Q–U–A–R–T–Z–S–I–T–E and S-LSA.

November 30, 2013: Quartzsite Rock Alignment and the Fisherman Intaglio.

In order to ease back into our regular activities, we’re going to take in a couple of nearby sites today.  Since we’re camped off of Plomosa Road on BLM land north of Quartzsite we’re going to drive just a few miles farther east into the Plomosa Mountains to view the rock alignment and intaglio.

During WWII General Patton’s troops used this area for a training ground.  Rocks were aligned in the desert that spelled out “Quartzsite” and an arrow pointing to the town so airplanes could tell where they were.  Yes indeed, I photographed every letter.

There’s also a point of reference indicated with an “N” with an arrow so pilots had directional orientation.  This has all been very well preserved – or well reconstructed.

Back in the Jeep we drive about a mile up the road to our second stop – the Bouce Fisherman Intaglio, or geoglyph.

Intaglio: This is a word I don’t recognize.

intaglio

in-tal-yoh, in-tahl-yoh

noun

1. incised carving, as opposed to carving in relief.

2. ornamentation with a figure or design sunk below the surface.

It’s a short hike back to the intaglio and a pretty area now that we have gotten a short distance into the mountains.

I'm glad there is a plaque to show what the fisherman is supposed to look like because it would be very difficult to decifer otherwise.  Here’s the plaque and the BLM’s story … and they’re sticking to it!  Who knows – it’s as good a guess as any.

And, here’s what actually remains of the intaglio.  With the picture to compare it to, I am able to make out some of the depressions but they’re pretty faint.  Perhaps from a higher elevation it would still be possible to make out the figure.  Time has taken its toll on the fisherman – just as it has on many of us.

Wandering back to the Jeep I take a few pictures along the way.  The Plomosa Mountains are pretty and there are several different varieties of cacti.  Very nice. 

We’ve only driven 7 miles from our campsite, but it was still a nice break away for an hour or so.  Back down the wavy road dipping through washes to home. 

What is that?  An ultralight aircraft?  No, it’s an S-LSA!

Back at camp having luxuriated in our lounge chairs for a while, we go for a walk.  To the east we hear a little buzzing sound and see two parachutes rise from the desert floor.  Wow!  Ultralight aircraft and they’re coming our way.  I snap some pictures as one comes right over our heads.

Actually they are not ultralight aircraft which are only legal to hold 1 person.  This is a two-seater which makes it an S-LSA (Special Light Sport Aircraft) powered parachute.  This requires an FAA Pilot Certificate whereas the ultralight has only a few regulations – and lenient ones at that.  One seat, five gallon maximum fuel capacity, speed and weight restrictions and the like.  AND – no age restriction.  A 12-year old can get in and fly an ultralight.  Now that’s a little scary!          

Off they go across the desert landscape beyond the Moose and Caboose.  That looks like it would be a whole lot of fun.  Twelve days of training and you too can fly an S-LSA!  If we get a little older and crazier we may have to consider this.

Until next time – be safe.