Clark Valley re-visited

[NEJ]

I got an early start (9:07) Friday and was in Clark valley by 11:30. My campsite of two weeks ago was blocked by a group of dirt bikers who had settled in where the road turns off. I had no inclination to camp nearby and went instead to a site I had used a year ago after Christmas. It was close (1/2 mile) but the dirt bikers were out of sight over a small alluvial berm and I was on familiar territory.

After setting up camp, Gunner and I went on a short hike. There is this "private property" nearby which I have been wanting to check out since last year. Of course, everything is still in the State Park, but there are "in-holdings." Whether this was one or not may be indeterminable.

What intrigued me was a site another two hundred feet away with this antenna-like mast and curious boxes of "stuff." Illegal alien rescue station? I am still up in the air on that one.

Made an excellent dinner---the first time I tried this dish in a burner-top Dutch oven---but it was great!

Saturday morning was 30 degrees and cloudy. By 10:00 it was 38 and cloudy looking nastier by the minute. I said to myself, "Self, you could be at the cabin with the heat on watching the USC game on the high-def theater at kick-off---12:30.

I was right.

A little dusting last night in Idyllwild but I still totally enjoyed my time at Clark Valley. Here are the photo's.

NJ

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3563.jpg?t=1260142091 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3563.jpg?t=1260142091)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3565.jpg?t=1260142113 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3565.jpg?t=1260142113)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3567.jpg?t=1260142136 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3567.jpg?t=1260142136)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3569.jpg?t=1260142161 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3569.jpg?t=1260142161)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3571.jpg?t=1260142181 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3571.jpg?t=1260142181)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3572.jpg?t=1260142200 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3572.jpg?t=1260142200)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3573.jpg?t=1260142215 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3573.jpg?t=1260142215)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3574.jpg?t=1260142230 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3574.jpg?t=1260142230)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3575.jpg?t=1260142244 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3575.jpg?t=1260142244)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3576.jpg?t=1260142262 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3576.jpg?t=1260142262)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3577.jpg?t=1260142274 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3577.jpg?t=1260142274)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3578.jpg?t=1260142288 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3578.jpg?t=1260142288)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3579.jpg?t=1260142308 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3579.jpg?t=1260142308)

[NEJ]

Now here are the dinner photo's. The pot full of giblets was Gunner's dinner. He was thrilled.

NJ

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3580.jpg?t=1260142384 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3580.jpg?t=1260142384)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3582.jpg?t=1260142403 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3582.jpg?t=1260142403)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3584.jpg?t=1260142422 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3584.jpg?t=1260142422)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3585.jpg?t=1260142445 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3585.jpg?t=1260142445)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3586.jpg?t=1260142460 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3586.jpg?t=1260142460)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3587.jpg?t=1260142475 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3587.jpg?t=1260142475)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3592.jpg?t=1260142499 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3592.jpg?t=1260142499)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3593.jpg?t=1260142514 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3593.jpg?t=1260142514)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3594.jpg?t=1260142531 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3594.jpg?t=1260142531)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3596.jpg?t=1260142552 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3596.jpg?t=1260142552)

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3597.jpg?t=1260142567 (http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Anza%20-%20Borrego/12-4-09/IMG_3597.jpg?t=1260142567)

[OldPhartBkr]

Wow.

Lots of things...First, is that site on a dirt road? Seems from your pictures that it is out in the middle of nowhere.

Does it cost you to camp there or is it a free for all?

Did the dirt biking folks have a generator?

Do you get cell phone coverage there? Or, anywhere in the Anza? Have you been to the campground there? (We are set to go to the campground in Feb. )

Do I ask too many questions?

Did you eat ALL of that chicken? Seems like a lot of grub!

Where are the pics of the dog!!??!!?

Where is Clark Valley in relationship to the state park campground?

I also wanted to take notice of your stove. White gas...I SO remember those! My dad had one and I had one later on...but...even though it pains me to use the little containers, am now a propane guy. One day I might get the kit to run my Coleman from my tanks on the Tardis and we DO have a stove on the inside of the rig that of course uses those tanks.

But I just had it many years ago with white gas! Works great, but STINKS and I found that the food would pick up that smell and I don't like that much! Not to mention that I have used SO many mantels over the years in lanterns that now I just use batteries. I know...not as eco friendly as possible but like I said...me and white gas...we don't get along too well.

Seems sort of like hard core camping too. *I* would do it, but ...is this the kind of place that you are trying to get your wife to go to? We may have to have a talk....

[NEJ]

The site where I camp is north about two miles on Rockhouse Road which is a graded dirt road. Anza Borrego has dispersed camping where they allow you to camp anywhere as long as you do not alter the terrain or plants and don't drive off the road. I don't make campfires and fire rings which is another thing the ranger hates. Bring a metal pan for your campfire if you like fires. I have not paid a fee, but there may be fees required if you go in to the park office and tell them you will be out camping in the wild.

The Clark Valley is north of the Badlands and Fonts Point, between Coyote Mountain on the west and the Santa Rosa Mountains on the east.

Right where I was this week the cell worked sporadically but two hundred yards away it worked fine. Cell phones work in town and out at the park campground. I ate that plateful of chicken and then on Saturday made a great chicken soup for lunch and more chicken for dinner. If you look at my Clark Valley post from two weeks ago, there are photo's of Gunner my dog. And no, I would not expect to take my wife to primitive camping.

I have a Camp Chef propane stove that is great, just too big for me alone. Modern fuel stoves are not bad with the fumes and the flame is much hotter than propane. I like the stove. I no longer use lanterns, gas or otherwise. I use a headlamp. It is very effective at lighting what I want to see and it has a red lamp which allows me to keep my night vision. When I look up to see what is going on around me in the dark, I don't need my eyes to wait to adjust.

There is a great nature bookstore in Borrego Springs so when you are out there drop in and buy something. I have purchased a great plant identification manual and several Anza Borrego history books in the last few times there.

NJ

[OldPhartBkr]

The site where I camp is north about two miles on Rockhouse Road which is a graded dirt road. Anza Borrego has dispersed camping where they allow you to camp anywhere as long as you do not alter the terrain or plants and don't drive off the road. I don't make campfires and fire rings which is another thing the ranger hates. Bring a metal pan for your campfire if you like fires. I have not paid a fee, but there may be fees required if you go in to the park office and tell them you will be out camping in the wild.

Two miles on a dirt road..My truck could do it and I could do it..not sure if my rig could handle that. (I used to drive a '47 Willy's jeep so off roadin and dirt and such is not new to me.) I DID look at some of your other trip reports and saw some nice reviews. I am going to have to work on the southern part of the state for awhile.... :)

Metal pan for the fire.....interesting. Do you see that most people are doing that or that they ignore that? I assume the reasoning for using a pan is to not scorch the ground. I have seen people, often, using the tubs from clothes washers for their fires. Personally, I don't mind a fire if there is a communal thing where there are people in conversation and such. If it is just myself and the wife, we don't need a fire.


Right where I was this week the cell worked sporadically but two hundred yards away it worked fine. Cell phones work in town and out at the park campground.

Good to know. My wife needs to take off from work if we go for more than a weekend. I run my own business so I just need to be in touch.


I ate that plateful of chicken and then on Saturday made a great chicken soup for lunch and more chicken for dinner. If you look at my Clark Valley post from two weeks ago, there are photo's of Gunner my dog. And no, I would not expect to take my wife to primitive camping.

You are a guy that uses things up. Me too.

I did look at your other reports and I DID take the time to look at Gunner! I love dogs and love looking at what other people have as their companion. He looks like a great dog!

I have taken my wife on a backpacking trip and we did tenting for many years. These days, she likes the rig better. I think that she would prefer maybe a motel or hotel or B&B sometimes, but now *I* like the rig and would rather sleep in my own bed.


I have a Camp Chef propane stove that is great, just too big for me alone. Modern fuel stoves are not bad with the fumes and the flame is much hotter than propane. I like the stove.

Funny. Right after I wrote that last response, I got to thinkin'. Oh, I am not going to go to white gas, but I think I WILL get a hose from Walmart and use my second tank for the stove and stop using them stupid green propane things. Saving the planet, one canister at a time, ya know?

I no longer use lanterns, gas or otherwise. I use a headlamp. It is very effective at lighting what I want to see and it has a red lamp which allows me to keep my night vision. When I look up to see what is going on around me in the dark, I don't need my eyes to wait to adjust.

I also am not big on lanterns. I find they get more in the way than anything. I use flashlights and have looked into the head lights....in fact, word is that ol' Santa might be putting some clip-on-the-hat-visor lights in our stockings.

Thanks for your report. Makes me wanna go!