anutami

all messages by user

9/6/2012
Topic:
Gettin the itch...

anutami
anutami
Well, I am pretty much over the crowded beaches and Finally I think/I hope today was the turn towards fall smile Looking forward to a great season!!!!! I am sure everyone is craving some desert solitude. Curious to know what your first trips are going to be for the season (some of you the season never ended smile

I will probably end up checking out Indian hill area again and the wind turbine project going on.
9/11/2012
Topic:
Plane Crash

anutami
anutami
http://m.nbcsandiego.com/nbcsandiego/pm_107837/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=4esmMo2Z&rwthr=0

For those not aware, check the link
9/14/2012
Topic:
Gettin the itch...

anutami
anutami
So much for a cool down
9/21/2012
Topic:
Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) course

anutami
anutami
Great stuff, thanks. I always have an epi pen for my daughter who is allergic to bees.
9/21/2012
Topic:
Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) course

anutami
anutami
Ziphius,

Looking at the cost of the course in idywild or Japan..seems expensive! Especially considering I wanted my family (x4) to do this. Will you take us through the course this winter?

Thanks,
Nolan
9/22/2012
Topic:
Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) course

anutami
anutami
You forgot the Item most important than even duct tape or Jack Daniels TWEEZERS!
9/27/2012
Topic:
Borrego Badlands

anutami
anutami
Thanks for posting smile
Nice pic of fonts point! That Jeep trail to the Calcite Mine is pretty hairy in some spots with STEEP drop offs, ruts, and minimal turn arounds. I have hiked it a few times before realizing it is better to hike through the slot canyons. It takes some cajones to make the run, which sounds like you have a pair.
9/28/2012
Topic:
Most Amazing Agua Caliente Proposal!!

anutami
anutami
Had to share this! One of our great friends used Aqua Caliente Airport as his proposal site and this has to be one of the most amazing proposals! It truly shows how Magical ABDSP is!!!

You gotta check this out http://limelifephoto.com/blog/taylor-emily-a-diamond-in-the-desert/
10/2/2012
Topic:
Calcite Mine Slot Canyons

anutami
anutami
Here is GPS location of the canyon for this report
Latitude: 33.298000° N Longitude: 116.107167° W


kylekai wrote:
Just going thru some old posts, getting reading for desert camping. I noticed you used an iPhone to take your pictures? If so, then the pictures (usually) also have the GPS coordinates attached to the image. I use my iPhone almost exclusively for taking pictures now, as it helps me remember where I took the picture. On my Macintosh computer, using the app Preview, I can open a picture and easily view the picture's location. Or I upload them to Flickr which also displays a map with the image location -- see this example: http://www.flickr.com/photos/modesitt/7127141619/in/set-72157629565943292/. Wouldn't it be great if we could click on a photo in this forum and it takes us to a Google map using the GPS coordinates associated with the picture?
10/2/2012
Topic:
My Jeeps (and past rides)

anutami
anutami
Here it goes....


1987 Mitshubishi Montero 4x4 in Clark Lake Failed smog @ 287,000 miles upset


2003 Nissan Xterra (All Stock) 4x4 in Olla Wash looking up toward Whale Peak She has 126,000 miles and still running good, I thougt I would be able to tow it out with my truck but, since it is an automatic it is not okay. Also thought I would use it more now that it is passed the brand new phase, but I am liking the truck camper a bit better (more comfortable camping than tenting it with the kids)


2006 Toyota Tundra w an Apache Pop Top Camper @ cibbets flat campground: Only reason I got rid of it I was an idiot and didn't get 4wd, plus the pop top camper was getting too crowded when Brett was born.


Then we got a travel trailer with the pop out ends, but we could really only get it into Blair Valley.


Then I found it. One of my customers was selling his truck (Rick @ Alpine Plumbing). 2001 Ford F350 Long Bed Crew Cab 7.3L Diesel 4x4 with 210k Miles
10/4/2012
Topic:
Ocotillo Express Wind Energy Project Progress

anutami
anutami
upset upset upset

The view will never be the same

so sad

10/15/2012
Topic:
Chariot, Oriflamme, Rodriguez MTB Loop

anutami
anutami
Took advantage of the cooling weather last week, and have always wanted to do the Chariot Canyon, Oriflamme to Rodriguez loop on my Mountain Bike. This ended up being about 16 miles and I was huffin and puffin

Parked right off the road and headed up


Gate was Locked! I thought this was always open, and I would have hate to have been a jeep coming from the opposite direction to find it locked. I guess with the fires? they are keeping it locked


Nice gradual climb through the mine district


Pretty crazy to still see water out there this time of year


This is right about when you enter ABDSP going south on Chariot Canyon and would be a cool "boondock site" when the seasonal stream is running


Mandatory Scat photo


on the decent down oriflamme the road is VERY Rough and washed out from the recent rains, but is still accessible by jeep




highlight of the trip was this spot here, can you see what is in the picture?


Radio Collar


and bone fragment


headed up rodriguez canyon


the powder shack?


the trek up canyon was pretty sandy in some areas but is easily accesible by jeep


Nice view from the top looking out north


I ended up returning the radio collar and bone fragment to the park headquarters...
here is the park rangers reply

Thank You for dropping off the collar and bone fragment. What you found was one of the Buck collars that was placed on deer during our Mountain lion study (just concluded) in the park. Our partners at CA Fish and Game, and U.C. Davis who undertook the study, were able to determine the preferred prey species for lions that exist within our boundaries based on the data received. What we retrieve from this collars download will now be entered into that data base.
The bone fragment (vertebrae) is well weathered but looks to be associated with the collar. Likely more fragments will show themselves as the remains continue to weather out of wherever they came they came to rest.

Thank You again for your find, and for returning this important scientific data for use in our on going wildlife studies.


Ranger Steve Bier
Anza Borrego Desert State Park
(760) 767-5311
edited by anutami on 11/29/2012
10/15/2012
Topic:
Chariot, Oriflamme, Rodriguez MTB Loop

anutami
anutami
I did it solo but was a bit on edge the whole time with the thought of mountain lions stalking me
10/15/2012
Topic:
Culp Valley Fire

anutami
anutami
On my way back from dropping off the radio collar drove by Culp Valley and couldn't help but stop and check out the major fire that burned throught the area. Everything on the south side of montezuma valley road is burned.

looking towards culp valley campground


Cilp Valley...notice the burned morteros





looking up toward wilson trail on pinyon ridge which looks like it was devastated


things haven't changed much eh?


anyone know what this is?





edited by surfponto on 1/23/2013
10/15/2012
Topic:
Chariot, Oriflamme, Rodriguez MTB Loop

anutami
anutami
didn't see a soul...of course it was Wednesday when I went....Lots and lots of ammo, clay pigeons, shotgun shells,etc all over BLM land!
10/16/2012
Topic:
Chariot, Oriflamme, Rodriguez MTB Loop

anutami
anutami
The fire burned all the way to oriflame canyon. It did not jump the road,, and stayed on the north side. It came a few hundred yards to that sweet camp spot by the creek.

Also, the lock does not appear to be set, good to know
[IMG]http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac329/anutami/4462191A-6A2D-4919-B1E0-FB89746F03E7-9937-000010BF79C777C8.jpg[/IMG]
10/17/2012
Topic:
2012 BorregoFest Event (October 19th - 21st, 2012)

anutami
anutami
Sounds like fun! We are heading out through mortero wash towards indian hill. I am going to try and cross the railroad tracks and head towards the railroad camp and explore the railraod tunnels with the kids and camper. Hopefully the rig will make it!
10/18/2012
Topic:
2012 BorregoFest Event (October 19th - 21st, 2012)

anutami
anutami
Tom, thanks for the heads up. I made it up that rutted section last year with the camper before I knew about the alternate route. I was planning on taking that bypass to get around the rutted section. I wanted to cross the railroad tracks by the indian trailhead parking area, since I remember a jeep trail that runs northwest from Indian hill to the blasting storage area. I can't remember if that is closed or open to vehicles.
10/19/2012
Topic:
Iphone in the backcountry somebody shoot me!

anutami
anutami
Well, I downloaded a photobucket app and have cell coverage with my iphone. What are these times we live in?

Nice campsite I am at right now


Weather is perfect! wind picking up a bit should make for a great day tomorrow


Gymnastics is working out great!


Finally made it out to complete bliss...Was a bit rusty on my 4x4 driving with the rig



edited by anutami on 10/19/2012
edited by anutami on 8/12/2014
10/22/2012
Topic:
End of Dos Cabezas Road

anutami
anutami
Headed out to Dos Cabezas to hike the railroad tracks, tried to access Dos Cabezas off S-2, but the wind farm project was bustling like crazy, with trucks running all over the place. I tuck tailed and ran to the next wash



Decided to take Mortero Wash instead...was a bit rusty on my 4x4ing, as I had a lot of "sway" going on with the rig.

It was also nice taking the bypass passed Dos Cabezas Mine and not having to get too crazy. Tom and Daren...Thanks for the headsup smile

Nice pic of Carrizo Mountain

camp for the next 2 nights

I think the meteor shower was a bit of a bust!!! saw 3... not sure if I was looking in the right place, but I did not get much sleep waiting, and waiting, and waiting...

headed out on the tracks (please don't report me) I noticed quad tracks going all the way up the railroad. Do they patrol the tracks on quad?

sombrero peak in the background



Carrizo Palms









was a bit windy on saturday and blew like crazy on Sat. Night! at times I though the truck was going to be blown over!



It was a great first trip of the season! Kids want to check out the Goat canyon trestle for next time and probably will do a backpack trip with them to it, through mortero palms.

edited by anutami on 10/22/2012
edited by anutami on 11/29/2012
10/23/2012
Topic:
Best Desert Beer?

anutami
anutami
22oz pacifico smile

Or sierra nevada pale ale...yum
10/24/2012
Topic:
Squaw Tit, Table Mountain and 10 other Benchmarks

anutami
anutami
Yeah it is pretty lame how they make you feel like you are doing something wrong. I got questioned pretty hard on the checkpoint on S-2 right before the mortero wash turnout, the guy even freaked the kids out a little bit by his tone and multiple questions.
10/24/2012
Topic:
End of Dos Cabezas Road

anutami
anutami
waning moon wrote:
Well third attempt to post

Anutum,

If I may suggest, look into a set of air bags for your rear axle, your truck has very stiff suspension as is, but your overloads do not engage until you are already tilting, air bags will stop this. You can order online and install yourself as I did or have them installed. I usually put in 35 to 40 pounds (camper on) with an air chuck, they also have an auto system with a pump, costs more though. I installed on my Ford 7.3 Turbo 12 years ago, never regretted it.

On swaying when camped, I will drop two of my camper struts if it is bad enough where I cannot sleep, I see you have auto struts, lucky you, I went for cheaper version "hand cranks"

Your photos are wonderfull, looks like you made it to tunnel 11

Hope this helps


Thanks so much! I always thought air bags would raise my truck bed and put the camper at a higher center of gravity creating more sway. Looks like you have had many years experience and now I have another project on the list.
10/24/2012
Topic:
End of Dos Cabezas Road

anutami
anutami
dsefcik wrote:
I really like the Orion photo, you did this with an iPhone???


Thats no iphone! I took that with my canon 20D. It was my first attempt at star photos. I didn't really know what I was doing just trying a bunch of things in manual mode.
10/24/2012
Topic:
Fish Creek Wash Rd Conditions

anutami
anutami
I am planning a trip in about 3 weeks and may head through fish creek to split rock/dave mccain spring. Curious to know if it is do able with my rig. We went as far as olla wash in 09 but things have changed a bit out there. Looking on a topo map it looks a bit tight going through olla wash and dave mccain spring.

TIA
10/29/2012
Topic:
Rockhouse Canyon 4 Day Backpack TR

anutami
anutami
yeah that handcart had me thinking too, if I could just hitch it to my waist and load the kids up in it I could double or triple my range smile

Daren, thanks for posting your epic treks through the Desert.

You gotta check this out!
http://www.mondayhikes.com/12Hikes/hk120220.html
10/29/2012
Topic:
Hiking the Carrizo Gorge Railway and Indian Hill

anutami
anutami
Bob, did you guys make it to the trestle? Thinking of heading out to the trestle through mortero palms. How hard is the hike to the trestle once you get to goat canyon? Or is it better to follow the tracks from dos cabezas?
10/30/2012
Topic:
Fish Creek Wash Rd Conditions

anutami
anutami
I talked to Brett at the Ranger headquarters he ran Fishcreek three days ago and said it is doable with four-wheel-drive as there are some soft sand areas. He said they recorded an 8 foot wall of water rushing through the canyon and it is completely different from what it was. His words to describe it were "UNBELIEVABLE". He described it as MAJOR errosion from Fishcreek wash up to Sandstone canyon. All of the trees shrubs and boulders are completely gone! He also mentioned they removed the F1 50 that had washed down from the wind caves over 2 miles. They had to cut it into six sections in order to remove it. He also described split Mountain Road at the intersection of Fishcreek wash being completely obliterated 400 yards on the road and 4 to 5 feet deep. It has since been repaired.
11/4/2012
Topic:
East Fork Carrizo Creek

anutami
anutami
Decided to head out to the East Fork of Carrizo Creek


Very Cool sheltered and secluded campsite for the weekend!


Didn't see anybody all weekend long


many dryfalls you will need to navigate through


any plenty of open space to roam free


there are even some small sand dunes


anybody missing these? we also found 4 backpacks


and one huge mylar baloon! This would have been great for the float...maybe next year


Hike up the canyon to the carrizo palms was a bit much for us, we were shade hopping the whole time and the soft sand and direct sunlight and no wind turned us around about 3/4 of the way...hopefully next time we will get there when it cools down some more.


I think we need to invest in some sombreros


the different rock formations up the east fork are amazing




and some make great resting spots too


bought a cheap spotting scope and was able to take a picture through the eye piece with my iphone saturday morning


It was another great trip and great weekend getaway with the fam

edited by surfponto on 11/14/2012
11/4/2012
Topic:
Best Desert Beer?

anutami
anutami
even though it was hot this weekend, couldn't pass up on the new sierra nevada cans! These are a backpackers dream!

edited by surfponto on 11/16/2012
11/4/2012
Topic:
East Fork Carrizo Creek

anutami
anutami
With the number of abandoned backpacks I think there may be illegals in the area. A lot of the footprints were animal tracks as well. Coyote and bighorn sheep prints. There was a small water hole at the end of the canyon they are drawn to. It was dug out by some kind of animal...thinking it was bighorn.

I was hoping saturday would be cooler than it was. It was mid to high 80's in the sun and in the shade was in the 70's really nice. With not much wind it felt warmer than it was. It was in the 60's at night still a bit warm for a fire. Tons of bugs! We stopped in blair valley for lunch today and with the wind blowing it was nice!
11/5/2012
Topic:
Dos Cabezas Road

anutami
anutami
Your night shots are great!

Friday is a work day, its just ashame they are doing it right in the middle of BLM which many people use for recreation!
11/5/2012
Topic:
Best Desert Beer?

anutami
anutami
Hey where did you find those Sierra Nevada in the can?

Vons, I am pretty sure all the stores should have them...they also have the Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA in Pint size cans as well...IPA puts me asleep :0
11/5/2012
Topic:
East Fork Carrizo Creek

anutami
anutami
surfponto wrote:
Great post. Love that hike.

Looks like your big camper had no trouble getting up into Carrizo Gorge. Seems certain times of year the sand gets pretty soft.

Bob


I took it out of 4wd when heading up the east fork and ended up burrying my rear wheels. As soon as I put it back in 4wd I climbed right out.


http://youtu.be/8YWJgXlQhwM
11/5/2012
Topic:
Plaster Blaster & Salvation Mtn

anutami
anutami
Awesome! We went in 2010

check the video http://youtu.be/QJRZ_DxWE0g

[IMG]http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac329/anutami/Carrizo%20Creek/IMG_1070.jpg[/IMG]
11/5/2012
Topic:
East Fork Carrizo Creek

anutami
anutami
tommy750 wrote:
Nice pics and report. Made it up to Carrizo Palms in Februrary 2009 via the East Fork. Was under 4 miles to the southern Carrizo Palms. The northern Carrizo Palms doesn't seem to exist except on the topo map. Found running water and some nice pools, but maybe dried up this time of year. Also, found this guy's remains. Thanks. Tom


Wow! Nice Bighorn find! What do you do when you find a skull like that? Leave it where you find it? Report it to the rangers? Pack it out?
11/5/2012
Topic:
Goat Canyon Trestle Hike

anutami
anutami
Sound like a great time! I am going to take advantage of the kids week off for thanksgiving and heading our for a 3-5 day extravaganza through fish creek!
11/6/2012
Topic:
Recycled Paper Logs for Campfires?

anutami
anutami
looks cool, and love your pic of john wayne!
11/6/2012
Topic:
Truck Camper

anutami
anutami
Tom,

My Dad is selling his 2007 palomino 1251 pop top truck camper. Google the brand and you can see they are pretty cool. It has a 60watt solar system. It would fit your tundra perfect! He is selling it for 5,800 obo. Not sure if you are in the market for one but you are welcome to check it out.

Nolan
11/13/2012
Topic:
Pinto Wash Petroglyphs

anutami
anutami
Tom, That human skull is amazing! My thoughts and prayers go out to the unfortunate soul. It looks like it has been there awhile and I wonder if they will be able to identify them. Did the BP agent take down your info to report back to you any info? I wonder how many other people just walked right by without noticing, or with noticing and kept going. Were you hiking solo? It really makes you think twice before heading out alone in the desert...

One of my good friends was backpacking in the sierras and came across a rock climber who had fallen to his death. He kept on his hike and reported the guy to the authorities a few days later when he was done with his backpack trip. They really read him the riot act for not reporting it right when he found the guy.
11/13/2012
Topic:
Whale Peak, Pinyon Mountain Road

anutami
anutami
I went up twice last year. Right off s2 there is a huge pothole that fiils up with water if there is any rain you would need 4wd to get through it. The road steadily climbs up and there is soft some sand areas, but not that deep so you could probably make it...as long as you stay on the road. Bring gear to help get you out if you get in trouble. Right before the protruding boulders at about the 3.8 mile marker there is a small parking/camping/turn around area that would be the furthest you could get. You may want to contact the ranger headquarters and get current road conditions.
11/14/2012
Topic:
Whale Peak, Pinyon Mountain Road

anutami
anutami
Here is a pic of the road heading up




the protruding boulder...i would say this is the end of the line

11/14/2012
Topic:
New Forum

anutami
anutami
Bob, I tried to get to the forum on my iphone and there was no tab to click on...

Help
Nolan
this all I am getting

edited by anutami on 11/14/2012
11/15/2012
Topic:
Importance of constant Maintenance!

anutami
anutami
I am getting ready for an ABDSP trip leaving this Friday through Wednesday and was 100 miles over needing and oil change. I almost thought about not getting one but decided to go yesterday.

This is what they found in my rear differential case! I hope it can be fixed today!

11/15/2012
Topic:
Importance of constant Maintenance!

anutami
anutami
phew....shop just called me and it is not the gears...said it is a shim that came loose that does no do anything....my rear brakes however are at 5%....

here is the rear diff plug with a lot of metal shavings attached to the magnet

edited by anutami on 11/15/2012
11/15/2012
Topic:
New Forum

anutami
anutami
surfponto wrote:
I added the Forum tab in the Mobile App but for some reason the login screen gave me an error.
Give it a try

Bob

anutami wrote:
Bob, I tried to get to the forum on my iphone and there was no tab to click on...

Help
Nolan


Yeah I am getting the error screen after getting to the forum tab....(I have an iphone 4s)
11/16/2012
Topic:
Best Desert Beer?

anutami
anutami
surfponto wrote:
Think I am going to pick up a bunch for our post Christmas Baja trip Toast

anutami wrote:
Hey where did you find those Sierra Nevada in the can?

Vons, I am pretty sure all the stores should have them...they also have the Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA in Pint size cans as well...IPA puts me asleep :0


Just picked up a 12 pack myself vons has them on sale for 12 bucks great deal

Posting this with my iPhone thanks Bob!!!!
edited by anutami on 11/16/2012
11/21/2012
Topic:
Hapaha Flat, Dave Mcain Spring, Split Rock

anutami
anutami
Decided to head out to Hapaha Flat and check out some of the ancient Indian villiage sites. Unfortunatly my rig won't make it through the "squeeze" so I headed up through fish creek, passed sandstone canyon and beyond. It ended up being about 20 miles one way and definite 4wd road. It was my first time getting stuck in 4wd! The soft sand and fully inflated tires proved to be too much. I aired down to 60psi in the rear and 50 psi in the front.

Fish creek...had it in 2wd all the way to sandstone canyon

A must stop...

And some pretty tight places







This is about where I got stuck and had to air down

Once I saw this protruding boulder decided to call it a day and set up camp

And did some night time road construction

Couldn't have made it without my spotter smile

Toughest part of the drive is here

There is a nice Indian site right at the beginning of the flat





I have never seen these before

Lots of pottery

Headed up to Dave Mcain Spring

You know when there is grass growing in the middle of the road you are out there!

And found a VERY sweet campsite

Did I mention SWEET campsite?




The tank

And the mighty ocotillo

Did a lot of bushwacking

Headed up to split rock

And another sweet campsite

With morteros

Salamanders

And rock art

Thanks Daren for the DStretch

I think I became part Indian on this trip wink

Awesome trip!!

Can't believe we found these

11/21/2012
Topic:
Paiute Petroglyphs Stolen and Defaced

anutami
anutami
Came across this near split rock...can anyone explain?

11/26/2012
Topic:
Table Mountain Pictographs

anutami
anutami
Nice report! I have always wondered if the rocks you find in the morteros are the ones the Indians really used or if people just put them in there. Tom, is that your stock jack or did you upgrade to a better/faster jack. I only have my stock jack and thinking about upgrading. I just upgraded to a better air compressor after the ryobi I bought from home depot sucks.
From some research this is the one I chose
Q Industries MV50 SuperFlow High-Volume 12-Volt Air Compressor
Automotive; $56.97
In Stock
   Sold by: Amazon.com
11/26/2012
Topic:
iPhone app for Anza Borrego Desert State Park?

anutami
anutami
I still like calling the rangers and talking to someone, but taking a picture and sending it would provide proof and gps coordinates. It is pretty crazy how many areas of the park you get cell coverage!
11/26/2012
Topic:
Box Canyon

anutami
anutami
Great butterfly pics!!! I too have passed by many, many times and have never stopped!
11/26/2012
Topic:
Hapaha Flat, Dave Mcain Spring, Split Rock

anutami
anutami
tommy750 wrote:
Great report! Never been past Split Rock. How is the hilly area a little way up the road from Split Rock and before Pinyon Wash? Looks a little hairy from Google Earth. Tom


I didn't drive past Split Rock, but from the view above (pic below) it looks fine to the entrance to Harper Flat. Once you get to that point, I think .7 miles past Split Rock it is the end of the road...

11/26/2012
Topic:
Camping with your pet

anutami
anutami
This is Rusty "love dog". I think he could be Wylies brother. He will be 4 in January. He has yet to see anza borrego...mainly due to my fear of the cholla getting in his paws, and already having my hands full with 2 human kids out there as well.
11/26/2012
Topic:
Great 2-day trip: Inner Pasture and BM Stage area

anutami
anutami
Nice Trip! Love the ant hill pic.

Your mysterious purple light sighting might be related to one of these stories.... there may be buried treasure where that light was :0
Check it out http://issuu.com/awodigitaledition/docs/ss_offroad_october2012?mode=window&viewMode=doublePage starts on pg 26
11/27/2012
Topic:
So How Did You Spend Your Thanksgiving Holiday?

anutami
anutami
My whole family was puking with the stomach flu upset
11/28/2012
Topic:
Sombrero Peak

anutami
anutami
Missing a turn or two is not that bad as long as you peak in the small caves and you might find interesting things...
11/29/2012
Topic:
Torote Canyon Video

anutami
anutami
Wow! Nicely Done! Brings a whole new meaning to a trip report smile
11/30/2012
Topic:
Tropical Storm Kathleen Sept 10, 1976

anutami
anutami
I didn't know there was only 1 resident in ocotillo who had flood insurance!
11/30/2012
Topic:
Peg Leg Smith Lost Gold

anutami
anutami
I always enjoy reading articles about peg legs black gold nuggets. This article is interesting because he personally handled and examined the nuggets sent to desert magazine in 1966
Check it out
http://ramonajournal.com/on-memorys-back-trail-the-saga-of-peg-leg-smith-and-the-black-gold-p4703-88.htm

Desert magazine link starts on pg 8
http://mydesertmagazine.com/files/194611-DesertMagazine-1946-November.pdf
edited by anutami on 11/30/2012
12/3/2012
Topic:
Sombrero Peak Hike Report

anutami
anutami
Nice report! Love the campsite pic. Did you come across any hunters out there? How is the campground holding up?I haven't been out there in years.
12/4/2012
Topic:
Little Petroglyph Canyon (AKA Renegade Canyon)

anutami
anutami
Wow! If I would Have known. A few of my customers have done work on the base and I had an opportunity to get up there but turned them down. If you are on the base can you check them out on your own?
12/4/2012
Topic:
Sombrero Peak

anutami
anutami
surfponto wrote:


I would like to join but we may be doing a MTB ride out to Goat Canyon.


Bob, did you mtb ride the route? I was thinking about doing this soon as well. Do you just park at the gas station?
12/4/2012
Topic:
Sombrero Peak

anutami
anutami
Daren Sefcik wrote:
Nolan wrote:
Bob, did you mtb ride the route? I was thinking about doing this soon as well. Do you just park at the gas station?

I have always parked under the freeway near De Anza.


Here?

edited by anutami on 12/4/2012
12/5/2012
Topic:
Goat Canyon Trestle Via MTB

anutami
anutami
Bob, here you go...This is a must do!

Decided to use a "sick day" today and headed out to finally check out the Goat Canyon Trestle. I mounted my video camera on my helmet and took some awesome videos, but for some reason I can't upload them to youtube....I will try and get them uploaded later an add another post. The ride is not for the faint of heart as much of it takes place on a single track right on the edge of the cliff! I think there is a video on youtube of a guy taking the plunge over one of the cliffs on his MTB bike. Weather was perfect. I thought the ride back to De Anza would be tough, but pretty easy.

Decided to stop here and pay my respects and also say a little prayer venturing out solo




Which way to go????







watch out for the particle board











Yeah made it!



Caved in tunnel


so many tunnels, glad I brought a flashlight! Make sure you bring a powerful one! The tunnels make you feel like you are on the pirates of the caribbean ride, and a bit spooky!


Stopped at the Gas Station after the ride and had to grab a 24oz Sierra Nevada! Great Trip
12/5/2012
Topic:
Goat Canyon Trestle Via MTB

anutami
anutami
The ground was very moist through the longer tunnels, but nothing flowing on the surface. I didn't stop to check it out.

Pretty funny on the cross pic with the scat smile
12/6/2012
Topic:
Goat Canyon Trestle Via MTB

anutami
anutami
Bob,

I turned around at the trestle. The mileage is around 7-8 miles. I made all the stops on the way there and it took about 2 hours.

There was 1 other mtb biker at the trestle who said he lives in de anza.
12/6/2012
Topic:
Ocotillo Express Wind Energy Powers Up

anutami
anutami
Double sucks upset
12/6/2012
Topic:
Vallecito Valley 3 Day Backpack Trip

anutami
anutami
Wow! So many pictos! It is crazy how many there are. Is the spring labeled on a map?

Does Gary have the "old school" external frame pack?
12/6/2012
Topic:
Goat Canyon Trestle Via MTB

anutami
anutami
Jim,

I took Daren's advice and parked under the freeway, right before the de anza rv park.
12/6/2012
Topic:
Goat Canyon MTB Video

anutami
anutami
Still a bit of a rookie at this, hope you all enjoy!











12/7/2012
Topic:
Goat Canyon MTB Video

anutami
anutami
Daren Sefcik wrote:
OK, cool music, who is the artist on the first two?

Nicely done, I really liked it and your videos make it look easy and smooth..haha..the side mesh stuff is soooo sketchy feeling when you ride over it.


the first one is http://www.lynnehanson.com/bio.html "off this train"...haven't heard of her until looking over the songs on youtube to put with the video.

The second video is by Lotus "Little Train"

Yeah the, metal mesh is a bit sketchy, especially when you see rope holding it up on the Goat Canyon Trestle.
12/7/2012
Topic:
Vallecito Valley 3 Day Backpack Trip

anutami
anutami
Wow! Looks like they painted the whole cave red! Is there any info on what minerals/plants they used to get that red pigmant?
12/7/2012
Topic:
Vallecito Valley 3 Day Backpack Trip

anutami
anutami
Pretty crazy I am in little blair right now with 4g
12/8/2012
Topic:
Vallecito Valley 3 Day Backpack Trip

anutami
anutami
Keep that fire going! it was in the low 30's last night in BV
12/10/2012
Topic:
Yuha Day Trip

anutami
anutami
Looks like a lot of soft sand...Is that area street legal only vehicles or is it okay to ride quads and dune buggies out there?
12/10/2012
Topic:
Baja Desert

anutami
anutami
Wow, I so miss it down there! Last trip was about 8 years ago on a surf/kayak trip to scorpion Bay (san juanico) and Bay of LA!...Since kids I just haven't mustered up the courage to take them down there. Bob, is it safe to go down there? The Gray Whales may change our mind in the near future! Does anyone know when the best time to go down and see them?
edited by anutami on 12/10/2012
12/10/2012
Topic:
Fire Damage caused by ground fires

anutami
anutami
Wanted to start a thread of fire damage caused by campers. It is such a bummer to pull up to a camp site and see this.





Leave only footprints. Take only memories
12/10/2012
Topic:
Little Blair Valley

anutami
anutami
Because of this forum,(thanks guys), I have always wanted to check out Little Blair Valley. I have camped in Blair Valley many times and it can get crowded, and never really gave little blair much thought. Boy Have I been missing out! This is not much of a trip report, but just a tribute to a very cool place!


Little Blair Valley



Just a short climb up and.....

Great views of Blair Valley

Nice Indian cave

cool curved piece of pottery

and these all over the place

2 thumbs up! Only issue is the bees are pretty aggressive for any kind of liquid.
12/11/2012
Topic:
What are you reading?

anutami
anutami
Geology of Anza-Borrego: Edge of Creation

This is a great book and a must read.
12/13/2012
Topic:
Yuha Day Trip

anutami
anutami
BorregoWrangle

Here's a map you can get off the BLM's website of the area.

edited by BorregoWrangler on 12/13/2012[/quote
wrote:


That looks like a cool loop. (I assume you did the blue highlighted route) Do you think my F350 and camper could make it through?
12/14/2012
Topic:
Live WEB CAMS

anutami
anutami
Pretty cool cams to check out the weather before heading out

Here is a web cam in borrego springs looking at Indianhead (I think)

Here is the Santa Rosas and coyote mtns

Looking toward Toro Peak

Map of all web cams
12/14/2012
Topic:
Yuha Day Trip

anutami
anutami
waning moon wrote:
I stayed on the roads and would almost fall off and wreck a couple of times because I was looking at rocks and or plants, look there is desert holley, 'crash" look arrow weed, petrified wood, crash crash crash, I was not that good on a three wheeler.

.


I really enjoyed reading your recollections! I am also a total "lookie loo". Here is a recent video on my MTB trip to the goat canyon trestle looking at all the old railroad material and not looking where I was going. I clipped my front tire on the railroad tracks! Good thing I did not do this over the edge of the cliff!

12/15/2012
Topic:
Yuha Day Trip

anutami
anutami
Daren Sefcik wrote:
Nolan (anutami) wrote:
Here is a recent video on my MTB trip to the goat canyon trestle looking at all the old railroad material and not looking where I was going. I clipped my front tire on the railroad tracks! Good thing I did not do this over the edge of the cliff!
[hijack thread] That is a cool spot to! Did you go check out the abandoned tunnel there? This tunnel ends quickly and has no supports in it [/hijack thread]

Hijack thread continues...Sorry..

Daren, had to check it out, but didn't venture too far... we almost have the same photo smile


12/15/2012
Topic:
Lower Harper Canyon and New Tent

anutami
anutami
Looks like we have the same dog and the same tent!

I went with the Big Agnes Copper Spur 4 and couldn't be happier. 5lb 4 man tent! The only bummer is the price...(it was last years xmas present)

Here is that sweet campsite on top of whale peak!



edited by anutami on 12/15/2012
12/20/2012
Topic:
Canyon Sin Nombre to Indian Gorge

anutami
anutami
Took a "boys" trip to check out the slot canyon of Canyon Sin Nombre and eventually end up in Indian Gorge. Wanted to try and find the Solstice Cave and Hike Sombrero Peak.

Left my memory cards For my digital SLR so had to use my little pocket camera, bummed about the quality of the pics...(I had to cheat and photoshop some)

The entrance to the good stuff


A bit too technical for the rig


Reversed out and Set up camp for the night


pretty cool area!


In the morning decided to head up and around through South Carrizo Creek Road

There is an old homestead in the area. Sombrero peak calling out in the distance



pretty cool metal container





Drive up Canyon sin nombre



Storm was just starting to roll in, this area is pretty protected



Slot Canyon Hike is sweet!








Headed out to Indian Gorge through OLD COUNTY ROAD



and into Indian Gorge



Indian Gorge with the storm rolling in



Scrambled up the steep hillside to get a nice shot of the rain coming down, and.....(this is where I was really bummed about forgetting my memory cards)




Set out the next morning to do some serious exploration




Made our way just before the summit of false sombrero, and decided to head back


Doesn't feel as wild out here anymore with the wind turbines in the distance...



Left Brett back in the Rig watching star wars and still had some hike left in me so scoured the hill side for the solstice cave, but was not lucky



Did find this sweet look out cave


Another great trip....I love living in San Diego!
12/21/2012
Topic:
East Carrizo Canyon and June Wash

anutami
anutami
dsefcik wrote:


Anybody used a solar powered charger with genuine success? Something they would recommend?


I went with this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005ZA2W42/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

It was the most affordable with the best reviews. Very happy with it so far. You can charge the internal battery as well as use the solar panels. The led light is super bright. The only downside is it is not waterproof.
12/21/2012
Topic:
Canyon Sin Nombre to Indian Gorge

anutami
anutami
DRT Lakeside wrote:
I was worried it might be a little marshy or wet after the rains, plus we ran out of time so we did June Wash instead.

Looked pretty cold since your son had his jacket on, did it rain on you guys?


I did not see any standing water. Guess it soaked in pretty quick.

A few sprinkles here and there, just enough to keep the dust down. It was in the low 40's at night and low 60's during the day.
12/21/2012
Topic:
Canyon Sin Nombre to Indian Gorge

anutami
anutami
dsefcik wrote:
Nice TR..!!

I have yet to take my big truck down Canyon Sin Nombre from the S2, is that how you went? Not to sandy or steep for a big truck?

Looks like you guys climbed up a good distance towards Sombrero Peak, False Sombrero is actually over in the North Fork and is steep climb and there is a register there.


Canyon sin nombres most difficult section is that pic with brett and the rutted out road. It is about 1 mile from s2. So i would recommend heading around through the north end via carrizo creek rd or old county road. Old county road had softer sand than canyon sin nombre. I never put my rig in 4wd the whole trip!

I always thought the bump before the summitt on sombrero peak was called false sombrero. Thanks for the correction.
12/21/2012
Topic:
Best Scat Finds

anutami
anutami
Scat soup anyone?

12/21/2012
Topic:
Canyon Sin Nombre to Indian Gorge

anutami
anutami
Jim (ziphius) wrote:
I was laughing with the Shrek soundtrack playing during the Old Country Road video! smile It looks like you guys had a great time. That photo of the water-filled morteros (you *did* see standing water!) with the cave in the background is great. It just oozes pottery shards, arrow points, and pictographs somewhere nearby. Awesome rainbow too. I'm wondering if my 2WD sedan handle the Indian Gorge portion of road shown in your second video. Any thoughts on driving a 2WD sedan along the dashed road section of Indian Gorge in the pic below are welcome. - Jim


edited by ziphius on 12/21/2012


Yeah, shrek is one of a few dvds that can entertain kids and adults.

Your 2wd sedan should have no problem in Indian gorge. The only problem is protruding rocks in the first couple miles. Just do some careful driving. The dotted section is compacted sand with no rocks. You can get going pretty good. The problem is if someone is coming in the opposite direction and you stray from the road. There was a 70 year old man from carlsbad who drove his 2wd s-10 fully loaded with 2 weeks of supplies to the end of south fork indian gorge and was just leaving when I pulled up. I was jealous he was out there 2 weeks! Poor guy had been searching for the solstice cave and never found it. He said he drove through the old county road area and got "delayed". The tire tracks are about 10"-12" deep maybe more. I would avoid that area without high clearance at the least.
12/24/2012
Topic:
Davies Valley and Pinto Canyon

anutami
anutami
Nice report! Never heard of the sleeping circles, Do they have any significance other than a flat place to call home for the night? I bet I have passed by them not even knowing what they were. I really like the pic with the morteros. It is pretty rare to see granite boulders in the Desert w/out the desert varnish all over them. I wonder why they are so clean.
12/24/2012
Topic:
Davies Valley and Pinto Canyon

anutami
anutami
I wonder if this is one I found near the calcite mine area... seems kind of too big....maybe for hut or something

thanks for all the info


edited by anutami on 12/24/2012
12/26/2012
Topic:
Agua Caliente Park

anutami
anutami
Did you stop at the store? Love that place. Wish that outdoor pool was warmer though. I have filled up my water tank in my rig a few times there.
12/27/2012
Topic:
Agua Caliente Park

anutami
anutami
The small outdoor pool is luke warm and filled with kids/hair/and who knows what else. The large outdoor pool is air temp. The indoor pool is a nice and steamy 102. No kids allowed in the indoor pool. It is 3 bucks per person to use them if you are not camping.
12/30/2012
Topic:
Gray Mountain

anutami
anutami
Ahhhh, sitting at the Indian hill trailhead wishing I could take photos that good. NICE SHOTS!!!!!!!!
1/1/2013
Topic:
Agua Caliente Park

anutami
anutami
Thought I would piggy back on your thread and add photos of the Store. The guy that runs the place is way cool, and he has some pretty sweet stuff in there. I ended up running out of propane over the weekend and had to stop in and fill up! It is sweet that he sells propane!!!!! It is also sweet that he accepts debit/credit cards!



It was about 9am and the store was closed. We rang the bell a few times...IT is LOUD!














and a pretty cool Zen garden to ponder life

edited by anutami on 1/1/2013
edited by anutami on 1/1/2013
1/1/2013
Topic:
June Wash, Torote Canyon, Indian Hill

anutami
anutami
Decided to fit one more trip in before the year was over. My Dad, Aunt and nephews were staying at Agua Caliente. Decided to meet up with them and do a few hikes. My nephews have never been to ABDSP, so their cousins Brenna and Brett wanted to show them around the place.

It is hard to justify camping at agua caliente for $33 a night when you can drive up june wash 5 min away and be totally on your own. We decided to camp up June wash and just meet up with the fam the next day. Being that it was a full moon and all was able to get some pretty decent night shots....This was taken around 9pm


This was pretty cool because you can see a hint of laguna mountains and the sawtooth range....this also meant I had cell service, something you can't get at agua caliente.

Midnight storm rolling in


Picked up the kids and all piled in the rig to go check out Torote Canyon....from left to right Grayson 6, Brett 5, Brenna 7, and Garin 7




Flying in the millenium falcon


now they know what an elephant tree is!






Doing a little jedi training


Always nice to get a xmas present to use when camping


Took the kids to the Indian cave/playground to burn a few more calories




The Next day headed out to Indian Hill to explore some more Indian Caves


Brenna was the leader guiding us to the ancient villiage


Started to rain a bit and used the cave for some shelter


There are several "rooms" to this cave so be sure and bring a good flashlight

Even has a nice and protected kitchen area



Brenna remembered how to find the Shamans Cave


This is on another rock near the Shamans cave that I had never noticed before


Brett even part Shaman in him, telling the sun to please come out.


Great trip with some ABDSP "first timers"


Headed home through Dos Cabezas road, and of course lost my way. Ended up driving on the Freeway they have build out there. The security patrol guy stopped me and asked if I was doing work in the area? I consider this to be harassment because it was obvious I was camping having my rig and all, as well as 2 kids riding up front. I can only think he was trying to imply that I am not supposed to be there unless I am doing work. He then asked if I was camping the area? and then asked If I was leaving the area. Next time I am just going to give him the middle finger and be on my way.
1/2/2013
Topic:
June Wash, Torote Canyon, Indian Hill

anutami
anutami
DRT Lakeside wrote:
Looks like a fun trip! Those clouds were a little ominous, lucky you had a Shaman with you. We call them &quotIndependence Day&quot clouds--from the movie. Also enjoyed the Star Wars references. Did you stay for he rain?


We got a little rain, but nothing too serious...it was pretty cool driving back and seeing all the snow in the mountains
1/3/2013
Topic:
Bald Eagle Nest

anutami
anutami
Not ABDSP but for all you bird lovers out there!

http://www.ramonasentinel.com/2012/12/29/bald-eagles-nest%E2%80%94a-first%E2%80%94in-ramona-grasslands/




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