Granite Mountains

This would be my first log in the set of 3 journal installments for over this trip throughout the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts! Upon entering the Mojave via California’s dusty roadways we took the drive to head into the Granite mountains, which, in hindsight, were one of the most majestic sites that I have been to. The research station in which we were staying was almost completely off-the-grid including no wifi, no service, and no toilets with running water (we had an outhouse)! As a result, this area was essentially a “technology detox”, and I’d only really use my phone to take pictures for iNat.
At the granites, from a biodiversity perspective, there was certainly a plethora of things to observe, from mosses and liverworts, oaks and pines, birds, cottontails, to my main project species, the desert agave. Unfortunately, I only found one agave that had pups, which are essentially small clones that surround the main agave parent along the hike/climb through the granite mountain trails. This agave specifically was still young as there was no reproductive stalk. Agaves die after producing the stalk because it is so nutritionally taxing, which is why pups are made to still keep some of the original plant’s genes in the ecosystem.
On our second day of the Granite Mountain and friends exposé we climbed up the Kelso dunes which was strenuous, but well worth the amazing view at the top of the dunes. Glad to know that this Desert Biodiversity class all made the climb! (Even though that climb made me question my physical abilities multiple times!) At this point we also found a used hub cap for tires along the side of the road to use for our memento to the research station.
In talking more about the granites, and the place we stayed at specifically, there was an amazing Vulcan stove and I was able to cook on gas, as well as for ten other people, both of which I have not done before! We also spent a night stargazing in being able to identify the Big Dipper, Sirius, and all the light pollution from Vegas. A favorite spot that I found where I made the overview of this journal post overlooked a waterfall and the area where we stayed. Basking in the scenery and being isolated from the Covid-19 crisis allowed me to meditate and think about being grateful for being able to enjoy traveling in these remote areas.

Publicado el marzo 19, 2020 12:05 MAÑANA por jaltoveros