25-Sep-2004 -- Important confluence hunting tip: Reading previous visitors reports can save you lots of time.

We had all four available but did not review them sufficiently. DeLorme’s Nevada Atlas & Gazetteer and my National Geographic TOPO! Nevada’s 1:24,000 scale chart real-time moving map running on my laptop both depicted roads leading to the confluence from the west exactly the same as those from the south. The shorter distance from the west influenced my decision.

This approach seemed simple: turn right off US-6 onto a series of dirt roads that wandered their way almost directly east to the confluence. We squeezed the Tahoe through a bush-lined dirt road that was more suitable for a bicycle. Up and over a couple hills, we then encountered the washed out Preston Reservoir and some impassable roads just as the previous visitor had. Forty-five minutes later we were finally able to park on a road – well within 100 meters from the confluence.

Picture #1 shows the general confluence area. Picture #2 looks north. Picture #3 looks east and shows a herd of cattle and Water Canyon in the Egan Range visible at the right side of the picture. Picture #4 looks south, the towns of Lund and Preston can be seen in the distance. Picture #5 looks west across the White River Valley. Picture #6 shows twenty zeroes from two receivers in perfect, three-dimensional agreement over the confluence. Picture #7 shows the stake position. Note: Jack Frickey wrote that the stake he found on the ground was about 12 feet from his zero reading. Sam found probably the same stake at 16 feet from his zero on a bearing of 275 true, but it had been disturbed (laying on the ground). Sam reset it for his picture.

On our way to the confluence, we had crossed a good dirt road leading south towards Preston. On our way back, we decided that even though it might be longer, it would surely be quicker. Review of my track log reveals that turns at the following points will keep you on good dirt roads leading you back south to NV-318 in only about 15 minutes from the confluence.

N39 00.093 W115 00.942
N38 57.096 W115 00.781
N38 54.127 W115 01.958

Either route can be accomplished with a high clearance 2wd vehicle. Save yourself some time…approach from the south!

Five successful confluence visits and we had yet to hike more than 100 meters! There was only about two hours remaining before sunset. We only had to go one degree north to 40°N 115°W for six confluences within 18 hours! The challenge and excitement of this confluence adventure trek surged.
Giddyap!