Recent content by 1MK

The go fast stuff is how I got into the desert. Built a "prerunner" back in the early 2000's, then turned it into a race truck and used to race in the old MDR (Mojave Desert Racing) series, then back to a desert rig. That truck was the very reason I've revisited so many areas in my recent...

Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed it.

Speaking of Google Maps, you can actually see much of the original trail through the epic satellite imagery. Super cool to see. A bit further up is one of the greater obstacles the travelers encountered – Box Canyon. Now into Blair Valley, you can rejoin the trail for a short...

First stop was the Vallecito Stage Station County Park. A tremendous amount of history surrounds this site and the nearby area, and you can even camp in basically the same place as so many did in the part. Due to covid, they have the station closed up but they did leave out the informational...

Up early once again. Sometimes not by choice. At my work, we do a 9/80 schedule and we have a bit of flexibility of when we start. I like going in early, like I’m putting my hands on hardware at 4:00am early. Plus side to that is I’m off at 1:00pm. Works out great for me as I like having the...

Tried to find the old grave marker of the Frank Fox but came up empty handed. It was getting later in the day and I was looking forward to finding camp & relaxing. Continued down the Southern Emigrant Trail, then turned up Vellecito Creek to find a solid spot tucked amongst the mud hills...

I spent a bit of time here, breaking the law, breaking the law. Parked at the top of the hill and put away the phone, camera and any sort of modern convenience. Not a sound other than the slight breeze working it’s way through the vegetation. How many people have been through here? What was the...

And then more signs. Sigh. Facing me – “No motorized vehicles”. AHHHHHHHHHH. Other side was Keep Out and warnings about the unexploded ordnance. I found myself in a pickle. Just above, in this very post I said that I respect signs and whatnot, yet I’m about to go against my own word. Yikes. It...

Time to play the sign game. This is on the Emigrant Trail.The first set says Warning – The area behind sign – May be contaminated with exploded military ordnance. About all I can make out on it. I ventured a little further up and was greeted with a few more, these being a bit more pronounced and...

Continuing along the West Mesa, you enter a grey area of land ownership/boundaries – The Carrizo Impact Area. Used by the Navy as an air-to-ground bombing range during World War II and the Korean War, then turned over to the State Park in the late 1950’s. Let’s touch a little bit on...

After putting in some overtime hours at work, decided I’d take off to Anza Borrego and do a little over night trip for my birthday. Along the southern border of the park an old overland route makes it’s entry into the parks border and works it’s way north. While the Southern Emigrant Trail isn’t...

The group of usual's on this type of adventure were posted up in Johnson Valley, and being it was New Year's Eve it only made sense to bring in the new year with some friends. Decided to cut through the Mojave Preserve and make a back entrance via Camp Rock Rd. Solid way to bring...

Woke to another killer morning. The weather really added character to the desert, especially when the sun shined through. Only a little bit more of exploring to do today before starting the journey home, which is always a bummer. But, at the same time the comforts of home, a shower and a real...

I didn't really intend to stay here for the night, but upon arriving and getting a good vibe, some nice weather and a few cold snacks while exploring, I decided to stay. Most of these cabins have a journal where those that pass through can write about there experience there, this one...