Florian

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1/29/2014 Topic: Fish Creek New Years 2013 Florian	Film images look different. Nice. -Florian
1/29/2014 Topic: Egg Mountain: Island in the sky Paradise Florian	I always drive up Egg Mtn when i'm in the southern AB desert. I like the view and get good cellphone reception too. Never actually camped on it. I'm usually camped a bit north along the road to Indian Gorge. -Florian
1/30/2014 Topic: Egg Mountain: Island in the sky Paradise Florian	Nolan (anutami) wrote: What cell service do you have? I have att and did not get any service on the top. I have Verizon and usually get full bars on top of Egg Mtn. I'm also a radio amateur (K2FGB) and get really good shot into the Mt. Laguna repeater from there too. -Florian
1/30/2014 Topic: Egg Mountain: Island in the sky Paradise Florian	Jim (ziphius) wrote: PS - Welcome aboard Florian. Thank you! I just discovered this forum after seeing it mentioned on the mtsanjacinto.info hiking forums. I'm a long-time AB desert visitor enjoying camping, hiking, and cycling. Good to find a group of people that loves the AB as much as i do! -Florian
2/8/2014 Topic: West Mesa Florian	Really nice series of images! I've never explored that area of the AB. Thanks for sharing. -Florian
2/8/2014 Topic: West Mesa Florian	Is there a legal vehicle route all the way through from Plaster City to Fish Creek? I'm assuming there is you went to the Whit BM. I was somehow thinking was closed to vehicles. -Florian edited by Florian on 2/8/2014
2/9/2014 Topic: West Mesa Florian	tommy750 wrote: EC085 is the way! Just east of the covered parking at Plaster City off Evan Hewes Hwy is the entrance from the south or make a left onto it while heading south on Split Mt Rd just past Fish Creek. Thanks for the info! I want to visit the Whit BM too. -Florian
2/19/2014 Topic: Happy Presidents Day Weekend!!! Florian	I'd worry about giving kit foxes salty foods like hot dogs. I don't know if could be harmful but or not. Just a thought. I do sometimes put out a water bowl at night and often find it empty in the morning. -Florian
2/19/2014 Topic: What are you reading? Florian	_All the Wild and Lonely Places_ is a wonderful book. The author, Larry Hogue, is a personal friend of mine. The Borrego Springs library has a copy. -Florian edited by Florian on 2/19/2014
2/26/2014 Topic: Subject: Cactus Spring Trail backpack : March Florian	I might be able to help with transport to or from the trailhead in Martinez Canyon. I dropped off a friend a couple years ago at the Martinez Canyon wilderness boundary. You did mean March 2014 right? -Florian
2/26/2014 Topic: Fonts Point, the movie? Florian	I was camping in the northern AB last night (2/25) and today (2/26) climbed Coyote mtn. There were a bunch of trucks and trailers that looked like a movie film crew parked in Fonts Wash where it crosses S22. When i was up on Coyote, through binoculars, i could see more vehicles out at Fonts Point. Anyone have any info on what's going on? I'll post a trip report and some pics later today or maybe tomorrow from my hike. -Florian
2/26/2014 Topic: Subject: Cactus Spring Trail backpack : March Florian	BTW, i did Pinyon down Martinez to Valerie Jean as a day hike decades ago. Was a pretty long day as i remember. -Florian
2/26/2014 Topic: Fonts Point, the movie? Florian	Oh, thanks! I saw David's post but hadn't yet read it. I've never found Jesus. -Florian
2/26/2014 Topic: Chuckwalla Mountains, The Bradshaw Trail Florian	Thanks for the info re the movie crew at Fonts. I saw them this morning along S22. -Florian
2/27/2014 Topic: Ocotillo Blooms in Feb? Florian	They're all blooming along S22 and Coyote mtn too. -Florian
2/28/2014 Topic: Ella Wash and Coyote mtn hike Florian	Drove down to the AB desert from Palm Springs and camped Tuesday night (2/25) at one of my favorite places in the northern park along Ella Wash. Someone had left a bunch half-burned half-buried 2x4s and some trash which kind of pissed me off. I cleaned up the mess as best i could and removed the wood. Smoke from a controlled burn near Cuyamaca obscured the afternoon sun a bit but made for a pretty sunset. High temp was around 80°. Nice pass of the space station high in the south after dark. Lovely calm still night with low temp around 56°. The next day i drove over to the old rock quarry near Clark dry lake and hiked up Coyote mtn. First time i've been on the summit. Great views all around. Took a very steep shortcut on the way down that probably wasn't the best idea but made it okay. Link to flickr photos from the trip .. http://www.flickr.com/photos/fboyd/sets/72157641633770303/ Garmin track from Coyote mtn hike .. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/452030079 -Florian edited by Florian on 2/28/2014
2/28/2014 Topic: Ella Wash and Coyote mtn hike Florian	Jim (ziphius) wrote: What camera are you using? ... I'm wondering if the photo labeled 'Coyote Mtn trail' represents an old native trail that has seen continued use in modern days. I just use an iPhone 5s. I used to be more "into" photography buying expensive cameras but find the iPhone, besides some issues with focusing at times, is a pretty good camera. Re the trail, i think it's more a "use" trail from hikers and not necessarily ancient. -Florian
2/28/2014 Topic: Ella Wash and Coyote mtn hike Florian	surfponto wrote: Mid-Week Anza Borrego trips are great. I think it's going to be a busy weekend. There was a lot of preparations and setup going on at the offroad area along S22 just east of the ABDSP boundary. However the rain might keep a few people away. -Florian
2/28/2014 Topic: Peace and quiet, stars and pottery Florian	Jim (ziphius) wrote: Some of you will recognize the area, but I'm declining to name it because I don't want it to become popular. I know exactly what you mean. I almost didn't mention the name of the wash i was camping in in my post earlier today. I know it's "just" a wash but it's "my" wash and i'm very protective of it. And your night shot is very good! -Florian edited by Florian on 2/28/2014
2/28/2014 Topic: Ella Wash and Coyote mtn hike Florian	There was a log book entry in the Coyote mtn register that said they hiked up from what look like "E & Ch pass". Anyone have an idea what/where E & Ch pass is? I know people come up from Alcoholic Pass and also from the Pegleg monument. Can't figure out what E & Ch means. Maybe i just didn't correctly read the register entry. -Florian
3/1/2014 Topic: Peace and quiet, stars and pottery Florian	Wow, that spider shot!! Just wow!!! -Florian
3/1/2014 Topic: Ella Wash and Coyote mtn hike Florian	Didn't see the sign but the wood and wire are still there. -Florian
3/13/2014 Topic: Last Days in the Desert movie Florian	Article in yesterday's LA Times about filming movie in Anza-Borrego desert .. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-et-ct-onlocation-last-days-desert-20140312,0,1631615.story -Florian
3/14/2014 Topic: Last Days in the Desert movie Florian	surfponto wrote: I like the first comment after the article: It's incredibly desolate and beautiful; the last thing needed are film crews traipsing about. Hollywood keep out! Yes, i had the same thought when i saw the big trailers parked in Fonts Wash along S22. (I didn't drive out to the actual filming site at Fonts Point.) But it was a bit disconcerting to come over the rise east of the wash and see all those vehicles. Next time i'm in the area i might drive out to the point to see if there is any evidence left from the film crew. -Florian
3/22/2014 Topic: Last Days in the Desert movie Florian	I was at Fonts Point on Thursday. The film crew did a good job cleaning up after themselves. Found a bit of melted candle wax on the promontory east of Fonts Point but other than that no trash or other artifacts. There were a few small scraps of paper and some other little bits of things where the trucks were parked along S22 but otherwise clean. I camped Thursday night and did a couple of short hikes plus a bike ride along S22. I'll post some pictures later. -Florian
3/22/2014 Topic: Some benchmarks and Truckhaven Trail, March 2014 Florian	Drove down to the AB desert from Palm Springs on Thursday (3/20/14) for a quick overnight trip. Thursday was also the equinox. Drove out to Fonts Point to see if there was any mess left by the movie crew (there wasn't) and visited a couple of benchmarks from 1940. The PAINT bm is east of Fonts Wash and south of S22. Fairly easy walk up from the wash. After that went to the LUTE bm north of S22. Interesting to think what it was like here in 1940. Probably not a whole lot different actually. No S22 nor motorhomes but otherwise the desert probably looked pretty much the same. Spent the night camped along the eastern Truckhaven Trail. It's a simple exposed site but somehow is one of my favorite places to camp in the AB. I've probably been camping there 30+ years. Did some cycling along S22 Friday morning before driving home in the afternoon. Link to flickr pics here ... https://www.flickr.com/photos/fboyd/sets/72157642763253553/ -Florian
3/23/2014 Topic: Santa Rosa traverse (Toro-Dawns-Rabbit-Villager) Florian	Neat trip! Farthest i've been is S22 to Villager. Was that your car at the parking area with baby seat in the back? -Florian
3/24/2014 Topic: Some benchmarks and Truckhaven Trail, March 2014 Florian	tommy750 wrote: Nice trip. Found a .50 cal round on the bluff just east of paint as a kid. Yes, i've found 50 cal around there usually north of S22. This trip found a couple of smaller rounds. -Florian
3/24/2014 Topic: Santa Rosa traverse (Toro-Dawns-Rabbit-Villager) Florian	Alexey wrote: The gate is closed due to winter season till May by BLM Interesting. I thought were were talking about the gate near the top a bit below the radio installations. I didn't realize Toro Peak road was closed in winter. I can't even picture where the gate is?? -Florian
4/6/2014 Topic: Carrizo Valley this week Florian	I'm planning to be camping in the Carrizo Valley, Bow Willow, Indian Gorge area in southern AB this coming Monday and Tuesday. Anyone out that way look for me driving a silver Jeep with FGB license plate. -Florian
4/8/2014 Topic: Carrizo Valley this week Florian	Couple of quick pics. It's warm and beautiful! Good morning on the desert .. http://instagram.com/p/miYCqgPatq/ On Egg Mtn where i'm posting from .. http://instagram.com/p/miXp29vatG/
4/9/2014 Topic: West Mesa Florian	I drove EC085 for the first time today. Drove south to north. Lots of silt and not a very interesting road. But the Fish Creek mtns are enticing. Didn't do much hiking but did visit the WHIT benchmark and signed below Tom .. http://instagram.com/p/mls77rvarT The register needs a new logbook. -Florian
4/9/2014 Topic: Davies Valley and Pinto Canyon Florian	I didn't realize Davies Valley was closed to vehicles now. I've camped in Boundary Canyon years ago. -Florian (who is reading through old posts)
4/13/2014 Topic: Southern AB, April 2014 Florian	Spent Monday and Tuesday nights (4/7 and 4/8) camping in Carrizo Valley in the southern Anza-Borrego desert. Didn't do a whole lot of anything exciting. Mostly just enjoyed the solitude and quiet in my favorite place in the world. Poked around Indian Gorge a bit, Bow Willow (only one site occupied), Egg Mtn, Canyon Sin Nombre, etc. S2 was quiet with very little traffic. The little store at Agua Caliente was closed on Tuesday. No ice, warm beer, oh well. Warm beer is better than no beer. A couple of Marines helicopters flew over my campsite Tuesday evening. I waved and they waved back. Drove home Wednesday via EC085 on the east side of Fish Creek mtns. First time i've been on EC085. Very soft and deep silt in a couple of places. Climbed up to the WHIT (1941) benchmark and signed the logbook next to Tom Teske. Photos on flickr here ... https://www.flickr.com/photos/fboyd/sets/72157643775736573 I'm wondering if anyone in the group has any idea what this is "dust experiment" about ... https://www.flickr.com/photos/fboyd/13769687813/ -Florian
4/14/2014 Topic: Southern AB, April 2014 Florian	Andy, thanks for doing the research on the dust collectors. The collectors i found were a bit on the low-tech side. And Daren, they were in the state park on south side of the road into Indian Gorge. Nolan, Butterfield Ranch is closed Tues and Wed. I thought about driving up to Stagecoach Trails in Shelter Valley or out to Ocotillo but really didn't want to spoil my solitude by driving to civilization. -Florian
4/14/2014 Topic: Ham radio Florian	Any ham radio amateurs here? Whenever i'm in the AB desert i usually monitor the Monument Peak repeater. My callsign is K2FGB. -Florian
4/17/2014 Topic: Carrizo Valley this week Florian	rockhopper wrote: Notice any Cochilla music fest partiers in the State Park? No, didn't see any parties. But i was in the southern park a ways from Coachella. -Florian
4/17/2014 Topic: Cycling S22 4/17 Florian	Drove down to Borrego Springs this morning to do a ride with my friend Janice. She lives in Juneau (Alaska) and is training for the Race Across America. I met her last May while she was riding in the southern park along S2. She comes down to the desert to ride long long long 12 hour days in prep for the RAAM. We did a nice 36 mile ride from Borrego Springs out S22 and back. But when i met up with her in BS she had already ridden down from Julian and after our ride she will ride back up the Montezuma grade and then up the Banner grade back to Julian!!! She's amazing. Here is track from our ride .. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/481780483 And a selfie .. https://www.flickr.com/photos/fboyd/13916832963/in/photostream/ -Florian edited by Florian on 4/17/2014 edited by Florian on 4/17/2014
4/17/2014 Topic: Cycling S22 4/17 Florian	RAAM website for anyone interested .. http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/ -Florian
4/21/2014 Topic: Blair Valley Meditation Retreat 4/11 - 4/20 Florian	Hi Dan. I enjoyed reading this. -Florian
4/21/2014 Topic: Blair Valley Meditation Retreat 4/11 - 4/20 Florian	Also re the shade shelter. I've tried a couple of similar ones but usually find they are too much of a bother. I'm usually alone and get enough shade just sitting next to my jeep. I can see they night be nice with a group. -Florian
4/21/2014 Topic: Ham radio Florian	73!
4/29/2014 Topic: Cactus spring trail to Martinez Canyon Rock House Florian	That's such a neat area. I've been to Aqua Alta but never to the cabin. Nice report. -Florian
4/30/2014 Topic: Cactus spring trail to Martinez Canyon Rock House Florian	rockhopper wrote: Florian: Thanks again for the offer for a pick up at Martinez. But the water sources were too lean for that plan. Did you hike out from Agua Alta down Agua Alta canyon or down Martinez? Was a through-hike from Pinyon Flats and out via Martinez Canyon to Valerie Jean. Was quite a few years ago now. -Florian
5/6/2014 Topic: Hike in the Grand Canyon Florian	Hiked the Bright Angel, Phantom Ranch, South Kaibab loop at the Grand Canyon on Friday, 5/2. Really good hike with pretty much ideal conditions. I've been to Grand Canyon a couple of times but never actually hiked to the river before. I would liked to have spent more time at the river but forecast was for 90 degrees at Phantom Ranch and i was worried about temps getting too warm on the climb out so didn't dally. Completed the hike in 7 hours 52 minutes total time. 17.6 miles, 40.2k steps, 2 tired feet. Flickr photo album .. https://www.flickr.com/photos/fboyd/sets/72157644538374904 Short YouTube video .. http://youtu.be/ymRvwndReEU Garmin track .. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/491665492 My son, Kai, came with me and we spent 2 nights (Thurs and Fri) at Maswik Lodge. Kai wasn't up for the full hike so he just did a shorter hike on his own. -Florian
5/10/2014 Topic: Hike in the Grand Canyon Florian	Took just under 3 and a half hours from river up to the rim. The forecast high for the gorge was 90 degrees and i was really concerned about it getting too hot for my climb out so i didn't dally at the river. -Florian
5/16/2014 Topic: Short overnight in northern AB Florian	Quick overnight trip to the northern AB on Tuesday (5/13) before temps get too hot. Camped at a spot i like along the Coyote Canyon road. High temp for the afternoon was 88°. Quiet afternoon with no traffic passing by my campsite. Very nice. Did an out-and-back bike ride from Christmas Circle on Borrego Springs Road and the Texas Dip on Wednesday. Links to photos and ride track below. Photos .. https://www.flickr.com/photos/fboyd/sets/72157644624561756/ Track of ride .. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/499609196 -Florian
5/18/2014 Topic: Short overnight in northern AB Florian	Last time i camped at that site there were the remains of a fresh campfire complete with burned trash and melted aluminum cans. Was disgusting. I don't understand how people can be so uncaring and disrespectful. I cleaned it up best i could. -Florian
5/18/2014 Topic: Short overnight in northern AB Florian	Borregolinda wrote: I hope you dismantled your illegal firepit before you left. Linda, you were joking about the fire pit right? I didn't build it. Looks like it's been there a while. It's up a ridge north-east of the main Coyote Canyon road. -Florian edited by Florian on 5/19/2014
5/18/2014 Topic: Short overnight in northern AB Florian	dsefcik wrote: How is the (bypass) road into Coyote Cyn these days, I have not been there since last May. Didn't go that far. I had my bike on the roof rack and can't do rough roads with the bike. The side-to-side motion induces too much torque on the bike and can rip the rack off the jeep. I know this from experience. -Florian
5/18/2014 Topic: Short overnight in northern AB Florian	Here is a picture of the fire pit trash from October .. edited by Florian on 5/19/2014
5/20/2014 Topic: Short overnight in northern AB Florian	Borregolinda wrote: Why would I joke about an illegal fire pit. Since it was in your trip photos and didn't say you found it out there and there was wood in it I figured it was yours. If you click on the photo in the flickr album and read the description you'll see that i mentioned it was old. It's up a ridge a ways from the main road. It may be historic. Thanks for your volunteer work in the park. I do a lot of "free-lance" cleanup myself and would NEVER build a fire pit nor have a ground fire of any kind. -Florian edited by Florian on 5/20/2014
5/20/2014 Topic: Short overnight in northern AB Florian	Borregolinda wrote: I clicked again...just see that it says "Firepit" Sorry again. You clicked on the photo of the firepit? Here is direct link to the photo. You should see my comment on the right side .. https://www.flickr.com/photos/fboyd/14188658724/in/set-72157644624561756 Anyway, glad we clarified that i did not build it. -Florian
5/22/2014 Topic: The Border and Pinto Wash Florian	Neat photos. Thanks for sharing. -Florian
5/22/2014 Topic: A few nice blooms still out there Florian	Surprised the gopher snake let you get that close. I like the honeycomb shot too. -Florian
5/30/2014 Topic: DStretch tutorials Florian	Interesting stuff. I've never heard of DStretch. -Florian
6/18/2014 Topic: Borrego Palm Canyon "Fannypack" Trip Florian	Great pictures. Such variety. -Florian
7/3/2014 Topic: Arizona/Utah vacation pics Florian	Wen and i took a little vacation trip to northern Arizona and southern Utah last week including Grand Canyon north rim, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef national parks, Torrey, St. George. Thought some of you might enjoy the photos .. https://www.flickr.com/photos/fboyd/sets/72157645397565976/ -Florian
7/7/2014 Topic: Arizona/Utah vacation pics Florian	Tommy, yes, same place. And also yes re bullet holes. -Florian
7/23/2014 Topic: Bighorn Sheep Count 2014 Florian	Daren, in rockhopper's photo of the spring from Villager trail where is your count site? It is on one of the middle ridges seen below the spring? -Florian
7/23/2014 Topic: Bighorn Sheep Count 2014 Florian	Very cool! Thanks. -Florian
8/4/2014 Topic: North AB day trip, 8/4/14 Florian	Made a little day trip to northern AB this morning driving in on S22 from the east. S22 is now open but evidence lots of water had crossed the road. I drove the Truckhaven Trail from near the microwave tower over to Arroyo Salado and then south down Ella Wash. Palo Verde wash was still wet and muddy so turned around and went back up Ella Wash back to S22. I do not like mud. Font's Wash looks like it had had water flowing edge to edge where it crosses S22! Wasn't flowing today but mud was still shiny and wet. There is also water in Clark Lake. Drove up the Rockhouse Canyon road a bit but stopped south of the gravel quarry as road was still under water and muddy. Did i mention i don't like mud? Also looks like the structures and conveyor belts have been removed from the quarry. When did that happen? I'll post some pictures later. -Florian
8/4/2014 Topic: North AB day trip, 8/4/14 Florian	Here is link to flickr pics .. https://www.flickr.com/photos/fboyd/sets/72157646188073325/ -Florian
9/24/2014 Topic: Two nights in AB after summer Florian	With temps a bit more comfortable i spent Monday and Tuesday nights (9/22 and 9/23) camping in Anza-Borrego. Monday in the south park in Carrizo Valley just west of S2. Absolutely perfect afternoon and evening. Calm, still, clear, quiet. Tuesday camped in north park along the Coyote Canyon road. Second night was a bit breezy and warmer but still nice. The ocotillos in north park are very green and lush. Not so much in south park. On my way home i drove up the north fork of Palm Wash in the Truckhaven area. Tons (well, maybe not tons, but lots) of bighorn droppings near the tinaja which was dry but looked like recently had water. There is the decomposing carcass of a young bighorn near the tenaja. You can see a few pics on my instagram/enjoygram feed .. http://www.enjoygram.com/florianboyd Was really nice to get out on the desert again after the summer and a nice way to celebrate the equinox. -Florian edited by Florian on 9/25/2014
10/15/2014 Topic: AB overnight 10/14/14 Florian	It's nice in the Anza-Borrego right now! Love this time of year before the winter crowds get out. Did a quick overnight to northern AB Tuesday to one of my regular spots along Ella Wash. Perfect afternoon and evening. This morning a bit breezy with some high clouds but made it nice for a 20 mile bike ride along S22. I have a couple of pictures on instagram here .. http://www.enjoygram.com/florianboyd -Florian
10/16/2014 Topic: AB overnight 10/14/14 Florian	hikerdmb, it's Ella Wash with Palm Peak in distance.
10/29/2014 Topic: Palo Verde canyon hike Florian	Just a short report. I camped Tuesday night (10/28/14) along Truckhaven trail and hiked up Palo Verde wash/canyon to the old prospect tunnel this morning. Was a perfect evening on the desert. Completely still and calm with overnight low about 70°. The hike up Palo Verde this morning was nice. Lots (and i really mean LOTS) of very fresh bighorn droppings and tracks in the wash but no actual animals seen. I felt they must have been very close but none seen. Here is track of hike .. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/622772833 Beautiful time to be in the AB. -Florian
10/30/2014 Topic: Palo Verde canyon hike Florian	I always assume little prospects are looking for gold but i don't know for sure. I've been to the rock tanks a couple times but didn't go that far this time. Uploaded a few pics to flickr here .. https://www.flickr.com/photos/fboyd/sets/72157649042542601/ -Florian
10/31/2014 Topic: Palo Verde canyon hike Florian	Daren, i didn't go to the tanks this time. -Florian
11/9/2014 Topic: Indian Valley / In-Koh-Pah Mountains Backpack Florian	The picture of Whale mtn is very familiar to me. I often camp along the road very near when the picture was taken from. Beautiful. I've always wanted to hike into the valley above Canebrake. -Florian edited by Florian on 11/9/2014
11/9/2014 Topic: Best Mylar Ballon Trip Florian	Just want to say how much i love all the people on this forum. Picking up the balloons and trash. Such a great group of people. -Florian
11/14/2014 Topic: Rockhouse Canyon in Carrizo Gorge Backpack Florian	Nice pictographs. I've never been to those.
11/17/2014 Topic: Carrizo Gorge Backpack Florian	What does the Seven Sisters refer too? The tunnels? -Florian
11/26/2014 Topic: RockhouseValley (north) backpacking TRIP Florian	Really nice pictures! I've been to the first rock houses but not to the village site. -Florian
12/2/2014 Topic: Rockhouse Canyon / Buck Ridge / Jackass Flat 4 Day Florian	Felt like i'd been there after reading this thread and looking at the photos. Great. Thanks. -Florian
12/7/2014 Topic: Random photos from Borrego Springs and Culp Valley Florian	I have yet to hike Hellhole Canyon. Not sure how i haven't done yet. And thanks for picking up the cans and balloons. I do same. -Florian
12/10/2014 Topic: Pepperwood Canyon to Canebrake Valley Florian	Where did you get the map that's at the bottom of your trip report? Is there an online source? The spot where you parked your Tahoe along Indian Gorge road is one of my regular camping spots! -Florian edited by Florian on 12/10/2014
12/28/2014 Topic: 5 Day Backpacking Trip Indian Gorge/Canebrake- Florian	Looks like a neat trip. Every time i'm in the area i always drive up Egg mtn but have never camped on it. I wonder if you took any star images to the south around midnight? If so you probably have an image of comet C/2014 Q2 Lovejoy. -Florian
1/4/2015 Topic: 5 Day Backpacking Trip Indian Gorge/Canebrake- Florian	dsefcik wrote: I think midnight I was asleep, most shots were either early evening or early morning...I think I had a few around 1-2am and they were pointing towards the south/south west skys, I posted one of them, it had Orion in it. The comet might have been down in the bushes below Orion but i couldn't tell for sure. Here is some info on where to find it. Will be very well placed in January and should make for nice photos later in the month after the moon sets .. http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/observing-news/binocular-comet-lovejoy-heading-c2014-q2-lovejoy-1211142/ -Florian
1/5/2015 Topic: 6 Days in the Turtle and Orocopia Mountains Florian	Daren, that blue spot down below Orion in Lepus in your first milky way image is comet Lovejoy. It's visible in the second image just below and to the right of the airplane track. Neat trip. I like the Mojave and the Salt Creek area. -Florian edited by Florian on 1/5/2015
1/31/2015 Topic: Google Earth Pro is now free Florian	Thought some of you might be interested in this. Google Earth Pro is now free and not $400/year like it used to be! http://google-latlong.blogspot.ca/2015/01/google-earth-pro-is-now-free.html -Florian
1/31/2015 Topic: Google Earth Pro is now free Florian	I think resolution is same. I frankly haven't noticed anything different. Supposedly there are some additional tools.
1/31/2015 Topic: Between the coast and ABDSP Florian	Hi rockhopper. Very interesting photos. And i'm glad to hear i'm not the only one that waits for longer days for desert camping trips. My favorite times on the desert are warm afternoons and evenings enjoying the peace and quiet. I live in Palm Springs and this time of year i do lots of day hikes in the local foothills. Cheers to you as well. -Florian edited by Florian on 1/31/2015
2/3/2015 Topic: Google Earth Pro is now free Florian	Tommy, you can turn it off in Tools menu, Options, Navigation tab, Do not automatically tilt while zooming. There you go!
2/3/2015 Topic: Google Earth Pro is now free Florian	No prob. I hate that "feature" too.
3/11/2015 Topic: Henderson Canyon road at peak Florian	This was Tuesday, 3/10/15 .. Anza-Borrego wildflowers by °Florian, on Flickr
3/13/2015 Topic: Henderson Canyon road at peak Florian	I want to add that except along the road shoulders there didn't see to be much Sahara mustard out in the open areas. Happy for that.
4/8/2015 Topic: AB 4/8-9-10 Florian	I'll be out in the AB the next couple of days. I drive a silver Jeep Wrangler with a roof rack and 3 letter personalized plates. If you see me stop and say hello! Planning to be in Carrizo Valley area today and tonight. Maybe in the north tomorrow. -Florian
4/8/2015 Topic: AB 4/8-9-10 Florian	On top of Egg Mtn. Beautiful afternoon in the AB. http://instagram.com/p/1Ojwrevai8/ -Florian
4/8/2015 Topic: AB 4/8-9-10 Florian	4:25pm ... http://instagram.com/p/1O4g8Ival7/ -Florian
4/8/2015 Topic: AB 4/8-9-10 Florian	4:25pm ... http://instagram.com/p/1O4g8Ival7/ -Florian
4/9/2015 Topic: AB 4/8-9-10 Florian	Camping along Indian Gorge rd on Thrs night. -Florian
4/11/2015 Topic: AB 4/8-9-10 Florian	Had a great couple of days with one minor injury .. https://instagram.com/p/1RUXaqPahA/ -Florian
5/28/2015 Topic: Coyote Canyon camping Florian	Not a very exciting trip report but i camped Tuesday (5/26) at a site i like along the Coyote Canyon road a bit south of the Desert Garden area. Breezy night with high thin clouds but still a nice evening. Wednesday morning i drove up canyon to the top of the bypass route. This was actually the first time i've driven the bypass as i never felt comfortable doing it in my Tacoma. The rear end of the Tacoma always slipped around too much. But i now drive a Jeep Wrangler and did just fine. Temps were comfortable with high around 92°.
5/29/2015 Topic: Coyote Canyon camping Florian	Only saw a couple people. They had parked near the 2nd stream crossing and were walking up the road. Good flow of water at both 2nd and 3rd crossings. This is the last weekend the gate will be open as the canyon is closed to vehicles June through Sept.
6/1/2015 Topic: Coyote Canyon camping Florian	rockhopper wrote: Only did the Borrego valley up Coyote Canyon to Anza full route one time back in the 1990's in 4x4. The last climb out of the canyon up to Anza was a super tough boulder filled washed out steep climb as I remember. Hi rockhopper. Sometime around 1985 i did similar driving an Isuzu Trooper. This was pre-bypass road. Camped in the willows and then drove out via Turkey Track to Anza. I remember the climb out made me uncomfortable. -Florian edited by Florian on 6/1/2015
6/11/2015 Topic: Carrizo Gorge Wilderness Backpack Florian	Those two dead snakes are very odd. Is that how you found them beside each other? Yesterday hiking near Palm Springs i came across a young king snake cut into 2" pieces. Weird. I buried the pieces as i didn't want to feed the damn ravens. -Florian edited by Florian on 6/11/2015
7/31/2015 Topic: The Potrero Florian	Hi Tommy, Looking at the topo looks like there are 3 springs in the Potrero area. Which is the spring in your photos? I've never hiked up there but have driven by on S2 many times. Looks like a nice area. -Florian
10/1/2015 Topic: South West Road Trip Florian	What did you think of the Verde Canyon train? I've never done it but looks interesting. -Florian
10/4/2015 Topic: Drone use in the Park Florian	sddarkman619 wrote: In any case check out this nice video of a sunrise over the badlands: https://youtu.be/hs2PE6rYyXE Drones are interesting. I've thought about getting one myself but not sure what i'd really do with it. Looking at this video i can see 4 vehicles parked at Font's Point and some people walking up to the viewpoint. Maybe they were all with the guy that was flying and were fine with it. But if i had driven out to Font's Point early in the morning to watch the sunrise and ended up being buzzed by a drone i would not be happy. I really don't think they belong in a wilderness setting. I've no problem with them at public events, sports, concerts, etc. -Florian

Anza Borrego Desert

Florian

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