dsefcik

all messages by user

1/15/2019
Topic:
Overnight Backpack Recommendations?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Added an 8th option, Rainbow Cyn / Box Cyn
1/15/2019
Topic:
Overnight Backpack Recommendations?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Rocko1 wrote:

Track 1 and 2 look like great choices. What are your thoughts on terrain for these?

Track 1 is a good choice and you can check out the wildlife guzzler.
Here is a post from when I went with Hikerdmb http://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/Forum/topic61-backpacking-in-bighorn-canyon.aspx
and my own blog post http://www.sefcik.com/2011/01/bighorn-canyon-nolina-wash-abdsp.html

Track 2 would probably be easier terrain wise and you have the option of exploring anywhere up in Hapaha Flat
1/20/2019
Topic:
Winter 2019 Flowers

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Figured it would get pretty nice over the next few days...wish I could get out there, gonna post any pics?? I bet the little sandy wash flowers are gonna come up all over the place.
1/22/2019
Topic:
Winter 2019 Flowers

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Nice...I need to get out there!
1/22/2019
Topic:
Bighorn-Nolina Canyon Loop

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Glad that route worked out for you...millions of other choices for the next trip. Save the coyote brown spoons from the MRE, I'll take them..!!
1/25/2019
Topic:
Can you see Goat Canyon Trestle from McCain?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Here is the view from Sacatone

https://www.darensefcik.com/Photography/Panoramas/i-zkHD7Xf/A

The trestle is hidden around the corner on the left. I am not thinking there is an easy access to a view of the trestle, you could possibly drive in to Redondo Flat but I can't remember if the trestle is visible, it is sorta tucked back in the corner.

Zoom around in Google Earth, you may find a view point.
1/25/2019
Topic:
Can you see Goat Canyon Trestle from McCain?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
DHeuschele wrote:
I once experienced the trestle via small plane. It was a special plane that made the experience even better (a Grumman that the canopy pulled back exposing the cockpit to the elements) but any plane would do. The view of the trestle could only be beat by hiking to the trestle; the view from the start of the bend is amazing.
I was lucky enough to see it from a helicopter once, pretty cool...





1/28/2019
Topic:
Bighorn-Nolina Canyon Loop

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Rocko1 wrote:
tekewin wrote:

I bought a case of MREs for an emergency a few years ago and stored them in my daughters closet, but she ate them all. She said they weren't bad.
Thanks. I have had other MRE's that were not bad at all-this one was just so sugary and saucy I can't see how it's a main dish. Like a bottle of BBQ sauce, add more sugar and a few pieces of meat.
Heard from an insider (marine) that when you have to eat those things for 30 days straight, they all suck.
1/28/2019
Topic:
Picasa Depreciation and Google Photos

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Thanks for that extra effort and work Bob..! Thumbs Up
1/31/2019
Topic:
The "Original" LA Rams

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
tommy750 wrote:
Found this interesting article about the local team playing in Sunday's Super Bowl and though you might enjoy it:

" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-ram-facts-super-bowl-20190131-story.html
Thumbs Up
2/2/2019
Topic:
Whale Peak Via Pictograph?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
I don't recall any boulder scrambling, just route finding. At some point once you ascend the route from Pictograph you run into the normal pinyon mtn rd trail and you can just follow that. I suppose there could be some slight boulder scrambling, I just don't remember anything significant. Someone else on the forum may have more recent memories so please chime in.
2/4/2019
Topic:
Bighorn Canyon Peak

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
I like that route....there are 11 guzzlers I believe in that whole Pinyon/Vallecito Mtn range area, I have not been to all of them...yet,
Your radiosonde looks fairly complete, if you are near Rancho Bernardo you can drop it off in person to the NOAA office, that is what I have done a few times in the past and will need to again with the growing collection in my garage.
2/4/2019
Topic:
Bighorn Canyon Peak

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Oh yeah...there are two radiosonde balloons that get launched every day from Kearny Mesa I was told by the NOAA folks.
2/5/2019
Topic:
Bighorn Canyon Peak

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
tekewin wrote:
I was thinking about how those guzzlers were installed. I am guessing they used helicopters to get those tanks into such remote areas. Totally worth it to help out the bighorn population.
Pretty sure that is how they did it also....either that or tons of Boy Scouts. The guzzlers at Pinyon have Boy Scout plaques on them IIRC.
2/5/2019
Topic:
Whale Peak Via Pictograph?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Here is an alternative route if you are feeling adventurous....

http://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/forum/topic155-whale-peak--inner-pasture--goat-cyn-trestle.aspx
2/5/2019
Topic:
The "Original" LA Rams

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
surfponto wrote:
Never more evident than after yesterday's performance against the Patriots wink

What was the news saying...Patriot's were gonna have a parade and the Rams were gonna pay for it..??
2/5/2019
Topic:
Whale Peak Via Pictograph?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Rocko1 wrote:
What app/device are you using to create the graph of speed and distance traveled?
That was just Google Earth
2/11/2019
Topic:
Winter 2019 Flowers

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Buford wrote:
Incoming:
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county/sd-no-flowergeddon-prevention-borrego-20190128-story.html
For some I reason I can't remember now, I missed that whole Flowergeddon mess, instead I remember enjoying the blooms closer to home. There were several local AB events that were postponed or even cancelled due to that Flowergeddon mess.
2/13/2019
Topic:
Whale Peak Via Pictograph Trail

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Nice TR, looks like a good trip.

The "oranges" are galls usually made by gall wasps, they are basically infestations.
2/14/2019
Topic:
Can you see Goat Canyon Trestle from McCain?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
I was able to drive my '81 Toyota SR5 down the skinny "road" to get there....that was a couple years ago.
2/14/2019
Topic:
Can you see Goat Canyon Trestle from McCain?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
2/16/2019
Topic:
Can you see Goat Canyon Trestle from McCain?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Buford wrote:

Sure is green in that pic. I seem to remember that road was closed to cars and gated in the last couple years. I might be mistaken.
I saw no signs and no gates but the "road" I followed in was more of a motorcycle track which my little truck navigated easily. I followed the road (seen in the photo) out and saw no closed gates either. Looks like the photo was from March 2015.
2/17/2019
Topic:
Granite Mountain Peak?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Here are photos from the Cool Cyn route http://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/forum/topic135-cool-canyon--rainbow-canyon.aspx
I didn't quite make to the top that day but you get the idea.
2/18/2019
Topic:
Granite Mountain Peak

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Nice work!

I used to always carry Succeed! Caps but am now down to just plain 'ol organic, preservative free pink rock salt.
2/21/2019
Topic:
Granite Mountain Peak

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Rocko1 wrote:
dsefcik wrote:
Nice work!
I used to always carry Succeed! Caps but am now down to just plain 'ol organic, preservative free pink rock salt.

Thanks. Do you find the salt alone helps as much as the other product? I don't have issues with cramping until usually at the 4-5hr marks but a tablet or 2 of the fizz usually knocks it out-this time was strange.

S! Caps are what I used when I was an active ultra runner and is considered to be the best "salt tablet" for endurance athletes, I personally would recommend it without hesitation. I generally do not have cramping issues though and find that for hiking and other recreational activities regular salt works fine for me. Each person is different and should find what works best for them, some people have huge cramping problems and may need more electrolytes than others.
2/21/2019
Topic:
Granite Mountain Peak

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Rocko1 wrote:
Thanks. I hear you. I am going to give it a shot. What do you mix the sea salt with-just water?

No mix, just put the salt in your mouth and enjoy guilt free...will usually also dump a bunch in with ramen soup for dinner.
2/25/2019
Topic:
Desert snow

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Nice, I like the "not very seco"...is that the arroyo seco campground area or ??


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edited by dsefcik on 2/25/2019
2/28/2019
Topic:
Canebrake Canyon Access

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Canebrake is hike in only, shortest route is via Indian Gorge north fork.

BLM Wilderness designated areas are off limits to any "mechanized" vehicles, not just "motorized", that includes bicycles, human powered carts, wheel barrows, skateboards, etc...foot traffic and horses are allowed.
2/28/2019
Topic:
Canebrake Canyon Access

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
It's not uncommon to see tracks from local residents and/or BP, I have seen both. But otherwise, it is technically off limits to any mechanized vehicles unless pre-approved by BLM or whoever in agency and in non accessible in a vehicle via public land. Of course you will also see motorcycle/atv traffic from McCain area that makes it's way down Pepperwood.
3/10/2019
Topic:
Yaqui Peak/Wilson Benchmark?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
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.
3/26/2019
Topic:
Nolina Peak and a cougar

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Sweet tekewin..! Very nice, thanks for sharing that. Wondering what hotter, summer months will bring.
3/26/2019
Topic:
Nolina Peak and a cougar

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
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.
4/5/2019
Topic:
Lake Cahuilla roundabout

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Nice TR, good to see the mud pots still going strong, I love that place.....no Slab City detour..???
4/18/2019
Topic:
Indianhead mountain

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Never done that hike (yet) but it looks like it would make a for a long day....if you have the photos hosted somewhere just post a link to look at them externally.
4/18/2019
Topic:
Bighorn Sheep Count 2019

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Thanks Buford....if anyone is interested, sign up and go to the orientation, there will be several new counting locations this year and there are sites available for all skill levels from park and sit to backpacking.
4/19/2019
Topic:
Bighorn Sheep Count 2019

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
I sent in mine also...I will not be counting RS Spring this year due to my back surgery but we have a more than qualified person to fill in for me. Will be curious to see how the new count sites work out.
4/19/2019
Topic:
Bighorn Sheep Count 2019

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
ziphius wrote:
Daren, glad to hear you will have recovered enough to participate. smile
Thanks Jim...not sure where just yet...maybe the pup fish pond..?? Thumbs Up
4/21/2019
Topic:
Martinez Peak and Little Pinyon Flat

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Beautiful and great post...my back started hurting right at "we carried about 70 pounds of water". I hope to get back out soon.
4/21/2019
Topic:
Martinez Peak and Little Pinyon Flat

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
rockhopper wrote:
The main entrance to Toro peak off the Hwy 74 was locked. :-o
That is interesting....hummm...
4/21/2019
Topic:
Martinez Peak and Little Pinyon Flat

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
tommy750 wrote:
That's good to hear. Have only been there once about three years ago. Here's the spring before Daren put his back into it...
That was a good trip...!!
4/24/2019
Topic:
Villager Peak

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
I have said in previous posts, the top of the 'Rosa's are one of my favorites, the views of the Salton Sea, Cochella Valley at night and all of ABDSP are just amazing. I fully recommend an overnight stay when possible. The sunrise over the Salton Sea is just gorgeous from that altitude. Nice TR, thanks for sharing.
4/24/2019
Topic:
Hot, Cool, and High Benchmarks

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Nice Balloon collection...I love the benchmark names, a couple favorites are still Shake and Quake in Earthquake valley. Shake gets little visitation.
4/26/2019
Topic:
Hike Suggestions?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Whale Peak via Bisnaga

http://www.sefcik.com/2011/10/whale-peak-via-bisnaga-wash-abdsp.html

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edited by dsefcik on 4/26/2019
4/26/2019
Topic:
Hike Suggestions?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Sacatone to Goat Canyon

http://www.sefcik.com/2010/04/sacatone-overlook-to-goat-canyon-hike.html

--
4/26/2019
Topic:
Hike Suggestions?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
tekewin wrote:
Red Top / Sawtooth Highpoint from North Indian Canyon. 12+ hours.

San Ysidro East.

Mile High Mountain.

Another vote for Indianhead.

Square Top. Not really that long, but you'll need to drag a rope up for the summit block.
What He Said great suggestions....Thumbs Up
4/26/2019
Topic:
The ABF 2020 ABDSP Photo Contest

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Anza-Borrego Foundation is proud to partner with Borrego Art Institute and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to present the 2019 Anza- Borrego Desert Photo Contest. The contest is meant to encourage desert lovers and photography enthusiasts to capture their favorite views, moments and adventures in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Since the theme of the contest is the unique and natural beauty of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, all photographs must be taken within the Park boundaries. Ribbons will be awarded to First, Second, and Third place winners, as well as Best of Show. All place winners also receive a gift membership to Anza-Borrego Foundation, good for one year.

https://theabf.org/events-calendar/photocontest/
4/27/2019
Topic:
Hike Suggestions?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Buford wrote:
Sawtooth and Red Top can be done in <12 hours from Indian Canyon Big Grin

Technically it's Indian "Valley"......Indian "Canyon" is in the north area of the park near Cougar/Sheep Canyon & Collins Valley....just in case folks are looking at a map for it.
4/29/2019
Topic:
Hike Suggestions?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
tommy750 wrote:
Isn't the legit way up Red Top via McCain Valley and Pepperwood Canyon?? smile
Only if you are Bob Burd and combine that same day hike trip with bagging a couple of other nearby peaks.
5/21/2019
Topic:
Anyone still here?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Was out in McCain Valley the last couple weekends...doc cleared me to walk and ride a bike.


Me looking up at the turbines. Photo Courtesy of Tom


Photo Courtesy of Tom

Mexican trail shrine






Same shrine but back in Jan when there was snow



Along the way



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5/21/2019
Topic:
Anyone still here?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Before my back blowout, I bought a Fatbike to cruise around on....I bought the damn thing brand new and "fixed" it for the desert but never got to ride it until last weekend...looking forward to more bicycle rides in the desert.















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5/29/2019
Topic:
Rabbit East Ridge Loop

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
uhhh....count me out...nice work!...Applause
Not sure what motivates that kind of "day hike" but power to y'all..!!
5/29/2019
Topic:
Pinyon Wash - Memorial Day Weekend

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
After tekewin's post my TR just seems silly...

Gary and I did a few "day hikes" around Pinyon Wash area, we hit up 4 guzzlers, Sunset Mtn and Peak 3567 (Bighorn Cyn Peak). I am just happy to be out in the desert again. Sunday was super, super windy up on Sunset.

Found a nice crow's nest with 3 young'lings in it.

Total Mylar balloons this trip - 2 (no pics, sorry)











--
5/30/2019
Topic:
Pinyon Wash - Memorial Day Weekend

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
tekewin wrote:
Big fan of Bighorn Canyon Peak. That guzzler photo is the one on the low end of Bighorn Canyon? I never found the register.
Yep..the register is right where you would think it should be but sorta hidden...we did not know if a register existed and looked a bit and gave up. Sat down to eat some lunch and saw the red can in some rocks right in front of us...good 'ol Maniacs....
6/2/2019
Topic:
Pinyon Wash - Memorial Day Weekend

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
ziphius wrote:
Could be (more likely) a raven's nest. Large-diameter stick cliff nest is consistent with other raven nests I've seen. Hard to tell how deep the bills on those birds are. Crows are extremely-rare east of Borrego Spr.


Thumbs Up What He Said i agree !!!
6/11/2019
Topic:
Carrizo Creek

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Carrizo is one my favorite places....thanks for posting. Getting hot out there now.
6/11/2019
Topic:
Descanso District

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Tom and I hung out in the mountains this past weekend, rode the bikes and did a little hiking.

The USFS makes some serious guzzlers out there. I bagged a couple of the more difficult BM's, Korth & Long....Cool
Plenty of ticks out there right now.









Oh Yeah....I sold the '81 Toyota and bought Tom's truck..!!


Korth BM




Long BM


View from Long BM


Old mining stuff










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6/14/2019
Topic:
Anyone still here?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Those are great photos....did you get yourself a new camera?
6/14/2019
Topic:
Descanso District

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
tekewin wrote:
Forest there looks really lush.
That is what made getting to those BM's difficult, the thick brush and then brushing off all the ticks. It is pretty out there but lots of bugs flying in your face. Sat night and Sunday morning were very windy out there.
6/15/2019
Topic:
Anyone still here?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Photos look great...I never did figure out how to keep airplanes out of night sky photos in ABDSP though. Keep up the good work..!
6/19/2019
Topic:
Anyone still here?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Keep up the good work on the photos, they look great and it is a lot fun to come home and see all the photos you have. The BHS ones are always great to get....Thumbs Up
6/21/2019
Topic:
Trek Poles Grips

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Nice work....I'd have to say my poles wear out way before the grips do....mostly 'cuz I use them to whack all the brush out of the way.
6/24/2019
Topic:
Orientation weekend

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Nice photos again..looks like you are taking well to the new camera.

Some of the old Sentenac homestead









A couple of late night visitors at our camp (ignore the date/time stamp) (burrr...a chilly 52 degrees up at the Wilson peak area)





--
6/30/2019
Topic:
Orientation weekend

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
We had an awful time with the bees Sat morning out at Glorietta...about an hour after sunrise they had completely swarmed the back of my truck trying to get into my water bottles, I woke Gary up and we scrammed. Down at Christmas Circle all was calm. We spent the 2nd night up near Wilson and it was fine with the exception of an early morning black swarm that flew over.

ziphius, you have any problems with the bees??
7/10/2019
Topic:
Trek Poles Grips

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
ziphius wrote:
Yucca stalks have come in handy a couple of times when I forgot a pole.
Done the same with and without gloves...prefer with gloves...wink
7/10/2019
Topic:
Bighorn Sheep Count 2019

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Buford wrote:

The remarkable thing was we saw 99-100% lamb survival. Every single ewe that came over the hill had a lamb following her. The lambs ranged in age.


At first glance the 1:1 ewe:lamb ratio did not surprise me as it seemed like we always saw the ewes with lambs....however, looking back at previous years results it was roughly a 70% ratio.

I would swear I have taken pictures of that same agave.....



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7/10/2019
Topic:
Bighorn Sheep Count 2019

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Photos from the new Agua Caliente count site...

https://www.darensefcik.com/Photography/Anza-Borrego-Desert-State-Park/Bighorn-Sheep-Count-2019

Drive right in, kick out the cooler, swim in the pool, chase out airplane landing guests looking to sneak into the park, count BHS, have a few ice cold drinks.....twist my arm to go back next year.....Cool

Oh wait, forgot...USE A CHAIR!! Thumbs Up Thumbs Up
7/10/2019
Topic:
Bighorn Sheep Count 2019

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
ziphius wrote:
Short blog about the Big Spring 2019 experience.
Ramsey is bad ass...!!
7/10/2019
Topic:
Bighorn Sheep Count 2019

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
The final BHS count totals attached
7/11/2019
Topic:
Light weight long sleeve shirt

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
This what I got in tan color:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JQ08PZ6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Coolmax does the trick also.
7/14/2019
Topic:
Light weight long sleeve shirt

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
I don't think any of mine have ever shrunk, if anything they tend to stretch a bit....but I use mine for years before replacing. Some people like cotton shirts that hold all your sweat, not sure why but I prefer these as they dry very quickly.
7/16/2019
Topic:
Bighorn-Nolina Canyon Loop

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
When Tom and I were out at Blue Spring recently I definitely saw a baby deer carcass up under a Juniper.
7/18/2019
Topic:
Bighorn-Nolina Canyon Loop

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
That is different one, I saw one up under a Juniper more near the boulders.
7/26/2019
Topic:
Any hurt yourself out hiking?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Britain wrote:
Well, Got in 10.2 miles today. No pack weight. I'll be ready when desert cools off.
Where did you get the 10.2 put in??
8/3/2019
Topic:
Light weight long sleeve shirt

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
I have also bought these, they work great also

Under Armour Men UA Tac Tech Long Sleeve Tee

for pants, I just use denim or camo pants of some sort, Pencott Badlands is my favorite pattern for sure but hard to find, A-TACS is another good pattern for the desert.

Helikon Badlands CPU Pants

Tru Spec A-TACS Pants


--
8/3/2019
Topic:
The Killer at Christmas Circle

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Great stuff ziphius....!

At Agua Caliente I saw a raven/crow swoop down and pickup a baby roadrunner in front of it's mom...poor thing, the mom just kinda poked around around looking for it's baby. Ranger said the day before a roadrunner nabbed a squirrel...I guess there is always a bigger fish.
8/28/2019
Topic:
Free Admission to 1927 Silent Movie, Runaway Train

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
https://patch.com/california/lamesa/free-admission-1927-silent-movie-runaway-train-sat-aug-31

Free Admission to 1927 Silent Movie, Runaway Train, Sat., Aug. 31`Chasing Choo Choos,' starring Monty Banks, San Diego & Arizona Railway, Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, Spreckels Organ Pavilion

--
9/2/2019
Topic:
Anyone seen a Badger?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
I really like those photos, well done..!

Never seen a badger...the VC at Ocotillo Wells has trail camera photos of badgers beating off coyotes and other critters at night, they are pretty tough.
9/2/2019
Topic:
Free Admission to 1927 Silent Movie, Runaway Train

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Yeah, we ended up day hiking McCain Valley, about 8-9 miles I think it was, kinda looped out past Pepperwood Peak overlooking Canebrake. Was about 100 degrees, was nice to finally get out, I have been working almost every day for the last month.
9/14/2019
Topic:
Salton Sea to Cuyamaca Lake-Best Route?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Can't do full research right now but Google Lost Boys 50 mile ultra run. I used to run that foot race and it went from pinyon wash to cuyamaca vc/school. Will take a look at route later when I get a chance.
9/15/2019
Topic:
Salton Sea to Cuyamaca Lake-Best Route?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
I might offer a suggestion of cutting south at earthquake valley and thru blair/box cyn and going up oriflamme instead.
9/15/2019
Topic:
Salton Sea to Cuyamaca Lake-Best Route?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
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
9/16/2019
Topic:
Salton Sea to Cuyamaca Lake-Best Route?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
If I had the extra time I would join you....looks like a great route.
9/18/2019
Topic:
Salton Sea to Cuyamaca Lake-Best Route?

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
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.
9/29/2019
Topic:
Tierra Blanca High Point

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
This info courtesy of tommy750

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2019-09-27/chemical-spill-in-remote-agua-caliente-camp-site-sends-2-to-hospital
9/29/2019
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Finally made it out to explore Pinyon Ridge last weekend, was warm, maybe 90? Really pretty country up there.
New camera to me...OM-4 and some old retro B/W film.


https://www.darensefcik.com/Photography/Anza-Borrego-Desert-State-Park/Pinyon-Ridge-09-21-2019/

Yaqui guzzler


Looking out towards Wilson Peak


Still car camping until my back gets strong..but it ain't bad.


Wilson Peak BM


Odd elec motor part on a rock in the middle of nowhere and nothing related around it


Yaqui Peak visitor registor


Ranger Steve sign in 2015, he used the red pencil so the b/w film had a hard time picking it up (upper dark area)


Damn...no balloons this trip..!

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9/30/2019
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Plenty of water and bees...

Here are few color shots from my phone...not the same as with the big DSLR cammera.









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10/1/2019
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
ziphius wrote:
Nice - looking trip Daren. Great scat. Palm seeds? Something smaller?

Pinyon? Manzanita? Agave pods? All in that area.
10/1/2019
Topic:
San Felipe Hills

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Welcome and thanks for sharing, that is a great area. I updated your post to show the photos inline.
10/3/2019
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
tekewin wrote:
Sweet trip and photos. I noticed a trailcam set up in front of that guzzler. I wonder if the rangers pick up the cards since they check on the guzzlers.

Thanks for the report.
There are actually guzzler stewards that maintain the guzzlers and collect the sd cards. Steve was the person running that program.
10/3/2019
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
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)




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edited by dsefcik on 10/3/2019
10/3/2019
Topic:
It is always desert season

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Looks like the new camera is working well for you, absolutely great photos, thank you for sharing and keep them coming! Thumbs Up
10/3/2019
Topic:
San Felipe Hills

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
deborah wrote:
Thank you for fixing the photos!

The weather was particularly interesting. Sunny for most of the day, and then hiking through the mist at higher elevations. It was a fun day out.

After you upload them you need to add the following code to have them show up inline




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10/6/2019
Topic:
It is always desert season

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
That one old BHS in the back looks pretty beat up. I absolutely love how the colors of the wildlife blend in so naturally with the landscape.
10/11/2019
Topic:
Grapevine Mountain and Bitter Creek

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Been awhile since I went up Grapevine, I wonder if the register went missing like in many other places. Great photos, thanks for sharing.
10/14/2019
Topic:
Little Blair Valley Overnight

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
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.
10/14/2019
Topic:
Rockhouse Canyon / Rockhouse Valley

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Great area, the Lindsay book refers that area as Mojave Valley. There is an old geocache hidden away along that drainage.
10/20/2019
Topic:
Earthquake & Mason Valley Days

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Took a few days off from work and did some day hiking with Gary. We hit up Pinyon Mtn and Grapevine Mtn VABM's. We also spent a day hiking around Cottonwood Canyon.

B/W photos are from an Olympus OM-4 with Rollie Retros 80s film developed in Rodinal.

View of Granite Mountain from Pinyon Mountain


Gary reading the Pinyon Mountain register


Looking towards Borrego Springs


Sunset at our campsite off Pinyon Mtn Road


Here is the GPS track for the hike


Grapevine Mtn VABM


GPS track for the Grapevine hike


Found this rattlesnake dead, only signs of trauma was a smashed head...recent. I would half speculate someone or something smashed his head and left him for dead....sad.


There are several dry falls going up the drainage we took, all passible with a little effort. Here is Gary on the last one near the top


The Grapevine Mtn register is still there, over to the right of Gary in the picture under some rocks


Bitter Creek Spring bathtub


Gary at the top


Cottonwood Canyon is an interesting place and worthy of a day of exploring. Purchase a day parking permit at the Butterfield store for $5 and you can park on their property and hike in.

Water Tanker wheel, spokes are made of wood


There are many old cattle troughs out in Cottonwood Cyn






Several beautiful cottonwood tree patches are in the canyon. They are very peaceful to sit under and just listen to the wind whip thru their leaves...hard to leave those cottonwood trees.


A couple of water tankers we found




An old stone flume in one of the drainages


This guy had an upset tummy


I spent an extra night out in the desert and camped out near the Shake VABM


View from the Shake VABM


The Shake resgister does not see a whole lot of visitors


Total Mylar Baloons this trip - 9




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10/21/2019
Topic:
Tom Kelly To Speak At Nonprofit Train Fundraiser

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Will it ever end?

http://www.coronadonewsca.com/news/coronado_island_news/radio-tv-legend-shotgun-tom-kelly-to-speak-at-nonprofit/article_b96b7632-f371-11e9-b523-f37186c55b32.html
10/21/2019
Topic:
Oriflame to Cottonwood Canyon 3 day BP

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
dsefcik wrote:
The Butterfield store even has a register book for people to sign that hike that area, it's out front of the store.


No more register, new owners and it is gone.

Enjoyed re-reading this TR, great work Tom.
10/21/2019
Topic:
Earthquake & Mason Valley Days

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Was just looking at my 2011 TR of Grapevine, the bathtub seems to have gotten a bit overgrown.

2011


2019




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