A Journey South...Escaping the Snow of the High Country

[mph]

This year has been quite different from the past few...We have snow! A foot, three feet, and even five feet in one storm. The mountains of Utah have had a good start to their winter snowpack. The family and I have enjoyed 25 plus days of skiing already this winter. And, we have two plus months to go I kept an eye on the weather and noticed that the temperatures were on the rise down south. Time to plan an escape!

The sun was out and it felt good to be in red rock country yet again.



This Anasazi dwelling was not a the typical ruin in an alcove or under a canyon rim. Nope, this one was out in the open. Former pit houses 800 plus years old.



After lunch, we rallied further south. South of Mesquite, Nevada. The Mojave...A desert that we don't frequent often. The Colorado Plateau is our home. But on this day...It appeared good



We setup camp along a beautiful some red rock. Lilly helping with the stakes!





Off to explore the area...Lilly along for the ride!



The girls found an old dam used to trap water for the cows in the area. Lilly decided to check it out. It was bone dry.



The lighting was fantastic...



The Native Americans traveled through the area over hundreds of years. Their signs are everywhere. Lilly spotted this boulder with a few...



A good day...Time for dinner.



More to come...

 

[mph]

The day dawned bright and blue. We were happy to be wearing shorts and feeling the warmth of the sun. Off to explore and wander...The rock we found was crazy cool!





The rock art was spectacular and it was everywhere...





The land is arid but the signs of the past told a story of people traveling through on their way north to south or south to north We met a couple from San Fransisco who had a girl Lilly's age and they soon befriended one another. The sprinter van got around for the most part.





The panels were awe-inspiring...So much to look at...



The roads were in decent shape for the most part. Traveling was fabulous...



We rarely get a chance to take a family pic...So, it was due.



It was a good day...Time to head back to camp. What's next? More to come...

 

[mph]

The Mojave, as I learned holds many secrets. When one thinks of Red Rock, Utah and the Colorado Plateau come to mind. But, the Mojave has some stellar rocks! Yep, the rocks are crazy cool. We spent a few days hiking and exploring the unreal rock landscape.

We pulled over and noticed the panel of petroglyphs in the upper right hand corner of the rock.



Let's go see some rocks!





Lilly enjoyed the area and the ability to run and explore.



Lilly and her friend Sada played, hiked, played, hiked...Well, were totally exhausted at the end of each day.



Our friends with the Sprinter van had a little trouble with the road. But nothing a few rocks couldn't help with...





The combination of salt in the ground and the spring nearby allowed these Palm Trees to grow. Crazy wild!



The lighting in the Mojave is gorgeous.



The land was full of surprises. This sink hole was enormous.



Yes, I am spoiled living in Utah, but I will be back to explore Nevada and the Mojave Desert. I think there are many secrets still out there.

Until next time...

 

[Willman]

I miss living in Utah! Sun & red rock.......

Thanks for sharing. You are pretty great dad. Keep up the great family adventures.

 

[mph]

Thanks for the kind words...

I miss living in Utah! Sun & red rock.......

Thanks for sharing. You are pretty great dad. Keep up the great family adventures.

 

[ljrunner05]

Nothing is better than family trips! My dad and I still take trips together now because of the trips he took me on 20 years ago. Thanks for sharing! Oh ya, and I'm totally jealous.... Utah is beautiful, and my poor snowboard is crying in it's bag. I haven't taken it out in a couple years....

 

[mkitchen]

Looks like you had a good time

We too, used to live in a four season area and we loved to snow but i know that it can get old seeing nothing but white after a while. Now we are in the desert and have to travel to see the white stuff. We still are not sure what choice is the better. It looks like your trip was a good escape for you. The Mojave is huge and does offer so much. Glad to hear you got to enjoy some of it.
Mikey

 

[mph]

Yes, the Mojave is huge! Just scratched the surface...We will be back

We too, used to live in a four season area and we loved to snow but i know that it can get old seeing nothing but white after a while. Now we are in the desert and have to travel to see the white stuff. We still are not sure what choice is the better. It looks like your trip was a good escape for you. The Mojave is huge and does offer so much. Glad to hear you got to enjoy some of it.
Mikey

 

[Dougnuts]

Excellent pictures. Thanks for sharing!

 

[SIZZLE]

Great report! You're daughter is getting big. Guess that means mine is too

 

[mph]

Thanks for the kind words...yeah, time flies...

 

[fireball]

Love your photos and trip reports. Thanks for posting!

 

[mph]

Love your photos and trip reports. Thanks for posting!

Thanks much! appreciate the feedback