Back Out There

- A Dark Night. I’M Back On The Creek And Not Alone

Hey folks! Let me spin you a tale about that spontaneous jaunt back out to the dry creek off the rim. What a perfect night it was—dark, calm, and warm. I was buzzing with excitement from my recent discovery as I headed out.

I didn’t expect any traffic on the paved road, and there wasn’t any. The gravel road was smooth until I reached the abandoned drill site. The last quarter mile dipped a hundred feet toward the creek, with the single track eroded into 2 to 3-foot deep ruts. Typical for the area, but not an issue when dry. I navigated carefully, riding one wheel in the track and the other on higher ground.

I pulled up to the same spot my mom and I had visited earlier that afternoon, turned off the lights, and slowly adjusted to the beautiful, dark surroundings.

The Night

Absolutely quiet. Not a sound. Just my breathing. Starlight illuminated the white sand once my eyes adjusted, creating a surreal world of sharp contrasts between shadow and light. I resisted the urge to use a flashlight, even turning off the UV lamp now and then to preserve the magic of the night.

The Glow

Armed with just my long-wave LED flashlight and a rucksack, I scrambled down into the creek bed. I switched on the UV light, and pow! A cacophony of glowing rocks! Overwhelmed by the variety and abundance, I blissfully collected unique finds for over an hour.

Night Disruption

Around 1 AM, I heard a vehicle start its engine a hundred yards away. They gunned it, headlights on, heading my way. WHAT THE HECK! They’d been silently hiding in the creek bed. In seconds, they’d light me up. Startled, I ran back to my vehicle, turned on the lights, started the engine, and locked the doors.

Just Chatting

Two sketchy guys in their mid-40s showed up in a beat-up ’80s black Chevy Blazer, parked close to my door. I felt trapped! Aware they might have guns, alcohol, or worse, I kept a dark interior. I made direct eye contact, nodded, and greeted them with a strong voice, projecting no weakness.

Their Departure

After some bravado, they stalled halfway up the access road. Holding my breath, I went stealth. They didn’t attempt to restart the engine. Now their vehicle blocked my only way out. I waited, listening intently, planning an exit strategy.

After about ten minutes, only a couple of soft words were spoken. I waited too long—fear set in. Then, a cough. They were still at the truck! Finally, they started it and eventually drove off. Phew!

My Departure

I planned to resume rock hunting but abandoned the idea when they turned off onto a cow trail. I drove to the saddle where I’d flown my drone, hoping to finish out the night. Doors opened, hushed conversation, and they went stealth again.

Not wasting a second, I blasted back to the gravel road and got out of there.

Consequences

Feeling vulnerable, I realized the need to be more cautious. Should I arm myself? Not my style. From now on, I’ll only venture out with enough daylight to scope things properly.

Still rocking with options. ✨

Cheers, D 🪨🔥