Winter in the Desert

By calepo
4
written 1/28/08 4:48 AM, published 1/28/08 4:48 AM

A storm blew through the Indian Wells Valley last Thursday night bringing with it snow, snow and more snow. The snow level didn't quite make it to the valley floor, but it came close (about 3,500 feet).

I jumped in the Jeep and headed towards Walker's Pass (elevation approximately 5,200 feet). As I rose in elevation, the snow got thicker. About midway up the mountain, I ran into the snow plows and the Chains Required sign was up. I didn't have chains with me, and the road didn't appear that bad, so I just drove on. I reached Walker's Pass and it was just starting to snow again.

On the way back down to the valley, I stopped to capture Joshuas in Winter.

I glanced to the south and saw a local landmark (Robber's Roost) and couldn't believe how beautiful it was. (Robber's Roost is a cluster of rock outcroppings that rise out of the valley floor. They were used by outlaws in the old days to hide in, waiting for the stages full of silver or unsuspecting settlers to travel by.) There was a dirt road that headed in that direction, so I put the Jeep in 4 low and took off in that direction. Here are some shots from that fun excursion.

Robbers Roost 1

Robbers Roost 2

Robbers Roost 3



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