After Ernie and Debbie packed up their dog Moki and headed for the cold northern wilderness (or at least Vegas for starters!), I had to come up with a plan. After spending a while on the maps and Google earth, I decided to try the 45 miles of gravel connecting Hwy 95 with the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge over on the Colorado River. This passes directly through the northern area of the military’s Yuma Proving Ground where they test high and low tech weapons and machinery.
Everywhere were warning signs.
There were white trucks on many of the small hilltops.
I’m guessing they were laser equipped, but I didn’t hang around long enough to get targeted!
There were villages straight out of Afganistan or Iraq.
I looked for Osama’s house, but didn’t see it!
The road varies a lot on the way across, from fairly wide and fairly well maintained, to well, rather rustic. Several sections of prime washboard made it interesting and it was dusty throughout, but traffic was very minimal. Nice country; been there, done that, don’t have to do it again!
The ‘entry’ sign on the west side says nothing about phoning, and permits, etc …!
I thought I was seeing wild burro poop along the road – till I spotted these horses hiding in a draw.
Eventually made it out to pavement again (!), and very shortly found the HQ of the Wildlife Refuge. Checks for armed militants proved negative, so we carried on to the wildlife areas.
First, there were many gooses.
And ducks.
Then, out to the fields.
Sandhill cranes were out.
An egret.
And another yodel dog.
We crossed the Colorado again into California, and returned the long way to camp via Blythe.
Next post: My first visit to Mittry Lake.
