Coachella Valley Hiking Club Blog

Chuckwalla Bench 4 wheel drive trip

On April 7th a group of club members took a 4 wheel drive trip back to the Chuckwalla Bench and the Bradshaw Trial. On the way on one stop, Astrid found a GEO Cash without using a GPS. It was hidden under a bush. As is the custom, we took something out and left our own gift. We visited Mesquite Spring which was supposed to be an old pony express stop. There is a North African date palm growing there. Perhaps it grew from a seed dropped by a bird or a passing traveler. After this, we took a road that wasn't on any of our maps and we ran into an old mine. Finally we came out at Chuckwalla Spring Road and made it back to I10.

Sunday April first was a hike up to Asbestos Peak near Pinion Crest. The hike was about 4 miles and 1,200 ft. elevation gain but because of all of the rock scrambling, it seemed like a lot further. There is a wonderful view from the top which was about 5,200 ft. Several of us tore our pants on the vegetation, mostly cat's claw acacia or "wait a minute" bush and everyone had scratches. We saw a little speckled rattlesnake that was coiled up by a rock, probably waiting for the sun to warm it up. Because of its camouflage, it was hard to see. The weather was good and everyone had a good time.

Eric

Saturday the 31th was the annual Hiking Club Party. It was especially significant because it marked the 15th anniversary of the Club. The club founder, Philip Ferante, was honored and presented with the gift of a desert landscape picture. Philip had a copy of the first schedule and there were only 10 hikes on it, all lead by Philip. Everyone had a good time and there was great food prepared by volunteers from the club. I took a lot of pictures of club members so that everyone can see how beautiful we are. The party was at Kerry's house and, as always, it was a great place for a party.

 

Mecca Hills Walkabout

On Sunday, March 25, Al Dempsy led us on a 10 mile hike through the Mecca Hills. Because of the drought, there was not very many flowers. I saw the Mecca Aster, Desert Tobacco, Blader pod, heart leaf primrose and of course, the paloverdes were in bloom. There was one sad looking beaver tail cactus flower.  We hiked up a wash and across some ridges. The hike was all off trail. At one point we could see highway 10 and the Salton Sea in the same view. I hadn't hiked in this area before and I was impressed by the geological formations. I would like to do this hike sometime with a geologist.

Eric