dsefcik

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6/30/2013 Topic: Hot weather in Anza Borrego dsefcik Administrator	hikerdmb wrote: I saw that coming. I was thinking you would have gone up to Death Valley. I heard they were thinking they might break an all time record sometime this weekend. A friend who lives there sent me a pic of his thermometer...I was eyeing the DV reports but I just can't go right now, I have major stuff at work going on and I leave Wed to go out to the BHS count for 4 days. Forecast for Borrego today is 122...higher than DV....humm..maybe I do need to go out ABDSP today...
7/2/2013 Topic: 2013 Bighorn Sheep Count now accepting application dsefcik Administrator	I will be heading out tomorrow for the sheep count, hoping to get some good starry night photos. Last year we saw the rings on Saturn with our spotting scope. Don't even ask how much my camera gear plus binoculars weighs plus the 9 liters of water for the trip in and food for 4 days...... edited by dsefcik on 7/2/2013
7/8/2013 Topic: Chariot Fire dsefcik Administrator	Just got home from the bighorn sheep count. Here is what we saw from Rattlesnake Spring, not sure how far away it was from us but all I had was my 500mm lens and my 7mm Fisheye so i used the 500mm. We only saw the smoke and flames and I guessed it was between Butterfield and Pioneer Mail. Langley is a good trip, we did that one year to get over to Whitney without a permit but that has all changed now. edited by dsefcik on 7/8/2013
7/8/2013 Topic: Hot weather in Anza Borrego dsefcik Administrator	DesertWRX wrote: This is hot for a lot of the 63 sheep counters. The humidity did not help either. Our high was 105 in the shade at 3,000' elevation. The first couple of days was pretty bad and Sunday it got better as the humidity went away.
7/9/2013 Topic: Chariot Fire dsefcik Administrator	rockhopper wrote: Chariot canyon is HUGE. Which part? the North towards the gate or towards oriFLAME canyon? Here is the fire perimeter map http://goo.gl/0QFPm
7/9/2013 Topic: Chariot Fire dsefcik Administrator	surfponto wrote: How did the Bighorn Sheep count go? UT was reporting low counts Report coming soon. If the UT reported low counts I am not sure how they determined that, the total was the second highest recorded ever....but at a cost, the drought has dried up many of the reliable water sources and the sheep are desperate for water.
7/10/2013 Topic: The Biggest Load of Bullshit I ever Heard dsefcik Administrator	DesertWRX wrote: For those of us in Borrego Springs year round we just bend over for them. I always wondered what rates AB residents/business got, seems hard to believe Jilbertos could stay in business with the A/C running full time at downtown SDG&E rates.
7/10/2013 Topic: Bighorn Sheep Count 2013 dsefcik Administrator	Milky Way at Rattlesnake Spring, David or anyone esle want to pick out the constellations? This was from our first night, all the rest of the nights were cloud covered. This year the count had the second highest count ever at 332 total sheep counted. It was at a cost though, the drought brought many sheep into locations desperate for water. Rattlesnake Spring was no exception and we saw two sheep deaths related to lack of water. Bighorn Sheep watching the water hole. Most desperatly in need of water, look at the deep indentations in the rear of their bodies above their hind legs. Deceased Sheep at the dried up water hole I am somewhat reluctant to even post more, the 3-1/2 days we spent there was somewhat somber watching the sheep come down to find only drops of water and the rams beating down the emaciated ewes to horde the water for themselves. Chariot fire from our camp site A lamb and her mother watching the water hole The weather was hot and humid, high was around 105 in the shade and very humid. Between two of us we consumed 12 gallons of water in 3 days. To see many up close videos and more photos please have a look at my website here http://www.darensefcik.com/Photography/Anza-Borrego-Desert-State-Park/Bighorn-Sheep-Count-2013/30422410_mncKHX Total mylar balloons this trip - 1
7/11/2013 Topic: Bighorn Sheep Count 2013 dsefcik Administrator	BorregoWrangler wrote: Dang, those sheep need to find their way over to coyote creek! The ranger told us that even the second crossing had dried up during the heat wave but slowly came back with a little water by the count date. Water has dried up everywhere out there.
7/12/2013 Topic: Bighorn Sheep Count 2013 dsefcik Administrator	tommy750 wrote: Are there any wildlife guzzlers for sheep out there? Or is that not a feasible solution here in the Colorado Desert? Tom There are, several of them. A couple have dried up also and another that is very large had just a little water left.
7/12/2013 Topic: Bighorn Sheep Count 2013 dsefcik Administrator	Our official count was 44, we had a lot of repeats on day three. Attached is the official ABDSP count results. I don't recall the rams ever being that aggressive...but normally there is water and they go down, drink and then head up into the shade to rest. This year they would stay at the mud pit all day taking sips as the water bubbled back up.
7/15/2013 Topic: Bighorn Sheep Count 2013 dsefcik Administrator	tommy750 wrote: Here's an nice link discussing the water situation in the Borrego Valley: http://borregowaterunderground.org/ Thanks for that Tom, interesting reading. I always wondered how they could grow groves of oranges there.
7/17/2013 Topic: Bees. Lots of Them! dsefcik Administrator	As much as I don't like the bees I think this is a good thing. I and a few others have noticed this year an almost absence of bees in the desert which is quite odd. I am not sure what it means but it is the first year in many I can remember not dealing with them. We figured the drought had something to do with it. I can remember one year up at Dantes View in Death Valley there were swarms of bees getting at the A/C drainage when cars would pull up and park, many people could not get back in their cars!
7/19/2013 Topic: Mountian Center Fire dsefcik Administrator	It looks pretty bad from the news. http://ktla.com/2013/07/19/mountain-fire-burns-22800-acres-some-evacuations-lifted/#axzz2ZV20sOCX
7/19/2013 Topic: World Ranger Day July 31st @2pm dsefcik Administrator	World Ranger Day July 31, 2013 @2pm Come celebrate World Ranger Day with Ranger Steve at the Borrego Springs Public Library, and discover the Many Hats of a Ranger!
7/21/2013 Topic: Rockhouse Canyon 4 Day Backpack TR dsefcik Administrator	Clifford wrote: Also, you referred to your friend as a sheep counter, is that just a nickname or does he actually caount sheep for the park service or something? C Gary and I count sheep every year as part of the annual bighorn sheep count the park does.
7/23/2013 Topic: Desert Rain dsefcik Administrator	@Borrego: That looks like you were right in the middle of it, did you take that from the highway?
7/24/2013 Topic: Desert Rain dsefcik Administrator	Jim (ziphius) wrote: Nice to see all that water @ Fish Creek! Looks like Borrego Palm Canyon got over 2 inches in the last 3 days, the area up near Warner Springs and Coyote Creek got quite a bit too. Riverside County got hit yesterday. I found a better link to rainfall totals for the San Diego County region: National Weather Service Link The link did not work...
7/24/2013 Topic: Desert Rain dsefcik Administrator	BorregoWrangler wrote: dsefcik wrote: @Borrego: That looks like you were right in the middle of it, did you take that from the highway? Nope, it was actually in the area between Carrizo Wash and Split Mountain Road, just outside the park boundary. Having a hard time picturing where you are referring to. A friend of mine who lives in town sent some pictures showing pretty good rain out there, almost 2 inches on Sunday.
7/24/2013 Topic: Desert Rain dsefcik Administrator	From the Daily Borregan (see attached file)
7/26/2013 Topic: Desert Rain dsefcik Administrator	Time for a Go Pro JIm.... We could start a whole new thread on that topic....
7/30/2013 Topic: Desert Rain dsefcik Administrator	Nolan (anutami) wrote: Check out the parks website on how the mighty ocotillo copes with the summer rain! http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638 Sam had just sent me that photo, he is also a volunteer at the VC, he is a god guy. Have a look at this video from souther Utah
7/30/2013 Topic: Desert Rain dsefcik Administrator	tommy750 wrote: Now, that is an amazing video. Would be a little harder to pull off here since the upper watershed is not that far away but I would love to try it! Tom Let me know when you go..I was thinking the same thing....
7/30/2013 Topic: Desert Rain dsefcik Administrator	Is this just a phenomena of man induced landscape changes or is it something that has been happening forever? Jim (ziphius) wrote: Rattlers sometimes show up on southern CA beaches after heavy winter rains, washed downstream. Sometimes there are a lot of them: Surfing snakes hit the beach
7/31/2013 Topic: The Sound of a Turbine dsefcik Administrator	Thanks Tom...that is pretty bad and with all of them going it has to be truly awful. The quiet of the desert now gone and replaced with an off in the distance constant noise and I am sure the wildlife love it.
8/1/2013 Topic: Rockhouse Canyon / Toro Peak BackPack Trip dsefcik Administrator	DesertWRX wrote: Great view looking down upon the hiking area... http://hpwren.ucsd.edu/cameras/L/tp-s-mobo-c.jpg Yep, that's it...great view..thanks!
8/1/2013 Topic: Desert Rain dsefcik Administrator	DesertWRX wrote: Drove up Fish Creek yesterday and it was interesting to see the change. Especially after it was modified pretty good 1 year ago by Mother Nature! No minivans going up there anytime soon! Did you snap any photos? Why no minivans, boulders, deep sand..??
8/3/2013 Topic: Desert Rain dsefcik Administrator	Thanks for that update, looks like the Ocotillo are green again.
8/8/2013 Topic: The Sound of a Turbine dsefcik Administrator	Pelley added one as well...pretty messed up.
8/11/2013 Topic: John Muir Trail - definitely NOT related to AB dsefcik Administrator	Give us some time to look thru them David...awesome, I am glad you were able to get out and do something like that, I am sure you will have some good memories and will bet you are already thinking of a new trip....8-) I would be interested in knowing more about the logistics you planned...food, water, clothing, etc.
8/18/2013 Topic: Mt. Laguna Burn Area dsefcik Administrator	Been meaning to get out there also..have just been busy here at home...thanks for posting those.
8/22/2013 Topic: Oldest North America rock art site identified dsefcik Administrator	Yeah, that was kinda interesting...petros on the ground..? I would imagine if they walked around with a camera on a pole taking pictures of the ground the resolution would be good. The most I have ever stitched together has been 88 images. Thanks for the post.
8/22/2013 Topic: Bighorn Sheep Count 2013 dsefcik Administrator	I hope so...they have been on my mind the last couple weeks or so...thanks....
8/23/2013 Topic: Bighorn Sheep Count 2013 dsefcik Administrator	Yeah..nice Nolan..! I have busy with work, no time to get away...8-(
8/26/2013 Topic: Flash Flood Chasing dsefcik Administrator	Glad you were able to make it out, I wanted to also but had too many things here at home to take care of...nice report
8/27/2013 Topic: Flood damage around Borrego Springs dsefcik Administrator	Crap..I was just gonna say, I think 'ol Zeke is missing from the scene...Looks like Galleta Meadows / Henderson got hit pretty hard. Gonna miss Zeke...
9/8/2013 Topic: Flood damage around Borrego Springs dsefcik Administrator	Thanks for the update, good to see some rain out there.
9/17/2013 Topic: Eagle mortality and wind farms dsefcik Administrator	mrkmc wrote: Don't airports have some sort of electorinc things that deture birds from hangin out on the runways? Maybe they could come up with something like that to keep birds away from the wind mills and solar panels. They are supposed to have some kind of aviary detection and take some action to prevent them from getting whacked.
9/17/2013 Topic: Golden Trout Wilderness dsefcik Administrator	Nowhere near David's John Muir Trail adventure....Spent the last week backpacking in the Kern Plateau area. My truck broke down in Temecula and I ended up driving my motorcycle 350 miles to the Sierras with my big backpack on to meet up with my friends. Here are some pics, all 35mm film on an old Olympus camera, no photoshop or anything, straight scans from the negatives. I did not take a digital camera on this trip. http://www.darensefcik.com/Photography/Film/Golden-Trout-Wilderness-09-10/31930139_zCsccR Here is a map of our trip http://caltopo.com/map?id=3H2L Time to get back out to the desert...
9/18/2013 Topic: Golden Trout Wilderness dsefcik Administrator	Jim (ziphius) wrote: Looks like a great trip Daren! I like the boar. What kind (if any) of moisture barrier do you have between the ground and your sleeping bag? - Jim I liked the boar a lot also but my co-backpackers totally missed it, they walked right by...maybe it was the altitude, we were just getting getting out of treeline and the air was thin. I use a foam pad under my bag, I used to bring a tarp but it didn't make any sense and took up space and weight. The GoLite poncho tarp worked great, it was it's first outing and it kept me dry during the day and worked perfect as a tarp shelter at night. I cut a few guy ropes from the bear food rope and attached them to some sticks and weighted them down with the rocks.
9/18/2013 Topic: Golden Trout Wilderness dsefcik Administrator	hikerdmb wrote: And how is the truck? Thanks for asking..... Short answer: Problem was the DPF clogged and I picked it up yesterday (without a good explanation of the root cause from the dealership) and it crapped out again by the time I got to Escondido so I drove straight to a dealership near my house in San Diego and unloaded my motorcycle from the truck and left it with them. I still don't have it back. The new EPA laws regarding diesel engines effective 2010 have caused a lot of immature technologies to be implemented that are causing exhaust/emissions failures in newer diesel vehicles.
9/19/2013 Topic: Golden Trout Wilderness dsefcik Administrator	Nolan (anutami) wrote: Did you guys have trouble finding water in that part of the sierras? Not at all, in fact the most I carried at any time was 5 liters but usually only 3 and getting water at camp every day. made the pack a lot lighter.
9/19/2013 Topic: Golden Trout Wilderness dsefcik Administrator	rockhopper wrote: The Kern Basin should be near the top of the list. One September before cell phones, we were three days in. Beautiful sunny 60's Deg. Next day started to rain, then snow.................!!! It was a loop trip and were basicly half way out. Going forward we used our compass with topo. Long 12 hour hike out. The snow never stopped, 12,000 pass, turned to rain as we finally made it down in elevation to the parking lot. Ya, sorry to hear about your truck. I like what you said about "immature technologies" !The Designers and assemblers can't keep up with the legislation of regulation. We just got back. Sept. 9th-17th from up in the NorCal Redwoods. At one point we did bust out my cell phone to get gps coordinates and then used gary's map to find where we were, we went cross country coming down from Kern Peak and could not find the trail..we eventually did once we got our location figured out. The forest is not like the desert, you can loose all reference points pretty quick, the rain forests are even worse when the canopy shuts out the sky. The truck had a bad EGR valve which is what I believe clogged the DPF...supposed to be ready tomorrow.
9/20/2013 Topic: Forum Member Nolan in Truck Camper Magazine dsefcik Administrator	And Wylie double.....
9/22/2013 Topic: Forum Member Nolan in Truck Camper Magazine dsefcik Administrator	tommy750 wrote: Great article Nolan. Saw your Death Valley pics. Girlfriend and I are headed there early Nov. for a week. Any suggestions on must see sites and camping spots? Was planning to hike Telescope Pk but the rest of the trip is open. Thanks. Tom The campground (Mahogany) at the Telescope Peak trail head is good, you can also camp lower down at Thorndike or Wildrose. The Charcoal Kilns are on the way up so make sure to stop there. I would recommend visiting Ubehebe and the Mesquite campground nearby, it is self payment site though but has water/bathrooms. I can send you more info if you like, email me direct for specific locations. Daren
9/22/2013 Topic: Forum Member Nolan in Truck Camper Magazine dsefcik Administrator	Greene Denner Drake Mill and Jayhawker Canyon are other great spots. edited by dsefcik on 9/22/2013
9/23/2013 Topic: Broke Down in Anza Borrego: Sept. 21st, 2013 dsefcik Administrator	With that and my recent truck troubles I am seriously thinking about selling my newer truck and going back to an older vehicle, something I can fix.
9/23/2013 Topic: Whale Peak from the air dsefcik Administrator	Nice..you got some of my favorite areas...Potrero,Storm, Inner Pasture....great video, thanks!
9/23/2013 Topic: Forum Member Nolan in Truck Camper Magazine dsefcik Administrator	tommy750 wrote: Sounds like a week isn't near enough time to really check the place out. Tom Not even close to enough, one week will just get you hooked....
9/25/2013 Topic: Golden Trout Wilderness dsefcik Administrator	surfponto wrote: Seriously though is that repair covered by the dealer? It was all covered under the 100,000 mile emissions warranty. BFD when it happens again right after 100,000...it was about a $5,000 repair.
9/30/2013 Topic: First trip of the season dsefcik Administrator	Better safe than sorry, at least you got out for the day, saw some wildlife and bagged a balloon....
9/30/2013 Topic: Upper Fish Creek dsefcik Administrator	Gorgeous 'pillar...can't believe how green it is out there. I wish had time to get out there right now....
9/30/2013 Topic: Whale Peak from the air dsefcik Administrator	Carrizo Gorge, Indian Valley, Canebrake/Inner Pasture, Sombrero Peak heading south.......
10/1/2013 Topic: All National Parks Shutdown dsefcik Administrator	Try it... http://www.nps.gov
10/9/2013 Topic: Let the season begin dsefcik Administrator	Scary beasts, grayish/green guy...if anybody would know the names I figured you would.... I gotta get out there...soon....
10/10/2013 Topic: Blair Valley & Cool Canyon dsefcik Administrator	Hard to tell from your photo and no size reference but I would guess either fox, bobcat or coyote. That is bees honeycomb, I was gonna ask if you saw any, I saw a nice big patch of honeycomb right near the small dry fall when I last hiked thru Cool Cyn.
10/10/2013 Topic: All National Parks Shutdown dsefcik Administrator	From the DOI website: Due to the lapse in appropriated funds, all public lands managed by the Interior Department (National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, Bureau of Land Management facilities, etc.) will be closed. For more information, FAQs, and updates, please visit www.doi.gov/shutdown.
10/11/2013 Topic: Culp Valley to Coyote Canyon & Kane Springs Road dsefcik Administrator	I have been told that the bypass road is closed until it can be rebuilt. Also, you will need a 4x4 to get to the Wind Caves in Fish Creek.
10/12/2013 Topic: Davies Valley To BM Kirk dsefcik Administrator	That one SUV with the cable in the front looks like someone was trying to give it a tow. Nice TR....still wishing I had time to get out there, I haven't been back since the Sheep Count in July.
10/14/2013 Topic: Davies Valley To BM Kirk dsefcik Administrator	tommy750 wrote: Is your truck running well now, Daren? Tom. Yeah, I suppose...two weeks in two different dealerships and then I just let it sit in front of my house for 3 weeks. I just drove it out to Borrego Saturday to show my son all the metal sculptures and the temp gauge is running about 20 degrees cooler then it ever has so I will have to take it back to find out why.
10/14/2013 Topic: June Wash, Indian Gorge and Blair Valley dsefcik Administrator	Love it..so jealous of everyone getting out there now, I have just not been able to. Looks like you got up the south fork of Indian Gorge and climbed a good distance to find the yoni, I know that spot well... You didn't happen to spot a stuck Prius in June Wash did you? Soft sand seems to be everywhere right now, Blair Valley, Indian Gorge, June Wash, etc...be warned all you 2WD owners! Thanks for the post and TR Nolan!
10/15/2013 Topic: Indian Hill Trip 10/5/2013 dsefcik Administrator	Hugin is a great program and is what I use, I have stitched 89 photos total for a 3D panorama virtual tour. Your lizard looks like a desert iguana. Thanks for the post, good to see people getting back out again.
10/15/2013 Topic: June Wash, Indian Gorge and Blair Valley dsefcik Administrator	Nolan (anutami) wrote: dsefcik wrote: Love it..so jealous of everyone getting out there now, I have just not been able to. Looks like you got up the south fork of Indian Gorge and climbed a good distance to find the yoni, I know that spot well... You didn't happen to spot a stuck Prius in June Wash did you? Soft sand seems to be everywhere right now, Blair Valley, Indian Gorge, June Wash, etc...be warned all you 2WD owners! Thanks for the post and TR Nolan! No prius but plenty of "dig out spaces" from obvious vehicles who didn't make it that far That was the Prius....
10/16/2013 Topic: Indian Hill Trip 10/5/2013 dsefcik Administrator	X EAGLE 23 X wrote: I figured the lizard was a zebra tailed lizard because of the striped tail. Here's a picture taken from a different angle which shows it better: 89 photos?! Did it automatically align them all, or did you have to add some control points manually? It could be, I am no expert for sure...you are most likely correct.... Here is the 89 photo stitch, if you zoom in you can see the stitch errors http://www.hightechhigh.org/schools/HTMNC/virtual/inside/ use the arrow keys and ctrl/shift to zoom in/out, it works better. It auto stitched everything, I used a tri-pod and a home made 360 pano head, I think I used a 10mm lens for everything, never have been able to get a fish eye to work well. For the Dos Cabeza rd, do you not take the bypass rd by the mine? You can skip the big holes if you go around.
10/18/2013 Topic: Indian Hill Trip 10/5/2013 dsefcik Administrator	Yeah, the road goes right around it, you can see it on the map http://caltopo.com/map?id=427J
10/21/2013 Topic: Hike from Culp Valley to Maindenhair Falls to road dsefcik Administrator	The CRHT (California Riding and Hiking Trail) should dump out right near or at there. I have only gone half way and then cross countried down towards Hell Hole. Check out the Visitor Map http://caltopo.com/map?id=221S
10/21/2013 Topic: Hike from Culp Valley to Maindenhair Falls to road dsefcik Administrator	Oh yeah, a woman who was coming up said it was 6 miles.
10/21/2013 Topic: Green Desert dsefcik Administrator	Looks fun, haven't been to Cabo in 25 years.
10/22/2013 Topic: Coyote Mts Sheep dsefcik Administrator	I don't think the ewes ever travel far from home, rams on the other hand will travel around. They are supposed to be doing Tamarisk removal in Carizzo Marsh with money from Pattern and the wind turbine project.
10/23/2013 Topic: Hike from Culp Valley to Maindenhair Falls to road dsefcik Administrator	Sorry but my only experience is cutting down towards the falls but not all the way down. That was when I counted sheep one year so we were still up above the falls a bit.
10/24/2013 Topic: Coyote Mts Sheep dsefcik Administrator	Thanks to Pattern and $3.5 million dollars....I am sure all of the retirees who live in Ocotillo are happy about the Tamarisk removal....sorry, just had to blurt that out......
10/24/2013 Topic: San Felipe Wash to Old Kane Springs Road dsefcik Administrator	As always, another good and extensive report with lots of info...thanks! I remember your jalapeno poppers from last year, they looked delicious.....
10/26/2013 Topic: Pinyon Wash / Split Rock / Harper Flat dsefcik Administrator	Went out last weekend to cache some water for a backpack trip next week. We needed to get some water out in Harper Flat so I drove up Pinyon Wash to hike in from the end of the wash. There really wasn't much of a road anymore, the flash floods have removed all traces of the road. I basically drove in on what seemed like the likely route and as close to what my GPS was telling me should be the road. It was a great day out, not too hot and we didn't see anybody else out there. I only took my Olympus OM-2S with me and some really, really old super expired Kodak UC 400 film. The photos came out kinda kooky for sure, guess film does go bad. I have more photos from the trip on another roll still in my camera so there will be a part II to this post once I get that roll developed. All of these photos are straight from the lab, I didn't mess around with any of them. Moon rise, you can see the "road" I wanted to do some star trail shots but the really bright full moon sorta spoiled that idea. I did manage to get one long exposure in. Looking back at the "road" during the early morning light Great shot of Sunset Mtn.....
10/26/2013 Topic: San Felipe Wash to Old Kane Springs Road dsefcik Administrator	tommy750 wrote: We tried for about an hour to get the Bronco out before giving up. I remember that from another post....ouch...
10/26/2013 Topic: Pinyon Wash / Split Rock / Harper Flat dsefcik Administrator	Except the chunk that's missing....I got a few really nice new pin stripes on this trip.
10/26/2013 Topic: Coyote Mts Sheep dsefcik Administrator	Could you tell who they were, army, BP..??
10/26/2013 Topic: Pinyon Wash / Split Rock / Harper Flat dsefcik Administrator	hikerdmb wrote: Big hike planned? Are you doing the route from over off split mountain road? General plan of attack is Blair/Whale/Split Rock/Dave McCain/Vallecito Mtns/Starfish/Alma Wash/Elephant Tree trail head.
10/29/2013 Topic: Pinyon Wash / Split Rock / Harper Flat dsefcik Administrator	Going out net weekend, the 2'nd/3'rd. Went out to Rattlesnake and Badlands the last couple of days. Nolan (anutami) wrote: dsefcik wrote: hikerdmb wrote: Big hike planned? Are you doing the route from over off split mountain road? General plan of attack is Blair/Whale/Split Rock/Dave McCain/Vallecito Mtns/Starfish/Alma Wash/Elephant Tree trail head. we may be headed out around the area (if your are going this weekend) so if you need a re-supply or some cold beer at some point let me know
10/29/2013 Topic: Toro Peak dsefcik Administrator	Who's bottle is that??? I have some pics from down below from yesterday, hopefully I will have them back tonight from the lab but yeah, Toro was covered in clouds yesterday.
10/29/2013 Topic: Toro Peak dsefcik Administrator	The whole thing looks like I am looking out from a worms gut...
10/30/2013 Topic: Pinyon Wash / Split Rock / Harper Flat dsefcik Administrator	@Nolan: We will look for you. We will be coming down near Split Rock and heading up towards Dave McCain. We have enough water cached for another person to come along so if anybody would like to join us let me know.
10/30/2013 Topic: Pinyon Wash / Split Rock / Harper Flat dsefcik Administrator	A few more photos from the trip out.... Heading out into Harper Flat, Sunset Mtn just visible on the right side. We are heading back towards Pinyon Wash. Panorama of Harper Flat looking South/South West. The polarizer seems to make some heavy vignetting on some photos, need to figure that out. Lots and lots of butterflies on fresh scat
10/30/2013 Topic: Pinyon Wash / Split Rock / Harper Flat dsefcik Administrator	They were also aggressively congregating on the human urine patches we left...they were everywhere...!
10/30/2013 Topic: Rattlesnake Spring / Badlands dsefcik Administrator	Went out to cache water for the 2014 Bighorn Sheep Count last weekend and spent the night in the Badlands. The spring looked good and we didn't see any more dead sheep so that is a great thing. Gorgeous weather. More film fun, all photos from Olympus OM2S and Ektar 100 film. With the amount of booze I drank that night I am surprised I even found Polaris, poor composition aside I am liking the film long exposure star trails, I did not have to edit this photo at all Early morning reflections, what I saw when I "woke" up The Ektar film makes my truck look great, where are all the pinstripes?? Gary and Randy on the trail into Rattlesnake Cyn 'Ol Bess was still there, hasn't moved an inch At some point looking down Rattlesnake Canyon At some point looking up Rattlesnake Canyon This is a great shot of the lower portion of Rattlesnake Canyon, this is where we freestyle'd down a loose rocky ridge into the canyon Panorama of Borrego and the sand blowing Learning to control exposure on a manual film camera Looking back at the "Rosa's", done for the day
10/31/2013 Topic: Rattlesnake Spring / Badlands dsefcik Administrator	Thanks...if all goes to plan we should be camped out near Split Rock somewhere on Sat night...so if you are near there try and find us! surfponto wrote: Awesome lanscape photos. You really make we want to get out there. I would like to learn how to do that long exposure shot . Really cool. Mary and I are heading out Saturday night. Haven't picked a spot but I am thinking Harper Flat etc. Bob
10/31/2013 Topic: Toro Peak dsefcik Administrator	Crap Mark, you got me looking now...!! I found us also....
11/4/2013 Topic: Rattlesnake Spring / Badlands dsefcik Administrator	Hey Bob, we probably would have missed each other anyway, we got to Split Rock at sundown and left just after sunrise. Taking 2 rolls of film to develop today, TR will follow when I get them back, all I can say now is there is some awesome country back in that area, this was one of my favorite trips in the park ever. Here is a map of where we went more or less http://caltopo.com/map?id=1I3O
11/4/2013 Topic: Best hiking sources? dsefcik Administrator	I think Bob is correct, Robin is well known for her ABDSP hikes.
11/4/2013 Topic: Pinyon Wash to Split Mountain dsefcik Administrator	Sorry we couldn't hook up....yeah, when I drove out Pinyon Wash a couple weeks ago there was no road/trail...nothing, I just drove where it was clear enough and was close to what the gps said was the road. Glad you guys were able to finally get out to ABDSP! Nolan, we were expecting to see a camper at Split Rock with cold beer when came down the mountain ridge!!
11/5/2013 Topic: Harper Flat via Pinyon Wash dsefcik Administrator	Yeah, it was a great weekend out there...we also saw a tarantula in Harper Flat where we camped. There were so many blooming Desert Apricots up on Whale Peak it felt like spring. Love the shots with the kids.
11/5/2013 Topic: Harper Flat via Pinyon Wash dsefcik Administrator	surfponto wrote: I seem to recall a sign that used to mark the split off with Nolina Wash. Pretty sure that was washed away. It was there two weeks ago, just hidden by a smoke tree and was bent over about half way.
11/5/2013 Topic: Little Blair to Alma Wash Backpack Trip dsefcik Administrator	Did a 2 day backpack trip from Little Blair over to Alma Wash, one of my most favorite trips in ABDSP so far, awesome backcountry scenery. My son was able to go on this trip also which I am happy about, I enjoy having him go out with me on trips. It was two full days of remote desert hiking, very peaceful and enjoyable. Here is the approximate route In my quest to continue devolving as a photographer I brought a 1937 Zeiss Nettar 515/2 folding camera. It is actually a very good camera and has a nice sharp lens, I think it is my new favorite camera. This camera is a 6x9 format and uses 120 size film so I get 8 exposures per roll. Notice the light meter, leather case and focus chart sheet on the ground. This photo courtesy of Craig and his phone camera. Double exposure prevention mechanism...not on this baby! Ooops....Star trails double exposed with rock art. Kodak Portra 160 This is looking at the Laguna Mountains on our way up Whale Peak. Kodak Portra 160 Spencer staying tough up Whale Peak. Kodak Portra 160 Christopher and Craig heading down the ridge towards Split Rock, Salton Sea way off in the distance. Kodak Portra 160 Sunset from our campsite near Split Rock. Kodak Portra 160 Somewhere in Hapaha Flat taking a break and checking the maps. I took this picture with my polarized sun glasses in front of the lens. Kodak Ektar 100 Looking down an unnamed drainage we hiked up from Hapaha Flat. Kodak Ektar 100 Craig and Christopher smile for the camera. Kodak Ektar 100 Christopher looking back at the ridge we came down the day before. Kodak Ektar 100 Dead Bighorn Ram, photo with digital camera (yeah, I brought my Canon S100 just in case) Half way down the ridge into Starfish Cove. Kodak Ektar 100 Christopher and Craig at the mouth of Alma Wash, I think this photo sums up the trip, we were all beat by the end of day 2. Kodak Ektar 100 On our way home I had the pleasure of experiencing the red lights of the wind turbines in Ocotillo, can't say I enjoyed it. Photo from digital camera, I ran out of film. Total Mylar Balloons this trip - 3 and a bonus Radiosonde Weather Balloon
11/6/2013 Topic: Little Blair to Alma Wash Backpack Trip dsefcik Administrator	Jim (ziphius) wrote: Congrats on finding another radiosonde, another field trip to the National Weather Service office, heh? That bighorn ram carcass is very cool. What general area was that in? Did you visit / photograph any petroglyphs? - Jim Yeah, I will be dropping it off at the RB office next time I head north. If you look closely at the ram photo you will see hooves sticking up out of the sand, there was a second bhs buried, mountain lion cache. We followed nice big fresh kitty prints for about a mile in the wash and then we found the ram, we didn't stay around tto long. No petroglyphs.
11/6/2013 Topic: Little Blair to Alma Wash Backpack Trip dsefcik Administrator	Jim (ziphius) wrote: What general area was that in? In the Vallecito mountains.
11/6/2013 Topic: Little Blair to Alma Wash Backpack Trip dsefcik Administrator	Nolan (anutami) wrote: awesome trip! I thought they didn't make film anymore :0 I have been eyeballing that unamed drainage hike up from hapaha flat for awhile. How tough is the boulder scrambling up the drainage? Do you think my kids could make it up? How much did you explore the small flat on top of the drainage? Looks very interested from the sky and maps. It was pretty big boulders requiring both hands and feet, your kids may have some trouble in certain areas but you may be able to find different routes around, we just went straight up. Film is alive!
11/6/2013 Topic: Little Blair to Alma Wash Backpack Trip dsefcik Administrator	Jim (ziphius) wrote: Ok, I think I've counted 4 sets of hooves on the main animal, is the extra hoof above and to the right of the animals right horn? That's a beautiful carcass. Try these...but yes...
11/6/2013 Topic: Little Blair to Alma Wash Backpack Trip dsefcik Administrator	Nolan (anutami) wrote: How much did you explore the small flat on top of the drainage? Looks very interested from the sky and maps. Sorry Nolan, I did not answer that...we did poke around a bit, did not see much, just a big wide open sandy flat that was gorgeous...that was where I found the radiosonde. Spencer found a huge mylar balloon that had some kind of music player and everytime he walkd a certain way it would go off and start playing, pretty funny....
11/8/2013 Topic: Little Blair to Alma Wash Backpack Trip dsefcik Administrator	dsefcik wrote: Nolan (anutami) wrote: awesome trip! I thought they didn't make film anymore :0 I have been eyeballing that unamed drainage hike up from hapaha flat for awhile. How tough is the boulder scrambling up the drainage? Do you think my kids could make it up? How much did you explore the small flat on top of the drainage? Looks very interested from the sky and maps. It was pretty big boulders requiring both hands and feet, your kids may have some trouble in certain areas but you may be able to find different routes around, we just went straight up. Film is alive! Nolan, here is a pic of my son and I (from Craig) showing the boulders going up, some were quite large.
11/8/2013 Topic: Little Blair to Alma Wash Backpack Trip dsefcik Administrator	Jim (ziphius) wrote: Pretty easy to see the 2nd carcass now! Lucky, lucky, lucky, lucky bast*rd!! Most mountain lion researchers have to examine an abundance of radio signals from collared cats to find out where the mountain lion is caching its food. Then...they have to crawl on hands and knees through thick brush to actually get to the cache. This is one of the coolest things that you could ever hope to find in AB. Just FYI, I did report it to the F&G person who tracks the peninsular range. For others who find this kind of thing, F&G like having GPS points of the location and good detailed pictures.
11/8/2013 Topic: Little Blair to Alma Wash Backpack Trip dsefcik Administrator	I found the DStretch version of my double exposure more interesting

Anza Borrego Desert

dsefcik

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