Desert Heart: Chronicles of the Sonoran Desert

A few years ago I was lucky enough to take a trip along the Camino del Diablo. We had two vehicles, plenty of water and food, and full gas tanks. We signed the papers that we would not hold the United States Government responsible for anything that happened to us, and then set out from Ajo to as far as we could go, finally stopping within sight of the Tinajas Altas Mountains after an overnight camp at Tule Well. I am sorry not to have reached Tinajas Altas, but glad to have made the trip. The only people we saw were in a caravan geology field trip from Arizona State University, and camping under the stars in the Tule Mountains was well worth the difficulties of getting there. I even found Halley's Comet among the seeming millions of points of light. I recently came across William K. Hartman's book, "Desert Heart: Chronicles of the Sonoran Desert" in a secondhand book store and was enchanted by the photographs and historical background. While I never reached Tinajas Altas, I was at last granted several nice photos of the place, now scarred by the tire tracks of ORVS and vandalized, as noted by Hartman (he is, somewhat appropriately, an astronomer, considering my cometary observation). Perhaps I should never get there, as it might now be a disappointment, but I still cherish my trip down the Devil's Highway and the trips I had made earlier down the old Fortuna Mine Road (the western part of the Camino del Diablo) toward the tanks on the other side. Hartman notes that many people have tried to cross this region in the past, with many of those not making it to their destinations. The graves that used to be visible near Tinajas Altas, before vandals destroyed most of them, were a testimony to the unforgiving harshness of this part of the borderland. This is a great book on a subject that is difficult to capture in words, or even photographs. Only the confirmed desert rat can understand the fascination with such desolate places on the earth. Still Hartman does somehow capture this fascination and expands on it to make this remarkable area of our planet come alive. The photos and historical narrative makes this book unique, as the area involved is seldom discussed in books. It deserves better, and Hartman's book is a great start.

This is a beautiful book about the landscape and lore of the Sonoran Desert of Arizona and Mexico. It will appeal equally to the student of geology or history.The book is the culmination of the author's 30 years experience in exploring and studying the region. This was an area of ancient volcanic activity which shaped the land and left many interesting features shown here.Hartmann also tells the story of several waves of explorers and settlers, from the Spanish under Cortes, to the missionaries, to Twentieth Century American expeditions. Of course, the Indian history of the area is also covered.Many stunning photos of unusual geologic formations and gorgeous desert landscapes combine with a captivating story to make this a fascinating book. It is truly original and one of a kind.