February 22, 2021 Just Us

Mountain Palm Springs Campground Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Julian, California

One last walk along the Colorado River in Yuma.  Farewell to this quirky campground.

I found this kindness rock on the path today…I am finding joy!

I am so keen to see critters while I am out.  I sometimes conjure animals out of rocks and logs and bushes.  In my defense, today it actually was an animal!  Each time I have walked along the river, I have been looking for the river cats or bobcats that live here.  Today I saw movement far ahead on the path.  It was a light-colored animal.  I was talking with my mother on the phone…I thought I was seeing a bobcat!  As I approached, I could see that it was this beautiful golden retriever, his owner had him off-leash and had walked a good distance away.  I was kind of disappointed!

Another pretty bird.

Today we drove away from Yuma and into southern California.  We passed through El Centro.  This interesting water tower has a sea level mark halfway up! 

We knew we were in California because the gas prices are well over $4.00. 

We passed acres of solar panels.

And of course, miles of wind turbines.

We entered Anza-Borrego State Park, on the winding and scenic road.

We have stayed at Mountain Palm Springs Road Campground before.  Today, we were the only campers here. 

We took a great hike today only 1 mile each way but challenging because we were clambering over rock obstacles in the canyon.  There are palms here fed by an underground water source.  Long ago, overland travelers would look for palms in the desert aware that where the palms could grow and thrive, there would be water. 

We spent the rest of the day sitting in the brilliant sunshine, watching the desert, reading, and relaxing.  We watched the sunset and grilled bison burgers.  It is very peaceful and lovely here.  We have no phone service and no hookups…but that doesn’t matter for a couple of days.  It is refreshing to be unplugged!