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More Desert stuff

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 9:30 pm
by rufrdr
Ok, you guys asked for it...so don't complain now!

These are shots from the Mojave Road, a desert track that goes from the Colorado river to near Barstow CA. It is on federal land and used to be open to pretty much anything you wanted to do as long as it didn't break any laws. Our benevolent government saw fit to turn it into a preserve so now travel through here is fairly regulated. No shooting for instance and camping only in designated areas. The general area has seen mining and homesteading over the years and the remains of these endevors still exist. The road itself isn't too difficult, any high clearance vehicle can make it except for the stretch across Soda lake which is dry most of the year, but when it isn't it is like gumbo. I have done the trip 3 times, the first time in the early 90s in my little Suzuki Samarui towing a trailer, most recently in th Wrangler with air conditioning and satellite radio. My increasing age and wisdom requires more creature comforts!

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Crossing Soda lake in `1991 and some of the group was having a bit of trouble making it.

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Crossing Soda Lake in 2010. A lot more dry this time!

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My daughter and I on the road. She is 30 now!

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Me, almost 20 years later attempting to see what is waiting ahead on the trail for us.

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[imghttp://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff237/smle-man/mojaveroad509049.jpg][/img]
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In 1991 the Suzuki handled Soda lake just fine.
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If you want to read more about the Mojave road, check out this blog (not mine) for more info and pictures.
http://mojaveroad.blogspot.com/

Re: More Desert stuff

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 9:45 pm
by 20series
Truly stunning scenery, you are a lucky man :good:

Alan

Re: More Desert stuff

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 10:10 pm
by rufrdr
Another trip with a friend through a canyon. It was a pretty tight squeeze in some places!

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A mysterious C130 in unknown markings that buzzed overhead at low altitude on this trip. It may have been flying out of Edwards AFB nearby where strange things sometimes go on. I was driving on a dirt road on the perimeter of the base once and spotted a B2 on approach to the base with gear down. What a sight!

Re: More Desert stuff

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 10:11 pm
by Tower75
What beautiful country. :o :shock:

Jealous

Re: More Desert stuff

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 7:07 am
by ovenpaa
Amazing, I could look at pictures of Mojave all day. :good:

Re: More Desert stuff

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 9:03 am
by Chuck
magic, great scenery and heat. Is that wee cottage for sale..how much....

Re: More Desert stuff

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 2:14 pm
by 25Pdr
Hey Rufrdr,
Thanks for posting these great Pictures. The Wife and I have toured California and surrounding areas many times, we love the place. So much to do and see, recommend it to anyone.

Loved the drive south from Las Vegas on the 93/95 heading for San Diego through Kingman,Lake Havasu (London Bridge), Yuma. So peacfull and deserted, unlike our UK Roads.

A few Photos from 2002.

Lake Tahoe Area
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Las Vegas
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Lake Havasu London Bridge
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Hoover Dam
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San Diego
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Yosemite Park
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Long Beach LA
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San Francisco
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Re: More Desert stuff

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 4:06 pm
by Mike357
Great photos. West coast of US is an awesome place.

Re: More Desert stuff

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 4:31 pm
by rufrdr
Great photos! It is embarrasing for me to say that after 22 years of living in California I have not been to Lake Tahoe. When you visited the Queen Mary was the Spruce Goose in the dome next to it? That was an amazing plane to see! My wife and I and two of our kids are going with friends to Death Valley in February for the first time. Another place that we've missed out visiting all of these years.

Glad you enjoyed your visit to the U.S.

Re: More Desert stuff

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 8:55 pm
by 25Pdr
Hi Rufrdr,
No, didn't see the Spruce Goose, the first time I went to Long Beach was 1995, I believe the Spruce Goose was removed in 1993.

Keep your Photos coming, we like them. Liked the one on your Blog teaching your young son to shoot.

BTW If you are going to Lake Tahoe in the winter, take either snow chains or snow tyres. I had to purchase snow chains for the rented car, mandatory..... :o

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