Category: Articles

Damn Yellow Flowers (DYFs) is a term affectionately (or begrudgingly) used by botanists, naturalists, and desert wanderers to describe the frustratingly abundant and often similar-looking yellow wildflowers that blanket arid regions like the Mojave Desert. These flowers, while beautiful, can be a nightmare to identify—kind of like trying to tell apart identical twins who insist they have wildly different personalities.

The Science Behind DYFs

Despite their casual nickname, DYFs encompass a wide range of plant species, predominantly from the Asteraceae (sunflower) family. This family includes some of the most common desert wildflowers, many of which share characteristics like bright yellow petals, composite flower structures, and a knack for popping up right where you least expect them.

Common DYFs of the Mojave Desert

Below are a few of the most frequently encountered DYFs in the Mojave Desert, along with their scientific and common names:

1. Desert Gold (Geraea canescens) – A tall, wiry-stemmed sunflower lookalike that thrives after rainy winters. It’s often the first to bloom during a superbloom, showing off like that one cousin who always arrives overdressed.
2. Desert Dandelion (Malacothrix glabrata) – A smaller, daintier yellow flower that resembles a garden dandelion but grows in sandy soils. It’s the floral equivalent of a minimalist, sticking to the basics but still catching your eye.
3. Golden Suncup (Camissonia brevipes) – A member of the evening primrose family, this plant has smaller yellow flowers that bloom near the ground. It thrives in disturbed soils, much like the houseplants you keep forgetting to water.
4. Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) – One of the most easily recognizable DYFs, this shrub produces clusters of yellow daisy-like flowers on long stalks above silvery-green leaves. Imagine a desert plant trying its best to cosplay as a daisy bouquet.
5. Yellow Cups (Chylismia brevipes) – Similar to golden suncup but with more pronounced petals, this species tends to appear in sandy washes and along roadsides, proving that even wildflowers enjoy people-watching.
6. Goldfields (Lasthenia californica) – These tiny yellow blooms cover vast expanses of desert terrain, often blending together to create the illusion of a solid golden ground cover—kind of like nature’s way of rolling out the red carpet, but for bees.

Why So Many Yellow Flowers?

The dominance of yellow in desert wildflowers isn’t just a coincidence. Many desert plants have evolved yellow blooms because it is one of the most visible colors to pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. In an environment where survival depends on successful pollination, standing out is a strategic advantage—basically, these flowers are nature’s version of a flashy billboard.

The Struggles of Identifying DYFs

For amateur botanists and even seasoned professionals, distinguishing between different species of DYFs can be a daunting task. Many species exhibit only minor differences in petal shape, leaf texture, or stem height. Additionally, environmental factors such as soil composition and precipitation levels can influence plant morphology, making identification even trickier. It’s kind of like trying to pick the right brand of mustard—so many choices, all vaguely the same.

Appreciating DYFs Beyond the Frustration

While they may be difficult to differentiate, DYFs are an essential part of the desert ecosystem. They provide nectar and pollen for pollinators, contribute to soil stabilization, and play a role in the desert food chain. Whether viewed as a botanical headache or a seasonal spectacle, these flowers are an undeniable part of the Mojave Desert’s charm.

So the next time you find yourself cursing at a sea of damn yellow flowers, remember that each one has its own niche, history, and role in the desert’s delicate balance. Or just make up a name and move on—chances are, no one will correct you.

Those were the days of open-handed hospitality on the Mexican ranches. No introduction was necessary. People came and went on horseback, hung their saddles on pegs and their hats on the floor, and stayed as long as they liked.

Everywhere I stopped I was welcomed. The owner came in from the fields, knocked off work for the day, produced tequila, coffee, cigarettes, and sat down under the porch for a talk. The coffee- pot and bean-pot were always over the fire and in constant requisition. There was no great variety of food at the table, but the meats and vegetables were tastily cooked, and, if there were young girls in the family, there was singing, to the accompaniment of the guitar, during and after the dinner. When it came to retiring for the night, one simply dragged out a rawhide or canvas cot to whatever part of the premises he pleased, spread his blankets, and went to sleep listening to the dogs chasing coyotes.

The hospitality was very simple, whole-hearted, and very gratefully received because of its fine spirit.

John C. Van Dyke

Newberry Springs, California, is a small but historically notable town some 20 miles east-southeast of Barstow along the iconic Route 66. Its history is tied to the spread of the railroad, the journey of early migrants, and the precious water resources of the Mojave Desert.

The region initially became well-known when the Southern Pacific Railroad laid railway tracks through the area in 1883. The Watson post office was established at the point of railroad work on February 19 that year and was named for the initial postmaster, Josiah Watson. The post office did not last long, however, closing by July of the same year. The railway, in the meantime, had named its stop Newberry; so when the Watson post office was discontinued, this name de facto became the community’s accepted name. Throughout the years, the region underwent several renaming: in 1899, the post office briefly reopened as Newberry before it was closed afterward; in 1911, it was renamed Wagner in tribute to local resident and grocer Madge Wagner; and in 1919, it was once more renamed as Water, highlighting the great volumes of water—estimates are placed somewhere between 300,000 to 600,000 gallons daily—pumped out of the region for use by the Santa Fe Railroad. Later, in 1967, the name was formally altered to Newberry Springs.

The derivation of “Newberry” is contested. In a local myth, two Newberry brothers lived near the springs, one of whom died in a conflict over water rights. However, a more historically grounded theory suggests the area was named after Dr. J.S. Newberry, a physician on the 1857 expedition of Lt. Joseph C. Ives. Regardless of its actual origins, the name has remained, cementing Newberry Springs’ place in Mojave Desert history.

Newberry Springs has historically been appreciated for its reliable springs, which were important water sources for the early wagon trains and eventually the Santa Fe Railroad. Beyond its transport and water supply historical significance, Newberry Springs has also become well known for artificial ponds, utilized by sporting enthusiasts recreationally, and agricultural promise. The fertile ground in the area makes possible the growing of crops, fruit trees, and cattle ranching, demonstrating versatility beyond its previous transport role.

Another recognizable landmark in Newberry Springs is the Cliff House, situated on the historic Route 66. Though information on the Cliff House is scarce, it serves as a representation of the town’s significance at the peak of American automobile travel. Route 66, nicknamed the “Mother Road,” simplified travel from the Midwest to the West Coast, and Newberry Springs still has vestiges of the period. Vintage motels, service stations, and restaurants still dot the landscape, providing travelers with a glimpse of the roadside culture of the mid-20th century.

Along with its historical significance in transportation and farming, Newberry Springs also holds important archaeological significance. The nearby Newberry Cave is a prominent prehistoric site, containing carefully preserved rock art and artifacts that provide insightful knowledge about the area’s early inhabitants. Additionally, the natural features of the area, including volcanic formations and Troy Lake, contribute to its geological and ecological value.

Newberry Springs is a community that has been defined significantly by its history, geography, and the perpetual issue of water scarcity in the Mojave Desert. Evolving as a railroad stop and developing through the heyday of Route 66 and subsequent developments, this desert town is a fascinating piece of California’s extensive and rich history.

Newberry Springs

Mojave Desert Net & Digital-Desert.com

Walter Feller, a retired engineering technician, has spent the past 30 years developing and expanding Digital-Desert.com and MojaveDesert.Net, two extensive resources dedicated to the history, geography, and natural beauty of the Mojave Desert. His work combines research, photography, and storytelling to document the region’s landscapes, historic sites, and ecological significance.

His dedication to preserving and sharing knowledge about the Mojave Desert through these platforms has made him a key figure in desert history documentation.

Introduction

The Mojave Desert is a sprawling, rugged terrain full of history, unusual geology, and varied ecosystems. Two valuable online resources, **MojaveDesert.net** and **Digital-Desert.com**, offer an extensive overview of this interesting region. With coverage ranging from national parks and wilderness areas to ghost towns, historic trails, and natural landmarks, the websites offer detailed guides for adventurers, historians, and nature lovers alike. Suppose you’re interested in desert wildlife and plants, mining history, native cultures, or points of interest. In that case, these websites provide detailed information, interactive maps, and beautiful photographs to make the Mojave tales come alive.

MojaveDesert.net is a comprehensive resource dedicated to the Mojave Desert, offering a variety of information about its geography, history, ecology, and more. The directory tree in the following is not complete but demonstrates While I don’t have access to a complete directory tree of the website, I can provide an overview of its main sections based on available information:

• Home: Introduction to the Mojave Desert, featuring highlights and recent updates.
• Geography: Details about the desert’s location, topography, and significant landmarks.
• Flora and Fauna: Information on the plant and animal species native to the Mojave Desert.
• History: Insights into the cultural and historical aspects of the region, including indigenous cultures, exploration, and settlement.
• Ecology: Discussions on the desert’s ecosystems, climate, and environmental concerns.
• Recreation: Guides and tips for activities such as hiking, camping, and sightseeing in the Mojave Desert.
• Photo Gallery: A collection of images showcasing the desert’s landscapes, wildlife, and points of interest.
• Resources: Additional materials like maps, articles, and external links for further exploration.

For a more detailed exploration of the website’s content, I recommend visiting MojaveDesert.net directly.

MojaveDesert.net is a resource covering the Mojave Desert’s geography, history, ecology, flora, fauna, and recreation. It includes sections on landmarks, indigenous cultures, exploration, environmental concerns, hiking, and photography. The site also offers maps, articles, and external resources.

Digital-Desert.COM

Digital-Desert.com is a comprehensive resource dedicated to the Mojave Desert, offering detailed information across various topics:

• Nature: Explores the desert’s ecology, including its wildlife, plant life, geology, and climate.
• Parks & Forests: Provides insights into national parks like Death Valley and Joshua Tree, as well as lesser-known state and county parks.
• Wilderness Areas: Highlights regions preserved in their natural state, free from human impact.
• Geology & Natural Formations: Discusses the majestic formations and mountain ranges found throughout the Mojave Desert.
• Points of Interest: Features notable destinations and attractions within the desert.
• Regional Map Guide: Offers an interactive map for navigating the Mojave Desert.
• People & History: Delves into the histories of various groups and cultures associated with the Mojave, including influential figures and native cultures.
• Roads and Trails: Covers historical and contemporary routes, as well as hiking trails and backroads.
• Ghost Towns & Gold Mines: Examines abandoned communities and the mining history that once thrived in the region.
• Communities: Profiles current towns and cities within the Mojave Desert.

The website also features sections on the Mojave River, historic roads and trails, craters and lava flows, petroglyphs, dunes, and dry lakes (playas). Additional resources include a blog, weather information, and a glossary.

digital-desert.com

For a more in-depth exploration, visit Digital-Desert.com.

summary

Digital-Desert.com is a comprehensive resource on the Mojave Desert, covering its nature, geology, history, and points of interest. It includes information on national parks, wilderness areas, ghost towns, gold mines, roads, trails, and regional communities. The site also features interactive maps, historical accounts, and details on wildlife, plant life, and natural formations.

description of these two websites combined

Conclusion

MojaveDesert.net and Digital-Desert.com are two extensive online resources dedicated to exploring the Mojave Desert’s rich history, geography, ecology, and cultural significance. Together, they provide a comprehensive look at the region’s national parks, wilderness areas, ghost towns, historic roads, and geological formations. These sites offer in-depth information on the desert’s plant and animal life, environmental concerns, indigenous cultures, mining history, and notable landmarks. Visitors can also find interactive maps, hiking guides, and photography collections that highlight the beauty and complexity of the Mojave Desert.

Open Draft – Yet another

I went down to the crossroads
Fell down on my knees
I went down to the crossroads
Fell down on my knees
Asked the Lord above for mercy, woo-ooh
Save me, if you please
– Crossroads – Clapton

Pre-European Contact (Before 1770s)
Tataviam and Kitanemuk peoples inhabit the region, using trails through San Francisquito Canyon and Elizabeth Lake for trade and migration.
Elizabeth Lake (La Laguna de Chico Lopez) serves as a natural water source.

Spanish & Mexican Period (1770s-1848)
1770s-1820s: Spanish explorers and missionaries establish travel routes between Mission San Fernando and the San Joaquin Valley.
1830s: The area becomes part of Mexican land grants, including Rancho La Liebre and Rancho El Tejon, supporting ranching and travel.

The Lost ’49ers & Death Valley (1849-1850)
Summer 1849: The Lost ’49ers follow the Hunt Cutoff, a supposed shortcut to California goldfields, leading them into Death Valley.
November 1849: The emigrants become trapped, suffering from starvation and dehydration.
December 1849: William Manly and John Rogers travel over 250 miles to find help, passing near Searles Lake before reaching Rancho San Francisco.
January-February 1850: Survivors escape past Elizabeth Lake, through San Francisquito Canyon, and toward Los Angeles.
February 1850: The last emigrants leave Death Valley, one reportedly saying, “Goodbye, Death Valley.”

Stagecoach & Freight Era (1850s-1870s)
1853: San Francisquito Pass is surveyed for a wagon road linking Los Angeles to the San Joaquin Valley.
1858: The Butterfield Overland Mail establishes a stage stop at Elizabeth Lake, making it an important relay station.
1860s: Freight wagons carry borax and silver from Searles Lake through San Francisquito Canyon and Elizabeth Lake en route to San Pedro Harbor.
1860s-1870s: Elizabeth Lake continues as a key stop for stagecoaches and freight wagons.

Railroad & Decline of Stage Routes (1876-1890s)
1876: The Southern Pacific Railroad completes the Los Angeles-to-San Francisco line, reducing reliance on stage routes.
1880s: Twenty-mule teams transport borax from Death Valley to Mojave, where shipments are transferred to San Francisco by rail.
1890s: Rail connections replace the wagon freight industry, but Elizabeth Lake Road and San Francisquito Canyon remain important travel routes.

Elizabeth Lake

The Mojave Phone Booth was a payphone located in the Mojave National Preserve, 15 miles east of Baker, California. It gained a following in the late 1990s when folks saw the phone booth website exposing the phone booth visitors started dialing in at the phone booth to hear the other end answered. The booth, placed in the 1960s, initially sat in a location to serve miners and ranchers in the off-the-beaten-path region. It was a run-of-the-mill payphone, first a rotary dial model and then a push button model. It gained a phone number, (714) xxx-xxxx (later changed to 619 with updated area codes for current times).

In the late ’90s, a web surfer named Godfrey Daniels discovered its presence and posted its phone number. Word traveled rapidly through web forums, and visitors started hiking into the desert to dial in, converse, and even answer the phone. Some visitors even pitched a tent nearby to converse with strangers dialing in from all over the planet. It became a surreal social experiment, with stories of deep conversation and chance encounters.

Due to concerns of the National Park Service, under whose administration part of the Mojave National Preserve lay, in 2000, it took down the booth in May. Officials cited concerns over the environment and the danger posed by its presence in a delicate environment and for visitors. Still, its legend lives in pop culture, with a short film, books, and ongoing nostalgia for those who remember it.

For over two decades gone, the Mojave Phone Booth lives in legend, a reminder of digital-era chance, proving that we can make chance encounters and meaningful contact even in most off-the-beaten-path locations.

Comprehending Evergreen and Seasonal Topics of the Mojave Desert

The Mojave Desert is a stunning destination filled with tales of survival, science, and culture. Certain topics on the Mojave are as enduring as the desert-long-lasting, stable, and perpetually in fashion. Such subjects are referred to as “evergreen” topics, which never wane in popularity. Some topics are transient, tied to today’s news or specific dates. Such are the “deciduous” topics, losing importance over time as autumn leaves drop. Let us examine both sets, remembering how they teach and enrich our understanding and appreciation of this amazing desert.

Evergreen Mojave Topics: The Desert’s Permanent Stories Interesting sections of the Mojave Desert are never a disappointment. Nature and wildlife, for instance, never cease to intrigue people and scientists alike. Stories such as “The Unique Adaptations of Mojave Desert Plants” or “Animals You Can Spot in the Mojave” never fail to grab your attention, whether you read them at any time. The Joshua tree, the emblem of the Mojave, is yet another that never gets old. Its strange shape and capability to endure harsh weather speak volumes that bridge the past to the present. Geology is a source of enduring knowledge. Reading essays such as “How the Mojave Desert Was Created” or “The Mojave’s Ancient Lake Systems” teaches about the mechanisms that formed the desert millions of years ago. Such subjects are not exclusive to geologists—these are interesting for anyone interested in learning the big picture of our planet.

History and culture within the Mojave are important as well. From the Native American communities to miners and ranchers who came afterward, the stories of individuals persevering and being creative are all quite important. A travel guide to historical trails, like the Mojave Road, or the story about how the California Gold Rush affected the desert will always be of value. They allow us to connect with those that came before us on this planet.

Finally, practical travel tips—like “Best Hiking Trails in the Mojave Desert” or “How to Visit the Mojave Safely”—are useful to anyone preparing for a trip. These evergreen topics are always valuable, providing tips and recommendations that don’t change year after year.

Changing Mojave Topics: The Desert Today Not all things in the Mojave are always the same. Some are bound to a point in time, such as news stories, seasons, or scientific discoveries. For instance, “Mojave Desert Conservation Update” or “2025 Mojave Wildfires” are significant but lose their meaning as things shift. Seasonal content is another form of transitory content. For instance, stories on the “Best Places to Observe Wildflowers in the Mojave This Spring” are interesting for a couple of months but not when the flowers are gone. Similarly, seasonal event calendars, such as a 2025 meteor shower or a list of winter trails to trek, are extremely interesting but for a limited time.

Trending topics fit into this category. So, for example, “The Most Instagrammable Places in the Mojave This Year” will receive attention for a short time but will not be relevant next year when the trend shifts. In the same vein, news of renewable energy developments or tourist numbers are thrilling for a short time but quickly become old news as new news takes its place.

Travel content, say hotel advertising or opening theme parks, is a transitory subject. It is useful to visitors while they plan their holiday, but individuals don’t generally return to such content after an extended period from their break.

Even science is deciduous. New discoveries, like new fossil discoveries or revised climate statistics, are thrilling when they first come out but ultimately get integrated into the overall corpus of knowledge. These tales might be part of the larger Mojave story, but they’re anchored in the here and now.

Why It Matters

Both evergreen and deciduous subjects play a valuable role in telling the Mojave Desert’s story. Evergreen content remains timely, offering valuable information and inspiration to people who love or wish to know more about the desert. Deciduous content, on the other hand, adds a feeling of urgency, connecting us to the news and discoveries that are currently unfolding in the Mojave. Having an understanding of the difference makes it clear how the Mojave Desert is simultaneously ageless and forever changing—much like the stories we tell about it. Whether we are amazed by its ancient rocks or tracing the latest conservation efforts, the Mojave has something for everybody at every moment.

1. Indigenous Histories Focus on the original Native American residents like the Mojave, Chemehuevi, Serrano, and Paiute people. Emphasize traditions, trade routes (e.g., Mojave Trail), religious beliefs, and their adaptation to the harsh desert environment. Mention the effects of colonization, like displacement, cultural loss, and present-day preservation efforts.

2. Exploration and Early Settler Histories Talk about early explorers like Jedediah Smith, John Fremont, and Francisco Garces. This would involve the creation of trails, like the Mojave Road and Old Spanish Trail, for trade and migration purposes. Discuss early homesteading enterprises and settler-Native interactions.

3. Histories of Mining and Economic Development Involve boom-and-bust patterns of mining towns like Calico, Rhyolite, and Goldfield. Describe the mining of gold, silver, borax, and other minerals and their economic significance. Highlight transportation infrastructure like railroads (e.g., Tonopah and Tidewater) that supported mining operations.

4. Military Histories Describe military use of the Mojave, including the establishment of forts (e.g., Fort Mojave) to protect settlers and trade routes. Including World War II-era training camps like Camp Iron Mountain and the Desert Training Center. Highlight the Mojave’s role in defense testing and operations at Fort Irwin and Edwards Air Force Base bases.

5. Transportation and Route Histories Discuss desert travel route development, from Native trade trails to wagon roads and railroads. Feature famous highways like Route 66 and their cultural influence. Describe water stops, stagecoach stations, and road towns that served travelers.

6. Agricultural Histories Discuss the challenges and technology of desert dry land farming and ranching. Feature homesteading stories and irrigation projects like those in Lucerne Valley or Imperial Valley. Observe how modern development altered ranching lands.

7. Environmental and Geologic Histories Explain how desert environments, ancient lake systems (e.g., Lake Manix), and unique geologic features developed. Highlight changes in vegetation and fauna over time and human impact on the ecosystems. Add paleontological discoveries, e.g., fossils in the Rainbow Basin.

8. Tourism and Preservation Histories Describe the creation of national parks and monuments like Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Mojave National Preserve. Discuss the growth of desert tourism, ghost town tourism, and recreation activities. Describe efforts at conserving cultural and natural heritage sites.

Summary

Mojave Desert histories can be grouped into these main types:

1. Indigenous Histories: Focus on Native peoples, their culture, trade, and adaptation.
2. Exploration and Settlers: Highlight explorers, early settlers, and trade routes.
3. Mining and Development: Cover mining booms, ghost towns, and railroads.
4. Military Histories: Include forts, WWII training camps, and modern bases.
5. Transportation Routes: Explore trails, railroads, Route 66, and travel stops.
6. Agriculture: Discuss ranching, farming, and irrigation efforts in the desert.
7. Environmental Histories: Explain geological formations, ancient lakes, and ecosystems.
8. Tourism and Preservation: Focus on parks, ghost towns, and conservation.