BTCV Nevada 2007 Part 2
The day after the trip to the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Study Area we got involved with some gardening work at the RV park. This was mainly raking up leaves and dead vegetation around the site in order to reduce the risk of fire and to make it tidy. That evening some of us went to see a softball game featuring many of the NOS staff (kind of like rounders).
Over the next few days during our time off, we got to find out a lot of what Winnemucca has to offer. Some went to the Cinema to see the latest Harry Potter; we went bowling; learnt authentic Texas Hold ‘Em Poker and even attended a junior Rodeo competition. Not to mention the casinos. We amused the locals with our eclectic musical tastes and crazy dancing in the bars and clubs.
People have been really friendly and, as they probably don’t get many large groups of foreign visitors, our reputations are starting to proceed us.
Day 14 – 16/07
We left early for the second trip to the Nevada Conservation Area, to Black Rock itself. This is situated to the North of the famous Playa. This huge area of flat sand, a dry lake bed, was the location for the Thrust SSC land speed record victory in the 1990’s. From the 1840s, pioneers following the Applegate Trail to Oregan in the North West had to negotiate the hazardous crossing. Every year the famous Burning Man festival takes place on the Playa, but no permanent structures or trace of habitation can be left on it. Driving across it is amazing; it is impossible to guage distances, the mountains seem deceptively near because of the heat haze.
We were camping near the Black Rock hot springs. This is the reason the pioneers had to risk crossing the Playa, as it was a major water source en-route. It’s 120 deg f heat makes it dangerous to jump in. There are various hot springs in the area, all located on the same fault line.
After setting up camp we drove up a hill adjacent to the Black Rock Mountain. On top of the hill we did a couple of hours of road/path rehab, where scars had formed over time. As there was no vegetation around this was done by spreading rocks and stones over the surface.
Day 15 – 17/7
The vehicle trouble jinx I mentioned before has beset us again. Patrick Pollard and Tom Lalley went off across the Playa in a hired dumper truck and bobcat (mini JCB) to pick up large rocks to line a route up to the Black Rock Mountain and it broke down.
The rest of us worked on the same road/path rehab as yesterday. It was tough going in the heat, as some heavy rocks were used to line a path to define an official walking route and deter vehicles. At lunch in the campsite Tom and Patrick returned with Richard, a local rancher who had kindly given them a lift (most people in the area know the NOS staff). In the afternoon we finished this project as best we could without all the required rocks.
Day 16 – 18/7
In the morning we travelled north along the Playa to an area called Soldier Meadows. This is a remarkable fertile area with hot springs feeding a stream. At only 100 deg f it is safe to go in. This was another vital stopping off point along the Applegate Trail, but it was also vital and sacred to the Paiute Indians who would attack the pioneers. They built an army camp here in the 1860’s which is how the area got it’s name.
The NOS had already done much work here creating a designated campsite area and path trail. We met Jess, the BLM worker based at the site throughout the summer season. He directed the road rehab which helped obliterate signs of heavy machinery working in the area.
After a dip in the springs at lunch time, while others tidied the campsites, Dave Ingham, Holly Palmer Dion, Mike and myself worked on the creation of a walking trail along the stream. There was much work to be done but in a short time we had helped define a walking trail along this ecological important area.
As the sky had been overcast on and off throughout the day, the sunset was particularly spectacular and everyone had their cameras out to record it. The stars were also amazing at night, with satellites, shooting stars and the Milky Way clearly visible.
Day 17 – 19/07
There was just a short road rehab to do in the morning before setting off back to Winnemucca. The wildlife we had seen included: bats, a wild dog, an elk, scorpions, horny toad and other lizards.
This trip had to be cut short because Dave Ingham, one of last year’s BTCV volunteers with NOS was getting married on Sunday, a few days later, to one of the Ameri-corp volunteers from last year, Amanda Painter, now Rural Outreach Coordinator with NOS.
Just goes to prove that you can find love with BTCV in the wilderness.