Road to Recovery

DAY TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY SEVEN

The knee feels better today; there's no pain at all. I have no idea what went wrong with it and I'm sure as I get older I'll encounter more unexplainable aches and pains. Of course, the knee is of utmost importance for a hiker. If it were my hand or shoulder or neck it wouldn't have mattered as much. I don't mess around when it comes to my knees.

Still keeping it simple due to the knee I went over to the Art Smith Trail. However, it seemed like it was a bit busy so I decided to go across the street to the Visitor's Center Trail.

Since they lock up the parking lot for the Visitor's Center it would be nice to have a little trail from the Art Smith Trailhead.

It's almost there but just needs a little work.

Of course, I think they should update the map first. This trail map doesn't show the already bankrupt Stone Eagle Golf Course.

It looks like the most recent users of this trail were mountain bikers. It actually looks like mountain bikes have been the only recent users.

I wouldn't be happy mountain biking because with the luck I've been having lately I would probably fall on this.

They still haven't finished with all the little signs along this trail. I don't know how long it takes a government agency to put up a dozen signs but this project has been going on for at least six months.

I get to the top of the trail and am tempted to head up to the top of this hill to enjoy the view but I decide to head down instead.

I've got the whole way to head down and not a lot of time to get there because I didn't bring a flashlight.

Good call. I make it just in time.

Summer Session

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY SIX

Sticking close to home I went to a place I've been quite a few times this year: The Coachella Valley Preserve. Today, though, was quite different than any other time I'd been so far this year.

The first thing I noticed is that there were no cars in the parking lot. None! This is the first time I've ever been to the Preserve when I had it all to myself.

The next thing I noticed is that the mesquite were in full fruition. The mesquite pods were long and green and almost ready of harvest. I'd like to see how these taste since they were a food staple of the Cahuilla Indians.

Finally, I noticed that the place is closed down tight. No wonder there are no cars here; there's no one to greet visitors. I don't mind that because I do my own thing anyway but sometimes it's nice to have company.

Not only is the Visitor's Center closed but the McCallum Grove, my favorite short hike, is also closed. I don't know what type of work would require four months to complete but let's hope they don't try to turn it into Disneyland. Just keep it simple.

While they're doing summer maintenance I hope they do a little trimming since the reeds are already starting to take over this walkway.

Finishing the walkway would also be nice. This project started several months ago and it looks like it's on hold. I don't know but maybe they should finish this before starting on the pond. The pond seemed OK last time I was there.

A little trimming around the trail would be good, too. Maybe I can bring loppers next month when I come.

Well, the pond is definitely closed and there a couple of trucks with workers there.

I decide to go to the vista point instead. I can't go to the grove but at least I can check it out from above.

On the way back I see the unmistakable track of a Sidewinder. I pay very close attention to every step from here on out. I definitely don't want to accidentally step on this guy.

Although I don't see another soul on this hike, I see enough critters out on the trail so I know I'm certainly not alone. It's only the tourists who leave in the summer; we locals are still around.

Visiting Time Is Over

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY TWO

Has there ever been better weather in June in the desert than we have been experiencing this last week? I went to go hiking in south Palm Desert this afternoon near the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto National Monument Visitor's Center. On Tuesday, I also went there but left after discovering I forgot my camera and went somewhere else later. Today, I had better luck. I brought my camera; I brought some water; the temperature was perfect. There was only one problem: the visitor's center was closed.

I don't know if it budget cutbacks or a seasonal adjustment but the day of operation at the center have been reduced from seven days a week to five. There has probably been a drastic drop in visitors so it makes sense but why lock the gate? The trail is still open.

The signs are nice at the center and contain a good amount of information for the first time visitor. But what's the deal with the white little stick-on sign on the top?

I'm sure who ever put it there said, "Good enough for government work" when they did it.

When I came here a few months ago, the trail was crowded with visitors. There were at least three groups of fifteen or more being led around by volunteers. This time the trail was left to me and the ants. I don't know why ants like the hot weather--maybe not as many people around to step on them--but they tend to really come out in the summer.

These little brown posts are still not done after all these months. Can't a guy with some white paint just go out and finish the job or does it require Congressional approval before he paints each one? That job should take three hours and it's been three months. Did they contract Halliburton to do it or what?

On my previous hikes here the trail was lined with flowers. Not so this time. The only things blooming were the Smoke Trees and the Desert Lavender on its very last legs. Lavender was probably the first to bloom and is the last to die out. I cannot walk by one without rubbing some blossoms on my hands. I love the smell.

The coming of summer brings a distinctly different feel to the trail. The flowers have all died and gone to seed. The Canadians have headed north. Even though the weather is beautiful, it is still warmer than before and the days are long. In the distance, I hear a lonely coyote mournfully bay. Alone on the trail, I think of what's to come. This weather won't last forever and I probably won't hike this trail again until fall. But you never know.

Summer is the time of year only someone who loves the desert can tolerate. Endless sun and solitude can bring bliss or insanity, often at the same time. It is a feeling only ants and a very few people will ever understand.