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By: Paul S Cilwa |
Occurred: 2/3/2024 |
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Page Views: 461 |
| Hashtags: #Autobiography #Tonopah #Saddle Mountain |
| My first attempt at an easy short hike after starting methyl folate. |
On our way we passed the infamous Hickman's chicken ranch that
provides the smells that periodically permeate Tonopah.
The egg factory in Tonopah is owned by Hickman's
Family Farms, the largest egg producer in Arizona. The factory, which
arrived in Tonopah in 2014, consists of 14 enormous barns that house
millions of hens. The barns are 560 feet long, 82 feet wide, and 30
feet tall. The arrival of the factory and the hens brought a
significant change to the rural, unincorporated community, both
increasing the number of local jobs and decreasing the quality of
life for them and their families. Since its establishment, residents
and businesses have tried to fight back against Hickman's due to the
stinging stench of chicken poop and dead birds.
The mountains around Tonopah, including Saddle Mountain, are part of
the geologic Basin and Range Province, which underwent moderate to
severe Tertiary extension and magmatism. These mountains showcase a
variety of geologic layers, including basalt and basaltic andesite
lava flows, cinder cones representing volcanic vents, and ash-flow
and fallout tuffs with monolithilogic breccia and andesite flows. The
end result is striking and sometimes brilliant geologic layers that
make them look like works of art.
Saddle Mountain is a distinctive landform with a rich geologic
history. It’s part of the Sonoran Desert subdivision of the Basin and
Range physiographic and tectonic province, which underwent moderate
to severe Tertiary extension and magmatism. The mountain is a
volcanic upthrust, showcasing basalt and basaltic andesite lava
flows, cinder cones representing volcanic vents, and ash-flow and
fallout tuffs with monolithilogic breccia and andesite flows. The
mountain's 1,500-foot high cliffs and towering spires are the visible
remains of a major volcanic vent from approximately 20 million years ago.
A cinder cone, also known as a scoria cone, is a steep conical hill
of loose pyroclastic fragments, such as volcanic clinkers, volcanic
ash, or scoria, that has been built around a volcanic vent. These
pyroclastic fragments are formed by explosive eruptions or lava
fountains from a single, typically cylindrical, vent.
Saddle Mountain offers dispersed camping opportunities. Many sites
for primitive camping are available off W. Courthouse Rd. and W.
Salome Rd. The area is known for its quiet and beautiful
surroundings, making it a popular spot for campers.
Years ago, I went on a nude hike to Saddle Mountain's saddle. I do
not recommend nude hiking in Arizona; it's too prickly. I came home
with a scraped butt from wriggling down a rock.
My friend, Arthur, appreciates the wilderness.
Although I didn't attempt to climb the mountain, I was able to explore a
few short trails for the first time in two years. I am crediting the
methyl folate, but also I did have a cortisone shot applied to my troublesome
right hip, and that is definitely also helping. Plus, I got to experiement
with my floating camera for the second time since I got it!
Can you drive a Tesla in a wilderness area like this? Well, I did.
But the Tesla has an admittedly low clearance, so I had to position
my wheels on the ridges between the ruts to avoid scraping rocks on
the bottom of the car battery (which is the entire bottom of the
vehicle).
The power lines come from the nearby Palo Verde nuclear power plant.
So by 2 o'clock we had returned to the hot spring.
Arthur was tickled especially by the guinea hens…
And by this poor peacock, who is constantly trying to hook up with
the completely disinterested guinea hens.
And this is Peaches, a very mellow monster of a hog who assists in
cleaning up the garbage left by careless campers and soakers.
Okay, enough sightseeing. Time for more soaking!