Copper Mountain (outside Joshua Tree, CA)

[Chazz Layne]

Well I wasn't able to see if I could reach Keller thanks to the snow-related power troubles out there, but the scenery was well worth the short 20-minute drive up the mountain. Realistically, our 2WD Ranger (the truck with a radio) probably would not have made it up the road in the rain anyhow. I'd never been up there before, I had no idea of the views that awaited us or how open everything would be (unlike the other peaks in the area that are all locked up). Its like being on an island in the middle of the muddy desert up there.


A wall of rain headed for the house.




Copper Mountain on the lower right horizon, 3 miles of about 20 miles of rock between me and Keller.




Driving up the mountain...




Some of the views from the summits (pardon the darkness, it was twilight):




Picking up the mail.





Low light photography is difficult in a frozen 30-MPH wind...

[unwiredadventures]

Thanks for sharing the photos.

I wish I had the time to drive out into the desert and see it wet.

[DaveK]

Chazz:

Nice pics. I agree with Frank. I would like to be in the desert when it rains hard, (on high ground, of course).

[BlueFJ]

I think you just inspired some wet desert exploration!
Speaking of wet desert, how deep do y'all think the third crossing in Coyote Canyon is at the moment?
...and yea Dave, key words are "high ground"!

[Chazz Layne]

Took off today and went up thru the park to get to Home Depot, by way of Pioneertown. I am unable to justify the logic of this flight plan, but it was fun . A few highlights...



We had the privilege of being the first ones in to, and the last ones out of, Queen/Hidden Valley before NPS closed the roads. Its a good bet no one else got to see it unmolested. If I get the roof rack install done quick enough we might head back up this weekend and see if Geology Tour flooded... if it isn't closed.

Moar: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chazzlayne ... 140106785/

[cruiserlarry]

Wow, what a beautiful drive...

Doesn't look like anything I get to see when I drive to Home Depot

[unwiredadventures]

There is something about Joshua Trees in the snow. Just amazing and beautiful.

We're up in the San Bernardino Mountains tonight. Here's my new snow plow:

[OLLIE]

Great pics Chazz. Looks beautiful out where you live. Did I see the top of a buggy in that first picture?

[Chazz Layne]

Yup, the owner of the house (yes, I am renter scum ) keeps trying to get me to buy it so he doesn't have to move it. Looks like fun, but it would be redundant with how we are going to build out the Ranger.