Part 4: Exploring the Northern Drainages
Carson Slough divides into a multitude of drainages as it comes toward the playa. Some of these were interesting to look at, I thought:
This is an extreme environment, and this dead bush gives some indication of how hard it had searched for water until erosion finally undid its hold on life:
Animals live here too, as these critter-made dwellings indicate (all I saw going in and out were lizards, who definitely dominate this place):
In addition to these larger holes in some drainages, there were smaller holes under many bushes:
So what does a hungry coyote do when it is time for a nice reptilian snack? He rips out the protective bush and tries to catch whatever runs out:
During years when there is a little green vegetation here, in Spring, wild horses and burros come through here to graze. Indications, judging by plentiful poop, are that they like to drink at the obelisk. The same indication suggests they really like the shade offered by this tree, a really lonesome tree that can use both the company and the fertilizer:
Two more views along drainages and looking toward Eagle Mountain will have to do. This first one shows a drainage cut into the central playa by flash floods following large rain events:
This second southward view from near the 'obelisk' (north of the playa) is simply a nice view (the land isn't tilted, the photographer is, sorry):
Hope you enjoyed your look at a part of the desert not oft visited. It enjoyed you appreciating its uniqueness.
Go back to first Franklin Lake Playa page: orientation
Go back to second Franklin Lake Playa page: starting from south
Go back to third Franklin Lake Playa page: water sources in the north to central part of the area
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