Big Bear, CA
I quiet mountain community full of back country adventure.
Desert Mistletoe ( Phoradendron californicum )
Desert Mistletoe ( Phoradendron californicum ) or mesquite mistletoe, is a leafless parasitic plant which attaches itself to a host plant. The host plant is typically Ironwood, Mesquite, Palo Verde, or Acacia. The hemi parasitic plant, when attached, will remove water and nutrients from the host, however it still performs its own photosynthesis in the green stems.
The female Desert Mistletoe will produce small flowers in the winter months. It turn it will produce small clear or red colored berries which are consume by birds and therein the seeds are spread. A plant can grow up to to three feet in size and should several attached to a individual, they are capable of killing the tree.
The seeds can be utilized as a food source for humans as well and utilized by some Native American tribes. Typically, the seeds are only consued from plants growing on Ironwood, Acacia or Mesquite. The stems and remaining plant body should not be consumed as they are poisonous and a hallucinogenic. Each year, people die from consuming mistletoe seeking a “high”. For those of us, not of Native American ancestry it is not uncommon to harvest and sell this species of mistletoe around the holiday season.
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Echo Bay Campground
Echo Bay Campground is located on the shores of the Lake Mead National close to Lake Mead’s Overton Arm and is found about 3 miles east of Highway 167. The campground is organized into two sections, an upper and lower campground. The lower campground is about 3/4 miles closer to the water and consists of 34 campsites. The larger upper campground consists of 112 campsites and located about 1.5 miles from Lake Mead. The lake levels are lower at this point in time, so these distances may vary.
Both campgrounds have sites which contain tables, fire rings and grate. The campgrounds also have bathroom facilities with showers, flush toilets and water.
The campgrounds offers all of the activities associated with Lake Mead including hiking, fishing, boating etc… There are a few small beaches to enjoy the shoreline a the lake. A boat ramp offers launch facilities for those who are inclined to fish for some the the lakes bass. For those of use so inclined St Thomas Nevada is in the area.
Campground Summary
| Name | Echo Bay Campground |
| Location | Lake Mead, Clark County, Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 36.308159, -114.430389 |
| Elevation | 1230 feet (Lower) 1320 feet (Upper) |
| Number of sites | 146 |
| Amenities | Tables, Fire Rings, Water, Flush Toilets, Showers |
Campground Map
Resources
Temple Bar Campground
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, located in southern Nevada, near the Arizona border and includes Hoover Dam, the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge and the Black Canyon which is continually carved by the Colorado River. Temple Bar Campground is located in the back country of Mohave county, Arizona near Lake Mead on the southern shore of the reservoir. The campground is located across the water from Las Vegas. The further drive time from Vegas makes this campground a popular destination for boaters who wish to get away from it all.
The campground features 71 first come first serve campsites. The campsites feature tables, fire rings, and allow pets. Most of the sites have shade to provide some relief from the hot desert sun.
There are no sandy beaches as Temple Bar, however boat rentals offer water access and their are wonderful opportunities for fishing, hiking, water sports and star gazing.
This campground is operated by the National Park Service.
Campground Map
Campground Summary
| Name | Temple Bar Campground |
| Location | Mohave County, Arizona |
| Latitude, Longitude | 36.031668, -114.325305 |
| Elevation | 1,320 feet |
| Number of Sites | 71 |
| Amenities | Amphitheater, BBQ Grills, Boat Launch/Ramp, Store, Campground Host, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Fire Pit, Fire Rings, Grills, Tables, Flush Toilets |
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Twin Lakes Campground
Twin Lakes Campground is a beautiful campground located in the Mammoth Lakes area of the High Sierra in Mono County, California. The campground offers views of the lake, and is quite popular due to its location on the mountain.
The lake offers tremendous fishing and opportunities for hiking and enjoying the picturesque scenery. The fishing at Twin Lakes features Rainbow, Brown and Brook trout and on more than one trip, my evenings were spent watching sunsets while fly fishing. The peak season is from late May to early September each year.
The campground offers access to many nearby activities including Devils Postpile, Reds Meadow, Rainbow falls and Hot Creek. Campsites typically share parking and the sites are reasonably flat. Tall pine trees offer shade from the high altitude sun.
This campground is in bear country and typically bears activity is fairly high. All food and scented items must be stored in the lockers. All trash must be disposed of in the bear proof trash receptacles. Do not store food, trash or scented items in your vehicle.
Campground Summary
| Name | Twin Lakes Campground |
| Location | Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, Californi |
| Latitude, Longitude | 37.6162715, -119.0121571 |
| Elevation | 8589 Feet |
| Number of Sites | 92 |
| Amenities | Campfires Permitted, Flushable Toilets, Pet-friendly, Picnic Areas, RV Sites, Reservations Accepted, Tent Sites, Tables, Bear Boxes |
Twin Lakes Campground Map
Resources
Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua)
The Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua) is a perennial herb and orange wildflower which is commonly found in Nevada, California, Utah and Arizona. This plant grows well in sandy or alkaline soil and found in creosote bush and desert chaparral habitats and typically grows between 1 – 3 feet tall and typically found at elevations up to 4000 ft.
The orange flowers of this plant grow in clusters at the end of the stem. It boasts broads leaves which are comprised on three lobes. Like other desert plants, the globemallow grows fast and fades faster, however, the flowers produce an abundance of nectar and commonly used by bees and other insects. The globe mallow is known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The plant flowers in the spring, however with an adequate supply of rainfall, it is known to bloom almost year round.
Native Americans are known to have used the plant for a variety of medicinal purposes including the treatment of sore throats, eye disease and diarrhea. The roots of the plant would be used to treat upset stomachs and poultices where made for broken bones and swelling.
Other common names for this flower include apricot mallow, roughleaf apricot mallow, desert mallow, sore-eye poppy, mal de ojo, Parish mallow, desert hollyhock.