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Author Topic: 2/21-22: Anza Borrego  (Read 33592 times)

FrankB

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2/21-22: Anza Borrego
« on: February 12, 2009, 04:26:19 PM »
Blair Valley Loop, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, with hiking to Ghost Mountain (Marshal South home site) and Pictograph Hiking Trail.

Saturday Feb 21: This month's Xcursion is a mild one, at least on Satuday, with probably more time out of the trucks hiking than driving. Blair Valley Loop is an easy 14 miles or so of sandy trail, with 3 nice hikes along the way.

We'll start out driving through Blair Valley to the trailhead for Yaquitepec, the site of Marshal South's family home on the top of Ghost Mountain. The hiking trail is a steep mile each way, with a significant elevation gain on the way up. Wear sturdy shoes. At the top are the remains of the adobe home and South's elaborate water system. The views from the summit of Ghost Mountain are spectacular.

You can read about Marshal South here: http://marshalsouth.com/index.asp

After lunch somewhere in the valley we'll drive to the trail head for the Pictograph Hiking Trail, an easy 1-mile each way trail that leads to a large boulder covered with Indian pictographs. This area sits at a much higher elevation than where we were in November, the vegetation is completely different, and much more abundant. If time permits we can also do the half mile or so hike to the Morteros, and the site of an old Indian village.

Camping Saturday Night: There are several options for camping on Saturday if anyone is interested. I will not be able to stay the night due to commitments on Sunday. There is a State Park Primitive Camp at Blair Valley, with vault toilets. You can also camp in other parts of the valley, there are marked and unmarked spots in both Blair Valley and Little Blair Valley. Across S-2 and south a bit is the entrance to Chariot and Rodriquez Canyons, there are a few nice camp spots in there as well.

Sunday Feb 22: Open for now, depending on what those on hand want to do. There are several options close by, ranging from easy to very difficult. Blair Valley is very to close to the start of the Pinyon Mountain trails, including the Squeeze (difficult). A bit further south on S-2 is the entrance to Chariot (moderate) and Rodriquez (difficult) Canyons, either of which lead up to the Banner Store. Even further south is the entrance to Arroyo Seco del Diablo, with the Mud Caves (easy) and Diablo Drop-Off (difficult).

Meet Time / Spot: Saturday Feb 21 - 10:00 AM at Blair Valley Primitive Camp, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, San Diego County
Approx. 6 miles south of Scissors Crossing (where S-2 crosses SR 78) on County Road S-2, look for the campground on the left, just before mile post 23.
GPS: N33 02 13.7   W116 24 35.1

Reference:

Wells Guide to So Cal Backroads & 4WD Trails, number 53, page 191.

Comm:

FRS Channel 2, sub-code 24
CB Channel 24

Please post any comments, suggestions or questions.
« Last Edit: February 12, 2009, 08:45:01 PM by FrankB »

Soylent Yellow

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Re: 2/21-22: Anza Borrego
« Reply #1 on: February 12, 2009, 06:01:47 PM »
In honor of Mashal South, this excursion is clothing optional.
I'd rather be happy than right any day.

XterracerX

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Re: 2/21-22: Anza Borrego
« Reply #2 on: February 12, 2009, 06:30:10 PM »
*waiting for John's (Sturndog) enthusiastic response...  :P
Hope for the best. Prepare for the worst!

Paul

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Re: 2/21-22: Anza Borrego
« Reply #3 on: February 12, 2009, 06:40:23 PM »
We're good and we'll camp over night.

Trixie the Wonder Dog, Noon, and their driver. :)
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AV Xterra

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Re: 2/21-22: Anza Borrego
« Reply #4 on: February 12, 2009, 06:55:55 PM »
In honor of Mashal South, this excursion is clothing optional.
I'M IN.
I eat other peoples food.  It's a sickness.

Soylent Yellow

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Re: 2/21-22: Anza Borrego
« Reply #5 on: February 12, 2009, 07:08:27 PM »
I'd rather be happy than right any day.

FrankB

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Re: 2/21-22: Anza Borrego
« Reply #6 on: February 12, 2009, 09:26:19 PM »
In honor of Mashal South, this excursion is clothing optional.

For some reason I must have forgotten to mention that.  Sorry for the oversight.

I have, however, updated the meet spot info with GPS coordinates, and a reference to the Wells book write-up on the trail.  Maybe Mitch will post his picture of the meet spot, which he had posted in an earlier thread, but does not seem to be there any more.

FrankB

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Re: 2/21-22: Anza Borrego
« Reply #7 on: February 12, 2009, 10:04:03 PM »
I've recently become involved with a digital photography group in San Diego, and several of them have expressed an interest in seeing parts of Anza Borrego. The group is varied, some are experienced photographers, some are novices. So far all seem friendly.  Some who are interested do not have off-road capable vehicles.

Would anyone who is going on this Xcursion be interested in having one or more passengers along for the ride? The riders could leave their car(s) at the meet spot, since we'll wind up back there at the end of the day. I've offered to take one passenger. If so, please indicate how many seats available, and any special restrictions (ie non-smoker etc).

I've just posted this on the photo group website, and don't know yet if anyone will actually want to join. In case you're interested, the site is: www.sandiegodslr.com



strikedistance

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Re: 2/21-22: Anza Borrego
« Reply #8 on: February 12, 2009, 10:57:28 PM »
I think this sounds better than rushing for this week. Plus i should be feeling better by then. I would also join the group but i dont live in SD...

fleury123

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Re: 2/21-22: Anza Borrego
« Reply #9 on: February 13, 2009, 06:45:56 AM »
I would be willing but If digital I get the copies since it is so hard to drive and take photos.


Yes Bruce I agree.... I am looking at low level snow here, grapvine is probally going to be shut down and I dont have a desire to drive in snow and rain unless I have to.
« Last Edit: February 14, 2009, 06:50:46 PM by fleury123 »

xperienced

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Re: 2/21-22: Anza Borrego
« Reply #10 on: February 13, 2009, 02:14:18 PM »
Sounds like fun but I'll be out of town.  If my plans change I'll let you guys know.

Blackx

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Re: 2/21-22: Anza Borrego
« Reply #11 on: February 13, 2009, 03:09:39 PM »
I'm a maybe.  I want to, but have been swamped at work.  Will let you know as we get closer.
Jeff

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AV Xterra

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Re: 2/21-22: Anza Borrego
« Reply #12 on: February 14, 2009, 08:23:41 PM »
Frank,  I'm going to try and be there and I usually have one seat free.  Only restriction would be it would have to be a hot chick.  Oh, and a non-smoker.  Unless she is smoking hot, then I'll let her smoke with the windows down.
I eat other peoples food.  It's a sickness.

Goldfish

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Re: 2/21-22: Anza Borrego
« Reply #13 on: February 15, 2009, 06:44:56 AM »
Denise and I will be there and are planning on camping overnight.
Don


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FrankB

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Re: 2/21-22: Anza Borrego
« Reply #14 on: February 16, 2009, 03:02:08 PM »
Denise and I will be there and are planning on camping overnight.

Don, I'll bring your shirts.

 


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