#7: [29-Sep-21]

#6: [12-Oct-13]

#5: [16-Apr-10]

#4: [13-Mar-05]

#3: [13-Feb-05]

#1: [27-Feb-01]

30-Aug-2001 -- Today was a great day for hiking in the desert. I was able to drive to within a couple of miles of the confluence. I found some interesting historical markers (see photo 2.) The road probably gets closer, but I did not have four wheel drive, so I parked. Then I hiked. The temperature was warm (some would even say “hot”), but a nice breeze provided moderation. The terrain was mostly sandy and rocky. Some of the rocks appeared to be of the sedimentary variety, while others appeared to be igneous. I wish I know more about geology; I would give a better report and explanation. The flora included small bushes and several varieties of cactus. I saw a jack rabbit, some birds, some lizards and a lot of ants. I saw no water, although I did see much evidence of water in small, dry “washes” or arroyos.

The hike to the confluence took about an hour. I came to a fence along the way and thought I might need to cross it but the need never arose. The fence ran basically parallel to and about 6 meters north of the 37th parallel. The confluence was in a rather wide, flat and dry stream bed called (according to the map) Beaver Dam Wash. There was more greenery than in any of the surrounding area; it included some small cottonwood trees and many, many tamarisk bushes.

I took photos, including one of a rather striking barrel cactus (sorry about the out-of-focus bush in front of it.) I saw no people and no structures nor improvements except a large electrical power line, two or three fence lines and a small cattle corral with a loading chute.

It was a great hike. I’m glad I went.