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.
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Date: December 25, 2007, 10h00
Size: 37 items
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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
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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
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Rock layers in Indian Springs wash
It's one rock texture after another up here in this wash.
Date: December 25, 2007, 16h35
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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