#8: [18-Sep-22]

#7: [12-Oct-11]

#6: [23-Sep-10]

#5: [04-Aug-09]

#3: [11-Oct-01]

#1: [17-Mar-01]

#2: [26-Mar-01] (incomplete)

13-Mar-2005 -- This was the second in a series of four confluence visits defining a one degree by one degree square bounded by the 37 and 38th north parallels and the 113 and 114 west meridians. This "box" encompasses some outstanding scenery in southwestern Utah.

It would appear that I experienced very similar conditions to the previous spring visitors to this confluence four years earlier. I took the Hamblin Valley Road north out of Modena. This road parallels the Modena Draw which had lots of runoff flowing in it. Along the way, I passed a sign stating that "State Line Road Impassible in Winter Conditions". There was also a lot of neat scenery including a ranch with what appeared to be a deer-proof fence about 12 feet high completely surrounding the property. I would estimate that the perimeter was several miles and this was some very expensive fencing!

This was a day with spring-like conditions – melting snow was crossing the road in several places and the road itself was in dire need of a grader to smooth all of the deep ruts out. The road conditions gradually became worse the farther north I went. Several areas had a couple inches of running water crossing the road.

I turned west onto State Line Road. Runoff from the spring melt had turned part of this road into a river. I continued very cautiously. As I closed to within a kilometer of the confluence, conditions had deteriorated significantly. After passing through one really muddy section, I decided that I had gone far enough and would continue the rest of the way on foot. I had a conference to attend on Monday and I did not want to get stuck out in the middle of nowhere.

Rather than trash my boots or sneakers, I put on my Keen water-shoes. The mud was extremely viscous and sticky. I found it much easier to walk in the runoff since there is no mud in running water - I would use this to my advantage on my drive out.

The confluence is located in a forested area with standing snow. My confluence dance was made a little more interesting by attempting to zero out two receivers simultaneously.

Picture #1 shows the conditions heading west along State Line Road due north of the confluence. Picture #2 looks north from the confluence. Picture #3 looks east. Picture #4 looks south towards the Paradise Mountains. Picture #5 looks west with Government Peak visible on the left. Picture #6 shows my GPS position. Picture #7 shows the eastward view down State Line Road and "Hamlin" (no "b") Valley.

Pictures complete, it was time to head back. My primary goal at this point was to not slip and fall in the mud on my way back. My Tahoe was covered in sticky mud - I even had mud on the front of my side mirrors! I wasn't looking forward to cleaning it all off upon completion of my trek.

Total time for the 34.4 mile round trip time from Modena was 1:30.

Eastward towards 38N-113W!