Mapping large climbing areas like Joshua Tree requires numerous extended-stay trips (3 weeks to 1 month per trip). Although it might be ideal to stay and map in one go, the reality is we periodically we need to go back home to Utah to:
On our way back home this trip we were on Amboy Road about 50 miles outside of Twentynine Palms. We were witness to a monumental migration of caterpillars crossing the road -- literally thousands upon thousands of caterpillars. Seeing these creatures inch along with a singular intent, was mesmerizing. As much as we were in awe, we were also saddened by the visual display of bright orange caterpillar guts splattered across the road. With heavy hearts, we knew we were contributing to this carnage with every roll of the wheel.
Although the squished caterpillars are easily seen in a photo, the live ones, with their mostly grey bodies that blend into the road, disappeared in video or photos. We could not adequately capture this incredible display of life. (Hover over or click on images to see captions.)
- process the huge amounts of data that has been collected;
- physically rest (when mapping we are putting in 12-hour days of non-stop hiking -- and sometimes climbing -- often in rough terrain); and,
- catch up on the rest of life (Woohoo! Bills! Taxes! But also a true woohoo - connect with friends and family!).
On our way back home this trip we were on Amboy Road about 50 miles outside of Twentynine Palms. We were witness to a monumental migration of caterpillars crossing the road -- literally thousands upon thousands of caterpillars. Seeing these creatures inch along with a singular intent, was mesmerizing. As much as we were in awe, we were also saddened by the visual display of bright orange caterpillar guts splattered across the road. With heavy hearts, we knew we were contributing to this carnage with every roll of the wheel.
Although the squished caterpillars are easily seen in a photo, the live ones, with their mostly grey bodies that blend into the road, disappeared in video or photos. We could not adequately capture this incredible display of life. (Hover over or click on images to see captions.)
After many miles of caterpillar hypnosis, we were snapped out of it with the vision of a white van on the side of the road and an older gentleman standing next it looking perplexed. His car was buried deep in the sand. Rick instinctively pulled a u-turn and stopped our Tiger a few feet in front of the gentleman's vehicle, being careful not to place ourselves in the same stuck fate.
Rick hopped out and introduced himself, "We have a tow-line and 4-wheel-drive. Let's see what we can do to help get you out of this."
"Thank you so much." The man, Mark, replied. "Yesterday I pulled over to let folks pass and the sand just sucked me in."
"You've been here all night? Wow..." Rick continued, "I've lost count the number of times I've stood next to my broken car, scratching my head, wondering how I will get home. There's no way I could just keep driving, especially when we have the tools to help."
We were all glad it was still spring and, although the sun was glaringly bright, temperatures were reasonable.
Rick grabbed the small shovel out of our vehicle and I collected sticks and dead shrubbery to place beneath the tires for traction. Here's the result! (Video: 0:28)
Rick hopped out and introduced himself, "We have a tow-line and 4-wheel-drive. Let's see what we can do to help get you out of this."
"Thank you so much." The man, Mark, replied. "Yesterday I pulled over to let folks pass and the sand just sucked me in."
"You've been here all night? Wow..." Rick continued, "I've lost count the number of times I've stood next to my broken car, scratching my head, wondering how I will get home. There's no way I could just keep driving, especially when we have the tools to help."
We were all glad it was still spring and, although the sun was glaringly bright, temperatures were reasonable.
Rick grabbed the small shovel out of our vehicle and I collected sticks and dead shrubbery to place beneath the tires for traction. Here's the result! (Video: 0:28)
I wished we could rescue the caterpillars as well. To comfort myself, I just had to reach inside for the faith and knowledge that the balance of life will prevail. But, at least, after our Las Vegas Epic, we were glad to have been able to return a car-towing favor to another. As Rick said when we got back on the road to head home, "It feels good to contribute to some good Car-ma!"
