Cave Spring hike, Mojave National Preserve: Day 13
It's another hot day (102 degrees F today at nearby Cima), so I take it slowly. I don't know what to expect in the Cave Spring area, and it turns out to be an excellent short hike. 4.7 hiking miles, plus 17.6 bicycle miles.
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Date: June 01, 2012, 10h07
Size: 47 items
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A cow is near my tent this morning; I shoo it away before leaving for the day on today's hike in the Cave Spring area
The hot sun had me up early this morning, but I managed to get a bit more sleep before finally getting up around 7h30. I hope this cow doesn't get too curious abuot my campsite while I'm gone for the day!
Date: June 01, 2012, 10h07
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I arrive at the Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Centre after 5.5 bicycle miles, 3 cups of coffee and granola breakfast
Another hot day, high of 102F at nearby Cima, so I'm taking it slow. I slept well last night, perhaps because I ate a lot of granola after not being able to fall asleep at first.
Date: June 01, 2012, 12h12
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I recharge my phone and headlight battery from the outdoor plug at the Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Centre, which is closed today
The adjacent campground is almost empty in today's heat, and there's nobody around. I eat a 1/2 pound packet of Vietnamese deer jerky, generously seasoned with lemongrass, sesame and chili. I was only going to eat a few pieces, but I can't stop.
Date: June 01, 2012, 12h14
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My cell phone recharged to 65%, I ride the 3+ miles down Black Canyon Road to the Cave Spring area to start today's short hike
The hot air blowing against me feels good, even though it's roasting me lightly.
Date: June 01, 2012, 12h25
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There it is, the old road leading to Cave Spring, closed by a couple of Wilderness markers; I stash my bike behind some bushes
I've passed by here several times over the years and never noticed this old road because I wasn't looking for it. I like the feeling of discovering something that has actually been here for decades. That sweet orange-like smell is catclaw blossoms.
Date: June 01, 2012, 12h47
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The old road to Cave Spring is easy to lose at first, but I eventually find it and follow it up a gentle hill
The old road hasn't been used in a long time and is washed-out in places. That looks like a water tank up there...
Date: June 01, 2012, 13h05
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This old water tank on Cave Spring Road is dry and shot-up, but has great views over to the Woods Mountains
There's flat-topped Table Mountain in the background, where I hiked yesterday, and Black Canyon Road in the middleground. My tent is behind those mountains.
Date: June 01, 2012, 13h09
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There are so few flowers on this hot late-spring trip that a few expiring Desert senna flowers here are an exciting find
Desert senna flowers sometimes give off a sweet scent, but I think it's too late in the season this year for that.
Date: June 01, 2012, 13h13
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I see a bit of greenery over there; that must be Cave Spring
Onward go the feet! Anything bright-green in the desert is worth checking out.
Date: June 01, 2012, 13h26
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Yes, Cave Spring, Mojave National Preserve, just ahead
Will there be water here?
Date: June 01, 2012, 13h33
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I arrive at Cave Spring, Mojave National Preserve and take a look at the water tank
I thought this might be another dry spring, so I'm surprised to see that it's a bonafide spring for cattle.
Date: June 01, 2012, 13h36
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Apparently, water has flowed over this rock at Cave Spring for a very long time
It's so smooth.
Date: June 01, 2012, 13h37
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I think I'll walk over to that rock outcrop over there and see what I find...
I passed by there on my way here and saw some interesting features.
Date: June 01, 2012, 14h06
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I stumble across some cool rock igloos in the Cave Spring area
Why have I never heard anything about this place before?
Date: June 01, 2012, 14h22
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Cave Spring rock igloos
Date: June 01, 2012, 14h24
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