Reflections on the Barker-Bighorn Dam

teotwaki

Excelsior!
http://suntothenorth.blogspot.com/2017/02/reflections-on-barker-bighorn-dam.html


The return of rain to California's vast lands has brought more than just relief from the drought. We are now able to enjoy the quiet places where earth and sky meet at the water's edge. On a recent desert trip to search for a lost mine I stopped by an early 1900's water reservoir just before sunset.

First constructed to reach a height of 9 feet by cattleman C.O. Barker in 1900 the dam was extended upwards another 6 feet in 1949 by rancher William F. Keys. It is situated between Queen Valley and the Wonderland of Rocks in Joshua Tee National Park and for a short while int eh 1950's it supported Key's efforts to make a living in the harsh desert land.

The Barker-Bighorn Dam is once again filled and served as a natural mirror for the setting sun during my short visit to this special place.

NKN_3200-1.jpg


NKN_3198-1.jpg


NKN_3202-1.jpg


NKN_3178-1.jpg


NKN_3197-1.jpg


NKN_3182-1.JPG


NKN_3183-1.jpg


NKN_3189-1.jpg


NKN_3190-1.jpg


So all of you nature lovers and even you keyboard commandos need to get out into the wild places and enjoy them right now. Go and see where that old road leads to.

NKN_3218-1.jpg
 

Forum statistics

Threads
185,828
Messages
2,878,635
Members
225,393
Latest member
jgrillz94

Members online

Top