28-Feb-2001 -- This confluence is located within the boundry of KOFA
Wildlife Refuge. KOFA refuge itself is almost entirely surrounded by
the Army's Yuma Proving Ground. A check of the topo maps showed a road
(4 wheel) which would run approximately 1 1/2 miles from the
confluence. Unfortunately the Army would not grant permission to cross
the Proving Ground citing liability issues. I was able to drive within
KOFA to within approximately 5 miles of the confluence and from there it
was cross country to the confluence. A backpacking adventure in the
making. 30 minutes from my truck the rain began and did not end until
3:30 pm on the evening of 27-Feb. Rain stopped long enough to set up
camp so as to assault the confluence in the morning. All fine until
8:00 pm when the hail storm of approximately 5 minutes made a wet mess
of both me and my camp. Spent a very wet night in my sleeping bag. Took
off the morning of the 28th for the confluence. I was camped
approximately 7/10 of a mile from the confluence and was at the
confluence within one hour. The confluence itself is on a narrow ledge
which required some hand over hand scrambling to reach.
As you can see from the GPS picture I was only able to get within 67
feet when I ran into a steep wall and was unable to go further.
Backpacked out that same day with wet boots which slowed my progress
some but arrived back in one piece. Actually had a good time on this
little adventure. I had not backpacked in a long time and thoroughly
enjoyed my trip. The Public Information Officer from the Proving Ground
knew what he was talking about as artillery shells landed all during the
day about three miles from my camp. Sometimes you just have to earn your
confluences.