Mojave National Preserve Mountain-Bike Camping 2007
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Mojave National Preserve Mountain-Bike Camping 2007 Day 1: Baker to Indian Springs, Mojave National Preserve
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Mojave National Preserve Mountain-Bike Camping 2007

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I complete my seven-mile climb up Kelbaker Road and reach the junction of Aiken Mine Road and Jackass Canyon Road

I complete my seven-mile climb up Kelbaker Road and reach the junction of Aiken Mine Road and Jackass Canyon Road

Date: December 27, 2007, 15h23

Day 1: Baker to Indian Springs, Mojave National Preserve

Indian Springs is an area of usually dry springs at the end of a short dirt road off Kelbaker Road that I've never gotten around to visiting because it's so close to Baker.

I'm always on my way to destinations further out from Baker, or on my way back to Baker itself, when I pass this area.

18.5 bicycle miles today, climbing slightly from 930 feet elevation at Baker to about 2800 feet at Indian Springs.

Date: December 25, 2007, 10h00
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This side wash near Indian Springs gets narrower

This side wash near Indian Springs gets narrower

I'd really like to keep on walking, but it's time to turn back before it gets too dark.

Date: December 25, 2007, 16h28
I notice a little cave up on the hillside on the way out of the side wash

I notice a little cave up on the hillside on the way out of the side wash

If I weren't running out of time so quickly, I'd climb up the hill and examine this more closely.

Date: December 25, 2007, 16h29
Rock layers in Indian Springs wash

Rock layers in Indian Springs wash

It's one rock texture after another up here in this wash.

Date: December 25, 2007, 16h35
Hillside cactus garden at Indian Springs, Mojave National Preserve

Hillside cactus garden at Indian Springs, Mojave National Preserve

A postcard-perfect image from the edge of the lava flows, catching just the right amount of sunset illumination. Could anything be more perfect for Xmas day?

Date: December 25, 2007, 16h41
Looking back down the Indian Springs wash toward my campsite

Looking back down the Indian Springs wash toward my campsite

Just behind Indian Springs is a hill that harbours "the Shaman' Cave," according to Bill Mann's Mojave Desert guide. I've climbed up the hill, but I don't see the cave.

Date: December 25, 2007, 16h46
Barrel cacti catching the last light of day on the hill above Indian Springs

Barrel cacti catching the last light of day on the hill above Indian Springs

I guess the day is coming to an end...

Date: December 25, 2007, 16h54
The sun sets on me at Indian Springs

The sun sets on me at Indian Springs

I start walking back down the wash to my campsite in near darkness. There's a nice sunset over there somewhere.

Date: December 25, 2007, 16h54
After supper, at 21h50, it's time to start my Indian Springs Xmas campfire

After supper, at 21h50, it's time to start my Indian Springs Xmas campfire

It's getting a bit late, but I'm cold, and the campfire heat will feel good--if my junk wood isn't too damp to burn, that is.

Date: December 25, 2007, 21h49
Woohoo, the fire is starting to burn!

Woohoo, the fire is starting to burn!

Some of the old newspaper left here was a bit moist and looked like it might not burn enough to get the fire going.

Date: December 25, 2007, 21h49
Trying to warm up in front of the fire

Trying to warm up in front of the fire

Since this is the first night of my trip, I'm not yet acclimated to being out in the cold for an entire evening. An awesome full moon is rising above the horizon to light up my surroundings and further entertain me.

Date: December 25, 2007, 22h02
I add another piece of junk plywood to the fire

I add another piece of junk plywood to the fire

I have several more large pieces of plywood remaining, but I'll just add this one and see how it burns. It's close to bedtime and I don't need the fire to get too big and last all night long.

Date: December 25, 2007, 22h06
The fire is burning nicely, but it's getting late, so I'm thinking about letting it die down and retreating to my tent

The fire is burning nicely, but it's getting late, so I'm thinking about letting it die down and retreating to my tent

My unexpected Xmas campfire has been a success, and I'm hoping that my first night sleeping in the cold won't be too arduous.

Date: December 25, 2007, 22h07
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Other bicycle camping trips on drycyclist.com:
  • Mojave National Preserve Lanfair Valley Loop Bicycle Camping, Fall 2012 (8 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Hiking and Bikepacking, Spring 2012 (15 days)
  • Cady Mountains, Sleeping Beauty and Kelso Dunes Wilderness Bicycle Camping, Fall 2011 (8 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve and Area Hiking and Bikepacking, Spring 2011 (15 days)
  • Route 66 and Kelso Dunes Wilderness Bikepacking, Fall 2010 (eight days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bikepacking and Hiking, Spring 2010 (14 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping and Hiking, Fall 2009 (eight days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping and Hiking, Spring 2009 (16 days)
  • Henry Coe State Park Bikepacking 2008 (eight days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Mountain-Bike Camping and Day Hikes 2008 (two weeks)
  • Henry Coe State Park Mountain-Bike Camping 2007 (eight nights)
  • Death Valley Bicycle Camping 2007 (two weeks)
  • Henry Coe State Park Bicycle Camping 2006 (four nights)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping 2006 (two weeks)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping 2000 (11 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping 1999 (one week)
Contact mojave2007 at priss dot org