Mojave Desert

23/12/2023

Having fun with my toys :-)

Paleontology Index:
https://digital-desert.com/blog/?p=3908

This list is an index of the word "Paleontology" throughout my MojaveDesert.Net and Digital-Desert.com websites.

Simulated Knowledge Base :-D

Paleontology PALEONTOLOGY – Mojave Desert – Glossary of Terms and Definitions mojavedesert.net › glossary › paleontology The study of fossils and their relation to geologic time. … Paleontology Miocene fossils have been found in the cliffs of Red Rock Canyon. Scientists continue … ...

23/12/2023

Red Rock Canyon - California State Park

Red Rock Canyon State Park features scenic desert cliffs, buttes, and spectacular rock formations. The park is located where the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada converges with the El Paso Range. Each tributary canyon is unique, with dramatic shapes and vivid colors.

Red Rock Canyon State Park, Mojave California, Mojave Desert

23/12/2023

Historic Roads & Trails
Wagons, Carriages, & Carts

During the Old West era in the 19th century, various types of wagons and carriages played crucial roles in transportation, trade, and settlement. These vehicles were essential for carrying people, goods, and supplies across the vast and often challenging landscapes of the American West. Here are some of the notable types:

Wagons, Carriages & Carts that were used in shaping the Mojave Desert

23/12/2023

ARROWHEAD TRAIL (U.S. 91)

When the Mormons settled in Salt Lake City in 1847, the Arrowhead Trail did not take long to come into its own. Settlements of Mormons pushed south from Salt Lake at the command of Brigham Young and founded the chain of prosperous Utah farming communities that the Arrowhead Trail leads through today. Then, through Capt. Jefferson Hunt of the famous Mormon Battalion word came back to Salt Lake City of the paradise for the settlers that was to be found in Southern California. Young was eager to add this country to his dominion and called for volunteers to settle at San Bernardino. To his surprise and dismay, five hundred volunteers answered his call instead of the fifty or so that he expected, and this train of emigrants followed the Arrowhead Trail to San Bernardino and founded what is now the city of that name.

U.S. 91, Arrowhead Highway, Arrowhead Trail

23/12/2023

Don Antonio Maria Lugo, of Los Angeles, was genial and witty, about eighty years of age, yet active and elastic, sitting on his horse as straight as an arrow, with his reata on the saddle, and as skillful in its use as any of his vaqueros. He was an eccentric old gentleman. He had a wife aged twenty or twenty-two—his third or fourth. In 1846, I visited him. After cordially welcoming me, he introduced me to his wife and in the same breath, and as I shook hands with her, said, in a joking way, with a cunning smile, “ No se enamore de mi joven esposa.” (Don’t fall in love with my young wife.) He had a number of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Los Angeles was largely populated by his family. Referring to this circumstance, he said to me quietly, “ Don Guillermo, yo he cumplido mi deber a mi pais.” (Don Guillermo, I have fulfilled my duty to my country)

William Heath Davis – “Seventy-five Years in California”
Don Antonio Maria Lugo

Don Antonio Maria Lugo recieved land grants for his sons and daughter setting them up as influential families in Southern California's San Bernardino area.

23/12/2023

Mojave Road
Marl Springs

History
The post at Marl Springs in the Mojave Desert was first garrisoned by the Army as an outpost by troops from Camps Cady and Rock Spring on October 5. 1867 and was occupied continuously until May 22. 1868, at which time it was abandoned permanently.

Marl Springs in the Mojave Preserve

22/12/2023

Gateway to the Mojave

The Mormon Rocks, also known as the Rock Candy Mountains, are a series of distinctive sandstone outcrops in the Cajon Pass, a mountain pass in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California. The Cajon Pass is a critical transportation corridor connecting the Los Angeles Basin with the Mojave Desert and beyond.

Mormon Rocks /mormon-rocks/ The Mormon Rocks, also known as the Rock Candy Mountains, are a series of distinctive sandstone outcrops in the Cajon Pass, a mountain pass in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California. The Cajon Pass is a critical transportation corridor connecting the Los Ange...

22/12/2023

Legacy: E.F. Beale's legacy is intertwined with the history of the Tejon Ranch. His contributions to the development of transportation routes, his role in the acquisition of the ranch, and his efforts in both ranching and conservation have left a lasting impact on the region.

Tejon Ranch The Tejon Ranch, located in California, has a rich and varied history that spans centuries. Tejon Ranch Headquarters Here is an overview of its history: Native American Presence: The area around Tejon Ranch was originally inhabited by Native American communities, including the Kitanemuk....

21/12/2023

Wild B***o

21/12/2023

Mojave Road Topo Map

When directions like, "go this way, no, go that way," fail you.

Maps of Old Government Road through the Mojave Desert

21/12/2023

Life in Harmony with Nature
Olive Oatman

Indians living in harmony with nature is an idealization, to say the least. Life was hard and often got harder, as evidenced by Olive Oatman’s observations of the Mojave Indians in the 1850s.

“One day I was out gathering. Chottatoe, when I was suddenly surprised and frightened by running upon one of the victims of this stupid, barbarous inhumanity.

He was a tall, bony Indian of about thirty years. His eye was rather sunken, his visage marred, as if he had passed through extreme hardships. He was lying upon the ground, moaning and rolling from side to side in agony the most acute and intense. I looked upon him, and my heart was moved with pity. Little Mary said, ‘I will go up and find out what ails him.’ On inquiry we soon found that he had been for some time ill, but not so as to become utterly helpless. And not until one of their number is entirely disabled, do they seem to manifest any feeling or concern for him. The physician was called, and soon decided that he was not in the least diseased.

He told Mary that nothing ailed him save the want of food ; said that he had been unable for some time to procure his food ; that his friends devoured any that was brought into camp without dividing it with him ; that he had been gradually running down, and now he wanted to die. O there was such dejection, such a forlorn, despairing look written upon his countenance as made an impression upon my mind which is yet vivid and mournful.”

~ Olive Oatman

21/12/2023

Butterfield Overland Stage
https://digital-desert.com/blog/?p=3415

The Oxbow Route was the Butterfield Overland Mail route between Springfield, Missouri, and San Francisco. All though the trail does not enter the Mojave proper, the mail was a network and it appears that Butterfield Overland had secondary routes and trails that served the high desert.

Butterfield Overland Stage Mail Route The Butterfield Overland Mail Route was a historic transportation route in the mid-19th century that played a crucial role in connecting the eastern and western parts of the United States. Here are some key points about the Butterfield Overland Mail Route: Estab...

21/12/2023

Roadside Interpretations

The Adventurous Yucca

"It is like an adventurous yucca that has embarked on an endeavor to find out in how many directions it can grow, and to see what it can do in the way of performing branches."
~ William Collins O'Kane, The Intimate Desert, 1969

As you look at this wide expanse of Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) you can see hoe the notion O'Kane wrote about might have originated. Explorers, naturalists, and writers have described the trees as strange, grotesque, peculiar, bristly, stiff, ungraceful, repulsive, bizarre, endlessly varying, spine-studded, and spiteful-looking. How would you describe it?

The Joshua tree is the largest variety of yucca in the United States. The biggest known Joshua tree in the park is some 42 feet tall. with a crown width of 34 feet and a trunk nearly 9 feet round. The average life span of a Joshua tree in 150 years, but some are believed to live as long as 300-500 years.

Joshua trees start growing as single stalks. Branching occurs when the meristem (growth tip) flowers or is eaten by animals. New branches can sprout in any direction.

A Joshua tree seed must be dropped in a protective location to survive. Often a safe site is within a nurse plant- a plant not likely eaten by a mule deer, rabbits, woodrats,
or ground squirrels. Here the young Joshua is able to grow a protective armor of spine-tipped leaves.

https://digital-desert.com/joshua-tree/roadside/is05.html

Previous - Next

Joshua Tree National Park

21/12/2023

Bugs and the things they do!

A Yucca Moth and its Yucca https://mojavedesert.net/plants/ The relationship between a yucca moth and a yucca plant is a classic example of mutualism, a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit. Yucca moths and yucca plants have coevolved over millions of years, and their interaction is hig...

21/12/2023

Featured Ghost Towns and Sites in the Mojave Desert

The Mojave Desert in the southwestern United States is home to several ghost towns and abandoned sites that reflect the region's history of mining, ranching, and other activities.

Here are some notable examples:

Ghost Towns & Sites in the Mojave Desert /ghost-towns/ The Mojave Desert in the southwestern United States is home to several ghost towns and abandoned sites that reflect the region’s history of mining, ranching, and other activities. Bodie Ghost Town Here are some notable examples: Calico Ghost T...

21/12/2023

Peggy Sue's 50s Diner
in Yermo, California

Peggy Sue’s 50s Diner Peggy Sue’s 50s Diner is a well-known retro-themed diner in Yermo, California. It’s designed to resemble a classic 1950s diner, with vintage decor, neon lights, and a nostalgic atmosphere. The diner typically offers classic American diner fare, such as burgers, shakes, fr...

20/12/2023

Not so much out-and-out physical activities, but kick-back adventures that can become memorable experiences.

Mojave Desert Experiences The Mojave Desert, located in the southwestern United States, is a vast and captivating landscape known for its unique geological features and diverse ecosystems. Here are some activities you can enjoy in the Mojave Desert: Joshua Tree National Park: Hiking: Explore the num...

20/12/2023

This is Tony. Tony is sad.

20/12/2023

Ghost Towns & Sites of the Mojave Desert

The Mojave Desert in the southwestern United States is home to several ghost towns and abandoned sites that reflect the region's history of mining, ranching, and other activities.

Here are some notable examples:

Photo tours of ghost towns in the Mojave Desert

20/12/2023

Death Valley

Death Valley is a desert valley in Eastern California, in the northern Mojave Desert, within the United States. It is one of the hottest places on Earth and holds the record for the highest reliably recorded air temperature, measured at 134 °F (56.7 °C) on July 10, 1913, at Furnace Creek Ranch.

Death Valley Photo tours and information.

20/12/2023

Inspirational at Inspiration Point
San Gabriel National Forest

https://digital-desert.com/inspiration-point/

20/12/2023

Desert Photography

Desert photography offers unique challenges and opportunities due to arid regions’ distinctive landscapes and lighting conditions. Whether you’re capturing vast dunes, rocky terrains, or desert flora and fauna, here are some tips to enhance your desert photography:

Desert Photography Desert photography offers unique challenges and opportunities due to arid regions’ distinctive landscapes and lighting conditions. Whether you’re capturing vast dunes, rocky terrains, or desert flora and fauna, here are some tips to enhance your desert photography: West Fork, ...

20/12/2023

Original (1885) Railroad alignment Cajon Pass overlying a modern map with 15 freeway.

https://mojavedesert.net/railroads/

20/12/2023

Railfanning:

Railfanning refers to the hobby or activity of watching, photographing, and sometimes documenting trains and railroads. Railfans, or rail enthusiasts, engage in railfanning for various reasons, including a fascination with trains, locomotives, and rail infrastructure, as well as an interest in the history and operations of railroads.

more:

Railfanning mojavedesert.Net/railroads Railfanning refers to the hobby or activity of watching, photographing, and sometimes documenting trains and railroads. Railfans, or rail enthusiasts, engage in railfanning for various reasons, including a fascination with trains, locomotives, and rail infrastr...

20/12/2023

Desert Magazine, Oct. 1942

An Invitation to Summit
Letters to Desert Magazine, Oct. 1942

Dear Sir:

When I came over here three months ago, I brought four copies of Desert with me. Needless to say they have become rather dogeared as I have read them from cover to cover several times, and passed them around to my friends who have enjoyed them immensely.

The last day I was in sunny Southern California (it rained . . .

An Invitation to Summit Letters to Desert Magazine, Oct. 1942  Dear Sir: When I came over here three months ago, I brought four copies of Desert with me. Needless to say they have become rather dogeared as I have read them from cover to cover several times, and passed them around to my friends who ...

19/12/2023

Yet another Sawtooth ~
https://desertgazette.com/blog/?p=2144

Rocks of dubious descent . . .

19/12/2023

Essex, Ca.
https://digital-desert.com/essex-ca/

Johnny Carson in The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Mitzi Gaynor/Orson Bean/Dr. Carl Sagan
Episode aired Mar 25, 1977

Johnny welcomes the town of Essex, California, and interviews two residents.

Mitzi Gaynor (Mitzi... Zings Into Spring (1977)); Orson Bean discusses small towns and children; Dr. Carl Sagan talks about scientific misconceptions.

19/12/2023

What histories of tragic struggle with fortune and of defeat there are written in California! How many young men, for whom still fond hearts of sisters or mothers beat lovingly in vain, have fought the battle of life here unsuccessfully and have died, as men know how to die, in solitude without a murmur or a groan.

-- Charles Loring Brace
The New West, 1869

Pioneer cemeteries and old graveyards in the California Mojave Desert

19/12/2023

The gold fields of Northern California began drying up. Prospectors came back to the desert to find their fortunes. Once the prospectors made their discovery, they would become miners and work the claim or sell it off and begin the search again. Promoters sought money and investors would provide it. Men would overrun an area and the cycle of gold mines and mining towns would begin.

The gold fields of Northern California began drying up. Prospectors came back to the desert to find their fortunes. Once the prospectors made their discovery, they would become miners and work the claim or sell it off and begin the search again. Promoters sought money and investors would provide it....

19/12/2023

Tübatulabal Indians
https://mojavedesert.net/tubatulabal-indians/

The Tübatulabal are a Native American people who historically inhabited the southern Sierra Nevada region of California, USA. Their traditional territory is in and around the Kern River Valley. The Tübatulabal people are part of the larger Uto-Aztecan language family.

Historically, the Tübatulabal people lived a semi-nomadic lifestyle, relying on hunting, fishing, and gathering for sustenance. They had a deep connection with the natural environment and utilized the resources available in the mountainous region where they lived.

Like many Native American groups, the Tübatulabal experienced significant disruptions and challenges with the arrival of European settlers in the 19th century. The impact of diseases, loss of land, and changes in their traditional way of life profoundly affected their population and cultural practices.

Today, efforts are made to preserve and revitalize Tübatulabal culture and language. The Tübatulabal people, like many Native American groups, work to maintain their cultural heritage and traditions while also adapting to the contemporary world.

The home of the Tübatulabal lay on the main and South Branches of the Kern River, their territory thus extending up the former to its headwaters in Sequoia Park. This was, however, too high to be settled permanently and served as no more than summer hunting territory. It is likely that Western Mono...

19/12/2023

NOTR
National Old Trails Road
https://digital-desert.com/notr/blue-book.html
Cajon Pass

Route 628 – Barstow to San Bernardino, Cal. – 81.7 miles
Via Victorville.

Gravel and sand road to summit of Cajon pass, balance macadam and concrete. After crossing the western edge of the Mojave desert and reaching the summit of Cajon pass, the tourist is suddenly confronted with a magnificent panorama of incomparable grandeur. Descending on easy winding grades over splendid roadway with high mountains towering on all sides, the tourist almost abruptly finds himself within the semi-tropical vegetation of southern California.

19/12/2023

Randsburg Railway

The Randsburg Railway was a 28.5-mile (45.9 km) branch-line railroad in California's Mojave Desert. It originated at Kramer Junction, California, and terminated at Johannesburg, California, with a stop at Atolia on the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad (AT&SF).

Upon its completion on January 5, 1898, the line began operation on January 17, 1898. AT&SF acquired the railway in 1903. Throughout its 35-year history, the Randsburg Railway served passengers and local mining operations.

As a result of the Great Depression and the decline in the mining industry, the Randsburg Railway ceased operations on December 30, 1933. A year later, the rails were removed. Portions of the grade are still visible along U.S. Route 395

Randsburg Railroad

18/12/2023

Adapted from;
THE ANCIENT AND HONORABLE ORDER OF
E CLAMPUS VITUS
BILLY HOLCOMB CHAPTER 1069

HISTORIC DAGGETT GARAGE (& History of Daggett)
Written by MIKE JOHNSON, XNGH, CP.

Mojave Preserve Roads, San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad, Union Pacific, Kelso Depot, Restaurant and Employees Hotel Historic District

18/12/2023

Victorville Route 66 Museum
https://digital-desert.com/victorville-ca/0/route-66-museum.html

The California Route 66 Museum is devoted to the representation of U.S. Highway 66 in both historic and contemporary exhibition. The museum intends to continually promote, preserve, and educate the public throughout the world bringing relative weight to the cultural influences; and impacting effects the Mother Road had on architecture, the arts, community development, and commerce; since its induction as a U.S. Highway in 1926

18/12/2023

Railroad Depots & Stations
Summit Station - Cajon Pass

Jack Delano photo (colorized)
https://mojavedesert.net/railroads/1-depots/

Mojave Desert Railroad depots and stations are an integral part of the region's transportation network. These depots and stations play a crucial role in facilitating the movement of goods and people across the vast expanse of the Mojave Desert.

18/12/2023

Ethnic and Cultural Divisions in the Great Basin

Historic Indian Territories Map
https://mojavedesert.net/mojave-desert-indians/map.html

Territorial boundaries were probably not hard and fast as we think of our boundary lines of today. They may have fluctuated and overlapped according to tribal relationships and intermarriage. In some cases areas may have been shared to various degrees as well as buffer zones maintained between people that were enemies.

18/12/2023

Eldorado Canyon - Searchlight, Nevada
Mining During the Nineteenth Century

If mining was conducted in El Dorado Canyon prior to the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, such activity had terminated prior to 1850. Probably, a hiatus of a quarter-century at least separated the conclusion of earlier mining from the rediscovery of precious metals in the late 1850's. It was only a question of time before the mineral deposits of El Dorado Canyon would be found.

Prospector's camp - 1907 - courtesy UNLV

Early Development of El Dorado Canyon and Searchlight Mining Districts - Camp Eldorado, Colorado River, Eldorado Canyon

18/12/2023

Cajon Pass circa 1966

Route 66
https://digital-desert.com/route-66/

18/12/2023

Along the Mojave

The Mojave flows approximately 110 miles from the San Bernardino Mountains watershed to Soda Lake in Baker. The river flows beneath the surface for most of its length, with occasional surface flows. Mojave River appears when bedrock pushes water up or rainstorms send a pulse down from the mountains. Perennial flow is usually found at the Mojave River Forks, where Deep Creek and the West Fork come together. It is also found at the Upper Narrows between Apple Valley and Victorville and the Lower Narrows. Downstream, the Transition Zone is a rare river stretch. It's the only significant riparian habitat in the western Mojave Desert, with its lush, 15-mile-long corridor of cottonwood trees and riparian vegetation. Water also comes to the surface in Afton Canyon before sinking underground and disappearing into sand and rubble.

https://digital-desert.com/mojave-river/

18/12/2023

The Mojave Desert, located in the southwestern United States, is rich in cultural and historical significance, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. Petroglyphs, pictographs, and geoglyphs are among the archaeological features found in the Mojave Desert, offering glimpses into the region's past.

Petroglyphs, Pictographs, and Geoglyphs in the Mojave Desert /petroglyphs/ The Mojave Desert, located in the southwestern United States, is rich in cultural and historical significance, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. Petroglyphs, pictographs, and geoglyphs are amon...