D e s e r t E x p o s u r e
March 2010
Risk Assessments
The February articles by Jerry Eagan ("Slid-Sliding Away") and Larry Lightner ("Ramblin' Outdoors") had a common thread which I would comment on: the taking of risks and the awareness of risks.
Jerry's well-written article gives one a clear idea on what one should do or not do when hiking in desolate areas. But what leaps out at me is how the risk factor multiplies when one decides to go out on your own, no matter how experienced and prepared you are. No other factor is as important as having a buddy with you!
Larry admits that he is past the point of facing many of these risks. Many times we refuse to admit that, with dire consequences. I, at my age, will therefore restrict myself to manipulation of the remote control and the door handle on the fridge.
Bert de Pedro
Silver City
Enjoyed reading Larry Lightner's column as always. I have a suggestion for his wilderness survival trip: Volunteer as a leader in a local Boy Scout troop. We take our scouts on a one-week survival outing every two or three years. They are only allowed to take the clothes on their backs and a shoebox filled with whatever they choose (except food). Suggested items include fishing equipment, a knife, first aid kit (required), water purification pump or pills (required), strong twine, duct tape, space blanket, etc. The boys really look forward to this and beg for it every year. Everyone is weighed before and after the trip. Imagine the boys' surprise a few years ago when the Scout Master actually gained weight! We make this trip in the summer, in Georgia, when food is plentiful. I am sure there is a local Scout troop that would love to have you and I promise the rewards are beyond belief.
Danny Hayes
Atlanta
Feathered Friend
I very much enjoyed the article by Jay W. Sharp on the Roadrunner in the February issue ("That Bird with Charisma"). On the last Thursday of January, the weather was "raining" snow. That is, the snow was coming straight down. My dog demanded a walk so I decided to oblige. With her on leash, I opened the front door and, to both of our amazements, a Roadrunner dashed from the protection of the front porch and ran up the hill. I have always thought of that bird as one which spends its time alone. Never have I seen one take cover at a human's home!
Peggy Spofford
Silver City
On the Map
In response to Erica and Jim Parsons' article, "The Lost History of Pinos Altos" (February), it was my understanding that Rich Gulch is the next drainage southeast from the one the article showed emptying into Bear Creek from the east slopes of Pinos Altos Mountain. This creek empties into Bear Creek at approximately N3252'42", W10813'20", about 1,000 feet southeast of the Arrastra Site turnout on Hwy. 15. This observation was based on my experiences with locals over the past 30 years or more who call this drainage "Rich Creek," and also because of considerable evidence of old mining activities in the creek. These include numerous placer dumps and arrastras in the lower elevations, and old mines and prospects scattered all about the higher elevations. There are still active mining claims today existing in this drainage. The creek to which you refer (also unnamed on current USGS topo maps), crossing Bear Creek Road farther north of Rich Creek and emptying into Bear Creek north of the Arrastra Site, has much less evidence of mining activity in its drainage, particularly in the lower elevations where placer mining would have been carried out.
As far as the location of Burchville/Eureka is concerned, I don't have an opinion. I hope this helps.
Steve Clark
Pinos Altos
"Survivor" Memories
As a newcomer to the West, I am still learning about this wonderful state. I really enjoy Desert Exposure and your articles, and felt like writing to comment on them many times.
Your article on "Survivor" ("Continental Divide," February) was funny and brought back memories of my viewing of the show before I moved to New Mexico. I and my inside guard dog watched it every week. It was family night, and I always stocked up treats to enjoy. Rupert was my favorite contestant.
But now I have a meeting on Thursdays and no VCR or recording machine, so I have to miss it, as I miss my pet who had to be put to sleep in September 2006 as he had oral cancer.
My favorite snack for "Survivor" viewing was creme horns, from a bakery that made good creme horns, and/or red velvet, white on yellow or carrot cake slices, or almond/coconut or peanut butter or raisin-nut cookies, or any flavor cupcakes, or the small cakes that I had them pipe on top with a name (not mine as I always paid by check), so they wouldn't know that I, alone, would eat it all except for a thumbnail-sized piece for my pet. Or an clair or — you get the picture. I figure I gained 10 pounds a year by the feast on Thursday night.
Ruby Canard
Silver City
Capturing the Spirit
Just a word to tell you I loved the article Richard Mahler did on Dr. Gilbert Arizaga in the January issue of Desert Exposure ("An Affinity with the Spirits")! Well done — I learned a lot, and I got to know more about this remarkable man and his family.
My husband and I lived in Silver City/Tyrone for over five years in the late 1990s, and I had occasion to meet and talk with Dr. Arizaga — you've captured him so well. Thank you for an informative and heartwarming article.
Deanna McMain
Albuquerque
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