Slaughterhouse Spring hills and old Ivanpah railway bed hike: Day 2
My energy is low again today, but the Slaughterhouse Spring canyon makes for an inspiring day hike. I had hoped to hike this canyon during my May 2012 trip. 13.8 hiking miles and about 1500 feet of elevation gain (and loss). I see no other people today.
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Date: November 19, 2012, 10h14
Size: 59 items
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Nice, almost warm morning near Slaughterhouse Spring; I wake up baking in my tent around 8h30
I'm surprised at the expiring Desert senna flowers here and there; I didn't realize they can bloom in autumn. My energy is still a bit low this morning, but I head out on today's hike after breakfast anyway.
Date: November 19, 2012, 10h14
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My first stop of the day is to see see what's at Slaughterhouse Spring
I haven't been here before. I've heard that there's no water available here, so I'm not expecting any.
Date: November 19, 2012, 10h34
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Slaughterhouse Spring, Mojave National Preserve
As I expected, there's not much water here. But there is a little, perfect for use in case of an emergency!
Date: November 19, 2012, 10h36
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It was fun checking out Slaughterhouse Spring; time to continue up the old road on today's hike
The old road passes through a gate as it leaves the area.
Date: November 19, 2012, 10h40
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I pass a few buckwheat blossoms along the old road near Slaughterhouse Spring
They look fairly fresh, and I'm not expecting to see that out here at this time of year. A result of the recent big rains in the area?
Date: November 19, 2012, 10h50
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Looking back behind me, I have a view of the old Goldome mine buildings off in the distance on the other side of Ivanpah Rd
I take note of the Bathtub Spring Peaks above it all, where I hiked in May 2011.
Date: November 19, 2012, 10h58
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The old road here that serves as part of today's hiking route rolls up and down, and is rocky in places
A view of the New York Mountains peaks entertains me as I continue ahead. I quickly realize that I'd like to camp out in this area.
Date: November 19, 2012, 11h10
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Nice views down to Ivanpah Valley behind me as I hike up the old road
Down in the distance is Primm, Nevada, where I started the night before last after getting dropped off by the Amtrak bus.
Date: November 19, 2012, 11h21
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I run across some ruins on the way toward the canyon
An old corral? An outbuilding?
Date: November 19, 2012, 11h33
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I think these old flowerheads in the wash are from last season's Cliff roses
I'm almost at the end of the dead-end road here, and there are even a few human footprints here in addition to the tire tracks.
Date: November 19, 2012, 11h40
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Rock piles along the wash attract my attention
In particular, I notice the etching-like horizontal lines in one rock at centre-left. Hmmm. A pinon pine grows on top of the rock pile.
Date: November 19, 2012, 11h46
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At the bottom of this pile of rocks is what I call the flat-foot rock toes
... or maybe it's knuckles on a fat hand?
Date: November 19, 2012, 12h19
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I enter the canyon, and some of it is really narrow, at least at first
Cool and damp in the shady areas populated with small willow trees. It's a hidden world back here with no human footprints. What else is to come?
Date: November 19, 2012, 12h29
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I encounter a small dry waterfall in the canyon
Will there be more of these? Maybe!
Date: November 19, 2012, 12h29
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A narrow spot in the canyon, with willows growing in the canyon floor
This keeps getting more interesting.
Date: November 19, 2012, 12h37
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