I step outside into the bright sun of a chilly morning at Devil's Playground
I'm up early today (for me) in order to get to Kelso Depot before it closes, in the hope that they sell batteries, which I need.
Date: December 29, 2007, 08h20
I'm up early today (for me) in order to get to Kelso Depot before it closes, in the hope that they sell batteries, which I need.
It was cold again overnight, but no ice in the water bottles this morning. I first woke up at 6h, but managed to fall back asleep until after 8h.
I'm glad to see the sunshine again. The sun makes the tent almost warm inside, but I'm still wearing my hat, scarf, winter coat and long underwear at this early hour.
It was cold again overnight, but no ice in the water bottles this morning. I first woke up at 6h, but managed to fall back asleep until after 8h.
I'm glad to see the sunshine again. The sun makes the tent almost warm inside, but I'm still wearing my hat, scarf, winter coat and long underwear at this early hour.
It's time to dismantle the tent and pack up the bike, while making and drinking coffee
I also eat my usual camp breakfast of tamari almonds, dried apricots and granola. I'm also having a few strips of beef jerky this morning.
Date: December 29, 2007, 09h14
I also eat my usual camp breakfast of tamari almonds, dried apricots and granola. I'm also having a few strips of beef jerky this morning.
Many of these flat primroses dot the sand around my campsite, but this is the only one that's flowering
I'm not sure if it's because I'm too early or too late in their flowering season.
Date: December 29, 2007, 22h47
I'm not sure if it's because I'm too early or too late in their flowering season.
The 10-ton bike packed to go, I start the trek back up Jackass Canyon toward Kelbaker Road
I have some ancient pavement here for traction, but within a mile I'll be hike-a-biking up the sandy wash. The more I look at rocky Old Dad Mountain in front of me, the more I think I'd like to explore it one day.
Date: December 29, 2007, 10h55
I have some ancient pavement here for traction, but within a mile I'll be hike-a-biking up the sandy wash.
The more I look at rocky Old Dad Mountain in front of me, the more I think I'd like to explore it one day. It's in an official Wilderness area, but there is a non-Wilderness road open to vehicles leading into that area not to far from here off Devil's Playground.
The more I look at rocky Old Dad Mountain in front of me, the more I think I'd like to explore it one day. It's in an official Wilderness area, but there is a non-Wilderness road open to vehicles leading into that area not to far from here off Devil's Playground.
Heading up Jackass Canyon Road, I see a car coming toward me!
This is a surprise because I haven't seen a soul since leaving the pavement of Kelbaker Road two days ago. As the car approaches, I see that it sports government license plates. The driver waves at me as he passes.
Date: December 29, 2007, 11h11
This is a surprise because I haven't seen a soul since leaving the pavement of Kelbaker Road two days ago. As the car approaches, I see that it sports government license plates. The driver waves at me as he passes.
As I'm drawn into the canyon ahead, I look back to Devil's Playground one last time and say goodbye
I've enjoyed visiting Devil's Playground and am glad that I finally got to explore this area. It's a bit chilly, but I'm sweating already and have taken off my sweater, deciding that it's T-shirt weather.
Date: December 29, 2007, 11h30
I've enjoyed visiting Devil's Playground and am glad that I finally got to explore this area. It's a bit chilly, but I'm sweating already and have taken off my sweater, deciding that it's T-shirt weather.
Gravel on lower Jackass Canyon Road
This looks like I should be able to ride it, but the fine kitty litter beneath it makes it hard to get any traction, so I'm hike-a-biking now.
Date: December 29, 2007, 11h44
This looks like I should be able to ride it, but the fine kitty litter beneath it makes it hard to get any traction, so I'm hike-a-biking now.
These plants are quite abundant here in the wash
This plant seems at the end of its flowering season. A slightly sweet scent is exuding from something here and I wonder if it's this plant.
Date: December 29, 2007, 11h48
This plant seems at the end of its flowering season. A slightly sweet scent is exuding from something here and I wonder if it's this plant.
Looking back down Jackass Canyon Road as I walk the bike up the gentle grade
I'm spending a lot of time looking back because it was dark on my way down this part of the road two days ago and I missed out on the views.
Date: December 29, 2007, 11h54
I'm spending a lot of time looking back because it was dark on my way down this part of the road two days ago and I missed out on the views.
Hike-a-biking through sand on the way up Jackass Canyon Road
Since I knew I'd be hike-a-biking a few miles up this road today, I'm enjoying it, instead of seeing it as an inconvenience.
Date: December 29, 2007, 12h00
Since I knew I'd be hike-a-biking a few miles up this road today, I'm enjoying it, instead of seeing it as an inconvenience.
On the other hand, I didn't enjoy walking the bike through this sand on the way down because I didn't know bad the road is, and hadn't factored the slow-down into my schedule.
On the other hand, I didn't enjoy walking the bike through this sand on the way down because I didn't know bad the road is, and hadn't factored the slow-down into my schedule.
I pass by an area of subtly colourful hills
Different tints colour each layer of earth visible in these hills, ranging from grey to green to golden to rust. The vegetation dotting each layer provides varying styles of cover that accentuate the changing soil composition.
Date: December 29, 2007, 12h03
Different tints colour each layer of earth visible in these hills, ranging from grey to green to golden to rust. The vegetation dotting each layer provides varying styles of cover that accentuate the changing soil composition.
To get out of the sandy wash, I opt for a "high road" that looks like a short bypass
I'm in the area where I was two nights ago when it got dark. I may have ridden this short high segment on the way down to avoid some of the sand.
Date: December 29, 2007, 12h32
I'm in the area where I was two nights ago when it got dark. I may have ridden this short high segment on the way down to avoid some of the sand.
I pass a short-cut up over Rocky Ridge that follows the power lines to the ridge top where I'm going
I've seen this Rocky Ridge "short-cut" on my maps, but its hills look quite steep. I'll stay on the longer, but easier, branch of Jackass Canyon Road that I followed on the way down, and which veers away from the power lines.
Date: December 29, 2007, 12h49
I've seen this Rocky Ridge "short-cut" on my maps, but its hills look quite steep.
I'll stay on the longer, but easier, branch of Jackass Canyon Road that I followed on the way down, and which veers away from the power lines for a while.
I'll stay on the longer, but easier, branch of Jackass Canyon Road that I followed on the way down, and which veers away from the power lines for a while.
My miles of walking the bike through kitty litter come to an end when Jackass Canyon Road rises out of the wash
I'm able to get on the bike again and pedal my way the rest of the distance up the gradual hill.
Date: December 29, 2007, 12h54
I'm able to get on the bike again and pedal my way the rest of the distance up the gradual hill.
Looking at the final few hundred feet of elevation gain in front of me on the main Jackass Canyon Road climb
With temperatures in the high 50s, abundant sunshine, and me pedalling uphill and sweating a bit, I'm still quite comfortable just wearing my cotton t-shirt on this winter day in the Mojave Desert.
Date: December 29, 2007, 12h58
With temperatures in the high 50s, abundant sunshine, and me pedalling uphill and sweating a bit, I'm still quite comfortable just wearing my cotton t-shirt on this winter day in the Mojave Desert.
A happy-Mother's-Day balloon rests deflated near the road
This is the third escapee balloon that I've come across in a remote area on this trip. After your next celebration that includes balloons, try following them to see where they end up when they blow away!
Date: December 29, 2007, 13h47
This is the third escapee balloon that I've come across in a remote area on this trip. After your next celebration that includes balloons, try following them to see where they end up when they blow away!
Excellent views of the cinder-cone landscape from the road that links upper Jackass Canyon Road back to the power-line road
I haven't previously been on this short (1.5 mile) road that rises from 3200 to 3600 feet, I've decided to try it rather than returning to Kelbaker Road for the finale of today's climb.
Date: December 29, 2008, 13h46
I haven't previously been on this short (1.5 mile) road that rises from 3200 to 3600 feet, I've decided to try it rather than returning to Kelbaker Road for the finale of today's climb.
Despite old residual pavement on this road, surface sand and gravel makes it impossible to ride up the gentle slope
I don't mind a bit more pushing the bike now, after all I've already done today. The scenery is great and the ridgetop (the power-line road) is not too far ahead.
Date: December 29, 2007, 13h47
I don't mind a bit more pushing the bike now, after all I've already done today. The scenery is great and the ridgetop (the power-line road) is not too far ahead.
Proud power-line boy reaches the de facto crest of his climb for the day
Actually, this power-line road will rise another 200 feet before reaching Kelbaker Road some three miles further, after which it will be downhill to the Kelso Depot visitor centre.
Date: December 29, 2007, 13h55
Actually, this power-line road will rise another 200 feet before reaching Kelbaker Road some three miles further, after which it will be downhill to the Kelso Depot visitor centre.
The power-line road crosses Kelbaker Road and I get back on pavement here
If I would continue on this power-line road, I'd reach remote Marl Springs after seven more miles. I visited Marl Springs on my 2006 trip out here; it has water and w
Date: December 29, 2007, 14h29
If I would continue on this power-line road, I'd reach remote Marl Springs after seven more miles. I visited Marl Springs on my 2006 trip out here; it has water and was a possible destination on this trip as well.
I start the 12-mile downhill to Kelso Depot after a short break to eat a Clif bar and put on my sweater and windbreaker
Ah yes, I remember this rutted patchwork pavement... My descent is from 3800 feet to about 2100 feet.
Date: December 29, 2007, 14h46
Ah yes, I remember this rutted patchwork pavement... My descent is from 3800 feet to about 2100 feet.
Most of this Kelbaker Road descent is fairly gradual as it drops into the Kelso Valley
I have a strong headwind and barely exceed 20 mph even though I'm heading downhill. The Providence Mountains offer a dramatic backdrop as Kelbaker Road rolls over several humps on the way down.
Date: December 29, 2007, 14h56
I have a strong headwind and barely exceed 20 mph even though I'm heading downhill.
The Providence Mountains offer a dramatic backdrop as Kelbaker Road rolls over several humps on the way down.
The Providence Mountains offer a dramatic backdrop as Kelbaker Road rolls over several humps on the way down.
Once in Kelso Valley, the silo near Kelso Depot comes into view
The last few miles of Kelbaker Road before reaching Kelso Depot are almost level, rather than downhill.
Date: December 29, 2007, 15h29
The last few miles of Kelbaker Road before reaching Kelso Depot are almost level, rather than downhill.
At Kelso Depot, I'm happy to learn that they do sell AA batteries, and I chat with Preseve staff
After discussing a few options with helpful Preserve staff, I decide to ride to Kelso Dunes and camp there tonight so I can hike the dunes tomorrow.
Date: December 29, 2007, 16h09
After discussing a few options with helpful Preserve staff, I decide to ride to Kelso Dunes and camp there tonight so I can hike the dunes tomorrow.
I've never gotten around to hiking up Kelso Dunes though I've passed them on previous trips out here. This trip is my chance to finally do it.
Before leaving, I buy several packages of AA batteries to power my camera and my tent's flashlight lantern a couple of days (they both use a lot of batteries).
I've never gotten around to hiking up Kelso Dunes though I've passed them on previous trips out here. This trip is my chance to finally do it.
Before leaving, I buy several packages of AA batteries to power my camera and my tent's flashlight lantern a couple of days (they both use a lot of batteries).
It's a race against time as I ride up Kelbaker Road toward Kelso Dunes
It will be dark before I reach Kelso Dunes, which is OK, but I'd like to be off fast, semi-busy Kelbaker Road before it gets dark--not likely. I have eight miles and 700 feet of elevation gain before I will leave pavement.
Date: December 29, 2007, 16h26
It will be dark before I reach Kelso Dunes, which is OK, but I'd like to be off fast, semi-busy Kelbaker Road before it gets dark--not likely. I have eight miles and 700 feet of elevation gain before I will leave pavement.
Getting darker as I climb Kelbaker Road toward Kelso Dunes Road
I'm doing well at climbing the eight miles and 700 feet of elevation gain from Kelso Depot to Kelso Dunes Road, but I still have a few miles to go.
Date: December 29, 2007, 16h40
I'm doing well at climbing the eight miles and 700 feet of elevation gain from Kelso Depot to Kelso Dunes Road, but I still have a few miles to go.
I'm just a couple of miles from Kelso Dunes Road
I've done this ride before, and the last couple of miles toward the Granite Mountains can go quite slowly.
Date: December 29, 2007, 16h41
I've done this ride before, and the last couple of miles toward the Granite Mountains can go quite slowly.
My race against time is over when I reach the gravel of Kelso Dunes Road and head toward the camping area at the end of the road
A car leaving the dunes is heading toward me, but besides that, there's no other traffic. I select a random campsite near the cul-de-sac at the end of the road.
Date: December 29, 2007, 17h15
A car leaving the dunes is heading toward me, but besides that, there's no other traffic on this road.
As I near the end of the gravel road almost four miles down, I pass a well-lit campsite and the two people there shout "hello" at me.
I select a random spot for my tent near the cul-de-sac at the end of the road, almost the same spot where I camped during my Spring 2006 trip. My cell phone has a signal here (just barely), so I call a friend and then settle in for another instant backpacker meal (Backpacker's Pantry Kathmandu Curry; very good).
At 37 miles and significant hike-a-biking out of Jackass Canyon, I have a few tired muscles to relax, but I'm surprised how relatively easy the day's trip was.
Continue to Day 6: Late-morning hike up Kelso Dunes.
As I near the end of the gravel road almost four miles down, I pass a well-lit campsite and the two people there shout "hello" at me.
I select a random spot for my tent near the cul-de-sac at the end of the road, almost the same spot where I camped during my Spring 2006 trip. My cell phone has a signal here (just barely), so I call a friend and then settle in for another instant backpacker meal (Backpacker's Pantry Kathmandu Curry; very good).
At 37 miles and significant hike-a-biking out of Jackass Canyon, I have a few tired muscles to relax, but I'm surprised how relatively easy the day's trip was.
Continue to Day 6: Late-morning hike up Kelso Dunes.