tommy750

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5/13/2017 Topic: Pinto Wash Petroglyphs tommy750	Britain wrote: Does anyone know how the Indians laid to rest their dead? My understanding is by cremation with the remains then buried or sometimes placed in ollas and hidden. This would be true for the late prehistoric period but not before that and maybe not after European contact.
5/20/2017 Topic: Oriflame to Cottonwood Canyon 3 day BP tommy750	sddarkman619 wrote: what shelter is that? a Tarptent? Looking for a shelter. where did you park vehicles so they weren't messed with? Nice writeup thanks for sharing! edited by sddarkman619 on 5/20/2017 Got an altaplex tent from zpacks.com last year and really like it. It weighs in at 18 oz making it lighter than a lot of bivy sacks. If you're not too tall, their solplex is less than a pound. I like tents because they keep bugs away but obviously there's pros and cons. We left our vehicles at the Camp Hark ruins. Never have had any problems leaving a vehicle at local sites but not sure about others' experiences.
6/2/2017 Topic: Palm Grove Jacumba wilderness tommy750	If you keep climbing another 300 ft up, you'll find another palm grove and if you continue climbing to the top and then head south a couple miles, you'll get to Peak 4004 (a great vista) or make it to Valley of the Moon. Have done it a couple times as a day hike from Old Hwy 80 in the island and it's a great trek through a very desolate area. Was before I had much hiking experience and I did the 10ish mile trip with a couple liters of fiz water and returned in the dark aided with only a tiny flashlight. Had the usual nocturnal meet and greet with BP who thought I was semi-insane. Here's a few pics from 2006: The upper grove pictures 007 by tomteske, on Flickr Heading south pictures 011 by tomteske, on Flickr Atop Peak 4004 pictures 013 by tomteske, on Flickr
6/2/2017 Topic: Palm Grove Jacumba wilderness tommy750	Regarding the palms, Washingtonia filifera, they're the only endemic palm in the area. The tall skinny Washingtonia robusta (think Beverly Hills) is found in Baja alone and both are the most popular landscape palms in the world. There's a few ideas about how the palms catch on fire but the only documented ones are lightning and humans. The number of palm oases appears to be increasing and new ones are being discovered father and farther north of the border. There's a neat book on the subject entitled "Desert Palm Oasis" by James Cornett that I highly recommend. Tom
6/4/2017 Topic: Palm Grove Jacumba wilderness tommy750	ziphius wrote: Interesting (if true) that the number of palm oases north of the border are increasing, while the SW region has apparently gotten drier and water tables have fallen. Maybe there has been less browsing of palm seedlings in recent years, as burros, cattle, and other invasive herbivores have been eliminated from the backcountry. I'll have to check out that book by Cornett. - Jim Something is making the climate farther north more favorable. Apparently the same thing is happening with the Sabal palm in Florida. Hmmm, could it possibly be the unmentionable change?? Wonder as to the source of the new oases. Seed dispersion from landscape palms or from existing palm oases? Maybe DNA could answer that since it's my understanding a lot Washingtonia filifera landscape palms are heavily hybridized with W. robusta making a "filibusta." N.B., not by any means a palm expert but my brother worked for years at a exotic palm nursery so a modicum of trickle down. Cornett Page 71 by tomteske, on Flickr
6/14/2017 Topic: Volcano Graffiti tommy750	That's Cerro Prieto, the other reason Ancient Lake Cahuilla ever existed at least at the 40 ft. max level. Nearby lava flows presumably acted as a spillway preventing the lake's only outflow from quickly eroding down to sea level which still would have been a huge lake. Anyway, agree nice find.
6/15/2017 Topic: Rumorosa Baja tommy750	Some serious Baja "Glory Days" posting going on!! Sounds like a lot of amazing stories. Was in Valle de Guadalupe on my honeymoon two weeks ago and definitely have to say lots of great memories new and old down there. Even able to convince the new bride to help me find a Kumeyaay rock art site which she easily found while I was bumbling around in the brush. Can't wait to get back. P1020766_lrd by tomteske, on Flickr P1020780_lrd by tomteske, on Flickr Ruffo by tomteske, on Flickr
6/16/2017 Topic: Rumorosa Baja tommy750	Britain wrote: Nice to see someone who still braves the Baja! Haven't done too many trips down there recently but did drive to Los Cabos in 2010 and down to Bahia de Las Animas below LA Bay last fall. The roads are much improved compared to the "good 'ol days" with those legendary car eating potholes But those empty pristine beaches now have houses and fences everywhere. Progress?
6/27/2017 Topic: 2017 Sheep Count info tommy750	Kudos to all you counters that are braving the elements this coming weekend. Happy to have contributed a teeeny amount to the endeavor hauling water to Rattlesnake Spring earlier in the year and being rewarded in turn with a great hike on old Indian trails. Take care! Toward Pyramid by tomteske, on Flickr
6/28/2017 Topic: 2017 Sheep Count info tommy750	Britain wrote: Does that trail drop down toward the Salton sea side? Now need to go check it out. Believe I recall hearing there's a couple places you can drop down toward Salton Sea off of this trail. Tom
7/12/2017 Topic: The "New" McCain Valley tommy750	Was last out there in May doing an overnight in Canebrake and again couldn't believe the additional destruction since I posted this in March. Agree, really sad to see. Lark Canyon OHV is starting to look pristine in comparison. Bob S, was Cottonwood campground even around back in 1965? Things must have looked very different! Thanks for posting. New McCain Valley by tomteske, on Flickr
7/14/2017 Topic: Photo hosting recommendations tommy750	Agree with Buford. Flickr works well, at least at the present time. Who knows what will happen now that Verizon bought it.
7/16/2017 Topic: A 'plug' for the San Diego Tracking Team tommy750	I think Daren and I went out with those guys or a similar group about a year or so ago in Grapevine to monitor transects. Was kinda interesting although can't say it was the most fun I've ever had. Did end up buying a nice guide called "Field Guide to Animal Tracks and Scat of California" which I definitely recommend. A quote from the Introduction: "It's not for everyone, this world of scat and tiny tracks. But for those who are bold, I'd say get some gloves and a jacket and a hat and explore California."
7/16/2017 Topic: Photo hosting recommendations tommy750	dsefcik wrote: tommy750 wrote: Agree with Buford. Flickr works well, at least at the present time. Who knows what will happen now that Verizon bought it. You'll get a Photo App on your Verizon phone.... The Flickr app works great! Let's face it, the only cell service that works at all "out there" is Verizon. Or, Iridium
7/19/2017 Topic: The "New" McCain Valley tommy750	Actually hiked up the access road to White Arrow a couple years ago but had no idea what it was at the time. Only get one hit on the internet for that name in an old BLM document from 1979. Thanks for the info, Bob S.
8/6/2017 Topic: The Island tommy750	Funny how there's not too many August entries in that register, Daren Looks like a nice hike.
8/16/2017 Topic: Your Go To AB Book? tommy750	Just purchased this book. Seems apropos during our current political climate to review the local details of our so called Manifest Destiny. Doubt it will be an easy read. http://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/revealing-the-history-of-genocide-against-californias-native-americans
8/16/2017 Topic: Alder Canyon Area tommy750	Okay, I admit it. Thought the rattler was a gopher snake from afar before I saw the head and heard the tail Those ladybugs were pretty amazing. Here's a couple more pics of Daren enjoying ABDSP: Annoying Gate by tomteske, on Flickr Boundary by tomteske, on Flickr
8/21/2017 Topic: Davies Valley and Pinto Canyon tommy750	Britain wrote: The map from 1946, the areas labeled as springs would they be water springs? I haven't been in the south-west corner yet. But will put this on the list of todo. I've seen water near one of the three springs (Juniper). Don't see any of them listed as springs on topo maps however. edited by tommy750 on 8/21/2017
8/25/2017 Topic: The Island - Inko BM tommy750	Britain wrote: I caught these guys up on the eastern mesa of Table Mountain. One is tagged. I saw the same bunch a month earlier at the lower bridge on 8. Picture was taken early May. Nice pic, Britain. Was up in that same area in 2014 and have pics of green and red tagged ewes but not your blue one. Glad to see babies.
9/7/2017 Topic: The Island - PAH BM tommy750	Was kinda warm that day but the desert is a four season adventure! Here's a few more pics: Already about 100 degrees P1030206 by tomteske, on Flickr Here's the "rock art" I was admiring in that large boulder: P1030214 by tomteske, on Flickr The turbine view about halfway up to BM Not PAH P1030208 by tomteske, on Flickr Daren admiring the view P1030210 by tomteske, on Flickr P1030213 by tomteske, on Flickr The Island's named BMs are DEVIL, INKO, PAH (those easy ones Daren did) and then the really tough ones, SPRING and LOAF. Bagged SPRING with a brutal 15ft RT 1ft G/L death march. LOAF is a few feet from the #1 westbound lane of I-8. Was blocked from LOAF by the wife who forbade me from dashing across both lanes last Friday night because of the holiday Zonie invasion that made crossing riskier than a Widlebeest fording the Mara River during a Serengeti migration IMG_3902 by tomteske, on Flickr BM Spring by tomteske, on Flickr
9/8/2017 Topic: The Island - PAH BM tommy750	Britain wrote: So what was that stuck in the rock crack? Looks like a bullet casing. Someone shoved a water bottle in the crack.
9/8/2017 Topic: BM's tommy750	Try these. Both are incomplete but have lots of info. Tom https://www.ngs.noaa.gov/CORS-Proxy/NGSDataExplorer/ https://www.geocaching.com/mark/
9/9/2017 Topic: BM's tommy750	Peakbaggers.com has BMs. They list BM PAH at the incorrect location and three people report bagging it but none actually leave a trip report. http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=27325
9/9/2017 Topic: The Island - PAH BM tommy750	Britain wrote: Who names these things. Spring? Was there a Spring there? I may hopp across the freeway to look at LOAF on the way out Sunday. Well, here it is. Or isn't. Looks like BM LOAF got replaced with a generic disk. Too bad. BM LOAF by tomteske, on Flickr Missing LOAF by tomteske, on Flickr LOAF Local by tomteske, on Flickr
9/10/2017 Topic: North McCain Valley tommy750	Drove out to McCain Valley yesterday for a dayhike. Went to the end of McCain Valley Rd and then just kept going. There's an abandoned dirt road heading north but it's pretty hard to follow. Was mainly cloudy and foggy with brief rain showers throughout the day but great to be out of the heat. The scenery sure has change out there. McCain Valley Road, Now, there's a second row of power poles for the wind turbines. New McCain Valley Rd by tomteske, on Flickr Pulling Wire by tomteske, on Flickr The turbines are going up quickly. Already a bunch of towers in place behind Lark Canyon. Assuming everyone quit work when the thunderstorm rolled through... Turbine by tomteske, on Flickr Meandered up the valley till I got to the start of the steep descent into Canebrake. This is a from a rocky promintory overlooking Canebrake. Great expansive views. Canebrake by tomteske, on Flickr Looking North up Canebrake. Pepperwood Canyon is in the foreground. Canebrake North by tomteske, on Flickr Looking across Pepperwood Canyon at Peppwood Peak, the one in the middle. Pepperwood Canyon by tomteske, on Flickr The sky had mainly cleared on the way out. More pics of how things have changed. Striations by tomteske, on Flickr Three Colors by tomteske, on Flickr Turbine Parts by tomteske, on Flickr Sombrero View by tomteske, on Flickr Enjoy. Tom
9/10/2017 Topic: North McCain Valley tommy750	Britain wrote: Its tragic whats happened to McCain area with power lines and turbines. Last time I was there in 2002 we packed down the trail to Cranebrake. Hoping find some of the McCain history. In the 70's we tested our rock climbing skills on the big junk of granite. I dont remember the name of it anymore. Did loose some anchors in it. If you drive to the end of the road and don't look south, it's still a great place to escape. There's going to be huge turbines just north of Cottonwood Campground to keep you company from now on.
9/10/2017 Topic: BM's tommy750	Guessing this is probably the exact location. Here by tomteske, on Flickr
9/10/2017 Topic: BM's tommy750	Britain wrote: Question, Why would it be 1/4 S on S33? Caltopo survey map. edited by Britain on 9/10/2017 edited by Britain on 9/10/2017 I'm interpreting that marker to mean it's a quarter of the way along a boundary of Section 1. Assuming it's that particular S1 since you said it was near the downer turbine and that section also has a junction approximately 1/4 the way west of one of its corners. Here's a nice blurb on Township and Range stuff: https://nationalmap.gov/small_scale/a_plss.html I find the topics of surveying and geodetics fascinating on a superficial level but overwhelming past the basics.
9/11/2017 Topic: BM's tommy750	That is a cool map! Thanks.
9/15/2017 Topic: North McCain Valley tommy750	Saw the new GE images. Looks bad up close and from afar.
10/17/2017 Topic: McCain and Wind Turbines tommy750	Those things go up like weeds. Should be enjoyable relaxing at Cottonwood with the nearby 2,000 lumen, I mean candela, red LEDs flashing every few seconds and the whoosh whoosh providing audio. edited by tommy750 on 10/20/2017
10/20/2017 Topic: McCain and Wind Turbines tommy750	dsefcik wrote: Technically I think the requirement is 32.5 candela once the obstruction reaches 200 feet but many of the lighting systems I researched had specs of 2,000 candela and some FAA docs had charts showing as much as 20,000 candela for some situations. I am no expert at all, just did some searching and learned a few new things. Well Daren, didn't know you were so fascinated by lighting units! I corrected my post to say 2,000 cd so we're good
10/20/2017 Topic: Ute Rock art tommy750	Yep, post European contact petros.
10/23/2017 Topic: Memorials in the Park tommy750	Nice find, Daren. Thanks for the update.
11/9/2017 Topic: Indian roasting pits and Yoni's tommy750	Toward the end of this thread there's a discussion of my take on yonis: http://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/Forum/topic1183-jacumba-and-table-mountain-exploration.aspx At the time, I hadn't read Heather Thomsen's thesis but she joined the discussion (outnabout) and forwarded me a copy as promised. Yonis in Anza Borrego is an appealing concept just lacking evidence IMHO
11/26/2017 Topic: Mountain Springs to Juniper springs tommy750	Nice, Britain! Good to see other hikers not afraid of a little 80-90 degree weather Was coincidentally planning a three day backpack trip out that way this weekend with Daren and a couple others but the heat and no definite water source made us go day hiking elsewhere. Any water at either of those locations?? Looks kinda dry in the photo of the upper grove. Have seen water at least once in November. Tom edited by tommy750 on 11/26/2017
11/27/2017 Topic: Mountain Springs to Juniper springs tommy750	Here's a pic near the lower grove with water in Jan 2006: pictures 001 by tomteske, on Flickr This is what's on top of the second grove looking south toward Pk 4004: pictures 011 by tomteske, on Flickr A couple pics from atop Pk 4004. A great hike the way you went or from Valley of the Moon. Wouldn't mind doing it again some time! Tom 336 by tomteske, on Flickr 302 by tomteske, on Flickr
11/27/2017 Topic: Rockhouse, Jacumba Jim, Four Frogs and East Fork tommy750	As previously mentioned, was planning a three day BP trip to Boulder/Myer/Pinto Canyons but the weather wasn't cooperative. Daren suggested car camping and day hikes to side canyons off Carrizo Canyon. So, met up with Daren, Gary and Joel for some old fashion car camping and hiking. Was in the high 80's for the entire weekend but nice and cool in the evenings. Pretty sandy in Carrizo Wash at present and the 4x4 only sign is probably correct. We began at Rockhouse and worked our way up canyon. At an occupation site, I (okay, it was really the DStretch app on my phone) found some faint pictos. Lots of nice prehistory to explore. On the way out looking toward McCain Valley from near Sweeney Pass: McCain Valley by tomteske, on Flickr In Rockhouse: P1030547_yxx by tomteske, on Flickr Mortero y Mano by tomteske, on Flickr Rockhouse Morteros by tomteske, on Flickr Third Eye Blind by tomteske, on Flickr The next day we did a loop hike up Jacumba Jim Canyon to a south tributary of Four Frogs Canyon. Encountered water and a nice palm grove. Made a steep ascent out of Jacumba Jim and passed east of Al Holden Pk before descending into Four Frogs. Daren and Gary hiked down the ridge south of the canyon encountering a bunch of roasting pits while my knees told me the sandy wash was a better option. Water in Jacumba Jim before the first large palm grove: Water in Jacumba Jim by tomteske, on Flickr Looking up Jacumba Jim: Up Jacumba Jim Canyon by tomteske, on Flickr Occupation site: Mortero by tomteske, on Flickr Ascending out of Jacumba Jim: Gary and Daren Above Jacumba Jim Canyon by tomteske, on Flickr The view from above. The confluence of Four Frogs, East Fork and Carrizo is a little to the left of the center: Gary Above Carrizo by tomteske, on Flickr On Sunday we headed up East Fork to Carrizo Palms. Three sheep skeletons and one owl were encountered along the way. Almost 20 miles, 4K gain/loss and a few beverage in all. Enjoy! Tom East Fork Owl by tomteske, on Flickr Garras Afilados Tecolote by tomteske, on Flickr edited by tommy750 on 11/27/2017
11/28/2017 Topic: Rockhouse, Jacumba Jim, Four Frogs and East Fork tommy750	Britain wrote: Is there a map showing 4 frogs and Jims? I see gps tracks but no call outs. Jerry Schad's book has a similar hike looping from the top down and gives brief descriptions of the canyons as I recall. Four Frogs is right across from East Fork and Jacumba Jim is about 1.2 miles south. Have fun.
11/29/2017 Topic: Rockhouse, Jacumba Jim, Four Frogs and East Fork tommy750	dsefcik wrote: Nice photos Tom....all I have to add is the coyote scat with shoelace Total mylar balloons this trip - 7 So Daren, millions of animal pooping in the desert and you alone spot the Kit Kat scat AND the shoe lace scat?? Scat Skill Level 3000 for sure!
11/29/2017 Topic: Rockhouse, Jacumba Jim, Four Frogs and East Fork tommy750	Britain wrote: Went up the Jacumba Jim Canyon today. Went as far as where you guys left and went up to McCain. I think the owl is a Burrowing owl, I seen one in the water area. I also found a Montero with a stone in it, not yours. Found a well-defined trail leading up a northern facing wash which led straight to a roasting pit. Found an old can up on the north side rocks. Wonder if someone lived here a while back. Certainly got cooler closer to the McCain exit. And yes the soft sand in Carrizo is a mess! edited by Britain on 11/29/2017 You went all the way up to McCain? Did you veer to the south and end up by those dirt roads/trails? Looks a little bouldery through there Looks like a nice canyon to explore.
12/7/2017 Topic: Rockhouse / Buck Ridge tommy750	Looks like a great trip, Daren. Can personally attest, the crew on this hike is always busy fixing the springs and hacking down the evil tamarisks. Nice work!
12/7/2017 Topic: A different desert tommy750	Great pics, Buford.
12/8/2017 Topic: A Red Desert tommy750	Did volunteer work via a Sierra Club trip assisting Moab BLM do site surveys for some "new park or monument" back in 2013 in what is now Bears Ears. Amazing area loaded with prehistory. Can't imagine in a hundred years anyone will be sad we didn't frack up or overgraze the area a little more than it all ready is. Really short sighted. Thanks for bringing attention to this, Buford. Here a few more pics of the area. Casa Colorado Point by tomteske, on Flickr pictos5_lye by tomteske, on Flickr White Chalcedony Point back by tomteske, on Flickr Salt Creek by tomteske, on Flickr Sherds by tomteske, on Flickr
12/19/2017 Topic: Split Mountain East and West tommy750	Nice TR. Looks like a great day for a hike. Envy from all of us stuck at work! Tom
12/22/2017 Topic: Best route for hike from Laguna to desert floor? tommy750	Here’s my trip report on dropping down from the Lagunas via Cottonwood earlier this year: http://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/Forum/topic1279-oriflame-to-cottonwood-canyon--day-bp.aspx You can find a way from the highway down to the top of Cottonwood Canyon looking on Google Earth. As I recall there’s different options depending on how much you enjoy brush
12/26/2017 Topic: Your Go To AB Book? tommy750	Britain wrote: tommy750 wrote: Just purchased this book. Seems apropos during our current political climate to review the local details of our so called Manifest Destiny. Doubt it will be an easy read. http://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/revealing-the-history-of-genocide-against-californias-native-americans Ordered. About 1/4 through my copy and difficult to comprehend the genocidal level treatment Native Americans endured at the hands of "enlightened" Westerners. Impossible to exaggerate the suffering endured.
12/26/2017 Topic: Best route for hike from Laguna to desert floor? tommy750	Rocko1 wrote: tommy750 wrote: Here’s my trip report on dropping down from the Lagunas via Cottonwood earlier this year: http://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/Forum/topic1279-oriflame-to-cottonwood-canyon--day-bp.aspx You can find a way from the highway down to the top of Cottonwood Canyon looking on Google Earth. As I recall there’s different options depending on how much you enjoy brush Great trip. Do you have any gps coordinates from this trip? Maybe entry/exit point? If you wanted to do a straight Sunrise Hwy to S2 hike you could park at the lot .8 miles north of the northernmost intersection of Deer Park Rd and Sunrise Hwy, drop down to PCT and head south till you get to a dirt road that leads toward the top of Cottowood Canyon. It will take you to near Butterfield Ranch on S2. Am thinking they will let you park there for a fee. You can easily create your own points on GE or caltopo. Don't have clear entry/exit points since we didn't go your planned route. Hope that helps. Tom
12/29/2017 Topic: Carrizo Creek, BM LOST and South Mesa tommy750	Thought I'd burn off some Christmas calories and check out a few places I've been meaning to visit mainly stumbling upon while checking out GE. Three streams flow into the Carrizo Valley, Vallecito, Bow Willow and Carrizo. They feed Carrizo Cienaga/Marsh, an area undergoing tamarisk removal with mitigation dollars from Pattern Energy. Headed out Bow Willow Creek and parked near an old well and nearby structure remains possibly the old Bow Willow ranger station. Headed south over a small ridge and came across this recent addition to ABDSP: Rock Heart by tomteske, on Flickr On some low lying rises, a few cleared circles, some with small cairns and a few scattered flakes. Cleared Circles2 by tomteske, on Flickr Small Cairn2 by tomteske, on Flickr On the way back, stumbled on this, presumably from one of the homesteaders that carved up parts of Carrizo Valley. Burns 1960 by tomteske, on Flickr Ended up finding over a dozen stone posts, some partially completed and others still piles of cobble next to a marker awaiting completion. Couldn't find much history about the homesteaders in this area. The only site I found info on was the stone cabin near the Carrizo Stage Station built by the Graves family of El Cajon per Lindsay. Burns Stele by tomteske, on Flickr Headed further downstream past the confluence of the three streams and started toward BM LOST, a great BM name, IMHO. Encountered more cleared circles. Reportedly they're now felt to be some sort of ceremonial prayer site and not "sleeping circles" since many are too small to sleep in. Cleared Circle by tomteske, on Flickr Cleared Circles by tomteske, on Flickr Headed north and made it to BM LOST. One set of recent foot prints was spotted but no register. Here is the view from LOST looking southeast. View from BM LOST by tomteske, on Flickr BM LOST by tomteske, on Flickr Here's the view toward the next stop, South Mesa. Just need to find a suitable finger to ascend. To the North From BM LOST by tomteske, on Flickr Wind carved statuettes. Statuettes by tomteske, on Flickr Finally on top without too much difficulty. North of BM LOST by tomteske, on Flickr Wouldn't say South Mesa is the most picturesque site in Anza Borrego, but it does have some funky stuff. Concretions by tomteske, on Flickr Dropped into a tributary of Gert Wash and headed toward a possible old trail spotted on GE. Walked right by BM Gert but forgot to add its location to my gps so maybe next time. Found this this little guy. Feather pattern is kinda neat close up. I know one of you knows what kind of bird this is. Fallen by tomteske, on Flickr Plumage by tomteske, on Flickr Due to my usual late start times, was getting late in the day when I finally came across the trail and still only about half done with the trip. Ancient Trail by tomteske, on Flickr Before a sketchy washed out segment, what appears to be a trail cairn Trail Cairn by tomteske, on Flickr Came across a nice rock circle but it was right next to a rock square with some sort of cairns on one side, all being kinda weird. Rock Circle by tomteske, on Flickr Rock Square by tomteske, on Flickr On a previous trip out here ( http://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/forum/topic948-carrizo-badlands.aspx ), I had found this rock square and assumed it was for an old miner's tent. Southern Square by tomteske, on Flickr Started thinking about it and remembered I'd spotted another similar rock square on GE miles to the north and wondered if they were related. Drew a NS line through the three and they all were exactly on it. Looked carefully up and down the line and found four more rock squares exactly on the same line. The line extended a little more than four miles and was slightly inside the CIA. Presumably it provided some sort of guidance for aircraft but the small 10 ft X 10 ft squares are difficult to see and possibly they had other enhancements that has since been removed. Seven Squares by tomteske, on Flickr Headed back in the dark and followed the Overland Stage Route most of the way. Can't really comment too much on what the marsh looked like but there is some standing water although not too appealing! Carrizo Creek by tomteske, on Flickr The barrier fence is up but no signage. The Fence by tomteske, on Flickr About 14 miles total and another fun trip in the desert. Enjoy. Tom edited by tommy750 on 12/29/2017
12/29/2017 Topic: Carrizo Creek, BM LOST and South Mesa tommy750	Britain wrote: That marsh has sort of dried up recently. There was a fire in the area, happened by and some folks were doing some reclaim. Guess the areas closed now. Need to revisit the area. Thanks for sharing. Edit: So that was a planned burn ? edited by Britain on 12/29/2017 Here's something from Helix, the company hired by Pattern Energy to plan the mitigation, regarding the prescribed burns. Think most of it is completed. Was dark and couldn't really get a feel for what was changed since the last time out. Carrizo Marsh Mitigation.pdf by tomteske, on Flickr edited by tommy750 on 12/29/2017
12/31/2017 Topic: Your Go To AB Book? tommy750	The new edition of Lindsay's book is out. AB by tomteske, on Flickr https://www.amazon.com/Anza-Borrego-Desert-Region-Complete/dp/0899977790/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514770620&sr=1-1&keywords=anza+borrego+guidebook
12/31/2017 Topic: Carrizo Creek, BM LOST and South Mesa tommy750	rockhopper wrote: Looks like perfect weather for desert exploring. Thanks for the trip report and good investigation of the "squares" alignment. Was indeed nice weather. The squares were an unexpected find which is not super uncommon on GE. Right next to one of them, I noticed this weird vehicle sized anomoly in Deguynos Canyon. It shows up in 2012, is gone by 2014 and reappears 1/4 mile downstream by 10/2016 and remains in the same place in 6/2017. Someone must know what it is since there appears to be lots of tracks up that wash on all the satellite images. 5-27-12 Overview by tomteske, on Flickr 5-27-12 by tomteske, on Flickr 11-8-14 Overview by tomteske, on Flickr 6-30-17 Overview by tomteske, on Flickr 10-13-16 by tomteske, on Flickr Yeah, I spend a lot of time on GE
12/31/2017 Topic: Carrizo Creek, BM LOST and South Mesa tommy750	Britain wrote: Someone dragging it around? I was thinking Mother Nature but who knows.
1/2/2018 Topic: Your Go To AB Book? tommy750	Rocko1 wrote: tommy750 wrote: The new edition of Lindsay's book is out. Did you get this yet? Any major changes? I love the info but the format of the book for me is horrible. I wish it followed the Afoot and Afield style. edited by Rocko1 on 1/2/2018 I ordered it but haven't got it yet. $14.55 on amazon. Agree, not a big fan of the mileage while driving on a road format of travel guides.
1/3/2018 Topic: Carrizo Creek, BM LOST and South Mesa tommy750	ziphius wrote: Nice detective work on the squares Tom. Thinking the rectangular object is a vehicle that got move around by flash floods? Dead bird is a loggerhead shrike. They are quite uncommon, yet I found a pristine dead one in Inner Pasture a few years ago. Thanks for the bird info, ziphius. That Deygunos object looks like a vehicle but not sure where it went during that one satellite pass.
1/7/2018 Topic: Rockhouse, Jacumba Jim, Four Frogs and East Fork tommy750	Britain wrote: Took my wife up Jacumba Jims today. Theres twice the amount of water in that spring from a month ago. Hasn't been any rain so to speak. That’s good news. Thanks.
1/8/2018 Topic: Carrizo Creek, BM LOST and South Mesa tommy750	tekewin wrote: This was a cool trip. The area around Lost BM looks very interesting. I scanned caltopo around Bow Willow Creek but didn't see Lost on the map. I might have been looking in the wrong place. I noticed the benchmark was placed by the Division of Beaches and Parks. I just saw one of the those marks on top of Sombrero. I guess all of Anza-Borrego is a state park, it's just odd to find those markers in the remote desert. BM Lost is about 1.2 miles north of where Canyon Sin Nombre dumps into Carrizo Creek. Easy hike and nice views. The only other named BMs I know of out in that area are Pelvis, Valle, Leckie and Gert. https://www.ngs.noaa.gov/CORS-Proxy/NGSDataExplorer/ is a good source of info on BMs and I use it all the time
1/11/2018 Topic: Carrizo Badlands tommy750	Thanks for the info, Britain. Tom
1/15/2018 Topic: More Impossible RR News tommy750	dsefcik wrote: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/sd-me-desert-line-20171221-story.html "...freight running from Tijuana to Plaster City by 2020." Sounds legit to me!
1/15/2018 Topic: Carrizo Gorge East Side tommy750	Yeah, nice overnight trip. Think those booze bottles were stealthy mouse traps. Able to squeeze in but too slippery to get out. Those tunnel bypass roads seem to be especially attractive to chollas for some reason. Here's a couple more pics: DSN Point2 by tomteske, on Flickr Sheep Bones by tomteske, on Flickr Above the Rail by tomteske, on Flickr
1/16/2018 Topic: Carrizo Creek, BM LOST and South Mesa tommy750	Britain wrote: Went in and tagged the Lost BM. Had the great idea of preplanning on cutting through the badland area east of that marker. Go get Gert and see two of the rock squares. Well, the badlands won. Spent 4 hrs in it. Found another Park BM, a pole on top of a high narrow ridge with no way of getting up to it, possible a Geocache. I think if I had my rock hammer at one area a few step hold and I could of went up to the next mesa. They certainly took a swipe at that tamarack. Burned through the center Carrizo, also looks like heavy equipment went in a cut up a bunch. There's plenty more left to be torched. Would have to agree, east of BM Lost definitely puts the bad in badlands. I climbed up to South Mesa and then followed the NE drainage into Gert and followed that due east bypassing all the fun
1/18/2018 Topic: Carrizo Gorge East Side tommy750	DHeuschele wrote: I saw a lantern last year that had maybe 20 dead lizards in it (I do not think I took a picture). Apparently the lizards had no problem finding their way into it but could not find their way out. I did a 12 day backpack in NM in late summer. One of the boys found a spear head that was in similar shape to that arrow head (both are in near the shape at the time of the creation). I did shoot a photo of the spear head as it was special because I have not personally found a spear head and it was in great condition. You found a very nice arrow head. Those darn predator traps! Have rescued a couple snakes and lizards from some in the past. Finding points these days is always nice since most have already walked away. Spear points/darts are an especially nice find.
1/18/2018 Topic: Interesting oddity in the Carrizo Creek Badlands. tommy750	Not a geologist, but doesn't look like the most promising prospect!
1/19/2018 Topic: Interesting oddity in the Carrizo Creek Badlands. tommy750	Awesome pic!
1/25/2018 Topic: Carrizo Badlands tommy750	Britain wrote: Looks like we took the same route, some of your pictures look like mine. Couple questions. Have you ever came across a rock-cement monument about 4 ft high with a plaque Carrizo Stage station on it? There was one in the area in 2000. If I remember correctly its not near the real station. Also there's another structure I spotted. Would this be McCains place? Have you seen it? It is located about 1000ft west and slightly south of the real station. EDIT: shack does not appear on earlier GE images. Haven't seen the monument and not sure where it might be. The old Graves cabin's roof collapsed some time ago and a new roof was placed over it in the last year or so presumably to protect this historical site. You can see a fair amount of junk was also removed at the same time if you blink between the last couple GE images. Tom
2/6/2018 Topic: Salton Sea Naval Base tommy750	Did someone say "great photos"?? Maybe referring to my post here: http://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/Forum/topic520-indio-fish-traps-and-sstb.aspx
2/12/2018 Topic: Pyramid-Villager Loop tommy750	Nice trip, Tekewin. Great pics as well. Have climbed exactly zero of those peaks so need to get busy.
2/19/2018 Topic: Carrizo Gorge East Side tommy750	Nice find, Daren.
4/1/2018 Topic: McCain / Canebrake 4 day Backpack tommy750	Nice trip. Where did you guys start your hike? Cottonwood or farther south? You all camoed out and Gary wearing teal. Nice
4/1/2018 Topic: Canyon west of Moan tommy750	Daren and I were out there 1/6-7/18 ( http://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/Forum/topic1355-carrizo-gorge-east-side.aspx ) so we could have left some of the prints you saw. Like that area. Thanks for posting. Tom
4/5/2018 Topic: Yuha basin petrified wood tommy750	Not a geologist but what I'm seeing looks more like concretions. They're quite common all through ABDSP and surrounding areas and at times can sure look like petrified wood or bone. Yuha has pretty much been devastated by off roaders over the decades including the Yuha geoglyphs, trashed by some dirt bikers in the mid '70s. Jay von Werlhof tried to piece them back together but they're nothing like the old aerial photos. There's still a couple nice ones out there semi protected by their fencing and findable on GE. edited by tommy750 on 4/5/2018
4/8/2018 Topic: Santa Rosa Mtns. 3 Day backpack tommy750	Looks like a great trip Rockhopper. Nice petro find. I'm with Daren on the pack weight. I get cranky with anything over 30lbs
4/8/2018 Topic: Yuha basin petrified wood tommy750	Thanks for the Yuha Man link. Interesting story. The bones disappeared and have never been found. However, a few tiny fragments were recovered and dated to a later time. A hearth dated to 9000 BP was uncovered a few years back near Jacumba so aboriginals have been around the Colorado Desert for some time.
4/8/2018 Topic: The Potrero Day Hike tommy750	Have done a few hike in the past couple years to the Sawtooth Mountains looking for a "lost" archeological site. No luck so far but always great hiking in the desert. Was planning an overnight out there with Daren et al but other plans/weather intervened and ended up on a day hike. Parked at the equestrian staging area by Vallecito and paid my $3 and headed toward Potrero. Lots of old ranching and farming stuff along the way. Potrero by tomteske, on Flickr About six miles in is a nice water source and still producing. Full by tomteske, on Flickr Hiked up to the saddle between Canebrake and Potrero. Was bushwhacking up to the saddle till I found an immigrant/game trail. Lots of old cans in a couple places. Feliz by tomteske, on Flickr Well Worn by tomteske, on Flickr Nice views on top with a constant 25-30 mph breeze. This is toward Pepperwood Canyon on the far side of Canebrake. Toward Pepperwood by tomteske, on Flickr Toward the Lagunas. South of Saddle by tomteske, on Flickr Found a rock shelter on the very top of the saddle with a bunch of prayer sticks. Prayer Sticks by tomteske, on Flickr Almost stepped on this guy near the top. Didn't move at all. Western Diamondback by tomteske, on Flickr Nice views of Potrero/Vallecito on the way down. Potrero Pano by tomteske, on Flickr Have found a few moteros in the area interestingly ringed with cupules. Kinda hard to see in this pic. Mortero with Cupules by tomteske, on Flickr Another nearby one from a previous hike. Cupule Rock by tomteske, on Flickr Walked in the dark a couple miles on the way back till turning my headlamp on a few minutes before stumbling into this guy. This guy was also pretty lethargic. Both snakes look pretty well fed. Saw lots of kangaroo rats jumping around so they certainly have lots of food. Sidewinder by tomteske, on Flickr Couple more critters before I made it back. Brought 5L and used 4.5. 16.5 miles and 2800ft g/l and another great day in the desert. Enjoy. Tom Scorpion by tomteske, on Flickr Going Home by tomteske, on Flickr Owl by tomteske, on Flickr edited by tommy750 on 4/8/2018 edited by tommy750 on 4/8/2018 edited by tommy750 on 4/8/2018
4/8/2018 Topic: The Potrero Day Hike tommy750	ziphius wrote: Nice photos Tommy. It is impressive how that saddle between Canebrake and Vallecito is so hard-used, but it makes sense along the Pepperwood route. I've been up and over that a couple of times now but never ran into the prayer-stick cave. One of my favorite views looking north in the Potrero from that saddle. That last photo looks odd for an owl - I want to say it is a whippoorwill or nighthawk, but it's hard to tell from the photo. Nice trip / photos as always. - Jim Owl was the only thing I could think of Jim. Have no idea what it was. Thanks!
4/8/2018 Topic: The Potrero Day Hike tommy750	dsefcik wrote: Love the snake/scorpion photos...sorry I could not join you....lets do another trip soon with an over nighter...I'll bring the marshmallows and Art Bell entertainment.... S'mores! That sounds like a plan.
4/10/2018 Topic: The Potrero Day Hike tommy750	tekewin wrote: Double rattlesnakes! And a scorpion bonus. What a great day. I still have about zero knowledge of native american artifacts, so the shelter with prayer sticks wouldn't have even registered as anything but natural to me. I wonder how many things I've walked by and didn't appreciate. Thanks for the great report. Well, Tekewin, you at the right place! Never paid any attention to cultural stuff till stumbling on this forum a few years back. Kudos to all the posters who expend the time and energy to educate the rest of us.
4/10/2018 Topic: The Potrero Day Hike tommy750	Britain wrote: Nice photos. Second snake didnt look like a red. This is one area I would like to visit. Have noticed that the ticks are pretty active this year. I'm guessing the first snake was a Western Diamondback and the second was a Sidewinder but I though that bird was a burrowing owl so... Not really sure how to tell a Western from a Red since the Western can kind of look a little reddish I hear. Any thoughts? Didn't get any ticks but it was really windy when I got into brush if that matters.
4/10/2018 Topic: The Potrero Day Hike tommy750	rockhopper wrote: Excellent photography Tommy. Those rattlers look healthy. The "Lost" archeology site sound intriguing. Great trip report. thanks for posting. Supposedly there's a lost cave out somewhere in the Sawtooth Mts. Have made four trips so far and found only about three pieces of pottery but had fun doing it. Pretty confident "Plan E" is going to bring success
4/16/2018 Topic: Sunset Mountain tommy750	Great views from up there, Tekewin. Only made it up to the two nearby guzzlers before crapping out a while back. Thanks for posting. Tom
4/18/2018 Topic: The Potrero Day Hike tommy750	Unfortunately, "Plan E" was unsuccessful in finding the lost cave. The Sawtooth Mts are pretty spectacular IMHO though. Was able to photograph a hiker who wished to remain anonymous shortly after discovering an extremely rare glass olla. An exciting moment for sure. Glass Olla by tomteske, on Flickr Overlooking Canebrake. Daren on the Sawtooth Spine by tomteske, on Flickr On the spine of the Sawtooth Mts. Sawtooth Spine Slot by tomteske, on Flickr
4/19/2018 Topic: The Potrero Day Hike tommy750	Britain wrote: Patron good find. I'm still looking for some ! I think Daren, uh, I mean an unknown hiker, has a nose for fine tequila
5/1/2018 Topic: McCain Valley tommy750	Ah yes, the North American Packrat Midden Database. Who hasn't used that? I noticed there's no entries in the NAPMD from our area which is really weird. Here's a couple more pics: Daren above Pepperwood Canyon south of Pepperwood Peak. Daren Above Pepperwood Canyon by tomteske, on Flickr Nice Red Diamond Rattlesnake Daren almost stepped on. Britain, I was trying to figure out the difference between the Red Diamond and Western Diamondback and there appears to be some subtle difference. Think the previous Sawtooth Mt rattlesnake pic you called a Red and I named a Western Diamondback was actually a Red as you said: http://www.californiaherps.com/identification/snakesid/catroxcruber.id.html Red Diamond Rattlesnake by tomteske, on Flickr Red Diamond Rattlesnake2 by tomteske, on Flickr We found a nice seep near some dense foliage which might work in a pinch: Seep by tomteske, on Flickr Nice metate Daren found. Broken Metate by tomteske, on Flickr
5/19/2018 Topic: Sawtooth / Vallecito tommy750	Looks like a nice trip Daren. Trail cam pointed at your campsite all night probably would have made a hilarious video.
5/31/2018 Topic: RHC 4 Day Backpack tommy750	Looks like a great trip, Daren. That birthday note to Andrew or Olaf has me confused.
6/17/2018 Topic: Not enough rangers tommy750	And California only has a $9 billion surplus this year. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
7/8/2018 Topic: 2018 BHS Count Results tommy750	Nice to see water back at Rattlesnake. Great trail cam pics, Daren. So does the park ever place temporary July 4th trail cams at the guzzlers scattered about the Vallecito and Pinyon Mts? That would seem like an easy way to improve on the total park sheep population count. Maybe even a count I could participate in
7/9/2018 Topic: 2018 BHS Count Results tommy750	ziphius wrote: Tommy, I met a park biologist (Jeff Manning) at this year's BHS count check-in. He noted that the park is ramping up the number of trail cameras to be deployed in the park, though he didn't address the BHS count specificially. They hope to eventually have 200+ cameras throughout the park. Jeff was interested in enlisting backcountry travelers into participating in the program (retrieve + replace batteries / SD cards). I can send you his contact info if you want. - Jim I would be interested in volunteering for a program like that. Kudos to you all that spend your 4th out in the heat. Would be willing to help out with the count but have family commitments that make that weekend unavailable.
9/23/2018 Topic: North McCain Valley tommy750	Have been stumbling around McCain Valley in the summer months since it's a tad cooler than the desert floor. Spotted this yesterday a little south of Cottonwood. Hope he makes it out okay. Always a nice vista from up there. Tom IMG_0567 by tomteske, on Flickr Note by tomteske, on Flickr Toward Canebrake by tomteske, on Flickr
9/24/2018 Topic: North McCain Valley tommy750	ziphius wrote: Quite the unexpected landing spot! Agree with you there. Had a pickup and motor home parked next to it on my way out. Amazing all the stuff you can find out if you google the tail number.
9/27/2018 Topic: North McCain Valley tommy750	ziphius wrote: The flight tracker replay map doesn't show the unexpected landing. Looks like he made it back on 9/24/18. This site shows his 9/21/18 route before he did his emergency landing and part of his return with the actual landing and takeoff not show: https://planefinder.net/data/aircraft/N703TK
10/15/2018 Topic: Photo editing software tommy750	No expert, but I've always used Photoshop and Adobe Bridge. Have an old copy of CS5 before PS became subscription. Using RAW has become a speck more annoying since I now have to convert all RAW to DNG in order for Bridge to work. Planned obsolescence perhaps. RAW always gives you more options since you're not stuck starting with whatever jpeg algorithm felt was the best changes to your data. Hope that helps.
10/15/2018 Topic: North McCain Valley tommy750	Pretty hard landing there.
11/26/2018 Topic: Any hurt yourself out hiking? tommy750	Yikes, terrible that happened, Britain. Least you made it out. Have been lugging my Iridium 9555 around for the past ten years and have never needed it for a 911 type call but have never regretted having it. Obviously lots of new devices over that period of time including inReach. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend you carry one of them. Good luck with your recovery. Tom
11/27/2018 Topic: The Potrero Three Day BP tommy750	Had a three day weekend recently and was able to head out to The Potrero with Daren. Was last out with him on a five day Grand Canyon South Rim trip the month before( https://www.flickr.com/photos/tommy750/albums/72157701387945651 ). Ended up being about 34 miles and 8K gain/loss, something strenuous office work does not adequately prepare one for This time we headed out from the equestrian parking lot off S-2 and hiked up canyon to the the circular trough about six miles in. A little exploring via headlamp later that evening. IMG_0337 by tomteske, on Flickr IMG_0871 by tomteske, on Flickr Daren getting his camping essentials organized. Camo Camp by tomteske, on Flickr The next day we headed further up canyon encountering an old mine with surrounding rock walls. It's in the far left of the photo where Daren is looking. Toward The Mine by tomteske, on Flickr Actually looked like an adit with the entrance partially occluded. Adit by tomteske, on Flickr Looking down canyon. Upper Potrero by tomteske, on Flickr Milling near an old spring. Morteros by tomteske, on Flickr Lots of the expected ranching artifacts. IMG_0339 by tomteske, on Flickr Feed Trough by tomteske, on Flickr Tarantula. Tarantula by tomteske, on Flickr This guy was hopping all over camp and acting generally frenetic. You have a name for this guy, Ziphius? Black Headed Bird by tomteske, on Flickr The final day we headed by a site Daren found on a previous trip with four metates and two soda bottles, a Pepsi and Coke. One of Four by tomteske, on Flickr Another mine with rock walls. Mine Wall by tomteske, on Flickr Found this on GE a while back. We both had a hard time finding it on the ground. Looks like an old ranching house. Structure by tomteske, on Flickr Foundation by tomteske, on Flickr Nice bug. Black and Red by tomteske, on Flickr Trying to enter a rock shelter with limited success. IMG_0341 by tomteske, on Flickr Worth the squeeze. IMG_0933 by tomteske, on Flickr IMG_0903 by tomteske, on Flickr We found and/or relocated a number of points. Here's a few. Seeing how these were created and re touched is quite fascinating. Almost tempted to carry a real camera and macro lens with me next time Broken obsidian Cottonwood point. Potrero Point 1 by tomteske, on Flickr Broken tip of a Paleo or Archaic point/dart. Potrero Point 2 by tomteske, on Flickr I'm thinking this point was a nice obsidian Cottonwood that broke and was attempted to be retouched into a Desert Side Notch but abandoned. Potrero Point 3 by tomteske, on Flickr About 21 miles, 2.7K gain/loss and another great time in the desert. Enjoy. Tom (All the pics with a white border are Daren's)
11/29/2018 Topic: The Potrero Three Day BP tommy750	tekewin wrote: Awesome! I think your bug is a velvet ant, a sort of wingless wasp. Supposed to have one of the longest stingers of any insect. The Indian artifacts are sweet. +1 for Jim Beam as a camping essential. You guys have it all figured out. Think you're right Tekewin. And nothing better than a couple swigs after a long day of hiking
12/1/2018 Topic: The Potrero Three Day BP tommy750	Buford wrote: Cool trip. I like all the arrowheads. I have yet to find one mostly intact. Yeah, I think we're about 50-100 years too late to see a lot of intact points out there. Most of the areas with old ranching have been picked pretty clean including Potrero. Even the broken ones are a nice find.
12/2/2018 Topic: The Potrero Three Day BP tommy750	Britain wrote: Have that on my radar. They actually have parking now just south of the runway next to the Troutman Mountain. Looks like a nice pack. Not sure whether that lot allows more than day parking. Only time I was ever over there, the gate that led out to the lot was closed.
12/3/2018 Topic: A return to the red desert tommy750	Nice trip, Buford. Like the Horseshoe Canyon pics. Tom

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