Good-bye Borrego Springs

 This year we are only doing a  two plus weeks in Borrego Springs and this was our last week.  We did a couple of fun things and also did something a bit more challenging (at least for me).  We started off by  hiking Palm Canyon which is in the Anza Borrego State Park.  It isn't a particularly difficult trail but there definitely some challenging areas - some areas are really quite rocky.  The canyon itself is beautiful as you climb up to an oasis at the end.  The trail itself is pretty well travelled so is pretty easy to follow.  On the other hand, there is an alternate trail which we took on the way down, which isn't quite so easy to follow.  In fact, in one spot, we lost the trail so had to change plans and cut across a wash to find the original trail.  All was good and we got down safely, although I had had enough hiking for the day.  The trail is 2.9 miles return with an elevation gain of 450 feet - enough to get this old gal puffing more than once.

Just behind where we were camped there is some stone art, or as we call it - The Snake.  Years ago, someone started with building a rattle snake out of rock.  Over the years, there have been a number of additions - some which are very good and some which look much like a pile of rocks.  Every year some old ones disappear and some new ones show up, but "The Snake" remains the same.

One especially nice drive is up Grapevine Canyon, and probably my favourite.  This 4x4 road is a historic road that was used as a horse and wagon route for settlers and miners.  The scenery is amazing and on a clear day at the top, you can see the Salton Sea - 20+ miles away.

The weather continued to be warm, and calm which was perfect for a little campfire.  We would sit around and visit, and then later on after supper we would roast marshmallows for dessert.

Our friend, Fred, who is in the camper next to us gave a presentation at the elementary school on living with a disability.  We went along so we could take his wheelchair as he rode his bike into town.

We finally found a desert lily blooming.  It's been several years since I had seen any and sure enough, this year they are back.

On our way back to Yuma, the sand dunes were busy with folks and their toys playing in the sand.  The flowers along the ditch were spectacular.

This brings another week to a close so until next week, have a great week!

2026 - Week One

 The weather this week was less than perfect weather - we had cloud, cool temperatures, as well as a day of wind.  The week did, however, end up with perfectly clear skies although it was a bit cool with a chilly breeze.  We still were able to get out and do and see a few things.

We went and had a look as some of the wild flowers that are blooming near by.  It is early to have so many flowers out but it is not wide spread and mostly confined to the one area near us.  I still find it quite amazing to have such growth and colour in a normally totally arid area.

As always, we are often entertained by the goings on of other campers.  Here is one of a motorhome which pulled in after dark and parked in a spot that was not easy out.  Lesson number one is to make sure all your lights are working, particularly on the tow vehicle.  The poor lady was giving hand signals, running to the front window for instructions, to the back for more hand signals  Back forth she went until she was called over while the driver came out with a sheet of paper and gave her instructions on the "correct" hand signals.  The driver then decided to back up to try and get turned around so he could leave.  Obviously new to all this and found backing up with a tow vehicle is quite challenging.  More hand signals and running back and forth.  She likely got her steps in before they even left.

As usual, Gerry goes out in the morning and wanders around.  If anyone is outside, he will stop and chat; he will pick up some garbage that he finds stuck in the bushes or elsewhere.  This week, he hit the jackpot.............

Next door we met Fred.  Fred is from France,  is a paraplegic, and road races.  He spends several months in this area, spends some time back in France, and spends several months in Cadillac, SK.  You may wonder why Cadillac?  He says they have a great little campground, perfect training terrain, the weather is good. When I took this photo, he had just completed 100 km.  That is pretty amazing when he does this while dry camping.

We met a couple from Seattle, Poul and Carla Pedersen and today we went to do some sight seeing.  We went to the pumpkin patch.  This is an area of concretions, which actually look like concrete pumpkins, and Carla was particularly  interested as she is a geologist. 

Caught between a rock and a hard place

When we stopped for lunch, a couple of folks stopped to chat and said they were off to see the little people which was just a short distance away - so off we went. This is an area where folks have made people out of the concretions and have dressed them.  Some were very cute and clever.

There are  many sculptures around town.  This year there are two new ones.  These sculptures are all made of steel and they are all amazing.

And here is one that has replaced a moose pulling a plow!!

The week was busy, especially the past couple of days.  Next week we are promised warmer weather so a bit more travelling around.  I hope you have a good week and you will be back next week.