|
| | | |
| |
|
| Hiking | 10.00 Miles |
1,750 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.00 Miles | 7 Hrs 30 Mns | | 1.48 mph |
|
|
| 1,750 ft AEG | 45 Mns Break | 10 LBS Pack | |
|
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | My long awaited winter trip to the Barry Goldwater. I've been looking forward to returning since April. Roads are in excellent shape with only deep sand in a few spots, otherwise easy access. Being over the Christmas Holiday Weekend, there was no Military activity.
Buck was similar to Cabeza HP last year around this time. I camped at the same spot, but arrived at 8 PM. I also left right after the hike. Long winter nights are boring to just sit alone out here. The hiking on 708 was easy, I probably wouldn't return around the mountain again, but that was okay once. However, I wanted shade as it was hot today and I wanted to see what Buck Tank looked like. It was dry.
Personally, if only a peak bagger, return to the south or attempt from the F-10 area.
The desert is dry, very dry. Nothing like last winter here, or a week ago in the Rainbow Valley. I do not believe there has been measurable rain since March. The sand here is rather coarse, so there is no serious dust issue. There was very little life as a result of the drought. Only a few birds in the desert, woodpeckers I think, a hummingbird which buzzed me on the ridge, and some ravens over the valley I saw from the peak. I did spot one Bighorn Ram as it ran away from me up and over a small ridge on my way to the McMillan Mine. He seemed to be alone.
McMillan Mine was nothing that excites me. Smelled dusty and there was a lot of animal scat at the entrance. A sign from the refuge has it "closed", but there is no barrier. The shaft is about 4 feet high, so I had no interest in entering.
Buck Peak Tank was a place I hoped might have water for animals. It was bone dry. 8 feet deep and empty. I wonder if it was last spring after the abundant rains? There are what look like very impressive granite cliffs located high above the tank which would be interesting to explore, but I didn't have time.
Because of the short days, the long drive, the all day hiking, and the vast distances to get here, the trip felt rushed, but I enjoyed myself. I do wish there was another tap the same as there is a Tule Well, but this isn't on the Camino. Last, I went in a waxing moon nearing full status, so the stars were not great. Normally, there are plenty. It was not cold at night, though.
For those inclined to youtoob: [ youtube video ] |
| _____________________
| Let's go Brandon!!!!! Let's go Brandon!!!! |
| | |
|
|
|
Route Editor
Route Scout
