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I flew from Omaha to Las Vegas via Southwest Airlines. Las Vegas is great in that airfare is inexpensive from
all around the world. Airfare bill: $220.
I picked up a rental car from Dollar, went to the local Wal-Mart (I had directions prior to leaving Omaha) to pick up
a few goodies, then I was off.
There are some who aren't too enthused about Wal-Mart, but for my use, it was perfect. I picked up a sleeping
bag and a fleece liner for $25. I also acquired a collapsible chair for $5. I also got all the food I needed
for the week. Total Wal-Mart bill: $88.
Colleen called while I was in Wal-Mart. She was sick and wouldn't make it this year. Damn; she makes the
campfires that much better.
Getting to the Mojave National Preserve was no big deal. It was only 50 miles to Nipton Road at
the North end of the Preserve. Of course, the Preserve in huge, and getting to Hole-in-the-Wall campground
took another 40 miles.
I eventually met up with Mike, Andi, their son Kyle, and his friend Taylor. Here is Mike at Hole-in-the-Wall campground.
Tina (on left) joined our coterie around 2 p.m. Tina took to the desert like a mouse takes to cheese.
After slathering sunscreen, we went to the ring trail at Hole-in-the-Wall.
Heading toward ring trail. Hole-in-the-Wall is not just a catchy name; there are actually holes in the walls
caused by uneven cooling and gas bubbles from volcanic activity. Erosion has enlarged these holes.
The ring trail is also not just a catchy name—there are rings!
Here are some of the holes. Note the little barrel cactus nestled up above. Cacti
are hearty plants who can live where there is so little. This barrel cactus has been
here some time.
(See cactus from 2002)
Tina approaches a breathtaking view.
Hole-in-the-Wall from the back side.
As a group, we went a little further to a butte. Mike, the boys, and I climbed a bit,
then we headed down. Andi with the butte behind her.
Due to the rains, the flora was much more robust than other years. Desert paint brush.
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