Mojave Desert 2016

[DaveK]

The deserts of the Mojave are as diverse as the people who have been there. Over the centuries it has been used for mining, homesteading, routes from the east to the west, scenes for famous western towns, hunting, movies and TV shows. Many years ago American Indians also used the area extensively. Today the area is a mix of public and private land, but it is always worth a visit. Every season has something unique to offer.

We had 3 days for a camping trip and it proved to be a perfect combination of weather, good food, good friends, good wine, and terrific scenery. One of the great things about this area is the fact that it is located so that residents from Arizona, Nevada and California all have about equal access.

Despite the National Weather Service predictions of blowing high winds and overcast skies, the weather was clear, mildly breezy and comfortably cool. The temps at night did get to freezing, but before bedtime, it made for some great campfires!!!!

The Mojave Desert should be on everyone's list of places to visit.

The Highlights

SCENERY

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CAMP

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CACTUS

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KITCHEN

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SHOWER

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RADIO

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FOOD

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SUNSET

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TEMPS

WISHY WASHY (new and improved)

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[lrsrngr]

Adding to Dave's list:

• Flora
  Fauna
  Scenery
  Points of interest
  Trains
  Moonsets...
  late getting out...
  Just things of the desert...with eyes wide open!

Moon on the fall with my day in the desert just starting!

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I'm glad the monument is back. I stumbled across this while transitioning from night to day.

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I'm a sucker for trains, but throw a graphic sunrise behind it...GET OUT!

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More moonset. Wow, talk about rabbits on the road! They were out in full force and if I was a predator, I would have been there for the buffet!

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Cima General Store...no longer open for business from what I was told. Like most things, get out there before it all goes away!

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I should have checked to see if there was a dial tone. You don't see many of these just out and about but out here time stands still.

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Doesn't feel good to brush up against but they sure are interesting from a distance.

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Flower 01, but look for the hummingbird.

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Flower 02

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Flower 03

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Flower 04

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Flower 05

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Flower 06

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Flower 07

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Old Snag

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Flower 08

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Baby hawk = eyas...did not know that...had to look it up.

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Remnants of a mining complex 01

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Remnants 02

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Panoramic mining complex 01

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Panoramic mining complex 02

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Out building from the outside looking in.

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The trash pile...discarded as trash but there may be buried treasure!

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Flower 09

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A substantial dugout structure that might have been built to keep things cooler. Always like to understand the purpose of the build.

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[cruiserlarry]

This was another fantastic weekend out in the remote Eastern Mojave Preserve.

It was great to get out and relax with good friends, away from the daily grind, and be able to really sit back and observe this amazing wilderness area. Thanks to recent rains in the area, everything was blooming - I've never seen so many cactus flowers or Joshua tree blooms before. And with very cooperative weather, it was perfect for hiking and exploring.

Of course, no OAUSA camping trip is complete without fine cuisine, and thanks to Dave, Hector, and Rick, we feasted like desert royalty. A nice compliment of spirits helped keep the conversation flowing, and calm winds allowed for campfires every night. We even had a close-up visit from a couple of mule deer does on Sat night - quite an unexpected sight, given the noise level of our conversations, and ham radio monitoring noise levels.

Regarding the radios, the bands were fairly quiet, although we did catch sporadic activity, mostly on 20 and 40 meters. Playing with the amateur bands outside at night under the blue moon, with Mars visible at it's side, was hard to beat, too.

Looking forward to our next outing - 2016 OAUSA Field Day in Los Padres Nat'l Forest, 6/22-6/24.

Here are a couple of pics from the trip:

The FJ Hilton in camp

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Our three chefs in action

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Sass's famous bean dip "Before"

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Sass's famous bean dip "After"

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Dinner wine selection

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Relaxing around the fire pit

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View from hills above camp

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Deer visiting our camp

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