Day 11: Bicycle ride from Mid Hills campground to Pinto Valley, Mojave National Preserve
After yesterday's relaxing and social day with Sarah and Heather, I'm refreshed and excited to start the final chapter of this trip. I've visited Pinto Valley before, but haven't camped there yet. 16.2 bicycle miles with about 850 feet of elevation gain, another easy day.
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Date: May 25, 2011, 08h37
Size: 45 items
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My final morning at Mid Hills campground, I hear a noise outside my tent, and guess who it is?
Mr. or Ms. Cottontail! The morning shade from the juniper tree is so nice, and has allowed me to sleep in until 8h30!
Date: May 25, 2011, 08h37
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The cottontail rabbit hears me and looks over my way before darting away
I see quite a few cottontails out here, but they're usually gone before I have a chance to grab my camera.
Date: May 25, 2011, 08h37
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After four great nights here at Mid Hills campground, I pack up; a strong gust of wind blows my tent over once it's half empty
Last night was not as chilly as the previous nights, so I slept really well. After my usual camp breakfast of dried fruit (apricots and pineapple), granola, coffee and vitamin-C drink, I'm ready to get going.
Date: May 25, 2011, 11h55
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I've procrastinated all morning, but I'm finally packed and ready to leave Mid Hills campground
I always hate leaving this place, but I'm looking forward to the next stop on my trip: Pinto Valley. Sarah and Heather have already left; they're on their way to Joshua Tree Park next.
Date: May 25, 2011, 13h05
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I always enjoy the expansive views across Round Valley while riding down Wild Horse Canyon Road
The fact that I'm coasting downhill makes it fun, as well as beautiful. However, I'm carrying a full load of water (18 litres), which makes the bike rather heavy.
Date: May 25, 2011, 13h18
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At the end of Wild Horse Canyon Road, I turn left on Black Canyon Road for a couple of miles
It has been all downhill so far, so this hasn't taken long at all!
Date: May 25, 2011, 13h24
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An old wooden fence along Black Canyon Road that burned in the 2005 brush fires has been replaced by a wire fence
That's Pinto Mountain in the background. Today's destination, Pinto Valley, is behind that, not all that far away.
Date: May 25, 2011, 13h30
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I pause along Black Canyon Road to take a look across the valley to Table Top Mountain
In the foreground are low-growing daisy-like fleabane flowers, with an expanse of orange Desert mallows behind them.
Date: May 25, 2011, 13h34
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I zoom in for a better look at the expanse of orange Desert mallows in this part of Round Valley
How many orange flowers here? Millions? in some lighting situations, a field of Desert mallows can look rather brown, but right now it looks quite quite orange.
Date: May 25, 2011, 13h37
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Now it's time to ride down "The Shortcut Road" between upper Black Canyon Road and Cedar Canyon Road
I always enjoy this rough mountain-bike road, which starts out not so roughly. I rode this on the way to Mid Hills campground.
Date: May 25, 2011, 13h43
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The "Shortcut Road" is only 3/4 mile long; soon enough, I'm approaching Cedar Canyon Road, that horizontal line ahead
Pinto Mountain straight ahead was a nice hike last year, but today I'll turn right on Cedar Canyon Road, backtracking my route from a few days ago.
Date: May 25, 2011, 13h51
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Oooo, land for sale on Cedar Canyon Road
I check the small change in my pockets and continue riding past.
Date: May 25, 2011, 14h12
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Cedar Canyon Road east of the Mid Hills is mostly unpaved, except for this short stretch by a cattle guard
Not much of the old pavement remains...
Date: May 25, 2011, 14h13
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Since I'm in no rush today, I decide to take a short detour over to Goverment Holes, that big tree up the dirt road here
It's just a 1/4 mile in off Cedar Canyon Road, yet I've never stopped there during the many times I've ridden by.
Date: May 25, 2011, 14h20
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This sign near Government Holes used to say something about private property
... until the 2005 brush fires passed through Round Valley. So many Desert mallow flowers.
Date: May 25, 2011, 14h25
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Well, this is it: Government Holes, Mojave National Preserve
A water tank, a corral, an old cottonwood tree and a history story about a shoot-out here 100 years or so ago. The funny thing is that there's a modern plastic water reservoir hiding inside that metal cistern.
Date: May 25, 2011, 14h27
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I park the 10-ton bike and walk over to the Government Holes corral, next to which a cistern full of green water glows
The cows in the background keep an eye on me in case I decide to take some of their water. This water could be filtered and made safe for drinking, but fortunately I'm carrying a full load of good water from Mid Hills campground.
Date: May 25, 2011, 14h30
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The corral at Government Holes, Mojave National Preserve
The hills in the background are adjacent to the Mid Hills campground, where I spent the last four nights.
Date: May 25, 2011, 14h30
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