Snow In The Desert
We finally got to take a day to enjoy each other. So we headed back towards our hometown toward the mountain we had both grew up around. The original plan was to head out to four peaks (pictured) to gather some nice leaves and sticks for some projects that we are doing. However, as always, we got a late start and ended up going out for some food first!
We headed up the mountain, jamming to the music and laughing at each other as always. We were enjoying the nice weather with all the windows in the Pathfinder rolled down - allowing the wind to blow my hair everywhere! We planned on taking the longer, more fun scenic route to four peaks through Butcher Jones. However, on the way up - we passed an area, which is already marked with "Do Not Enter" signage, that had three huge firepits that were still smoking. I told River he had to turn around. We had JUST had a huuuuge forest fire in this area the year before and it had destroyed the area. We didn't want this to happen again. So, we turned around, jumped out of the truck and started to pour what water we had on the burning coals. River used his shovel to throw dirt on the coals but they were just too hot.
We decided that it was best for us to drive back down to the Sheriffs station and report the hot coals. We headed back down and were able to speak to a deputy. He drove up there to check it out and throw some more water on the areas. We proceeded to go onward with our adventure now that the hot coals had bee reported.
*With this being said - please please please make sure all your fires are COMPLETELY OUT. DROWN AND STIR. The coals underneath your fires are super duper hot and continue to burn even after you think they are out. Please be extra careful and sure to protect our beautiful land.*
Butcher Jones Off Road area was still closed off to the public, so we went down to the next area - which I had never even known was there. It a turn off about .4 miles north of the butcher jones exit on the 87. It's a pretty straight shot trail, with most of the trails leading off closed - I am assuming since they are fragile burnt areas that are regrowing. The trails were pretty rocky but had some areas that we could get some good spead going! If you are able to navigate through the trail system you can actually take it all the way to the four peaks entrance! Which is exactly what we did! It had gotten dark no too long after we started our adventure, so we didn't get out of the truck much. But it was so freakin nice to be back somewhere that is familar and out in the dirt of the desert again! It's truly where my heart belongs.
