04/25/2018
After a several hour drive on a dirt road in the Mojave National Preserve, we came by some motorcyclists who recommended we take a drive down the trail they just got off of. We were understandably worried our tiny Kia wouldn't make the trip, but they assured us the trail was plenty easy and short for a passenger car.
We headed down the road and came across this little cabin at the head of the Rock Spring Loop. In all directions, nothing but friendly desert fields, and open skies.
We wondered around the cabin for a bit and learned all about the man who spent much of his life here. The house was built by hand by Bert Smith in 1929. Bert survived World War I if just barely. After suffering a poisen gas attack, doctors gave him a short time to live. He decided he wanted to live the rest of his days out in a gorgeous cabin in a place he loved.
This turned out to be the best decision he ever made. Whether it be the healing properties the desert as well as nature itself is known for, or the dry desert air, his breathing improved and he lived another 25 years in this cabin.
Although Bert is long gone now, his Cabin still lives on. When we stumble upon it we doing the doors to be unlocked. We headed on inside and found the cabin to be in surprisingly good condition despite it's age, although it seemed the desert mice have taken it as their own.
We noticed a note sitting just about the fireplace (see second photo) which read:
"I'm two miles west of here and I can see this place with binoculars.
If you're just looking around, that's ok. But I'm tired of fixing damage from attempted break ins. If I catch you at that, I'm going to be hostile
-Carl Faber"
That's when our eyes shot a foot or two to the right and noticed the bullet hole in the glass to the right. Guess you're never as alone as you think in the desert.
Of course we were incredibly respectful, and left nothing but footprints. Still, it was such an awe inspiring experience to find this cabin and learn the tale of Bert Smith's cabin. Goes to show what you can learn when you stray off the beaten path!
@ Mojave National Preserve
