Mule Canyon trip on 7/20/13...

Here's a screen shot from the navigation application on my phone.  At some point, I was right near Kramer Arch, but I never saw it.

If you can't stand the heat....

So, if you notice that your starter cranks a bit more slowly than it used to, or you notice a coolant leak, or any other problem, have it repaired before you embark on your trip.

More to follow.

If you can't stand the heat.....

Generally, catastrophic engine failures, even in high-mileage vehicles are rare.  That is not to say that they don't ever occur.  They do, especially if an engine or other power-train component has been neglected or abused.  Again, driving off-road is a risky activity.  But, failure of an accessory, such as a water pump, an alternator, a hose, or a battery, is a more likely scenario.

Mule Canyon- July 20, 2013.

The back-country navigation application on my phone led me to the vicinity of Kramer Arch.  I thought that this was it, but I was mistaken.

Photo by Scott Schwartz

If you can't stand the heat...

Having an older vehicle , with a lot of miles on it does not preclude one from going on long off-road trips, as long as the vehicle in question is kept in good repair. This means spending the time and money to keep it in good shape.

To be continued....

More from Mule Canyon....

Mule Canyon- untitled - Photo by Scott Schwartz, 7/20/2013.

If you can't stand the heat....

The answer is "no".  The authors Jeep Cherokee has over 200,000 miles on it.

More to follow.

The author assumes no responsibility for any actions taken by the readers of this blog.

If you can't stand the heat.......

The first step in offsetting the inherent danger of driving off-road in the summer is one that should be taken before embarking on any long trip:

Make sure that your vehicle is in excellent working order. 

Does this mean that you can't take an older vehicle off-road?

The author assumes no responsibility for the actions taken by readers of this blog.

Fascinating rock-formations abound in Mule Canyon.  Photo by Scott Schwartz.

Another Mule Canyon photograph...

Capturing these colors was worth getting out of my air-conditioned Jeep in the one hundred degree heat.  Photo by Scott Schwartz.

Motoring through Mule Canyon- photographs.

The rich colors found here are absolutely captivating.   Photo by Scott Schwartz.

What I came for....Kramer Arch

However, I failed to find it.  The geological feature shown in my photo is not Kramer Arch.  I thought that it was. 

A quick check of the internet from my Android phone (I do have service here in the back country) reveals that a vehicle can be driven through the arch. 

So, I am heading home now, with thoughts of another attempt to find Kramer Arch on my mind.

Motoring near Mule Canyon..

Mine tunnel near Kramer Arch.

Photo by Scott Schwartz.

Mule Canyon...

Can any of you rock hounds explain this?

If You Can't Stand The Heat, cont.

Well, back to "offsetting the danger".

As I I have pointed out previously, driving off-road in the desert is dangerous.  The reader does so at his or her own risk.

If You Can't Stand The Heat...

So I stand, silently, drinking in the "quiet heat".

If You Can't Stand The Heat....

I think of those who actually carved out a rough existence here- all year-round-in pursuit of their dreams. 

If You Can't Stand The Heat...

I sometimes think that, if I listen hard enough, I might be able to hear the shouts of men and the clatter of machinery, both long-gone.

If You Can't Stand The Heat...

There's something about being in the desert on a hot day-that "something" is the quietness during the summer in the desert.  Generally, I and my party are alone in the summertime desert.  The only noises heard are the wind and the rustling of the occasional jack-rabbit, as the little creature dashes across the trail.

I call this the "quiet heat".

If You Can't Stand The Heat....

Despite the desserts harshness, many forms of life flourish there.

Drones in the desert...

I am considering the purchase of a "quadricopter" drone for use in scouting the route that lies ahead, while exploring the desert.  Would anyone like to share thoughts on the subject?

If You Can't Stand The Heat.....

Knowing full well that that driving off-road in the desert is inherently dangerous, and that doing this in the hot-weather, is even more so, I want to talk about my motivation for taking this additional risk. 

To be continued....

If You Can't Stand The Heat.....

I liken it to flying.  Despite what some may say, flying-even in an airliner-is dangerous.  What makes flying "safe" is the fact that the dangers are offset by things like the general reliability of the equipment being used, and the high level of competency among the personnel involved.

To be continued....

If You Can't Stand The Heat...continued...

Potentially deadly to those who are complacent, or who are careless, the desert can be experienced in the summer weather.  The reader will notice that I didn't say "experienced safely". 

The truth is that driving off-road in the desert is an inherently dangerous activity, even during mild weather conditions. 

To be continued....