Scouting for Gordon Trail access

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND NINETEEN

Part of being a good navigator is not only knowing which way to go but knowing which way not to go. Today I become a much better navigator.

I set out to see if I could find an easy way to access the Gordon Trail, which goes from Palm Springs to Caramba Camp in upper Tahquitz Canyon and then on to Idyllwild. This trail was used in the 30s but access has been cut off by the Andreas Club, a private community on the mountain north of Andreas Canyon. I'm trying to find another way to get to the trail so I hiked out toward this canyon.

I get about 100 yards into the hike and abruptly come upon a stout barbed wire fence and a sign informing me that I'm not welcome. It's probably Andreas Club property. Those people are killing me.

So I went into the drainage of Os Wit Canyon and decide to try to get to the ridge from here.

If I were treasure hunting I'd know where to dig.

I angle up toward the mountain trying to find the best way to reach the ridge.

Maybe this trail will take me somewhere I want to go.

It only takes me part of the way and I veer off the trail but it's obvious someone's been up here before.

I continue up to what may or may not be the best way but unless rocks automatically stack upon boulders someone put this here for a reason.

Although there's no discernible route I keep going up . I don't think there's a best way really. If there is, I'm probably not on it.

I get to where I can look down upon the canyon that I wanted to originally go up and think it'd be a better way. I'll have to figure out another point of access.

But for now I have to get down before dark. This is not terrain that I want to be stuck in after dark. I won't have time for any more pictures but next time I come I'm going to plan on being up here for eight hours instead of just two so I can finally find the best way to access the Gordon Trail. I've already discovered the ways not to go.

Indian Palms, Coachella Valley Preserve

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND THREE

Today I did the hike I should have done yesterday. After doing a long, challenging uphill hike with a sour stomach and irritable intestine I needed a break. The Coachella Valley Preserve in 1000 Palms offers several easier hikes and I took one of them today, the hike to Indian Palms.

From the parking lot, it is easy to find the oasis. Just follow the signs.

Indian Palms is the closest and easiest to reach of the oases at the Preserve.

In case you're directionally challenged they have lined up these rocks to make sure you go the right way.

Of course, if you get off course you can just look to where you're going.

The oasis appears to be strong and healthy but there's not any indication of Indian inhabitation, at least that I can find.

There's plenty of evidence of later visitors, though. I guess Trash Heap Palms doesn't sound as enticing, though.

New growth is widespread in the oasis with cute little baby palms like these all around.

The second oasis is also doing very well.

There's no surface water at the oasis but it is just beneath the soil. Some animal has dug a shallow hole here to allow water to percolate to where they can utilize it.

While there's no obvious Indian artifacts to be seen, I wonder who put these rocks like this.