#4: [23-Jun-19]

#3: [22-Aug-05]

#1: [22-Feb-01]

24-Oct-2001 -- This was my fourth visit to a confluence in Utah along 113 degrees West longitude. So far, each has been dry, desolate, far-distant and dusty, although I would rate this one at the top in each of those categories. I spent many hours driving on dry, "wash-boardy" roads. I saw an antelope (about the millionth of my life), a coyote (the 5th) and wild horses (first time ever).

The annual deer hunting season is going on today, so the people in the three or four pickup trucks that I saw were wearing their bright orange clothing. Although it seemed strange to see deer hunters in this area. Why would deer live in a place like this?

The confluence is near the Dugway Proving Grounds, a large military reserve that was used in the 1950s for biological warfare research. Much of the testing back then was done outdoors. I'm sure research is still going on. My cousin the microbiologist works there.

The Pony Express ran through this area. I've included a photo of a plaque on one of the historical markers.

This trip took a lot longer than I anticipated, and I was out of cell phone range, so there were some worried people at home.

A bad day exploring is better than any other day!