Alone in the Mojave Desert Again - 2013

[larryboy]

Originally Posted by dave6253

Love what you did there, super cool!!

[EvilClown]

Dang.

When I grow up I wanna be able to shoot like you do.

[dave6253]

Thanks for the nomination larryboy and for the compliments EvilClown.

[dave6253]

By time I depart the depot the wind had lessened. There was still a little dust in the air.





I parked the bike in the empty camping area, grabbed a bag of camera gear, snacks and water, and then headed out into the sand.





There are lots of ups and downs and the distances are much greater than they first appear.





Kelso Dunes & Providence Mountains





I sit at the top of a dune and enjoy the sunset alone.

Wikipedia -
Kelso Dunes, also known as the Kelso Dune Field, is the largest field of eoliansanddeposits in the Mojave Desert. The dune field covers 45 square miles (120 km²) and
includes migrating dunes, vegetation-stabilized dunes, sand sheets, and sand ramps. The tallest dunes rise up to 650 feet (200 m) above the surrounding terrain.

After sunset I race back towards camp trying to beat total darkness.





Even though I was hurrying I kept finding reasons to stop for photos.






It was another cold and bright moon-lit night.





Day 3 Stats

[G19Tony]

I've been changing my desktop picture most every day with your photos from this RR. Thanks.

[danh600]

My favorite type of RR.

Someone goes to a cool place and tells the story in concise writing and outstanding pictures.

Living most of my life in Florida the desert really intriques me.

[Bob]

Nice sunset pics!
Thanks

[utefan]

Dave, your pictures are AMAZING! Thanks for sharing your talents!

[chrish4ku]

Very nice as usual - I don't suppose you'd be able to share any Trax? Looks like a nice big bike set of routes you planned. Gotta be fun running worn Heidenau's in the sand too...

I love those tires and used them on all sorts of terrain. Once that rear initial middle gap wears down, they really change though.

[PinkPillion]

Brilliant as always dave6253. The horses looked so healthy. The mustangs up here in Nor-Cal are still so shaggy and scroungy looking.
Your photos truly capture the view you are seeing, and in turn we see what you see. That is the point I suppose.
Looking forward to more.

[tuna101]

Nice pictures of the area. I've lived in the area for 30+ years and enjoy the Kelso/Mid hills often. I remember when the original Depot was open and ate there often. It went into total dis repair for about 10+ yrs. On the West end there use to be the biggest Cottonwoods you'll ever see in the desert. I worked in construction many years and did some of the work on restoreing the Kelso Depot. It was a very slow job due to funds, but in the end it turned out real nice. I'n so glad they took care of it, a real landmark out in the middle of the desert.

[dave6253]

I'm up at first light and already blasting down the highway when the sunlight first hits the dunes.





The BNSF Railroad passes through the Ivanpah Valley.





I take Morning Star Mine Road in the morning.










Since no other traffic is out here, I take a break in the middle of the highway.





The wind really starts to pick up and it was 31 degrees. I'm freezing my ass off again!





I love the feeling of blasting down these long lonely highways.





I made it to Searchlight again and stopped at the Terrible's Casino for fuel and McDonald's breakfast.
This was the first fuel stop since Las Vegas. (I love the Safari Tanks!)
There was a very stiff breeze, meaning I wasn't warming up standing around in the parking lot.
I'm gonna be fighting this wind all day.





Not far from Searchlight I turn off onto...





Christmas Tree Pass Road.

[dave6253]

Aha! So that's why its named Christmas Tree Pass. I saw at least three different decorated trees near the summit.










Going down the east side of the pass was definitely more exciting.















I was cruising along when I passed a turnoff with a sign indicating it was for Grapevine Canyon.
For some reason this name spurred some memory. I'm sure I've heard that name before.
I swing around and head back to check it out.





Someone needs a shower. I was bundled up against the blustery and cold wind.





Now this I want to see. Only a 1/4 mile hike.

[Glenn5995]

Superb as always!

[larryboy]

Oh sweet, I wanna go there...let's hike, I love 'glyphs!!