It’s Friday morning and the wind has quieted to just a gentle breeze. Today, we will explore those geologic features we failed to reach yesterday.
Our first stop was the local BLM office where we got maps showing our routes and advice covering how best to get there. Our first objective was a spire known as Long Dong Silver (so named by rock climbers a few decades ago). The BLM calls it Blue Valley Spire.
We followed the directions we were given and soon reached the trailhead for our one mile hike to the spire. The fence was to keep vehicles out, but as we know, the rules don’t apply to everyone. We saw one Jeep-driving touron drive through the restricted area and were told that another did the same earlier.
Hiking up the valley, we passed towering cliffs…
…and another free-standing spire.
Finally, around one corner we reached Long Dong Silver.
I can’t imagine what it must have been like to climb this needle in the sky, but climbers’ slings still wrap around the summit.
After snapping a few photos, we said goodbye to the Dong…
…and hiked back to the truck.
Our next objective was Moonscape Overlook…
…which lay a few miles away.
From there, we headed to the Bentonite Hills…
…home of the Mars Desert Research Station.
A short distance beyond, we encountered an ATV with four space-suited folks from the station onboard. We waved, but they ignored us. I guess they didn’t expect to encounter earthlings out here.
Back at the trailer, I consumed an adult beverage while Dianne showered. Then I showered. I love having full hookups with no limit on water and the ability to dump the holding tanks at will.
Given enough time, I think that I could get used to this camping lifestyle.