Mojave, December 2004 For this visit, we decide to enter the preserve from the northeast. From a previous visit , we remember a dirt road that traverses the stunning Soda Dry Lake and then connects with HW I-15. When we ask for directions at a gas station, the friendly folks enquire with a concerned face if we have a 4x4 fit for the rugged roads. I point out the window at our Cherokee and one of the guys says: "Oh, look at all those stickers. They're OK. This ain't their first BBQ!" Obviously our rig still looks impressive although the roof rack has been removed to be modified. |
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We continue into the heart of the preserve, enjoying the scenic drive, and take the loop around Hole-in-the-Wall, a spectacular rock formation created by a volcanic blast. As it is late in the day, we set up camp close by. There are several road-side campsites where primitive camping offers the ultimate solitude and wilderness experience. This night is considerably warmer and we awake without ice crystals on our windows!
The preserve is still pretty much deserted the next morning and we enjoy Hole-in-the-Wall all by ourselves. From the overlook, we cherish the view of the narrow canyon pockmarked with holes created by air pockets in volcanic rock and dirt. Then we clamber down into the canyon with the help of metal rings bolted into the wall - it's only a very short drop but makes the experience way more fun! From the bottom of the canyon, you can hike around the mountain back to the parking area. Since we already did that on a previous visit, we check out the canyon floor for a while, then return via the same footholds.
As we're leaving the preserve to head back to LA, we remember the tour at Mitchell Caverns we joined last time: After the guide had explained the difference between stalagtites and stalagmites, he asked: "And what do we call it when a stalagtite and a stalagmite grow together? - We call'em a column."