EVENT TIME IS CALIFORNIA TIME! PLEASE DON'T BE LATE!!
Welcome to Winterhaven, CA!
Please join RangerMom and DC2(SW)HILL for a sunrise picture at Graffiti Mesa: Valley of Names.
The event is simple we gather in the Valley of Names at the posted coordintaes starting at 6:00am, there will be a log to sign, and at sunrise, 6:29am local time, join in for a group photo. We will offically wrap things up at 6:35am. This event site is 30minutes from downtown Yuma AZ.
A couple of rules; Please sign the log so we can weed out the cheaters and arm chair loggers. Please be respectful of the desert names and signatures. Some have been there for almost 80 years. If you didn't put it there don't touch it. Feel free to leave your own signature behind just don't disturb any one eles's work. Please be mindful where you park and know your geo-rides limits. The ground can get soft in the area.
We request if you can to please join in on the photo fun by getting in on the group pic and posting pictures of your own in your "attended" log. We will share our pictures on the event page and the Ozark Mountain Geocachers (OMG) facebook group.
Here's a bit of information about the area found on the interwebs;
Graffiti Mesa is well-preserved monument created during the Second World War. Located in Winterhaven, california, the place consists of a 1,200 acres of land filled, with signatures, dates, messages and drawings.
It all started, when soldiers trained in the area of Yuma, Arizona, expressed their feelings by placing stones on a piece of deserted land. They hoped that, even if they may never return home, their loved ones would get to see their message.
Although, the tradition started decades ago, people still leave their special note to a loved ones today. The Valley of the Names is covered in white sand, which creates a strong contrast against the dark-colored rocks. Due to the fact, that the land is barren for miles, each person must bring their rocks from the outlying desert.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/desert-covered-rock-graffiti-valley-names-180969811/