Recent readings of John McPhee's "Basin and Range", and "The Black Rock Desert" by William Fox and photographer Mark Klett, has caused me to change my casual interest in the Black Rock Desert to detailed inquiry and actual trip planning. I have no interest in Burning Man, or any other humanity gathering events in the area. But I do have a strong desire to explore one of the largest unimpeded flat areas in North America with my 4x5. As an Arizonan, born and raised in the Sonoran Desert, the notion of a place referred to as "absolute" and "abject" desert is appealing. A friend is loaning me his copy of "The Expeditions of John Charles Fremont" that includes a reprinting of Fremont's "Report of the Exploring Expedition to the Rocky Mountains in the Year 1843, and to Oregon and California in the Years of 1843-1844". I much enjoy preparing for such a trip by learning some of the history of the area. In this case, the Great Basin.
I'm allotting myself two weeks for an initial foray. I've mentioned the nearby High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails NCA as a possible side trip. That may be putting 10 pounds in a 1 pound bag?
All recommendations, information, or suggestions are sincerely appreciated.
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