It really is crazy how stark of a contrast it becomes after rains. Everything just springs to life from apparent desolation.

Thanks, just x-posted it over there!

Yeah, Salton Sea was a real trip. I am usually all for visiting the places of desolation, but even that was a bit much for me. Some of the art exhibits along the beach were pretty moving as well… Missed out on the Date shake, but that sounds like it would be delicious!

Thanks! Yeah, it’s amazing seeing some of the contrasts you can find in the deserts of the west.

Thanks!

Haha, when I got to Saguaro National Park (later on this trip), there was an older gent hiking with his adult daughter who all of a sudden started saying how much his hand hurt. Daughter immediately knew he reached out and touched one, and was only mildly sympathetetic when she said ‘you were specifically warned this is what would happen and you did it anyways.’

I’ve accidentally touched one and even through pants they will stab right in and get stuck. Yeah, don’t hug the chollas, not matter how much they want to.

Thanks, always good to have confirmation! And the sunflower family would make sense since I saw a ton flowering in nearby locations.

Thanks! Yeah, really great sights to see there, very excited to make it back there in a month or two.

Awesome! This is as close as I got to Mt Morrison, but I’m sure it’s amazing up top!.. Looking at the trail info for if you went from the lake, it sounds pretty intense! (6.4 mi roundtrip with 4,600 ft elevation gain for anyone interested). Even the hike before the climb section looks like it’d be a steep one, way to go!

As the other poster stated in their wikipedia excerpt, a group of escaped convicts holed up there after a prison escape; followed by a shootout… Its got kind of a lot of tragedy associated with the lake, as there was also an incident in 1990 where a group of boy scouts fell through the ice, which led to seven people drowning (some of the scouts as well as rescuers).

Haha, nope. A lot of times it’ll actually be more rounded and rough looking along with being weathered/dull. And then when it breaks it’s a lot of sheer and sharp angles with high shine to them. Whenever I get back to Oregon, I should post some pics of some of the obsidian I’ve collected over the years. Nothing spectacular compared to show pieces, but still pretty great. And if you ever want to collect any and have a chance to visit Oregon, Glass Butte near Bend is BLM land that is littered with it. People go out and dig up chunks then split them open with hammers to see what it looks like inside and if its got any of the various color or rainbow sheens.

It’s used for trails that are also designed to be educational trails, as they’ll have ‘interpretive signs’ along them. I don’t actually remember seeing any of those signs along the hike other than at the upper parking and picnic area, but I try to use the given trail name as much as possible to help people search for it if they want to hike it as well.

Thanks! Haha, I had a friend say a similar thing about a different picture I took a while ago. If anyone can get in touch with Bill Microsoft, tell him I’d be willing to discuss using it (but not me using Windows lol).

I believe it!! I really like that little corner of the lake, although every time I’ve been it’s been too cold outside to test out the chilly water!

This was March 13, 2024; so definitely would not reflect the current conditions… Hope conditions work out for you!

Yeah, it’s crazy some of the micro-climate effects that can get into play in these gorges. Sounds awesome!

Hell yeah! I forgot all about that one! Saw it well over a decade ago (don’t think I have any photos) when I first moved to Oregon. Next time I pass through, I’ll have to swing back by there. Thanks!

Haha, yeah compatible travel partners is key! Part of why I enjoy solo traveling so much, get to set my own schedule. Rest? That’s for post-vacation!

Oh cool, I’ll have to add that to the list! Looks like some good trails there.

Those photos look great! I’m planning on that shorter hike to Cassidy next time I get there as well to see a different approach up the canyon. Yeah, frying pan would be tough in the summer heat unless you go early.