Not going to write the obvious prickly comment...oops, gone and done it again.
Some aches and pains preceded the second outing, a tough one, on our first big day of hiking. Larger aches and pain proceeded the completion of the hike. We think that's where the saying 'familiarity breeds contempt' arose. We had arrived in Salton Sea, situate at an altitude of some 332 feet below sea level, on a Monday afternoon. While it’s not the least point on earth, it’s still down there with some of the lowest. Of course, we don’t mean ‘low-lifes', obviously.
We stayed at a motel that promised more than it delivered. When we arrived, we saw a guy watering the sand. That should have been our first clue as to what we could expect. We exchanged greetings with Gary who appeared to be, and still is, a nice guy. He looked former military which was positive as we generally like people with that sort of history. (continues at the end...)
Gaining height and perspective in the Santa Rosa mountains.
Our destination to the left. Heavy clouding in a desert?
Burning up the long climb, Jen behind the ocotillo. (Our car can be seen middle-right).
The desert floor, quite splendid from height.
Celia Levy 'guides' us on an excursion through the desert gardens.
While Jenni pushes up at a blistering pace...
It's left to the 'hero' to conserve energy for later...team is grateful for the sacrifice.
Feeling guilty as all heck, he heads up. The angle of ascent is apparent (could be construed as boasting).
Another delightful sight on an overcast day...delightful for hiking.
She keeps going and he tires just watching.
When he's not resting/sleeping, he usually whines...terrific company.
Heading back home, she'll collect the 'hero' on the way down. The ocotillos are all bare but for razor-sharp thorns/spikes.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Salton Sea: 'One (and its reflection) flew over the seagulls' nest'.
After we had settled the account in cash (Gary told us to bring notes), he asked what we were doing in the region. We mentioned hiking. He responded with a movement of fingers indicating the options of level or ascending. We replied the latter. He withdrew a map from his drawer and then attempted to provide us a couple of suggestions with explicit directions. We were appreciative. It meant we did not have to spend the next day swimming across the vast expanse of water filled with too much salt, dead fish and an editor in tow. Dead fish would have been okay.
That night we verified the suggested hikes on the internet. Rabbit’s peak has only a cumulative elevation gain of 8,300 feet over 21 miles, allowing 18 hours return. A mere walk in the park…desert. The editor was going to have to make a cogent argument for undertaking the hike/climb/insanity. Because we were not prepared for it or even for the shorter Villager climb of a mere 5,200 feet over more than 13 miles return, we settled on a 6-hour hike. It makes sense to do these hikes over at least two days, the former even longer. One needs a tent, sleeping bags, a heater in winter and a prepared mental attitude. All we had was the editor’s hot water bottle. We settled on hiking out for at least three hours to reach 3,400 feet, and 10.5 miles return, something we accomplished. It was a great hike. In fact, they don’t get much better. We must have reached 7 false peaks as we made our way up stony/sandy paths, around cactus plants and trees, over rocks and some boulders, always surrounded by massive mountains and with eye-opening views of the desert below. Remarkable. The cactus plants, as attractive as they are, require one to be aware of those spikes at all times.
The morning following the outstanding hike, we spent at the sea and later, hobbled into Gary’s office to offer our farewells. He gave us further advice on where and what to visit. Jen and I looked at each other, trying not to wink, because the day before, Gary had given us wrong information to reach the trailhead. In fact, we had ascertained the correct route and directions. However, how could we not follow his indications which he gave with confidence and local knowledge? After all, he lives in the area and provides information to guests as well keeps the sand watered. It added forty minutes to the journey because of the error. No sweat, it was worth it.
Once again, he showed much confidence in steering us toward a vantage point that made much sense for the promised views . We traveled through a box canyon; it was outstanding, a unique experience. However, as we had half-expected, we never reached the suggested destination. As diligently as we searched, it was not meant to be. Fortunately, the climb in the Santa Rosa Mountains was enough to carry the momentum for at least two days. It’s hard to beat the experience we endured and enjoyed.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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