905 February 20-21, 2023 Piedras Grandes

I began Monday with a great walk through the state park and all the way to the trailhead.  I crossed the desert on a trail that took me through the middle of the park.  It was a nice day to be out and walking and I did more than 4 miles.

Hummingbird.

We packed the Jeep for an overnight adventure.  We had briefly visited Piedras Grandes a couple of weeks ago when we were staying at Mountain Palm Springs.  We saw a couple of very promising campsites and decided we would come back. 

We left from Borrego Springs and drove the winding roads up and over the mountains and down to the lower portion of Anza-Borrego State Park. 

We had driven for an hour and still had a long way to go.  I took over the driving.  We had driven 60 miles when we entered Mortero Wash.  This is a dirt road with several washouts and some minor rock obstacles.

We took a break when we got to the railroad tracks and Tim drove us into the cultural preserve.

We got out and hiked around the large boulders.  There is evidence that The Kumeyaay people inhabited this place for 12,000 years.  Over 600 generations have lived here.  There are signs of ancient life everywhere.  The people took shelter here among the large boulders.  There are rain basins, matates for grinding, pictographs and fire scars.  The relics that were recovered now reside in museums.  This is considered sacred ground.

We found a campsite in a cove of rocks.  It was thrilling to know that we were staying in this timeless place.  As I stood on the boulders looking at the landscape, I was aware that I was seeing the land much as it existed centuries ago…albeit for the wind turbines in the distance. 

In the eastern US, I know that there is also a history of ancient people.  This legacy was largely erased, buried under our cities as we sought to conquer the existing indigenous nations.  Here in the west, there are these preserves.  Very small tributes to represent thousands of years of life; reminders that there is a very rich culture where native peoples thrived.  It is so very humbling.

We were there all by ourselves.  We saw no other hikers touring the monument.  One 4WD truck passed us at dinnertime but then there was no one else. 

The sun set behind our boulders before 4pm.  I kept moving to be in the sunshine.

It was quiet and the wind was still.

Some evening color.

Of course, we had a fire and of course, there was stargazing.

Deep in the night we heard the songs of coyotes.

Morning coffee but no fire because it was 50 degrees and sunny.

We hiked this morning up into the hills of giant boulders.

The trail from the beginning.

This is where we stopped, looking back. We had only hiked about 1/2 miles but we had picked our way through and over the boulders.

We took a different way back to the highway through the maze of wind turbines.

There is no way to take a picture to show how scenic this drive is.  Enjoy this video.

Sand verbena in large patches; purple and stunning.

By the time we were approaching Borrego Springs, the winds were beginning to pick up.  The forecast is for sustained winds in the mid-twenties with stronger gusts.  A perfect afternoon to be inside and rest.

Borrego Bread made a warm sourdough bread delivery which was a terrific snack!

903 February 17-19, 2023 An Old Friend

Friday morning, we got up early to get to the farmer’s market by 7:45.  We were able to get beautiful berries, fresh greens, asparagus, banana bread, and sour cherry scones. 

I walked from the circle to the hardware store and then walked across the desert back to the campground.  Tim tool the Jeep back to the RV and did his morning workout.

We packed our suitcases and drove the Jeep a couple hours west.  Tim drove us over the mountains on twisting roads to an elevation of 4,200 feet where it was only 42 degrees with patchy snow. 

We descended on the other side and drove through small towns and over hills toward the coast.  As we got closer to San Diego, there were large fields of bright orange and yellow wildflowers.  It was a gorgeous ride. 

Friday afternoon, we shopped in El Cajon and had dinner at California Fish and Grill.

We stayed in a hotel. 

Saturday morning, we walked in the neighborhood nearby.  We found a small baseball field at the local elementary school and began walking laps.  Families began to arrive with their 6-year-old children.  We watched them playing catch and warming up.  We just love kids and baseball and it was fun to be there.

We went to Walmart and gathered a bunch of supplies that are hard to find or are very expensive in Borrego Springs.

After lunch, we drove to San Diego to visit with Tim’s old friend Doug, and his family.   The guys hadn’t seen each other in 20 years and there was a warm and emotional reunion.  Doug and Jolie and Brett welcomed us and prepared a feast for dinner.  We very much enjoyed catching up, sharing memories, and telling stories.  Tim and Doug got a nice fire going and we sat outside until we were chilly.  There was Julian peach pie for dessert…with ice cream.  Such a nice evening!

We retuned to El Cajon and stayed a second night.  Sunday morning, we went to Sprouts and got a bunch of groceries. 

By 8am we were on our way back to Borrego Springs.  We stopped at a tiny Mexican place in the small town of Ramona for breakfast burritos. 

We were back in time for the Daytona 500. 

I spent the afternoon doing laundry and unpacking.  I took a nice walk into town.

We had a great weekend.  We appreciated the chance to spend time with friends!

904 February 16, 2023 Bug Guts And Tony Feathers

I took a good 4.5 mile walk along the base of the mountains, by the churches, around the circle and back up the long hill.

Only one bighorn picture today…lol.

We did a little shopping in town.

We spent a quiet afternoon.  I was happy reading a good book.

This evening we went to the Borrego Performing Arts Center to listen to live music.  This is an intimate little theater that seats about 250 people.  The house was full tonight.

The opening performer was Tony Feathers.  He is a local guy who is a gifted storyteller.  He could also really play the guitar.  He grew up in rural Tennessee.  His songs are about home, his grandparents, and his cat.  He was real and we very much enjoyed his music.

The main show was Bug Guts.  They are an acoustic duo that plays very quirky and creative music…a combination of folk, alternative, and punk.  The girl was dressed in Doc Martins, black cutout leggings, a black lace tutu, a leather jacket and a cheetah print cowboy hat.  She had blue hair.  Her music was as eclectic as her costume.  She really knew how to use her voice as an instrument.  The guy was a truly gifted guitarist…those fingers!! They harmonized beautifully.  Their songs were edgy, tongue in cheek, thought provoking, and silly. 

A fun night!

902 February 15, 2023 Palm Canyon Hike

It rained steadily for several hours last night

It was 38 degrees when I got up this morning.  I could see frost on the car next door and decided to take my time getting outside.  When I began my walk, I turned out of the campground and saw this sign.

It snowed up in the mountains surrounding us and the road called Montezuma’s Grade was closed.  I saw a couple of cars with several inches of snow on top.

I walked the same path that Tim took yesterday, behind the campground and along the base of the mountains. 

We drove to the trailhead for Palm Canyon.  We have done this hike before.  It is challenging but not too hard…so it is still fun.  There were lots of rock steps and rock obstacles and some scrambling and scooting involved.

We walked across the big wash and could hear running water.  This portion of the stream is usually dry.

There were water crossings and on the third, I got my shoes wet!

We hiked all the way to the palm grove at trail’s end.

This is a spectacular hike with expansive views all the way back to the valley below.  This hike is special and every time that I have done it…it has made my heart feel full.  I could hear the rushing water, it was a beautiful day; the kind just perfect for hiking.  I was exerting myself and I felt good.  I took a moment to close my eyes and feel grateful.

We took the alternate trail back instead of retracing our steps.  This area is bighorn sheep territory.  We had heard that there were three rams earlier in the day.  We had almost completed our three-mile hike and we could see a group ahead of us taking pictures.  We had such a wonderful experience watching two rams.  First, we were with other people who were noisy and annoying.  We walked ahead and found the rams again. 

We watched this particular ram.  He stood for a long time on a rock and we stood still and silent for 30 minutes.  He apparently felt unthreatened and he moved closer and then closer again.  He was on a boulder just 50 feet from us.  Our hearts were pounding and Tim had goosebumps…it was amazing to set this animal at such close range.

He jumped down and scampered across the path to the other side.

He stood on another rock there not far from where another woman had stopped to watch.

He then made his way to the hillside where he was munching on mustard.

So cool…so absolutely cool!!

We were walking on tired legs and we were hungry.  Tim suggested a late lunch at Red Ocotillo.  W sat outside at a table in the sunshine.  This little guy, a yellow-rumped warbler, was scrounging for crumbs on the patio.

What a fabulous day!

901 February 14, 2023 Borrego Brown

Happy Valentine’s Day!

The forecast for today was for wicked wind.  Wind speeds were expected to be sustained at around 30mph with gust in the 50’s and isolated gusts as high a 100mph.  For this reason, I got out and took a good walk.  I knew there was a narrow window of opportunity.  When I began, the winds were less than 10.  I walked into town and down to the circle.  I could see as I approached, great clouds of dust.  The winds were picking up as a went around and I could feel sand pelting my exposed skin.  Walking back to the RV resort was uphill and with a face full of westerly winds.  I was very happy to get home!  It was good work and I was glad to be finished. 

It was a good day for doing inside stuff like sheets and laundry, cleaning the pantry, and vacuuming under the bed!

When I stalled long enough, I got out the tax paperwork.  I don’t know why I dread this job so much…but I do!  Our accountant moved to a new firm and so things are a bit different this year.  I created 20 electronic files to upload.  The good news is that everything I have is sent!  There are still a couple of stragglers…but I am finished…WOOHOO!!!

While I worked, Tim went out for a walk.  He walked the desert behind the campground and took a back trail into town.  He walked a short while on the ridges of the lower hills.  He called me to pick him up in town but I was busy and I was waiting for the bread lady and so he walked back home up the hill and in the wind!

The highlight of the day was Borrego Brown.  Last Friday at the farmers market, there was a vendor packing up and ready to leave at about 9:30.  She had sold out of all of her bread and baked goods.  She told us about her homemade white and wheat sourdough breads.  She offered to add us to her list of subscriptions.  Each Tuesday for 3 weeks, beginning today, she would deliver  a warm, fresh loaf of sourdough to our door…were we interested???  It was the highlight of the day!!  She brought our bread at 3:30.   I shoved the tax papers off of the table.  I doubt she was even out of the parking lot before we were sampling the delicious Borrego Brown.  We tried it alone, with butter, and with our olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  It was amazing every which way!

The wind was really gusty this afternoon.  We pulled the slideouts in for a couple of hours.  Tim went onto the roof to check the satellite dish and it had blown from the end of the RV onto the kitchen slideout.  We think that the cable saved it from blowing off!  Good save!

We never go out for Valentine’s Day dinner.  I offered to make my Valentine one of his favorite meals.  I cooked baby lima beans in the crockpot all day and seasoned them with honey and butter.  I made salmon cakes and Tim was a happy man!

It rained this evening, spatters at first and then, thunder and real rain…more flowers!

900 February 13, 2023 Sandstone Canyon

I went for my morning walk and our neighbors were standing outside.  I told them that we had kept them in our thoughts last evening after seeing the ambulance there.  They told me that the woman had fallen from the wet and slippery steps of her camper.  She had to be flown out for treatment.  She had 28 stitches and was in the ICU today.  Continued prayers for her recovery…how quickly things can change. 

I did a shorter 3 mile walk in the park today. 

We ate breakfast and then took the Jeep for a ride to Fish Creek Wash. 

We stopped to hike in a small box canyon.

We stopped again to hike to the Wind Caves.  We have done this hike once before with Kyle and Allison.  It is a moderately challenging, rather rigorous hike up a steep and rocky trail.  The altitude gain is 250 feet in a very short distance.  The view and exploring the Wind Caves was worth every bit of effort it took to get there!

We passed several places where there have been rock slides.  Some of the rocks look so precarious.  What makes them finally fall?  Earthquakes, rain…

We drove to Sandstone Canyon.  The walls are high and the passage narrow at times.  Such a fun ride and one of our favorites!

Tim drove a little further…always on the prowl for a potential tent camping site.  It will be too cold and windy this week to get out here.

899 February 12, 2023 Superbowl Sunday

It was only 40 degrees when I woke up this morning.  I waited to take my walk and then it was perfectly pleasant, sunny, and warm!  I walked through the park…continued motivation to get out and move.  I walked almost 5 miles!

After lunch, we took a Jeep ride out along Highway S22 toward the Salton Sea.  The scenery continues to delight me.  There were clouds and I loved watching the changing shadows across the mountains.

There were lots of people out hiking and looking at the wildflowers.  The weekend is a busy time here.  People come from the west coast just to see and photograph the flowers.  Anza-Borrego State Park is the largest state park in California; over 1,000 square miles.  There are 500 miles of roads, paved and 4WD and more than 100 miles of hiking trails. 

We got back in time for Tim to watch the Superbowl.  I spent the first half working on gathering stuff for taxes. 

We had turkey chili for our dinner.  As I was cooking out on the grill, it began to rain…big fat drops!  Rain means more flowers!

As we were clearing the table, we heard sirens.  The firetruck and the ambulance pulled up right next to us.  Our neighbors had been having a party since this morning.  We aren’t sure what happened but they took a woman out on a stretcher and into the ambulance.  I don’t know where she has to be taken.  San Diego is more than 50 miles from here.  It takes 1 ½ hours on winding roads in the daytime.  Now it is dark and raining.  The hairdresser told me that the people who live here fulltime have insurance that they buy for about $60.00 a year.  This insurance gets residents airlifted out in the event of an emergency.  Good care is very far way!  Our thoughts are with this person and her family.

898 February 11, 2023 Hellhole Canyon Trail

I took a nice walk through the Anza-Borrego State Park this morning. 

We tried to go and see Art in the Park at Christmas Circle…but it wasn’t there!  We checked the community park but I guess it was cancelled today!

We drove a short distance to the Hellhole Canyon Trailhead. 

We hiked 1 ½ miles and then turned back.

This afternoon, there was a local musician, Carlo Casaluci, playing acoustic guitar and singing at the library.  He had a beautiful voice and he could really play that guitar.  We enjoyed his performance.

When we left the library, the flag was blowing.  The winds were at 22mph with gusts.  The temperature had dropped.  We were glad to spend the rest of the evening inside. 

897 February 10, 2023 Friday Farmers Market

I took my walk into town this morning.  I called Tim to meet me at Christmas Circle for the Friday Farmers Market.  We bought fresh croissants and a crusty baguette.  We bought some berries, greens, asparagus, and avocadoes.  We were there at a little after 9am and some booths had already sold out!

I am very glad that I took a rest day yesterday.  I had my energy back and I walked more than 4 miles. 

I found a salon with an opening and was able to get my hair cut today.  The woman who cut my hair has lived in Borrego Springs for a long time.  She had lots to share about the economy of the area and how it affects the people who live and work here.  It is a hard place to try to make it.

This afternoon, we took our bikes and rode from Christmas Circle in a 8.5 mile loop.

We stopped for a break. 

The sand verbena is lavender and lovely!  It has a lemony fragrance that we could smell as we were cycling.

We sat for a short time at Hawkwatch.  At this place, volunteers sit from February 21^st into April to watch and count the annual migration of Swainson’s hawks.  These birds come from Mexico, Columbia, and Argentina.  The hawks stop here to eat the caterpillars that come to feast on the blooming wildflowers.  I read that on some days in March there are hundreds of birds in the air at the same time.  Thousands of hawks pass through each spring on their way to breeding grounds that are as far away as Alaska.

We took crab dip, our baguette, bruschetta, olive tapenade, celery, and berries and went to the park for dinner.  It was mostly cloudy and so there was no sunset.  But when we got back to the campground, the sky was beginning to color.

896 February 8-9, 2023 Camping On A Faultline

After a good 3 mile walk in town, Tim and I rode bikes from Christmas Circle for 6 miles in the surrounding neighborhoods.

We packed the Jeep for another overnight adventure.  We drove back to Butte’s Pass where we collected some dead wood.  I turned over a piece of wood and found this spider! It is a Walckenaer’s Huntsman Spider. Their bite is painful but not dangerous…even so, I was lucky that he retreated to his hole! He is actually really pretty!

We entered Blowsand Canyon.

We turned onto Goat Trail and found the perfect camping site.  We were intrigued by the rock formations here.  We are sitting in the San Jacinto Fault Zone.  This is a portion of the San Andreas Fault System.  Looking at the cleft in the earth you can imagine the violent tearing and heaving that occurred here.  The geology is very interesting.  Sections of rock rise up from the chasm as crazy angles. 

There are boulders here that don’t look like anything else around.  These are as large as the Jeep.  They contain these beautiful pink striations of dense rose quartz.

We hiked around climbing rocks and admiring the work of nature.

We sat all afternoon in warm sunshine.  The weather was perfect…low seventies and NO wind.

Soon after sunset, we heard an owl and then several minutes later at least one more and they sang to us, a lovely soothing song. 

We cooked our omelets and enjoyed a fire.  The moon had not yet risen and we sat high on a ridge.  The dry desert air makes for a clear sky and the Milky Way was gorgeous!

Overnight it was warmer and windless and we were comfortable.  I never sleep as well when we are tent camping and each time I woke up, I could hear the owls calling to one another. 

This morning it was pleasant.  We had a morning fire and coffee. 

We drove down into the wash below and had our breakfast.  From here, Tim hiked a while.  I waited 20 minutes and then went to get him.

When we got back, we organized and repacked gear and then we rested.

As much as I love these adventures, it is so nice to get home and have a hot and soapy shower.  I put on pretty clothes and we went out to dinner at Kesling’s Kitchen.  The food was amazing!  I had shrimp remoulade with a sweet and savory olive sauce.  Tim had a Moroccan chicken salad.  The menu there changes every day.  We are looking forward to going there again!