DesertWRX

all messages by user

7/17/2011
Topic:
Plane Wrecks

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
That's a great site! It's going to take me a while to go through it.

Thanks Daren
6/2/2012
Topic:
Best Mylar Ballon Trip

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
We call the Clark Dry Lake area "The place where Mylar balloons go to die". They are all over the valley. Here's a morning pic of the smoke dipping into Clark Dry Lake.



[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/BillFX/Fire.jpg[/IMG]
6/7/2012
Topic:
Best Mylar Ballon Trip

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
This was last summer and from the reservation fire up above us in Warner Springs. Found a New Years mylar balloon a few nights ago in San Felipe Wash near the Buttes.
6/27/2012
Topic:
Best Mylar Ballon Trip

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Not in the park but at the old Salton Sea Navy station recently
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/BillFX/Mylar.jpg[/IMG]
7/9/2012
Topic:
2012 Annual Bighorn Sheep Count

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
I was lucky enough this year to be assigned to the 1st palm grove in Palm Canyon. Beautiful spot with lots of sheep used to humans and we also had plenty of hikers to watch!
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/BillFX/IMG_0381.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/BillFX/IMG_0377.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/BillFX/IMG_0375.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/BillFX/IMG_0380.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/BillFX/IMG_0404.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/BillFX/IMG_0390.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/BillFX/IMG_0373.jpg[/IMG]
7/10/2012
Topic:
2012 Annual Bighorn Sheep Count

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
We had a pretty good count. We were not in the traditional area (down closer) with poor shade and no place for chairs! Won't do that again! The sheep are very used to hikers in Palm Canyon. On the last day we had a ewe walk over to us and pass behind! Guess she was curious. Counters can sit close to the sheep here.
Now on to the 911 call. We spotted 2 hikers who turned around and went back. After a while a young man came by looking like he shouldn't have been there. In about 10 minutes his dad came up calling for him. He said his son was sick and he had called 911. John Peterson of our group went down with the dad and found the son in the grove. They got him wet, hydrated, and feeling better. The father was able to call 911 to cancel even though he had no signal. Ranger Steve Beir happened to be at the trail head when the fire dept. showed up. He got a copter going and started to prepare for trip up when the fire dept. was called off.
The father was dressed for the hike and the flabby computer geek/gamer son was not prepared. First pic is the son going up. I took pictures of him because he was out of place. The second picture is of the dad and him going back.
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/BillFX/IMG_0399.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/BillFX/IMG_0401.jpg[/IMG]
7/10/2012
Topic:
2012 Annual Bighorn Sheep Count

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
He did pull a bottle out of his pocket and we couldn't see how full it was.

The canyon is the home for these sheep. They seem to be quite accustomed to the hikers. We walked right through them when we walked out one evening. It you make sudden moves they move fast. If you just do things slowly they move back a little and let you pass. Several hikers got great shots of the sheep around them and above them on rocks. I'm talking sheep about 15 feet away from them. One of the counters was telling me that he had a face to face with a ram at a distance of about 3 feet when he was hiking in that area! He wasn't too comfortable with that.
7/10/2012
Topic:
2012 Annual Bighorn Sheep Count

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Notice the damage to the top of the right horn on the left ram. Pretty major stuff. This was one of the biggest rams we saw.
7/12/2012
Topic:
2012 Bighorn Sheep Count

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Great photos Daren! That is one serious hike to get to your spot and I wish I was in that shape. You certainly didn't have to worry about another site seeing your sheep.
As far as aircraft counting sheep that is the only way they are able to count sheep away from the Borrego Valley and there's talk about more flights soon. If we have more volunteers I'm sure that southern areas could be staffed for the count as there are a lot of water sources down there.
I liked your spot for the cover. We were not in the right spot and were uncomfortable at our location at the 1st palm grove.
7/17/2012
Topic:
Best Mylar Ballon Trip

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
7-17-12 A trip up Coyote Canyon today to do our Adopt A Trail/Wash duties. Found only 1 Mylar balloon where the road gets close to Coyote Mtn.

Last week a friend and I were in Ocotillo Wells to look what the rain done to the park Friday (WOW!) and found 1 balloon (might have been in ABDSP, not sure).
7/17/2012
Topic:
Big Ram in Coyote Canyon!

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Daren are you in the same group as we are? The Adopt a Trail/Wash?
7/17/2012
Topic:
Big Ram in Coyote Canyon!

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
That's what we originally wanted to do then I talked to the park headquarters and they pointed me towards the Adopt a Wash/Trail group. If today was a taste of the job, then it will be a long dirty job with a lot of satisfaction!
7/30/2012
Topic:
Best Mylar Ballon Trip

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Thursday night (7-26-12) in Beckman Wash found a plain silver one.
8/7/2012
Topic:
Split Mountain/Sandstone Canyon after the Rains!

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Even though the day started out nice there were flash flood warnings for that day. Luckily 911 on cell phones work without having any bars. A helicopter flew them out from the Wind Caves.
8/10/2012
Topic:
Best Mylar Ballon Trip

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Save your Mylar balloons that you find in ABDSP!Whaaaaa?

Supervising Ranger Sue McLaughlin wants those pesky mylar balloons. Why? The State Park needs balloons to decorate their float for Borrego Days. Sue said you can bring the balloons to ranger headquarters and drop them off. Mention that they are for the float. If you are not familiar with the location of ranger headquarters it is at the intersection of Palm Canyon Dr. and S-22 (Montezuma Valley Rd.) in the old realty building.
8/16/2012
Topic:
Split Mountain/Sandstone Canyon after the Rains!

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
State parks says that it is the owner's responsibility to remove it. After that it could get more expensive I bet!
8/22/2012
Topic:
The Destruction of Ocotillo Ca

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
I started going through there in the mid 60's for our camping trips to Bow Willow. You get used to the area and think it will always be there "as is". It is so sad that public land was sold(?) to a commercial operation. And the land will have visual destruction as well as the land destroyed. Sad to think that the land was protected from off-roading but sold so some business could make money off it.
8/24/2012
Topic:
The Destruction of Ocotillo Ca

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Are there public records anywhere that show what these industrialist payed for this desert wasteland? I'm sure that's what the BLM and businesses think of this land. Also, does anyone think that the dozer drivers and workers on this property have been told that they are to ignore any bones or other obects of interest?
Kneel!
<em>edited by DesertWRX on 8/24/2012</em>
9/15/2012
Topic:
The Destruction of Ocotillo Ca

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
http://www.basinandrangewatch.org/OcotilloWind-Spring2011.html
9/15/2012
Topic:
After The Rains

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
We've had 3 pretty big storms out here this summer. Each time the flood waters change the washes where the trails are. So, if you want to have some fun bring your 4WD out and try to figure where you are! Some areas are washed out, some are very sandy, and some washes are super wide, it's all great! Some signs remain to keep you from getting into areas that you don't want to go into. A simple trip up to Fonts in your mini van or rental car is a thing of the past. When nature removes or hardens the sand then they can still get up there and who knows how long that will take. Plus someone can make a lot of money pulling tourists out of Fonts Wash!Owned
9/16/2012
Topic:
After The Rains

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
This is that fall in Sandstone Canyon early August. You used to drive up and over it on the far left. You need a rock crawler vehicle to do it now! We made it through another way.
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/BillFX/552662_10150958052736372_2039347431.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/BillFX/480470_10150958054011372_2041740162.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/BillFX/559230_10150958054726372_1265418446.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/BillFX/550969_10150958057176372_1378741298.jpg[/IMG]
We just drove through the narrow spot to get out!
9/17/2012
Topic:
It's Not a 4WD But It Does More!

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Mute the music. Too bad it doesn't have car sounds...

9/17/2012
Topic:
After The Rains

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
We got some scratched fender flares going through the rough stuff and attempting to come back that way. We gave up on the way back and did the easy drive thru!
9/30/2012
Topic:
Borrego Badlands

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Great trip you took everyone on. Is that a Subaru Forester in your group? How did it do on the Calcite Mine road?
10/15/2012
Topic:
Culp Valley Fire

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Nature caused.
10/31/2012
Topic:
Best Mylar Ballon Trip

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
We were out of town and missed all the excitement. Borrego Days is the biggest event for this town.
10/31/2012
Topic:
Rockhouse Cyn Road Conditions Report

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
The rocks have been put in the parking area by rangers so people are "forced" to walk the quarter mile up the wash to get to the spring.
edited by DesertWRX on 10/31/2012

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/BillFX/photo.jpg[/IMG]
<em>edited by DesertWRX on 10/31/2012</em>
11/7/2012
Topic:
Truck Camper

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Went to SEMA 2 years ago and they had some nice roof mount camping systems. Some were really exotic. Even with a small porch! Quite a selection.
11/7/2012
Topic:
It's Not a 4WD But It Does More!

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Another great 2 wd off-road vehicle is my Manx clone. Drove it up to the top of Calcite Mine with nary a problem!

edited by DesertWRX on 11/21/2012
1/3/2013
Topic:
First Trips to ABDSP

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
We camped regularly from the mid 60's on up and never really took pictures. I wish my parents had!
Here's one in Bow Willow with me and my mom.

edited by DesertWRX on 1/3/2013
1/30/2013
Topic:
Favorite Photos from 2012

DesertWRX
DesertWRX

The handy work of termites

Arroyo Salado campground

Lone ocotillo in bloom on a mudhill December Arroyo Salado

December evening from Arroyo Salado campgound

It's going to rain! Arroyo Salado

My buggy wet & ready to go home!

Super heated steam from Complex Fires taken from the north side of West Butte

Not the safest thing to do with your kids! Top of Calcite Mine in October

Sunrise over the Salton Sea from the Calcite Mine

Fonts Point taken from the mine on West Butte in the summer

Summer storm in the Santa Rosas

Stormy summer eve from West Butte
edited by surfponto on 1/31/2013
1/31/2013
Topic:
Favorite Photos from 2012

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Thanks for getting my photobucket pics working!
2/1/2013
Topic:
Favorite Photos from 2012

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
I'll try that if it's a fail!
2/1/2013
Topic:
Modern day homesteader

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Well, a bucket of parts cleaner falling out of an Osprey won't punch through their roof!
2/1/2013
Topic:
Borrego off trail camping

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
If you want to camp near bathrooms then Bow Willow, Arroyo Salado, and Fish Creek are good free campgrounds. If you have a 4wd, then there are hundreds (thousands?) of places to go near roads. mrkmc's post with the pdf is good.
edited by DesertWRX on 2/1/2013
2/20/2013
Topic:
Villager/Rabbit/Dawns Via Mojave & Rockhouse Cyn

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Great trip report and really enjoyed the photos. You should have seen the snow up there this morning!
3/8/2013
Topic:
Post your Anza Borrego Sunrise Photo

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Taken from the Calcite mine.

edited by DesertWRX on 3/8/2013
3/30/2013
Topic:
ABDSP is just too vast

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Found there was a $10 fee up in Sheep Canyon's backcountry campground. I guess you pay it if you use an established site with table and fire ring. There's an "Iron Ranger" there to deposit your money in.
4/3/2013
Topic:
Indio Fish Traps and SSTB

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
surfponto wrote:
I remember camping 20 +years ago in the proximity of the Navy range. (Carrizo Impact Area)
We pulled up in the dark and in the morning realized we were actually in the no-camp zone upset

Supposedly there were un-exploded ordinances all over that area at one point, or so I have heard.


A couple weeks ago the park detonated a found explosive device out there. Also the Navy does live firing out near the sand dunes at the old SS test base. There are no signs saying KEEP OUT!
edited by DesertWRX on 4/3/2013
4/4/2013
Topic:
ABDSP is just too vast

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Nolan (anutami) wrote:

I am thinking about heading out there next week for a backpack trip. Is there water in the canyon? Did you check out cougar canyon? How is boulder ally? Thanks


There's water in all 3 crossings. Not very deep. In the afternoon the water in First Crossing goes underground. The Bypass Rd, also know as Boulder Alley is just a steep bumpy road now days. I'm toying with the idea of trying to do it in a 2 wd vehicle. Parked at 3rd crossing was an Audi A4 the other day. Goes to show ya that a driver in a low car and some smarts can get a long way in Coyote Canyon.
edited by DesertWRX on 4/4/2013
edited by DesertWRX on 4/4/2013
4/5/2013
Topic:
Coyote Canyon "Boulder Alley"

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
The Bypss Road is now a steep cobblestone route. Bumpy, but easy to get up.
4/5/2013
Topic:
West Mesa and Ancient Lake Cahuilla

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
http://www.scahome.org/publications/proceedings/Proceedings.08Laylander.pdf
4/5/2013
Topic:
West Mesa and Ancient Lake Cahuilla

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
4/6/2013
Topic:
Villager/Rabbit/Dawns Via Mojave & Rockhouse Cyn

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
There's a race up to Villager Peak and back this morning. Permitted and the whole shebang. Don't know how many are running it except the parking area is full.
4/7/2013
Topic:
Villager/Rabbit/Dawns Via Mojave & Rockhouse Cyn

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Choose from two divisions:
- Fleet of Feet division - This is a standard trail run with fitness challenges along the way and water stations. You will start the race at 5AM. You will have 12 hours to complete the course.
- Bad Add division - This is an unsupported trail run/hump with more extreme challenges along the way. Must carry weighted pack (50 lbs. for men, 30 lbs for women), plus all of your own food and water, there are no water stations allowed. Life insurance policy required! Only the truely bad ass need apply! Only the truly 'insane' need apply! You will start the sufferfest at 9PM on Friday, April 5th. You will have 21 hours to complete the course.
This IS one of the most difficult trail races in Southern California and has NEVER been raced before our 2012 event! There will be an option to turn around at Villager Peak (mile 7ish) due to difficulty and time cut-off.
You MUST register now as we can only allow 250 Fleet of Feet runners & Bad Ass backpackers due to the size & difficulty of the trail.
You are not affraid of a little Rabbit are ya?!

Looks like a typo with the Bad "Add"!
edited by DesertWRX on 4/7/2013
4/10/2013
Topic:
Cougar Canyon and Boulder Alley

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
dsefcik wrote:
Nolan (anutami) wrote:
Does anyone know why horses are allowed on the trail, but not dogs?
In general dogs are allowed only where vehicles are allowed and are required to be on leash at all times. I believe the idea is that dogs are more of a natural threat to other native wildlife and horses are not. Dogs will leave scents and such that may cause other wildlife not to go back to the area.


Daren is correct about the predator aspect of dogs vs horses and the scent they leave.
4/10/2013
Topic:
4-8-13 Windstorm

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
We left the Borrego Valley the morning of the storm. Saw a 51 mph gust at the overlook and it was before the wind really came up. A neighbor said power was out from 10 am to 4 am. We will be home in about a week and a half and I curious what we will find. Bet our flag pole is snapped off.
edited by DesertWRX on 4/10/2013
4/11/2013
Topic:
Nolina to Palo Verde and Spots in between

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Jim is correct. You also hear them called Solifugids!
4/14/2013
Topic:
Fish Creek Mts and Ancient Lake Cahuilla

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
I really like these pictures! I really want to load up my buggy and head out that way for an overnight trip soon.
4/14/2013
Topic:
Agua Caliente Hot Springs

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
I see the trail sign says "no dogs" does that mean they allow them in the campground now?
4/14/2013
Topic:
Posting Spelling

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
When I post the spell check seems to think I'm foreign and can't spell. Where do I change spell check?

edited by DesertWRX on 4/15/2013
4/16/2013
Topic:
Weather Watch

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
We use the NWS like Daren for the most reliable forecasts.
4/16/2013
Topic:
Toyota 1HZ Diesel Motor Rebuild Complete

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
A long time ago I used to be a mechanic at a dealer. There used to be a used car lot across the street that had less than the cream of the crop vehicles. The best comment I heard about that place was they used to start the cars in the morning and someone said "Sounds like they are starting up a bunch of diesels!" That comment was made 40 years ago and I always think of it when I hear a diesel! I know, I know... it's the pump/rail! Glad to hear you got this running sweet and most off-road mags lament that the manufacturers don't offer diesels in Jeeps, etc.
4/16/2013
Topic:
Weather Watch

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Another site for localized weather stations to get current info... http://www.wunderground.com/wundermap/?lat=33.263&lon=-116.389&zoom=13
5/3/2013
Topic:
Inspiration Wash: Must Do

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
When we want to do a short trip often we will go to Inspiration Wash. Had many a lunch at Inspiration Point...


Lower down in the wash I got myself a plastic wine glass! Use it all the time for camping now...

You certainly know when you hit that cement hard ash in that side of the badlands!.
edited by DesertWRX on 5/3/2013
5/6/2013
Topic:
Good Android GPS Software

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
We use My Tracks from Google. It's free! You e-mail your track to whom ever as a .kml file. You can view it in Google Earth or in Google Maps. There's a placemark feature and all travel stats are there for you to review. Here's My Tracks of one of my mustard removal trips... https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=214727587460963019902.0004d97bc33cd4fa57466
If you click on the end icon all the info will be displayed.
5/6/2013
Topic:
What are you reading?

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Salt Dreams is a long read! The author sure did a lot of research and I went into info overload! Very good book!
5/11/2013
Topic:
Fish Creek Mts and Ancient Lake Cahuilla

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Drove out 085 2 days ago and got fixated on seeing the border of the Carrizo Impact area. Drove under the trestle and went up the wash to the warning signs. looked around some and wanted to get up on a hill and look for a camping spot. Heading up a sandy off-camber section I failed!

Nailed it and slid off into a sandy ravine. After lots of jacking, shovelling, and rock piling called it quits.


Set up camp


Had wine

Exploded practice bomb pieces everywhere

Sand Verbena!

Looked like it might rain

Help arrived the next day. My wife and her Jeep.

edited by DesertWRX on 5/11/2013
edited by DesertWRX on 5/11/2013
edited by DesertWRX on 5/11/2013
edited by DesertWRX on 5/11/2013
edited by DesertWRX on 5/11/2013
5/12/2013
Topic:
Fish Creek Mts and Ancient Lake Cahuilla

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Yes, there was a nice big one that came out to look at me a couple times. Lots of tail dragger marks too. Here's a track from My Tracks of my trip from the gypsum mine to my stuck area... https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=214727587460963019902.0004dc877c5285d1d62d7

Just above my stuck area you can see a defined road heading to the top... that is now a deep ravine thanks to last summer's storm that dropped 2" in an hour in that area.
edited by DesertWRX on 5/12/2013
6/13/2013
Topic:
Login Username Issue

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Decided to try to sign in again with my old name and it worked!
6/17/2013
Topic:
The Desert Magazine

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Jim (ziphius) wrote:
Bill Haneline wrote:
One of my favorite things to do is go is to go into our nice cool Borrego Springs library and sit down with the old Desert Magazines!


That must be kind of a surreal experience, reading about the desert, while in the middle of the desert, in air-conditioning! smile


Last Friday I was sitting at a table with a selection of 40's issues. You feel as though you shouldn't be handling them. The war time issues are interesting because of mining and the war effort and an announcement asking not to use trains for pleasure trips. There is something about reading about the desert while being in it!
6/18/2013
Topic:
Indian/Cougar/Sheep Canyon Day Hikes

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
The park maintenance dept. brought in a rock crusher. They took out the boulders you had to climb over and used them to fill in the spots. Found that out today from a ranger.
6/18/2013
Topic:
Anza Borrego Misc Summer Backpack Trip

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
A few days back SDG&E said we have to conserve energy this summer. They still might shut down grids if needed. We both heard that and scratched our heads. Guess Powerlink can't do much for us.

BTW, I love your photos!
edited by DesertWRX on 6/18/2013
6/25/2013
Topic:
Any Home Brewers out there?

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
A good friend owns Culver City Home Brewing Supply if you need anything. My dad used to make home brew out in our garage in Chula Vista.
7/6/2013
Topic:
Hot weather in Anza Borrego

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Every time it hit 120 in Borrego we are out of town! We closely watched the high school WeatherBug station close to our house and saw 121.7. At 4:30 tonight it is 108. This is hot for a lot of the 63 sheep counters.
7/10/2013
Topic:
The Biggest Load of Bullshit I ever Heard

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
For those of us in Borrego Springs year round we just bend over for them.
7/14/2013
Topic:
Bighorn Sheep Count 2013

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Thanks to Borrego's golf courses and citrus the water table has been dropping fast. Mark Jorgensen told me several years ago this affects the parks water supplies. That's just lovely, wealthy white guys can knock a ball around and growers make money and the plants and animals can suffer.
7/17/2013
Topic:
Bees. Lots of Them!

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Got back today from a camping trip to Bow Willow and Grapevine Canyon. At both locations the poor bees were after any source of water. In Bow Willow it was my sweat and any other place they could find it. One bee sting to the back of my leg. In Grapevine Canyon there was the same problem. 2 bee stings... leaned back in my chair at lunch yesterday and got one in the back and this morning a sting under one of my toes. Not too bad with hundreds of bees around you I guess. If you were allergic it would have been your worst nightmare. You get tired of trying to do your thing and the bees are doing their thing. I had a fly swatter with me and was gently knocking them left and right away from me. Felt sorry for them.
Some on my water jug

edited by DesertWRX on 7/17/2013
edited by DesertWRX on 7/17/2013
7/19/2013
Topic:
Bighorn Sheep Count 2013

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
tommy750 wrote:
DesertWRX wrote:
Thanks to Borrego's golf courses and citrus the water table has been dropping fast. Mark Jorgensen told me several years ago this affects the parks water supplies. That's just lovely, wealthy white guys can knock a ball around and growers make money and the plants and animals can suffer.


Here's an nice link discussing the water situation in the Borrego Valley: http://borregowaterunderground.org/

All of Borrego's water comes from pumping fossil water from the aquifer. 90% of it is utilized by agribusiness and golf courses with zero incentive to conserve since the water for them is nearly free. Tom


That's a good site! Golf and growers will use up the water and walk away. The water to them is just something to make money off of.
7/22/2013
Topic:
Desert Rain

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Got back to Borrego this morning and most of the town is showing signs of flowing water everywhere! I will have to do some work to repair one end of our driveway. Can't wait to get offroading and see what the washes look like.
8/1/2013
Topic:
Rockhouse Canyon / Toro Peak BackPack Trip

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Great view looking down upon the hiking area... http://hpwren.ucsd.edu/cameras/L/tp-s-mobo-c.jpg
8/1/2013
Topic:
Desert Rain

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Drove up Fish Creek yesterday and it was interesting to see the change. Especially after it was modified pretty good 1 year ago by Mother Nature! No minivans going up there anytime soon!
8/3/2013
Topic:
Desert Rain

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Like 1 year ago (exactly) the surface of Fish Creek changed after the storm. You need high ground clearance to get over the scattered rocks and sandstone outcroppings. As more people use the road it will probably soften up too.

Some Bighorn sheep going around corner of hill...

Road...



edited by DesertWRX on 8/3/2013
edited by DesertWRX on 8/3/2013
8/4/2013
Topic:
Desert Rain

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
The next day after the rains the ocotillo had 1/8" long green buds and 2 days later lush leaves!
9/3/2013
Topic:
How many straws are drinking from the Colorado?

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
People will keep breeding and immigrants will continue to flow unimpeded into the arid southwest and only a tiny piece of the population cares that we are running out of water. And while we are at it let's open a new golf course!
9/7/2013
Topic:
Flood damage around Borrego Springs

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
The last few days we have been hit by daily afternoon storms. They just reopened Montezuma Valley Road and the last 2 days they've had to scrape the rocks.Yesterday S-2 was closed from mudslides, Yaqui Pass was closed and at one point Borrego Salton Seaway was the only road open to get in and out of the valley! Yesterday's storm was a doozy that had heavy wind with it. We were without power from 2:30 yesterday to 3:00 today. Took a trip up Coyote Canyon yesterday morn to see what the rains did to it... it's changed!

3rd Crossing Sand Verbena

Large leafed plants were seen in a lot of locations

Pretty big drop off past the gate

2nd Crossing area

The water removed a bunch of vegetation


Mud splattered dog face

Pretty clouds, but that will change later in the day!

Heavy winds came up and damaged a lot of things including power lines. No power from 2:30 on Friday to 3:00 Saturday. Not good... hit 110 yesterday.

Lots of rain and lightning

edited by DesertWRX on 9/7/2013
edited by DesertWRX on 9/7/2013
9/8/2013
Topic:
Flood damage around Borrego Springs

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
We were without power for 24 hours out here. Got power at 3:00 yesterday. SDG&E couldn't get out here because of road closures! Not good in the desert!
9/12/2013
Topic:
Flood damage around Borrego Springs

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Went out in our motorhome for quite a while. Took stuff out of our refer and put it in an ice chest, freezer in the garage, and out in the motor home refrigerator. Had to siphon gas out of our dune buggies for the motor home. Our gas stations had no electricity too. Part of the town got put on generator power so there were cool zones late in the outage. Great having our scanners and smart phones. We were pretty much up on the latest info.
9/17/2013
Topic:
Eagle mortality and wind farms

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
The wind turbines are just a business, they are out to make a buck. They should not be killing these birds. Guess because they fall under the "Green" category they can do bad stuff to the environment.
9/22/2013
Topic:
Broke Down in Anza Borrego: Sept. 21st, 2013

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
I like how nature did its work on Diablo Drop-off!
9/29/2013
Topic:
Upper Fish Creek

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
2 days ago we drove up to the intersection of Olla and Fish Creek. Could not see any tire tracks going up Fish Creek. Nice to see your pictures!
10/1/2013
Topic:
Upper Fish Creek

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Found a bunch of these little yellow ones enjoying the damp soil...
edited by DesertWRX on 10/1/2013
10/1/2013
Topic:
First trip of the season

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
I was hoping the rains would have hardened up the silt sections!
10/10/2013
Topic:
Culp Valley to Coyote Canyon & Kane Springs Road

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Like the photos! I'm curious to see Bypass Road. Sounds like a lot of the rocks washed out of it making it pretty tough to travel. I'd love to go up it in that state! It got civilized and easy with the cobblestones being added to it.
11/10/2013
Topic:
Memorials in the Park

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Thought I'd try something new. Post pictures of memorials you have found in ABDSP or nearby BLM land.

On a hill above Carrizo Impact area border. ABDSP patrolled BLM land


In ABDSP just east of the Palm Canyon campground
edited by DesertWRX on 11/10/2013
edited by DesertWRX on 11/10/2013
edited by DesertWRX on 11/10/2013
edited by DesertWRX on 11/10/2013
11/23/2013
Topic:
South Carrizo Creek to the Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Welcome to the forum! My wife and I do cleanup for the State Park and Carrizo Creek and Arroyo Tapiado is one of the areas we do. We were there a couple weeks ago cleaning and found all sorts of things the 2 summer storms dug up... even a small barbecue!
11/23/2013
Topic:
Memorials in the Park

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
The Frank Fox shooting is mentioned in one of the Lindsey books. Interesting to see a memorial!
12/14/2013
Topic:
Found Camper Part in Sheep Canyon

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Found a flue vent cover in Sheep Canyon. Anyone on the forum missing one?
12/16/2013
Topic:
Found Camper Part in Sheep Canyon

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Does this mean you don't want my flue cover?!
1/6/2014
Topic:
Calcite Mine

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Nolan (anutami) wrote:
nice!

Have you ever checked out the wash to the north? There is a pretty nice mine you can walk into with some nice calcite veins




Is this due north of where Waning Moon has his vehicle parked?

Beautiful up there. Camped with my buggy up there once. Loved it!


edited by DesertWRX on 1/6/2014
1/6/2014
Topic:
Calcite Mine

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Here is My Tracks up to where I camped. I see the mine is not too far away from there.

edited by DesertWRX on 1/6/2014
1/11/2014
Topic:
Land Cruiser ARB Front Bumper Install

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Really like our ARB bumper. Very high quality.
1/31/2014
Topic:
Egg Mountain: Island in the sky Paradise

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
I tent camped up there a long time ago with the dog. Had a black helicopter fly by with guys sitting in the door. Also saw a pickup loaded with people coming from the tamarisk trees to the southeast across the highway. I also spotted an old diesel generator across the highway a distance away.
2/25/2014
Topic:
Chuckwalla Mountains, The Bradshaw Trail

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
I had a shortwave radio and it had a long wire for the antenna. I left the radio sitting on the ground and during the night something gnawed through the wire and took it!
2/25/2014
Topic:
Salton Sea Exploration

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
That was a really good report!
edited by DesertWRX on 2/25/2014
2/28/2014
Topic:
Ella Wash and Coyote mtn hike

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
And, thank you for the cleanup!
5/19/2014
Topic:
44th Annual Bighorn Sheep Count

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Info has been sent out for all returning and new counters. This year the dates are Friday July 4th to Sunday the 6th. For those who have to travel a long (or hard distance) they will head out Thursday afternoon.
There will be a mandatory meeting June 14th for all first timers. Experienced people are welcome too.
Backpackers are especially need for the hard to reach water sources. Darren Sefcik can add something to that subject.
There are 18 counting sites but not all are staffed due to shortages of volunteers. They have a policy to have at least 2 people per location, which are located near water.






edited by DesertWRX on 5/19/2014
edited by DesertWRX on 5/19/2014
edited by DesertWRX on 5/19/2014
edited by DesertWRX on 5/19/2014
edited by DesertWRX on 5/20/2014
5/20/2014
Topic:
44th Annual Bighorn Sheep Count

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Daren, you were with our friend Dennis at Hellhole. I was going to be with you guys but got a case of E.coli right before the count.
6/2/2014
Topic:
EC O85

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
Tried to get over to the Carrizo Impact Area last Wednesday and had the trip from hell on 085. The silt is DEEP right now!


My dust from getting through the first section


I'm stuck


Thought the train might stop and pull me out... kidding!


If you can make out my tracks you will see I was driving blind! Next time I will take Pole Line over to here!
edited by DesertWRX on 6/2/2014
7/12/2014
Topic:
Bighorn Sheep Count 2014

DesertWRX
DesertWRX
2.5 days at Yaqui pass. Zero sheep but some interesting weather with a downpour Friday a little after 5 and light rain for a short time Saturday.
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