Words about science and hiking
Backpacker magazine originally commissioned me to write 800 words about this trip to Organ Pipe NM, and then reneged. The editor claimed that what I saw was not possible, the government would not declare the backcountry safe when it is not. Also, they only want to publish upbeat articles. TrailGroove had much the same reaction Read More …
I started the day following a wash that weaves through the cinder cones, one with occasional dropoffs that required some climbdown, but otherwise provided easy walking. And also a few interesting rock gardens. All of the cones have jeep roads up to their summits. These aren’t “social” jeep trails that were formed by repeated use. Read More …
A surprising amount of traffic on the Cima highway last night. Where were all those cars going? This road connects I-15 with I-40, but there are no services and little cell phone reception along the way. A scenic drive by day, by night it is just a very lonely highway. It’s a mystery. A far greater Read More …
The clouds did roll in last night after sunset. They didn’t drop much rain, but left a windy turbulence in their wake, and I had to go out and stake the side guys. Other than that it was a peaceful and restful evening. After a rough climb up I was hoping for an easier path down. Read More …
Easy miles this morning out of the Castle Mountains and into the first ridges of the New York Mountains. With the higher elevation comes a change in plant assemblages. The forests of Joshua Trees mixed with junipers make for a much greener cast than what the Mojave has offered me so far. Following yet another Read More …