California Desert: Blythe Intaglios

The Blythe Intaglios are a group of gigantic earth figures found on the ground near Blythe, CA. These intaglios are east of the Big Maria Mountains, about 15 miles north of Blythe - just west of Highway 95 near the Colorado River. The intaglios are best viewed from the air, and that is exactly how they were discovered. In 1932, local pilot George Palmer was flying over the Colorado River into Blythe when he accidentally spotted the formations below him.

                                                                                                                

 

Intaglios are gigantic human, animal and geometric figures on the ground surface.  The ground drawings are situated on two low mesas or terraces, but not too worry, it’s an easy hike.  There are several figures in three locations. The figures include two large humans, a feline and a concentric circle and a spiral. The largest human figure measures 171 feet from head to toe. 

                                                         

The dates of origin remain a mystery but the figures are believed to between 450 to 2000 years old. According to the Native Americans of the lower Colorado River area, their oral histories believe the human figures represent Mastamho, the creator of all life. The animal figures represent Hatakulya, one of two mountain lions who helped in the creation. Sacred ceremonial dances were held in the area in ancient times to honor the creation.  The Blythe Intaglios have been fenced to prevent further damage.  We don’t want to spoil it for everyone else, so we only posted the man; you will have to go see the others… ;)

Of course since we were already in the Big Maria Mountains, we had to scout out the area.  Unfortunately, most of the trails had been closed, so we only found a few to explore.  High clearance vehicle recommended to explore the back country, however not to get to the intaglios.

Metal Detecting = Nails ;(

Do you see the "dragon"?

Where's the road?

 

It seems Max puts all his energy into exploring the back country, as soon as he knew we were heading home – it’s nap time.   This time was NO different!!  Oh, until he heard river!  Yes, we saw a river not far from the road when driving to find the intaglios, so we were talking about finding access to let Max swim.  It turned out to be the Palo Verde Diversion Dam, a very deep and crystal clear dam.  And yes, Max got to swim!! =) 

Are you watching me?

Spring is coming, so it want be long and we will get to join Max for a swim!

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” ~ Mae West

Sneak Peek Into Our World….. Part IV - Mines & River

Time to wrap-up our day in the back country, glad you stopped by!

Mining Caves; let’s go check it out!  The sign said; “enter at your own risk”, so we had no choice, but to go…Right?  After all we do like to push the boundaries!!!

Hoping Max doesn't fall into the mine

Then on to see where the road dead ends…     Who would have ever guessed – Bill William River National Wildlife Refuge?  Yes, a river out in the middle of a desert, and it had water!!!

A wetland oasis, protecting almost all that is left of the original cottonwood and willow forests that once lined the lower Colorado River.  To get more information about Bill William River NWR click here.

This area of the river was about 40 miles downstream from the main NWR, but it was good enough for Max.

Awe, I'm in heaven!

This is so FUN, here I go again

Palm trees, who would have thought?

Mountains, Trees, Sun = awesome day

Well, this ended our day in the back country, as we had about a 40 miles trek to get back to camp.  Hope you enjoyed a sneak peek into our world!

Max had enough fun for one day... guess the swimming made him tired

Until next time, Peace. =))

Sneak Peek Into Our World….. Part II- Wheelin'

We are asked all the time about our hobby – “wheelin” or better known as off-road (4 wheeling = ATVs).   For some people; they think it’s anything off the blacktop or a bumpy dirt road, however for us it’s – “where’s the road”?    So what group do you fit into?

The following videos are in real time taking off our iPhone, so please excuse the annoying parts, as there are no pros here. Max will start whining every time something gets close to “his” truck, and voice very loudly (bark, bark) as they get too close.  If you listen closely, you will even hear they got TOOOO CLOSE (as we cringe)!!!

We’ll give you a sneak peek into our hobby. 

We had 3 videos, however we could only post 2 due to the size of them. First video is heading up the mountain and the second one took us to a turn around spot, as the third one was the decent down the mountain.  Personally, we are a bit upset it was too big, as it has some stunning views.  Oh well, now we know! =)

Stay tune more is coming....

INVASION Upon The Desert

Us on top of "Q Mountain" over looking town - sea of white is mostly RV tops

This quaint town has a population of 3800 full-time resident, however it starts growing in September when the snowbirds come rolling in.  The winter season (September – April) is when this town really grows with over 2 million visitors.   Well, this last week the desert got invaded when hundreds of people and their rigs took over, it wasn't too bad up to this point.  What’s all the excitement? All this just to partake in the 45^th Annual POW WOW, Rock & Mineral Show (Jan 18-22), The BIG Sport  -RV & Travel Show (Jan 21-29) and the Classic Car Show (Feb 4 & 5), so we will be glad when we get the desert back to ourselves!!  

We didn’t make it to the POW WOW, but we will try to attend the RV & Travel show tomorrow.  Wish us luck….

~Poor Camper ~

This poor man in the center

Now you can barely see him, as he got completely surrounded

 

The poor man that owns this Class C RV had a nice place to himself, where he would sit out and watch cars and people pass by, however got invaded upon by this RV group.  Deb  was curious if he was expecting his company, after speaking with him found out he wasn't, nor did they even speak to him before circling him.   The BLM rules states to allow 15 feet from ones camper – not too sure that happened  here! :(

 

 Time to dump "black tank" and get  fresh water?

Dump Line - about 12 deep, usually 3-4

No more 24 hour service - hopefully we will get it back in a couple of weeks.

There are many of groups that invaded the BLM land, however we got REAL LUCKY as our area is still VERY PEACEFUL! ;)

Good times ~ more around the corner....