[pct-l] Growth and Gunshots in the desert

[Montedodge@aol.com]

  It amazes me to see the Mojave, Palmdale and Lancaster areas in the last 
few years.  The eastern desert has changed so much in 20 years.  Lone Pine 
was a mail drop in the 70's with free camping in the city park.  Now the city 
has all the Arby's, Subway's and quick gas stations in the world and has lost 
it's small town atmoshere.  (As have Palmdale, Rosamond and Lancaster ) In 
the old days, one ranch in the Tehachapi Mountains ( Tejon Ranch Company ) 
was said to take pot shots at thu-hikers. ( Any problems now days??  ) Also 
Anza Indians escorted many hikers off the reservation (which the trail went 
through) at gunpoint. Has the encroachment of the cities brought more crime 
to the trail? We had problems with dirt bike riders trashing trails in the 
old days. When I drag out my sides, I still love seeing the desert in April 
bloom , with the chaparral's purple flowers and all the Joshua Trees. How's 
desert holding out against air pollution now days?? Warner Hot Springs was 
dreamland to yesteryear hikers after a 4 to 5 day break-in to the trail. Now, 
I hear it is closed. ( the resort ) With all the new fees and permits, I feel 
like a plains indian after they shot the last of the buffalo. I will always 
have a spot in my heart for Holcomb Creek in early spring . ( heard it had a 
big fire ) Long live the twisted Pines of Baden Powell. ( rainy day reflects 
from the North PCT )
* From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List |  http://www.backcountry.net   *

==============================================================================