Palm Canyon RV Resort Borrego Springs, California Day 6
Happy Birthday David!!
Right before dawn we were awakened by a screeching and howling that sounded like it was coming from right outside the RV. There were at least two but maybe more coyotes very close by!
I started the day with an easy walk on pavement.
We stopped for firewood for our next tent camping night.
We went Jeeping again today. The forecast was for rain and we didn’t want to get caught out on our bikes. The clouds were moving in.
Our first trail, the Thimble Trail, took us to the Vista del Malpais. This is a scenic overlook of the Badlands.
We decided to walk on the trail along the ridge. We could see rain cells in the distance. The wind picked up and we walked back to the Jeep with a stiff wind blowing sand against our legs and faces.
We took the Short Wash out to S-22 and then reentered to look for potential camping sites.
Deadend and not the perfect camping spot…this storm drain runs beneath the highway!
It took us a while to figure our way out. We knew the highway was just over the next set of mountains but it took some time to wind around.
We traveled to the Calcite Mine site. The views were really pretty.
We stopped to walk down to a small dry waterfall and then walked on the path across the way as well. We stumbled upon another slot canyon…what a neat hike!
It was late afternoon and time to go home!
One of the things that we enjoyed the most about today, was the play of the sun and clouds on the earthtoned rock formations. Light and shadows creating beautiful images. The other thing we always enjoy is not knowing exactly where we will end up or what we will find. The slot canyon was a nice surprise. We want a little adventure…if we knew exactly what was there…we might as well make reservations and stay at a Holiday Inn!
The rain did begin just as we got back to the campground. It rained all evening. The people here in Borrego Springs are very happy!
Palm Canyon RV Resort Borrego Springs, California Day 5
I started my morning by watching the moon set over the mountain. In my first shot, it looked like a smudge on the picture. When I downloaded pictures this evening, I saw that it was a hawk. It is not a perfectly clear image…but it is kind of awesome so I included it.
Yesterday, I decided that I really wanted to do the three-mile Borrego Palm Canyon Trail. The bighorn sheep are usually spotted in this area during the day. I really wanted to see the sheep. I parked at the trailhead.
This is not a hike that my younger self would have attempted. I might have done part of it but I would have let my own fears and anxieties take over and I would not have made it to the end. The trail was a “gentle” hike but it was filled with rock obstacles and I had a lot of climbing to do! It is a well-traveled and well-marked trail. Even so, there were very few people out so early. I got into a rhythm and was able to walk at my own pace. I stopped often to absorb my surroundings. My senses were heightened and I noticed the faint breeze on my face, the warm sun on my back, the fragrance of desert lavender, the buzzing of bees busy pollinating, the sounds of my footsteps, lizards scurrying across my path, swarms of small white butterflies. It was a time for quiet introspection. I felt solace and peace and inner strength and self-confidence. I am physically stronger than I have been in a long time. Even though I never did see bighorn sheep, I feel like I found something even more important, something I didn’t know that I was looking for. The pictures are stunning…but being there was magical.
I met a volunteer who told me that the season has been so dry and the creek has not been nearly as full as usual. The lambs have been born but the sheep are not coming here as often. She also told me that the scant wildflowers that are blooming are likely to be all there are. March rain could change that but unless there is some rain, the seeds and plants will stay dormant until another time…maybe next spring…maybe the spring following.
When I got back, we packed a cooler and went for a ride. We intended to go to The Slot and take a hike through a slot canyon in the bottom of the Badlands. When we arrived, the parking lot was nearly full. We knew that it was only a ¾ mile hike in a narrow space. We elected not to hike because of the crowd. The map showed a Jeep trail to the left. There was a warning sign at the beginning of the road…Warning: Severe drop-off 1 mile ahead. The route was one-way. Of course, we wanted to try it. What does a severe drop-off look like? Let’s go and see. We thought that if we needed to, we could always turn around and carefully make our way back. We were certain that we wouldn’t be the first to do that! We could see in the distance a long steep ramp leading into the bottom of the Badlands. Could this be the severe drop-off? Yes, it was steep, but we have done harder, steeper slopes. Tim put the Jeep in 4WD low and we creeped down into the wash. What fun! The video and the pictures do NOT show the true grade of the slope…just trust us…it was steep!
When we were watching the sunset over the Badlands yesterday, I was wondering what it would be like to drive in the bottom. It was amazing!
We found a really beautiful canyon campsite…maybe our next tent camping spot!?!
We drove through the wash and up to a lunch spot.
We drove into Hawk Canyon and took a short hike. Another possible tent camping site…so many beautiful choices!
We took Grapevine Canyon Road to Jasper Trail. There, we were treated to spectacular views. We saw a coyote darting between the scrubby bushes and then across the trail in front of us.
Finally, we were on pavement again. Route S-22 is a winding road that took us from 4,000 feet of elevation down into the valley of Borrego Springs at 760 feet. We had a great day!
Tim voted for carryout from The Red Ocotillo. He had salmon with mashed potatoes and spinach with mushroom and carrots. I got a chicken cobb salad. Our food was fresh and delicious!
Palm Canyon RV Resort Borrego Springs, California Day 4
I took another early walk at the State Park this morning. I followed the meandering paths across the desert all the way to the base of the San Ysidro Mountains. I saw lots of hoof prints of bighorn sheep…but no sheep. I saw lots of rabbits…so many rabbits. The coyotes and the hawks must be very happy living here in this valley. I did see a coyote. We were both well aware of one another. He scooted away before I could snag a picture.
I found this rock with etched petroglyphs.
This loggerhead shrike was sitting in the thorny ocotillo eating flower buds and blossoms.
Later this morning, after chores were finished, we took a bike ride. We rode about 10 miles. Our first break was at this sculpture of a 1946 Willy’s Jeep.
Our second break was at this empty produce stand. The oranges were hanging from the trees and the fragrance was heavenly.
We had our picnic lunch at Christmas Circle Community Park.
After lunch, we got a few groceries for a picnic dinner and filled our water jugs again.
At 3:30 we set out with our cooler packed to watch the sunset at Fonts Point. From this vantage point, we had spectacular views of the Borrego Badlands. These Badlands were carved by the Colorado River eons ago.
We ate tarragon chicken salad with cranberries, jicama salad, and a feta salad with spicy flavorful olives.
As the sun sank behind the mountains, the light crept into the folds and crevices in the sandstone.
February 28, 2021 Salvador Canyon and Middle Willows
Palm Canyon RV Resort Borrego Springs, California Day 3
We got up with the sun. It was in the low 40’s overnight and a morning fire felt good.
We packed the tent and took another couple of Jeep trails. We traveled the rough rocky road to Salvador Canyon and then another rougher rockier road to Middle Willows. We picked a pretty spot for breakfast.
We got back to the RV at about lunchtime. It took some time to unpack and clean and reorganize our gear. Tim spent the rest of the afternoon watching NASCAR. I rested and worked on the blog. We really just needed a day to lay low.
Palm Canyon RV Resort Borrego Springs, California Day 2
I began my day with a walk in the Anza-Borrego State Park.
There was a nature walk through the desert where I saw lots of cottontails.
I walked the trail all the way to their campground and then headed back to the RV. We packed up and headed out for another tent camping overnight.
We stopped at Galleta Meadows. Life-sized sculptures that seem very at home in this barren desert environment. We saw tortoises, mammoths, a t-rex and the very famous serpent.
We traveled on 4WD trails through Coyote Canyon to Sheep Canyon.
We setup camp and we were just a little disappointed to realize that it was going to be noisy and crowded. We stayed though. Our 4pm wine helped us to relax and enjoy. We had an early fire and then ate our omelets as the sun set. We met the couple that stayed next door. It was nice to have conversation with other people.
We watched the snow moon rise over the mountains. At first, we could only see an eerie glow but then the moon revealed itself full and lovely.
We had some very strong winds after midnight so that we can honestly say the tent has been wind-tested.
Our neighbors yesterday gave us a trail book to look at. We found this quote and we love it. It says just what we have always thought. There are people who think the desert is just a bunch of sand and rocks. I think you might know which desert we see. I wonder what your choice might be?
I began the day with a walk at Ocotillo Wells. I carried the trash to the dumpster and then walked along the highway to the ranger station. Then I trudged along the sandy OTV/ATV trail back to the RV. It was hard work! But it was a gorgeous morning and it felt great to be out and about.
This is a designated park for off-road driving. There is a training center for children here as well. We could hear people out on their buggies at 1am. It was so beautiful and the moon was illuminating everything. It must have been very cool to ride in the desert last night!
We traveled the short distance to Borrego Springs.
We knew there was a farmers market on Friday morning and we wanted to do some shopping. We got fresh strawberries and asparagus and oranges and the tiniest sweetest yellow cherry tomatoes…like candy! We also got falafel and hummus and avocado feta dip and tamales. I love a good outdoor market and I love to shop for good quality fruits and vegetables.
We went to the Chamber of Commerce and got maps of the area.
We checked into the RV park and got the washer started.
Then, we took a bike ride. The way from our campground into town is all downhill…almost no pedaling required. The way back was way harder. It is a 2-mile gradual climb…but I made it without getting off my bike. Progress is being made!
I went back to town with the Jeep to get some wine and a couple of groceries. We are camping out again tomorrow night and we needed a few things.
This evening we had roasted corn, chicken, and cheese tamales from the tamale lady. They were tasty!
Don’t look for Saturday’s blog until Sunday. We plan to tent camp in Sheep Canyon tomorrow night. We saw this place two years ago and wanted a way to find a way to stay there…now we can!
Ocotillo Wells SVRA Borrego Springs, California Day 2
We were awake as the sun began to come up. I was happy to wait for the sunshine to find our little canyon. I didn’t get up until I could hear the fire crackling and I could smell the coffee.
We decided to hike Sandstone Canyon this morning. We were trying to see what was at the end. We walked for two miles before turning around in surrender. Though the canyon is often busy with Jeeps, last night and this morning, we had it all to ourselves.
We found a place in Olla Wash to have our breakfast.
We headed home to the RV and were back by noon.
This evening we grilled shrimp fajitas with frijoles and mango for dessert.
The sun was setting.
The moon was rising.
Tomorrow we are moving to the town of Borrego Springs.
Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area Borrego Springs, California
I was awake early and could see the sky lightening and changing colors so I got up to watch the morning show.
One more walk in the wash. Today I spotted a jackrabbit hiding in the shadows of a bush. He was fairly far away and he stayed absolutely still. From a distance, it looked like he had three ears. His left ear was torn.
Leave only footprints…right next to the coyote prints…
I love these red breasted birds.
We took the highway from Julian to Ocotillo Wells SVRA. The road is a bit of a wiggle waggle and the scenery is gorgeous. We passed a couple of brave cyclists on these twists and turns.
This afternoon, we left the RV at Ocotillo Wells with the Jeep loaded for adventure. We have been to Sandstone Canyon twice before. We love to see new places but it is also wonderful when you keep coming back to a place because of its beauty. It is amazing when you can retain your sense of awe and wonder…you know you have found someplace remarkable.
We were on our way, looking for the perfect camping spot. A truck approached us at rapid speed. He told us that a couple in a Jeep needed help with a flat tire. We went to see what we could do to help. This naïve young man was driving a rental Jeep, with street tires, in the desert when a sharp rock sliced the sidewalls of both tires on the driver’s side. He had replaced the front tire but he needed another spare to replace the torn rear tire. Our tires were too big to be of use. We offered them water and food and blankets. The guy said he was going to try to drive out on three good tires. We wished them well and turned to find our overnight campsite. We hadn’t gone very far when we decided that we needed to go back and at least follow the guy so that if he ran into bigger trouble, he had someone there to assist. We were following them, very slowly when two old guys in Jeeps drove up. They had the spare tire that would work. They sent us on our way. We hope that if we are ever in a situation where we need help, there will be someone to stop. We have seen over and over again, that out there in the wilderness, people lend a hand. People are good!
We entered Sandstone Canyon and there were some very narrow passes.
We did find the perfect camping spot. We set up and enjoyed the last lingering moments of daylight. We ate grilled chicken and pecans with apples and grapes on field greens with grilled garlic flatbread. We watched the sun slip behind the cliff walls. We watched bats creep from the rock crevices and flit about, flying erratically to feed.
The moon rose as the sunlight was fading.
In our tent, the moon roof was open and the almost full moon shone brightly.
We got up in the middle of the night and the whole world looked like an old time black and white photograph, except for the gleaming stars.
We were able to have enough internet to post the blog for the past two days. Today, Wednesday February 24th, we are off on another tent camping adventure in Sandstone Canyon near Ocotillo Wells. We will post about our adventure tomorrow evening.
Mountain Palm Springs Campground Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Julian, California Day 2
The 2/3 full moon was so bright last night that you could walk outside without a flashlight. Only the major constellations were visible. At 4:30 when I got up, the moon had set. There was a multitude of stars and the familiar white haze of the Milky Way and it was dazzling. I watched the stars as I lay back in bed. What a wonderful luxury. The furnace didn’t come on until nearly 5:00am. The temperatures plummet just before dawn and then the morning sun quickly warms the air.
I started my walk on the sandy road back to the paved highway. Our campsite.
I entered the wash and took meandering paths carved into the desert by monsoon rains.
There were all kinds of bunny tracks and coyote prints. The sand is bright white and coarse, scoured and abraded by wind and rain and scorching heat, from granite boulders.
I saw several jackrabbits roused by my approach, nimble and quick, bounding from their daytime hiding places in burrows beneath the protection of thorny bushes. Sometimes, all I glimpsed were the black tips of their ears in motion and showing among the cholla.
Hawks, ever watchful perched on the highest branches of ocotillo.
I returned to the RV and was eating my yogurt when I saw a pair of coyotes prowling along the ridge.
It was just a short distance to the Jeep trail into Indian Gorge. We didn’t realize that we were climbing until we arrived at the end and turned to see the valley below.
We took a second trail into the Canyon Sin Nombre…without a name. This trail passed through a canyon.
Then, we were in a wash for a long time.
We found a slot canyon where we enjoyed our lunch and then a hike. At the end there were giant rocks blocking our way. Tim climbed over the first set and I was willing to do the same until he said there were many more obstacles like it ahead. We turned back to the Jeep, the hike at its ending place.
We took another trail just south of Bow Willow Campground.
When we got back to the RV, it was 89 degrees inside. We opened the windows to let the breeze flow through and enjoyed some afternoon quiet time.
We spent time again watching the desert. Then steamed broccoli and grilled tuna steaks with teriyaki glaze for our meal.
