I love this section of the PCT! I haven't been out there when it's so green though. It must be so pretty. I'm inspired to go check it out.

I've always liked Osprey packs. Glad yours is working out so far. Nice trip report!

Nice TR. Never been up Granite. BTW, who is Norman Glover??

You timed the perfect weather for putting on some fast miles. Way to go! Nice report. I was out in the desert around the same time, but I was being a lounge lizard soaking in the hot springs looking up at the snow on the San Jacinto's planning my future hikes. hehe

I really enjoy the East route. Schad's route. Going thru the lower drainage thru old Native American village sites then onward up the east ridges. Vegetation more friendly. Either way fantastic mountain.

Great hike on a section of the PCT I doubt I'll see. Ospreys are my fav packs. I have a Talon 22, but 5L of water seems like a a lot for that pack. Did you do that with a hydration pack and loose bottles? BTW, I prefer the camelbak hydration system because they are easier to clean, at least for me. So I usually end up with an Osprey pack and camelbak hydration.

I've pieced that trail from the border to Scissors. A nice hike you did. Also sport an Osprey backpack

Yeah, I haven't seen as much cactus anywhere else...

Looking more and more like Baja California. Makes sense since the Deserts globally have moved North about 100 miles in the past 100 years.

BTW did we determine what Mr Redmond was mining?

rockhopper wrote:

Looking more and more like Baja California. Makes sense since the Deserts globally have moved North about 100 miles in the past 100 years.

BTW did we determine what Mr Redmond was mining?

Yes gold. Gus Redman worked the mine sold it and bought it back. I believe his wife's brother found the first gold at Chariot.

Only picture of Redman I could uncover.

edited by Britain on 12/18/2019

Nice photos. I ran into a couple of researchers collecting ticks along Pine Valley Creek last week. They said that the tick species (Ixodes) responsible for carrying Lyme disease is mostly-absent from extreme southern CA. They also confirmed that in areas where Western Fence lizards occur, that Lyme disease is largely-absent. https://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Lizards-Slow-Lyme-Disease-in-West-Ticks-bite-3009330.php

Awesome. I can't believe someone put up a rope to get around that dry fall. It is passable without. Cool to see all the SeKi snow too.

It looks like the fire isn't in a metal container. FYI, that is an expensive ticket. I know someone that got cited for that infraction recently in Borrego. They were well off the beaten path and didn't know the rules. A ranger pulled up and surprised them at night.

Nice report on Kitchen Creek.

I hate ticks. On Palomar near Agua Tibia and Eagle Crag they are everywhere.

I know two people first hand who have been diagnosed with Lyme in San Diego County. They may or may not have picked it up outside the county but were diagnosed here.

I found a deer tick crawling on my hand when I was taking pictures of the sheep off Montezuma a couple weeks ago.

Moonlight Canyon trail from Agua Caliente Co. Park is the standard route. Mile 41 canyon off the S2 has easier terrain, but more migrant foot-traffic.

I was also surprised by the amount of travel through there. I've never encountered a migrant in Inner Pasture, but there is clearly some use, as evidenced by certain areas of trash and discarded textiles. Also evidence of travel over the saddle that separates Canebrake from The Potrero, some serious terrain. I think it is due to the checkpoint along S2.