Operation Desert Point

The official Mexican Naval Attache's send-off was "tan cuidado hombres."

2009-02-21T21:01:07Z

Chaco Clotfelter
The official Mexican Naval Attache's send-off was "tan cuidado hombres."

Almost to the beach head. Specialist Martin's smile will quickly disappear as he humps 80 lbs over the dunes and beyond.

2009-02-22T00:02:44Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Almost to the beach head. Specialist Martin's smile will quickly disappear as he humps 80 lbs over the dunes and beyond.

Navigating the sand bar flats.

2009-02-22T00:07:26Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Navigating the sand bar flats.

Riverine assault craft.

2009-02-22T00:07:13Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Riverine assault craft.

Captain Setian hauls us through the flats.

2009-02-22T00:08:20Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Captain Setian hauls us through the flats.

Specialist Martin recons the beach landing site.

2009-02-22T00:05:31Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Specialist Martin recons the beach landing site.

Scouting the boat hide.

2009-02-22T00:06:03Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Scouting the boat hide.

Camoflaguing the outboard.

2009-02-22T00:07:02Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Camoflaguing the outboard.

Captain 'Ironman Lee' Setian pack-muling.

2009-02-22T00:02:34Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Captain 'Ironman Lee' Setian pack-muling.

Combat load.

2009-02-22T00:02:48Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Combat load.

SSgt Mauro taking the hill.

2009-06-04T03:50:57Z

Chaco Clotfelter
SSgt Mauro taking the hill.

Mechanized patrol to Beach Landing Site # 2.

2009-02-22T00:07:13Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Mechanized patrol to Beach Landing Site # 2.

One mile of dunes before hitting the beach.

2009-06-04T04:47:28Z

Chaco Clotfelter
One mile of dunes before hitting the beach.

1/2 a mile down, 1/2 to go before hitting the beach.

2009-02-22T00:06:30Z

Chaco Clotfelter
1/2 a mile down, 1/2 to go before hitting the beach.

Almost to BLS 2.

2009-02-22T00:05:12Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Almost to BLS 2.

First bikes, then boards.

2009-02-22T00:03:25Z

Chaco Clotfelter
First bikes, then boards.

First bikes, then boards, then liquid gold...our coveted H2O supply.

2009-06-04T03:31:35Z

Chaco Clotfelter
First bikes, then boards, then liquid gold...our coveted H2O supply.

SSgt Mauro foot mobile across the dunes.

2009-02-22T00:03:27Z

Chaco Clotfelter
SSgt Mauro foot mobile across the dunes.

Specialist Martin skirts a sand dollar cemetary.

2009-06-04T04:33:11Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Specialist Martin skirts a sand dollar cemetary.

BLS 2, now we rig the bikes and trailers.

2009-06-04T04:52:00Z

Chaco Clotfelter
BLS 2, now we rig the bikes and trailers.

5 bikes, 5 mules and 5 riders.

2009-06-04T02:01:07Z

Chaco Clotfelter
5 bikes, 5 mules and 5 riders.

Pre-departure gear check.

2009-06-04T03:09:36Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Pre-departure gear check.

1 mile down, 14 to go.

2009-06-04T01:30:54Z

Chaco Clotfelter
1 mile down, 14 to go.

5 miles into the ride we met our nemisis, a 30mph head wind.

2009-06-04T03:03:29Z

Chaco Clotfelter
5 miles into the ride we met our nemisis, a 30mph head wind.

Fighting the headwind.

2009-06-04T05:16:22Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Fighting the headwind.

One small revolution for man, one tiny revolution on an overloaded head-wind slowed sprocket.

2009-06-04T04:35:48Z

Chaco Clotfelter
One small revolution for man, one tiny revolution on an overloaded head-wind slowed sprocket.

Man down at mile 8 (4 hours of head wind riding).

2009-02-22T00:03:35Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Man down at mile 8 (4 hours of head wind riding).

The final push at mile 10 before the beach disappeared by the incoming tide.

2009-06-04T03:28:49Z

Chaco Clotfelter
The final push at mile 10 before the beach disappeared by the incoming tide.

The dunescape between the rising tide and our right flank. We were trapped by the dunes, no longer able to proceed with the bikes or the mules in the quicksand like coastal shoreline.

2009-02-22T00:01:57Z

Chaco Clotfelter
The dunescape between the rising tide and our right flank. We were trapped by the dunes, no longer able to proceed with the bikes or the mules in the quicksand like coastal shoreline.

Bringing it into the wind. The walk-ride walk-ride combo became very old very fast.

2009-06-04T03:28:21Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Bringing it into the wind. The walk-ride walk-ride combo became very old very fast.

Walking mile 10.

2009-06-04T04:30:14Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Walking mile 10.

End of the road for now.

2009-06-04T02:22:45Z

Chaco Clotfelter
End of the road for now.

Exhausted, dehydrated and out of beach to ride on.

2009-02-22T00:08:11Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Exhausted, dehydrated and out of beach to ride on.

Hasty camp.

2009-02-22T00:02:29Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Hasty camp.

Sandborne nap operations.

2009-02-22T00:07:55Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Sandborne nap operations.

We decide to haul the heavy packs the last 5 miles on foot so that when we wake-up for the low-tide ride at 1am we can move quickly to the estuary in order to cross the two rivers before the ...

2009-02-22T00:07:08Z

Chaco Clotfelter
We decide to haul the heavy packs the last 5 miles on foot so that when we wake-up for the low-tide ride at 1am we can move quickly to the estuary in order to cross the two rivers before the ...

We run out of beach again on foot as the estuary mouth is 5 times larger than our satelitte imagery has indicated. Note the pile of sandals to the left, we are preparing to walk/wade/swim o ...

2009-02-22T00:07:48Z

Chaco Clotfelter
We run out of beach again on foot as the estuary mouth is 5 times larger than our satelitte imagery has indicated. Note the pile of sandals to the left, we are preparing to walk/wade/swim o ...

We retreat from the estuary mouth, leaving a trail of 6" deep footprints in the quicksand-like shoreline.

2009-02-22T00:01:18Z

Chaco Clotfelter
We retreat from the estuary mouth, leaving a trail of 6" deep footprints in the quicksand-like shoreline.

Retro-grading 5 miles back to the bikes and mules and sentry SSgt Mauro. Due to the full moon, an excessively high tide floods the entire beach as waves lap right up to the base of the san ...

2009-06-04T01:53:17Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Retro-grading 5 miles back to the bikes and mules and sentry SSgt Mauro. Due to the full moon, an excessively high tide floods the entire beach as waves lap right up to the base of the san ...

So far yet so near. We gaze out upon the mountain point that we had intended to hit by midday, little did we know that it would take another 24 hours of hard work to make it there.

2009-02-22T00:05:47Z

Chaco Clotfelter
So far yet so near. We gaze out upon the mountain point that we had intended to hit by midday, little did we know that it would take another 24 hours of hard work to make it there.

A-Gunner Showalter grabs some shut-eye before our 1AM low-tide assualt on the estuary crossing.

2009-06-04T04:48:42Z

Chaco Clotfelter
A-Gunner Showalter grabs some shut-eye before our 1AM low-tide assualt on the estuary crossing.

Remounting for the 5 mile haul to the estuary.

2009-02-22T00:07:17Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Remounting for the 5 mile haul to the estuary.

Lined-up and ready to roll.

2009-06-04T04:12:32Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Lined-up and ready to roll.

Moving out.

2009-02-22T00:02:41Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Moving out.

Show on-the-move.

2009-06-04T03:33:17Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Show on-the-move.

Our first break, a waist deep river crossing.

2009-06-04T01:46:36Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Our first break, a waist deep river crossing.

1 mule down, 4 to go.

2009-02-22T00:02:14Z

Chaco Clotfelter
1 mule down, 4 to go.

Our second break, a chest deep river crossing.

2009-02-22T00:07:24Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Our second break, a chest deep river crossing.

Almost across.

2009-06-04T04:03:28Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Almost across.

Martin heads for dry land.

2009-02-22T00:03:36Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Martin heads for dry land.

Safely across two river crossing, we crash out at 4AM in order to execute the final assualt on the point at sunrise. The moon sets in the background ending our strenuous 3 hour night moveme ...

2009-06-04T04:53:16Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Safely across two river crossing, we crash out at 4AM in order to execute the final assualt on the point at sunrise. The moon sets in the background ending our strenuous 3 hour night moveme ...

We wake-up to clean offshore lines, the inner bay beachbreak is firing at 4-6' but we want the point and will not stop at anything short of it at this point of the insertion phase of our mis ...

2009-02-22T00:08:39Z

Chaco Clotfelter
We wake-up to clean offshore lines, the inner bay beachbreak is firing at 4-6' but we want the point and will not stop at anything short of it at this point of the insertion phase of our mis ...

Captain Setian and myself lead the initial target site recon. As we march up the coastline each cove appears better than the last.

2009-06-04T02:35:40Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Captain Setian and myself lead the initial target site recon. As we march up the coastline each cove appears better than the last.

Still a mile away, Captain Setian gets eyes-on the target site.

2009-02-22T00:08:17Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Still a mile away, Captain Setian gets eyes-on the target site.

Thar she blows. Heavy offshore 8' sets pound the reef, our heart rates top out, a strong surge of energy flows through our bodies as we realize the grueling 48 hour patrol out here will all ...

2009-02-22T00:03:01Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Thar she blows. Heavy offshore 8' sets pound the reef, our heart rates top out, a strong surge of energy flows through our bodies as we realize the grueling 48 hour patrol out here will all ...

Instead of camping on the wind swept mesa on the point we decide to set-up our patrol base in an abandoned drug runners camp on the inner bay, a bastion of protection with forever views into ...

2009-02-22T00:08:18Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Instead of camping on the wind swept mesa on the point we decide to set-up our patrol base in an abandoned drug runners camp on the inner bay, a bastion of protection with forever views into ...

Not only do we have our own shelter with a concrete deck 20' above the water, there is a 4-6' ft beachbreak firing right out front. We decide to get some of the sand off our skin with a war ...

2009-02-22T00:04:02Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Not only do we have our own shelter with a concrete deck 20' above the water, there is a 4-6' ft beachbreak firing right out front. We decide to get some of the sand off our skin with a war ...

As we head out from the abandoned shack, we walk past the firing beach break.

2009-02-22T00:07:48Z

Chaco Clotfelter
As we head out from the abandoned shack, we walk past the firing beach break.

The dust and heat of the two mile walk to the point goes unnoticed as visions of 8' sugar plums dance in our heads.

2009-06-04T04:41:23Z

Chaco Clotfelter
The dust and heat of the two mile walk to the point goes unnoticed as visions of 8' sugar plums dance in our heads.

On-the-move, we cover the two miles quickly and quietly.

2009-02-22T00:03:24Z

Chaco Clotfelter
On-the-move, we cover the two miles quickly and quietly.

Many draws and canyons to cross before hitting the point.

2009-06-04T04:51:08Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Many draws and canyons to cross before hitting the point.

Carrying only the amphib essentials out to the point allowed us to move quickly and efficiently over the rocky terrain.

2009-02-22T00:04:38Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Carrying only the amphib essentials out to the point allowed us to move quickly and efficiently over the rocky terrain.

Thar she blows, a set on the outside point was the indicator for the inside point.

2009-06-04T03:33:26Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Thar she blows, a set on the outside point was the indicator for the inside point.

Heading home past the beachbreak.

2009-06-04T02:57:39Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Heading home past the beachbreak.

Indicators.

2009-06-04T02:24:10Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Indicators.

Back at the patrol base refueling before another assualt. Note discarded water container eating vessels, packing light and living without the normal comforts was critical to this missions s ...

2009-02-22T00:03:30Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Back at the patrol base refueling before another assualt. Note discarded water container eating vessels, packing light and living without the normal comforts was critical to this missions s ...

Clean and big second point spinning 10 footers out every 15 minutes.

2009-02-22T00:06:34Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Clean and big second point spinning 10 footers out every 15 minutes.

Midday refueling.

2009-02-22T00:02:20Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Midday refueling.

Chaco Clotfelter's photo

2009-06-04T04:53:46Z

Chaco Clotfelter

Olive and heart-of-palm cans worked perferctly as our water rationing vessels. Rations were two half cans during the day and one at night.

2009-06-04T02:24:40Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Olive and heart-of-palm cans worked perferctly as our water rationing vessels. Rations were two half cans during the day and one at night.

Chaco Clotfelter's photo

2009-06-04T03:59:44Z

Chaco Clotfelter

Captain Setian admires the natural beauty of the estuary and the dynamic birdlife.

2009-06-04T02:06:35Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Captain Setian admires the natural beauty of the estuary and the dynamic birdlife.

Chaco Clotfelter's photo

2009-06-04T02:50:56Z

Chaco Clotfelter

Show, in Malay batik, takes down his half-daily ration of water.

2009-06-04T03:48:48Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Show, in Malay batik, takes down his half-daily ration of water.

Chaco Clotfelter's photo

2009-06-04T02:25:29Z

Chaco Clotfelter

SF Specialist Martin takes a break from the heat.

2009-06-04T02:20:19Z

Chaco Clotfelter
SF Specialist Martin takes a break from the heat.

Chaco Clotfelter's photo

2009-06-04T05:07:41Z

Chaco Clotfelter

Captain Setian keeps cool with his Jordanian berkah and a handful of lavash.

2009-06-04T01:47:11Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Captain Setian keeps cool with his Jordanian berkah and a handful of lavash.

Chaco Clotfelter's photo

2009-02-22T00:02:13Z

Chaco Clotfelter

Chaco Clotfelter's photo

2009-06-04T01:50:07Z

Chaco Clotfelter

Chaco Clotfelter's photo

2009-06-04T04:52:02Z

Chaco Clotfelter

Unfortunately turtle meat is still sought after by some locals. It is the coastal equivalent of bush meat and a sad practice. Much has been done to educate the locals and especially the fi ...

2009-06-04T04:06:47Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Unfortunately turtle meat is still sought after by some locals. It is the coastal equivalent of bush meat and a sad practice. Much has been done to educate the locals and especially the fi ...

Chaco Clotfelter's photo

2009-06-04T02:41:36Z

Chaco Clotfelter

Recon for alternate water sources with a purification pump and iodine tablets proved fruitless. An afternoon view of the gorgeous estuary with endless sand dunes behind it.

2009-06-04T02:26:41Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Recon for alternate water sources with a purification pump and iodine tablets proved fruitless. An afternoon view of the gorgeous estuary with endless sand dunes behind it.

Here SSgt Mauro and Captain Setian sleep outside on their cots on the abandoned drug runners deck above the lapping surf of the bay and under a full moon.

2009-02-22T00:04:36Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Here SSgt Mauro and Captain Setian sleep outside on their cots on the abandoned drug runners deck above the lapping surf of the bay and under a full moon.

A fisherman's grave-simple and stoic.

2009-06-04T01:48:29Z

Chaco Clotfelter
A fisherman's grave-simple and stoic.

Mauro brushes up on his 'Special Operations in Desert Terrain' publication under the sun in between sessions.

2009-06-04T01:48:29Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Mauro brushes up on his 'Special Operations in Desert Terrain' publication under the sun in between sessions.

SF Captain Setian offers sashimi to the team.

2009-06-04T04:24:19Z

Chaco Clotfelter
SF Captain Setian offers sashimi to the team.

Chaco Clotfelter's photo

2009-06-04T01:43:40Z

Chaco Clotfelter

Our lucky yellowtail catch.

2009-06-04T03:35:21Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Our lucky yellowtail catch.

Clotz on fillet duty.

2009-06-04T04:47:53Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Clotz on fillet duty.

Flight of the intruder.

2009-06-04T01:31:46Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Flight of the intruder.

Four continue to score.

2009-06-04T03:33:09Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Four continue to score.

Half-daily debrief on the mornings amphib assualt.

2009-06-04T04:50:44Z

Chaco Clotfelter
Half-daily debrief on the mornings amphib assualt.

The team refuels on freshly caught Yellowtail sashimi.

2009-06-04T02:32:57Z

Chaco Clotfelter
The team refuels on freshly caught Yellowtail sashimi.

View of estuary and dunes beyond.

2009-06-04T01:51:09Z

Chaco Clotfelter
View of estuary and dunes beyond.

The Team partaking in sashimi operations in abandoned drug runners camp.

2009-06-04T02:36:05Z

Chaco Clotfelter
The Team partaking in sashimi operations in abandoned drug runners camp.

Chaco Clotfelter's photo

2009-02-22T00:05:58Z

Chaco Clotfelter

The State Department higher-ups were kind enough to arrange for a locally contracted agent to provide an extract boat with driver.

2009-06-04T04:55:46Z

Chaco Clotfelter
The State Department higher-ups were kind enough to arrange for a locally contracted agent to provide an extract boat with driver.

Chaco Clotfelter's photo

2009-02-22T00:03:04Z

Chaco Clotfelter