Backpacking and Exploring the Magnificent and Desolate Kingston Wilderness of the Mojave Desert

[@ericf8115]

Hi, Sarah. The mud tubes are made by termites. They don't have a tough exoskeleton that protects them from heat and dessication so they build the tubes to access their food. The 'seed pod' plants are desert trumpet, a species of buckwheat. Scientific name is Eriogonum inflatum because the stems inflate. I think a type of wasp uses the stem as a nursery for its larvae. One of my favorite scientific names is of a variety of desert trumpet that doesn't inflate- Eriogonum inflatum var. deflatum. The caterpillars are sphinx moths, those hummingbird-like moths active around dusk. The Chinese lantern-looking plants are a type of ground cherry, a member of the potato, tomato, nightshade family, like datura.

[@kenycharles8600]

Thanks, Eric.

[@13699111]

Thank you for posting all the interesting information

[@homertalk]

sounds like I can eat the trumpets?

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

Very nice depiction of the plant life Sarah pointed out. This is why her community is so great. So many good people who leave informative comments. Glad you are a subscriber. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@dougwebb6193]

I was going to say termites and so now I feel very intelligent 🤓

[@juicyloo2409]

Lovely place! The Fremont Cottonwoods are native and the smaller tree by the cabin is a Siberian Elm. It is non-native (brought by settlers for shade) but not harmful to the environment. The trees provide awesome cover for birds and other desert inhabitants. The large yellow-flowered plants are Goldenweed, also known as 'Bee Bush' because the bees love them. The pretty little yellow flowers are called Manybristle Chinchweed, and The 'Dr. Seuss' plants are Desert Trumpet Buckwheat. The orange flowers are Desert Globemallow.

[@AshCupric]

You are a wealth of knowledge!

[@jimfrommars2591]

Something awful happened at Horse Thief Spring cabin in the 1930's. A local mine boss came home and shot his wife with a shotgun then walked out in the yard and shot himself, leaving behind two young kids. There are old newspaper reports about it. I've camped there and it's very spooky at night.

[@paulstanley9212]

I want to thank you for making these videos. I also loved adventure, I was a avid mountain biker, hiker, rollerblader, ice hockey player. All of that was taken away from me due to a accident that rendered me a quadriplegic. I fight every day with the question why I am still here. I just want you to know, I mentally take my adventure through your eyes, and videos, of course. So, please keep it up! Thank you again.

[@drkskyes]

Bless you Paul. May you find some comfort as the days go by.

[@thrivingnow7843]

I love the plants, landscape, quietness, and open sky of the desert. Thank you.

[@garyhopkinssr8561]

I grew up in the Mojave desert and I am 65 years old. The Mojave is beautiful and there is a lot to see . Wish I could have been there with you two. Thanks for the video.

[@richdlc939]

You sssooo put us there with you. Love this ❤

[@FrederickBilak]

You've outdone even yourself on this one. An absolute masterpiece of an episode. A perfect A plus in dialogue,music,and of course the magnificent scenery. You will have a hard time ever topping this one,but I know you will try. Wonderhussy you the greatest,in you tube channels

[@desertwaters_808]

I came here to say the same...! Wonderhussy Productions has certainly blossomed, the production of this video is some of the best "amateur" work I've seen. I know she doesn't read comments so I'm telling it to you 😄

[@AT-27182]

Completely agree! It is a masterpiece. Thank you WH !

[@MOTrav]

Good thing you didn't take a skinny dip in Crystal Springs pool. That game camera would of got a snap shot of your Bear Bottom! LOL 🤠

[@maggiesfarm7970]

You and your sister are so fortunate to have each other!

[@chchooniepersian4760]

Nice to see you and your sister enjoying the outing together. Stay safe.

[@SingleTrackMined]

I so look forward to Wednesday for my Wonderhussy fix. Such a great storyteller with such great stories to tell. Thanks Sarah for all your hard work. Cheers from Citrus County Florida!

[@MrRoughknuckles]

Cheers from Meaipe ES Brasil!

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

​@@MrRoughknucklescheers from Cleveland Ohio, USA.

[@YachtsOnTheReg7]

Cheers from Sandoval County New Mexico

[@AshCupric]

Fellow Floridian here! When she said we would find those “baby” mountains huge she wasn’t lying!

[@sandiwilliams7101]

So good to see your sister joining you on this adventure!

[@2pi628]

Yes! More Eliza please!

[@rikspector]

Sarah and Sister, That's a Fremont Cottonwood you thought might have been planted. That sign about the Chief is so interesting a part of American History, it's a shame it hasn't been kept in good condition. There must have been people who cared for it to have been put there, and now it's deteriorating That place is so nice, this neglect really makes me sad.. When I traveled the U.S. in 68 and 69, it was places like this that were important to me, because you get a picture of wonderful but not as well known areas that add to our heritage. At least you have shared it with your sister. Way to go! Rik Spector 81but still enjoying life!

[@johnhenryholiday4964]

Within 60 seconds I am mesmerized with your content.... You could sell ice to eskimos.... YOUR THE BEST EVER !!!

[@citizensallianceaustralia2025]

You know you are a highly creative and imaginative person when you and your bestie, who happens to be your sister, just go for a drive down the road and you turn it into one of the best 31 minutes in the online universe! That skyscape vision captured was literally out of this world! It shows that content does not need to be elaborate to be beautiful, and stimulating!

[@bobmirror7164]

Wonderhussy never missed a book report in High School.

[@gailbutler483]

If you don't mind...a wee plant tutorial. The sage-type plant is called "rabbit brush" or chamisa. The lovely little orange red flowers are globe mallow. I once lived in a high desert valley in Utah and these were common plants of many desert areas.

[@benwille6680]

There are several apps you can use to identify plants/flowers. You just hold your phone up to the plant and it will identify it for you. You won't have to lug a book around with you!

[@Zzus321]

Next episode WH discovers Poison ivy 😮

[@anitabackroadsonly9086]

The seek app is a good one

[@franktbone]

Wonderhussy: Documentarian, historian, artist, poet.

[@edwardtraylor3984]

I'm really surprised the coyotes didn't come calling being that far from civilation. Lovely video and thanks taking us along with you, sarah.

[@deanvinlove6095]

Such a wonderful video, love the video, sunset, moonrise , so peaceful! Great job on this one, makes me me think of my younger days, taking my kids camping. I’m a little envious of your adventures. Thank you WH, I love your videos and adventures! Thank you thank you thank you!

[@edithofr.i.emeraldisle5042]

Watching it twice.... such a great little adventure flick!!! Love the flowers that smell like Indian food. :-)) Love the cabins.

[@Marci629]

Beautiful video! It reminds me of my mother who loved to hike mountains, deserts and everything in between but her favorite place to hike was deserts. She could name every flower, tree, as well as weeds and land formations, if they had names, she came across. She is no longer with us but I hope if there is something beyond this life she is hiking to her heart’s content. ❤

[@smokinggar714]

It's really nice to see that your sister isn't as video shy as she has been in the past,we need to see her more

[@KraftRacingandMore]

The third unknow plant is the Fiveneedle Pricklyleaf a species of Pricklyleaf

[@mcooper7542]

WH, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HUMOR AND WISDOM!

[@jamesf4405]

What a gorgeous place! Thanks for taking us along! 🙂

[@lindabriggs5118]

When you went into those two cabins, I was actually surprised that they hadn't been refurbished into one of those "volunteer" cabins you find all through that area. That clear spring was pretty awesome. I bet, after it was filtered, it would have tasted refreshing. I love the Autumn in the desert.

[@tenchu0siris]

That sunset to sunrise sequence was awesome! Lucky you!

[@leedanielson7452]

Hussey is like fine wine..❤

[@janetceniza8091]

I remember back about 1952 or 1953 in Edmonds, Wash. it was a year the caterpillars come out and there were thousands of them climbing up the side of our old house. I am about age 8 or 10. Maybe they wanted on the other side to get at my granddads raspberry plants so just decided to walk over the house instead of going around. It was quite a sight.

[@bigd2203snuffy]

15:18 The MORRvair sticker from Matts off road recovery in Hurricane Utah. The yellow car on the right side.

[@NetWit20]

It is a plant taxonomic classification paradise out there! In college I needed an upper division science course to graduate so since I almost failed genetics, I found keying out wild desert plants much more interesting than keying out human beings. The yellow flower is indigenous to the Mojave and is of the asteraceae family which makes it related to the desert sunflower. It is called geraea canescens. The trees are also native. This is why there are laws in some states against planting non-native plants in the desert. Cross pollination creates turmoil among the native desert plant species and you never know what you're going to end up with.

[@timebandit2951]

Such a wonderful place and only 34 miles away. Sometimes gold is right under your nose 👃 ✨️.

[@williamt5837]

This may seem weird, but if I lived where you did, around Thanksgiving or Christmas, I'd bring a bunch of my friends and family up to one of those old cabins... have a deck the halls party, set up to cook, bringing the baked goods seperatly if I couldn't there, and have a classic blast! holiday music, a projector and a sheet for an in the desert Holiday movie! Now THAT would be one hell of a fun video! That 2nd cabin looks big enough for the whole town! call it, thr Tecopa grange...😁

[@KraftRacingandMore]

The Second unknow plant is the Desert trumpet, a species of Wild Buckwheat

[@jjolly2426]

Great video. Nice that your sister Eliza likes to hike with you, she isna cutie also! Maybe she'll say hi sometime and chat with us too! 😁

[@johnrobinson5156]

Last SUPERMOON of the year. Glad you had a super time

[@anitamayer768]

Sarah, I would love it if you sometimes focused your research on the desert flowers and plants throughout the seasons… just want to encourage that idea

[@GK49245]

Thanks for sharing your time with Sarah in the beautiful desert. The two springs were amazing. Nicely produced with rich content.

[@n3bruce]

I appreciate your stewardship efforts of the environment. Up until the late 1960s it seemed like few people paid much heed to the environment, roadsides and waterways were ankle deep in discarded beer bottles, cigarette butts, and, and other trash. Even our elementary school was guilty by burning trash in an incinerator that belched thick smoke from its chimney, and we had an annual balloon launch where about a thousand helium filled balloon with postcards attached were launched into the air, and as the postcards came back, we pinned the locations on a maps. I think 1969 was the last year, one of my balloons made it over a hundred miles, but many of the balloons ended up in tree branches or power lines nearby. 1970 was the inauguration of Earth day, so instead of trashing the town with balloons, we got classes teaching us about the environment and of ways we could start cleaning it up. The teachers assigned us homework to identify ways we could help out with the effort. I decided to enlist the help of my siblings to clean up a trash strewn vacant lot in our neighborhood. I would like to thing we got a few friends in the neighborhood on board with this, but it has been over 50 years now.

[@BrianPetersen-l2w]

Excellent video. Great storytelling!

[@jwebbw]

Its great that you can get a little R n R 'rest and recreation', hike and explore with your sister and also make a video about it. And the plant biodiversity in that little desert area is off the charts....take care and travel on !!

[@yklenner]

The stuff you called Jimson weed is also called sacred datura!

[@mholzer54]

Sarah: That craggy tree I believe is a Mesquite. I was yelling at my screen trying to tell you to grab the dead branches for your BBQ. The best!!! You are so freaking talented. I always jones as I wait for another dose of Sarah!

[@meandyou1914]

WOW. 1,000th and its only 1 minute. Good Job Girl !

[@virgilklein7553]

The newspaper clipping you picked up had a zip code on it. The zip code began to be used in 1963. 92410 would be San Bernardino, CA

[@BearWa11ace]

That bush you were stroking, the Dr. Seuss, some people say its an indicator of gold.

[@cargotrailerkenny]

Great video. The jimsonweed also known as moonflower or datura is indeed a psychedelic but is also highly dangerous and deadly. Also, that's so nice that you call your sister your best friend.

[@gbmoves7902]

"I don't want to mess with that today" what a great quote! Cool to see you and your sister spending some time together.

[@ChattanArmsCorp]

Omgosh. You guys are doing exactly what I’d so love to be doing. In the middle of a desert, no obligations, just the right amount of creature comforts and a companion to wander around at the whim of the eyeball… Thanks for this vid!!

[@cynthialahti-wong1800]

Very beautiful out there! You are so lucky to have your sis for moments like these. This is one of your best !

[@philliptoroian5732]

Nice catch of the Kingston Range. Very magical place.

[@cfinstr]

Thank you for the nice crisp Mojave Desert morning with your nice sis. Love your storytelling.

[@crystalshouse8622]

One of my favorites videos from you! Beautiful scenery and narration!

[@jeffpalmer5502]

I’ve ridden by those mountains many times, but next time I’m gonna stop. that is some pretty cool stuff there! Nice video Sarah , thank you!

[@janetceniza8091]

Bullet holes from wood be hunters. Hand guns have be renamed to cordless hole punchers

[@The_Cali_Dude_88]

TBH Sarah! Your little adventures 1st had me because you're a gorgeous woman that's REALLY free-spirited, which I love! But it's that love of 'your' deserts that eventually intrigued me more. That part of the USA just seemed like nothingness!... now it's a world of true beauty 🎉❤

[@lrparrish227]

What a wonderful video and camping trip. My sisters and I go camping, kayaking and fishing together. Thanks for sharing!

[@mickfeagan4658]

You should come to Big Island Hawaii this winter. Rent a car tour the island. Come see the Volcano ! Go swimming with Green Sea Turtles in Hilo bay. Swim with Manta Rays in Kona. ❤

[@kenmabie8029]

Fantastic scenery & videography. Thanks for sharing.

[@ascott2983]

Hi. People volunteer to bring water to the guzzlers...some will use a water buffalo to transport water during dry months and during the winter or when it rains...it is there to pool water 😊

[@sharonbaptista1122]

This was a very special video. Just wonderful. I wish I was there to rest my mind.

[@richardlyyski5518]

No flip flops on this outings ! 🫣😜🇫🇮🇺🇲

[@pixelpeter3883]

Cool to see the Desert Sisters together on an adventure :-) Study up on the desert plant life Sarah! Bet there are some compelling stories in there too! ;-)

[@kenycharles8600]

Old Boy found a little piece of paradise there at Crystal Spring. You really did good on this video. This is another keeper. Thank you.

[@Elexmage]

How nice to ring in Fall in such a magical space. Well done.

[@ghoulmask7301]

This was such a nice video! I love the narration of how the sun was setting and the time-lapses!

[@murrayhelmer8941]

I’d never be able to sleep. Worrying about rattlesnakes and scorpions crawling into the tent!! 😱😱. Ok I’m Canadian and where I live. We don have those!! 😂

[@ralphcrosby4051]

the scenery was beautiful and It was great too see you and your sister camping together that was special stay safe and wild and free

[@AuLily1]

I'm not a huge fan of the desert, but liked it in early spring and mid fall. Very informative and beautifully photographed. Thanks for sharing.

[@lorrie5881]

It's so fascinating to me.. Sarah gave me an obsession for it by showing its beauty..id never go in summer, but would like to go I fall/winter

[@stan1027]

Just love your videos! Perfect! Thanks again for what you do!

[@davidtaylor5204]

Okay, Kid. This is what I watch your channel for. 12:10 onward. The rest was the set-up. This is art.

[@mannybravo237]

The horse thieves swigged on mescal firewater🔥🌊, no whiskey for them.😎 "In the desert, on a horse w/no name.."

[@nobodynothing9950]

That's awesome you camped out with your sister, best friend. My brother, best friend, passed away first day of this year. We used to camp on the farm. Enjoy those moments while you can. Beautiful terrain and skies.

[@raktoda707]

A Desert Stroll A beautiful sunset at camp,then full moon,carpet of stars.Great family vibes on nature hike.A keen eye is a family trait. Funny how we always relate olfactory like a dog, wild animal...all the food and spices scent the desert plants emit...sharing their secrets.Inspiring ladies!

[@mr.waynes7555]

the plant after the yellow one resembled a Praying Mantis, you know, the one you were stroking ever so gently....go back and check it out. your friend in Sparks wayne.

[@virginiacentral]

One of your best videos ever, The moon rise and the sun rise were amazing!

[@julbro8451]

I'm only a little bit psychic, but I strongly sense that their Dad watches over these two girls and is with them in spirit and really enjoys their adventures in nature together from The Other Side. I strongly suspect that he would be overjoyed if their Mom tagged along with them once in a while too. Don't be shy, Mom! She is very intriguing, living up there in the California Redwoods like a mysterious mystic. Love you too, Mom!

[@alanchristensen5735]

Very nice. Im glad you got to have this relaxing time with your sister. Take time to enjoy life.

[@dinas7210]

My absolute FAVORITE video of yours, and I have seen them all! Thanks Sarah Jane!!!!❤

[@Andi845]

Thank you, thank you both for this truly beautiful video! Your "blather" was amazing and thank WS for inciting you to do this trip!!!

[@peaksandpieces]

What a nice video. You've become a great story teller and film maker Sarah.

[@johnslagboom1836]

I was actually excited to see you backpack in the Mojave! I have lead dozens of backpack trips in the Mojave Preserve. The Longest one was 136 miles on the Mojave Road from the Colorado to past Acton. Another one was from the Eastern Border of the Preserve to Baker, with some interest side trips that put it around 80 miles. Another 55 miler around the Providence Mountains taking in all the famous sites of Hole in the Wall, Mitchell Caverns, Vulcan Mines, Keslo Depot, etc. Great Days! In the Future, I think I will do 4x4 :)!

[@garoldpeterson3433]

I want to thank your sister for joining you.its nice to see you together

[@rodneygilbertson2231]

Great video ladies! Always love your adventures! Hi from Wisconsin!

[@tinindian9543]

21:55 money shot

[@ebc371]

Your artistic skills just keep getting better and better💘🥰🙏

[@thomassteed390]

The blue dragonfly is a damselfly the second plant at the cabin looked to be tomatillo

[@michaelmcleod1579]

That sunrise was amazing. Supernatural!

[@BellasBone]

Im loving this video; I have a National Geographic adventure atlas and I’ve put my finger on this range countless times so, thank you for showing me the beauty of the area:-)

[@a73drdodge]

One of the top adventurers you have done . The reason you were with your sister! Just the two of you and the beautiful landscape in the desert ❤😮😅😊❤ Thank you Sarah

[@perceivedvelocity9914]

I'm not a desert kind of person. I grew up in the Pacific northwest. I need more moisture in the air. I really enjoy going with you on your desert adventures. Thanks for making these videos.

[@FriscoKittens]

Low key one of your best videos.

[@jolenecreech7648]

What a great outing, not too far from home, right in your own backyard. It seemed very relaxing for you two! ❤. Definitely relaxed me .

[@calamagrostis88]

Thanks for showing the plants. All these areas need to be protected from plant poachers, especially the cactus. Report poachers to your local Fish and Wildlife.

[@badapple65]

Outstanding photography in this episode. The beauty of the area was capture professionally for-sure.

[@GregVT]

I was getting worried! 🤣 We'll wait all day for your Wednesday videos though.

[@kenb.1212]

I really enjoyed your exploration of the Kingston wilderness/Mojave desert. It was beautiful and amazing! Thank you!

[@marcodarko6941]

Wow! 😲 That sunset and that moon.. then the early morning sunrise was soooo beautiful!! Absolutely splendid. 👏🏼😎 It is so nice of you to pick up the trash and mylar balloons.. I just despise those g.d. litterbuggers. 😒