DAY 2: The Sierra El Pinacate |
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We broke camp, brewed hot tea for the days journey, and left the sea and headed north into the Altar desert in search of a southern approach to the Sierra Pinacate. After exploring several roads, we selected a well defined track that went north towards the Volcan Santa Clara. This road began an eastward turn, and we were soon back onto MEX8. We were aware of another road into the Biosfera del Pinacate approximately 17 miles north of where we entered the highway. MEX8 is a very well maintained road that takes travelers to Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) |
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Shells at Camp 1 |
Desert Lilly |
Wild Horses |
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The Altar was in full bloom! |
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Trooper |
Old Truck Door |
Great subject |
| We drove NW into the Altar, south of the Volcan El Pinacate, on a narrow track of drivable terrain between the tall volcanic slopes and the 400' dunes of the desert. This watershed yielded incredible flowers, with some wildflowers nearly reaching the top of the truck. The recent rains had blessed the desert. |
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This route was one of the more challenging I have encountered in Sonora, and would require a high clearance 4wd with good tires due to the sharp rocks and deep gullies. We continued NW crossing several lava flows. The scenery held such amazing diversity, beyond what one could comprehend in this arid, rugged place. |
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| We made camp 2 at the edge of the sand dunes with plenty of time to explore on foot. Taking advantage of the cool temperatures, we ventured into the dunes, climbing the tallest in the area at ~400'. From the top of the dune you could see the Tinijas Altas in US, and the Gulf of California. |
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GO TO DAY 3 |
