Day 2: Hike beyond Indian Springs toward Cane Spring, returning cross-country via Eyeball Rock in an unnamed wash, 7-8 miles
With the unexpected luxury of drinking water here at Indian Springs, I'll stay an extra day and explore on foot some of the wash and lava-flow areas up toward Cane Spring. No bicycling today.
I don't have a set destination for today's hike other than heading up the wash, which makes it that much more interesting.
|
Date: December 26, 2007, 12h00
Size: 53 items
|
|
I feel like taking a different route back to camp, instead of returning the same way I came
I'm in fairly remote territory now; I haven't seen any human footprints for a while. I have almost two hours of daylight left.
Date: December 26, 2007, 15h12
|
I start walking up the low ridge to the west of me to get an overview of the area
On the way up, I discover more bones, apparently an animal's spine.
Date: December 26, 2007, 15h15
|
At the top of this low ridge, I contemplate my next steps
I find that there is a series of low ridges with gullies between them. I'm looking for the easiest route over to the next hump.
Date: December 26, 2007, 15h18
|
|
Behind me is one of the cinder cones for which this area is well-known
I can see a faint road winding up the side of the cinder cone. Perhaps it leads to one of the old cinder-cone mines; I haven't explored that area.
Date: December 26, 2007, 15h27
|
Further along atop the next hump
Looking back down toward the Indian Springs wash that I just ascended; nice view.
Date: December 26, 2007, 15h30
|
Looking to the northwest, I can see another wash that looks like it drains toward Indian Springs
I'll head along the ridges here a bit more and then perhaps descend toward that wash to get back to camp.
Date: December 26, 2007, 15h32
|
|
I'm partially descending the back (south) side of the ridge to avoid the cold wind on the ridgetop
This takes me out of my way a bit, but it may facilitate reaching my targeted wash, or at least figuring out where I am.
Date: December 26, 2007, 15h32
|
Heading back up to the ridgetop for a moment
I'm trying to keep track of what's on the Indian Springs side of the ridge as much as possible.
Date: December 26, 2007, 15h37
|
Great views across to Soda Lake from the ridgetop
But I'm not yet seeing a good spot for descending back down toward Indian Springs Road.
Date: December 26, 2007, 15h39
|
|
So it's down the back side of the ridge again for a short distance to avoid the wind
Now I'm not sure what the best route is; I guess I'll just keep going until I find it.
Date: December 26, 2007, 15h49
|
I keep seeing these diminutive buckwheat-like plants
Their reddish-pink blossoms are small enough that that they can be passed unnoticed, yet they look quite bright if you actually take the time to look directly at them.
Date: December 26, 2007, 15h39
|
OK, back up the hill a little again
I think I need to walk over that next saddle behind me to get my bearings.
Date: December 26, 2007, 15h52
|
|
