Month One of 2022 Almost Gone

Here it is the last Saturday in January and I am back with another episode of our week.  It seems like it’s Monday morning and then all of a sudden it is Saturday.  As they say – time flies when you are having fun.

This week we only hit the road once when we went to the Arch in Coral Wash.  We knew where it was but we wanted to take a shortcut across so off we went – over hills and through the washes.  We almost got there when we came across a hill that one of us could not climb so kind of around we went.  The drive was fun with some amazing rock shades. 

On some of the hills, folks have placed various items – it may be a phone booth, or street signs, or a traffic light, etc.  Here, someone has erected a cross. 

We did find the Arch, drove through it,

had lunch

and homeward bound.  It wasn’t a long day but I do find those the most fun.

Many evenings we have a campfire.  We have been fortunate in that the evenings are calm, and the wood here seems to burn rather clean producing very little smoke.  There was a birthday in the group, we celebrated by making bush pies and enjoying birthday cupcakes. 

Since we already had a campfire, and we didn’t want another bonfire, the birthday candles represented one for twenty years (less one).

A number of years ago, a fellow by the name of Dennis Avery commissioned an artist to create some metal art sculptures.  There are 130 of them around town and here are a couple that are on display – very well done and very interesting.

Today we took a drive around one of the golf resorts.  Not only were there many very nice homes, the golf course looked pretty inviting.  The golf course is so green and lush,

whereas, some of the orange groves and dying due to the lack and unavailable source of water.  In fact, many of the orange trees seem to look a bit on the tattered side, but they seem to keep producing great oranges.

This week we went out for lunch (one of the very infrequent times).  As you can tell, supper was not happening on that day as the meal was not only huge, but absolutely delicious.  I will have to find a way to do this all over again.

The week has come to an end and on the most part, we have had great weather.  They are promising some cooler days next week but just for a few days.  But most days the sun shines and all is well.  I hope you have a great week, stay healthy, and stay safe!!

January is Moving Along

Here I am again after another great week and today I will start with a sunrise that I managed to see one morning.  

We must be getting lazy as it seems each week we seem to do a little less.  I know, you ask a little less of what.  Well that is a good question because even when we do more, that isn’t much so a little less is just that – a little less of not much!!

We did a couple of off road trips this week.  One day we went up Grapevine Canyon which is always are great trip.  Apparently (according to the guys), it isn’t as much fun as it used to be.  They now grade the road so most of the challenges are gone but all the scenery is still there.  The terrain changes from sandy washes into canyons up to the hill(mountain?) tops

You can see for mils

A strange plant

A natural spring

and from a lot of small shrubs to bigger shrubs to cactus to huge boulders.  You are never sure what you will see around the next corner.  On our way home there were several vehicles parked along the edge of the road – look up and there is a mountain sheep up on the rock.  While we were not able to get a photo of this, one of the fellows there said “I got some good ones.  Give me your cell and I will text them to you.”  Sure enough, next morning they arrive.

We headed out to the pumpkin patch which is quite amazing.  These rocks are a unique geologic feature called concretions, which form when layers of sediment build up around a nucleus like a pebble or a shell. While you can find these “pumpkins” in various places, they are plentiful just in this one area.

As we were travelling along, we stopped at 17 Palms.  Here in the arid old desert is a grouping of palms - we counted and there are more than 17 (we think). 

There is, however, a desert mailbox.  It is almost full of old notebooks where people have signed their names and dated.  Here is our friend Rick checking some of the postings.

 I had read about an area that is called “the little people”.  In searching online, I was able to find the co-ordinates but little else as far as directions.  In the area we needed to look, there are thousands of trails and roads – some are not bad, and some are almost impassable for us.  So the question is – which one is the right one.  We wandered around in the area, stopped for lunch, then debated whether we should continue our search or move on to something else.  We, let’s try this one trail because it seems like it might go somewhere.  After all, the was a cairn someone had built so it must mean something.  So up the hill, across and around the corner and surprise – there they were. These "little people" are all creations made up of various shapes and sizes of rocks and the limit is only your imagination.

This is just a small sampling

The temps have been very pleasant although last night the wind blew hard which seems to make it feel cooler.  As well, today it was windy, somewhat overcast so it was a perfect day to go do laundry.  One thing is that in about an hour and a half, the laundry is done so not too bad.

Now, one is never sure what you might see.  Everyone takes their pet along and they have various ways in which to accommodate them.  Here is a perfect set-up for your cat!!

I hope everyone had a great week.  Stay safe and stay healthy as I end with a sunset.

 

Another Great Week

 

Hello again from Borrego Springs.  What an enjoyable week we had, with perfect weather.

Taco Tuesdays are very popular where you used to be able to get a taco for $1.00.  Those days are gone, as is our usual taco place, but you can still get a taco for $1.99 from a different taco place although it is now without the outdoor patio and bonfire.  At least not at the restaurant so now we have our own.  The only thing missing is the live music!

We drove out to Ramona, with our friends Rick and Chris, where we enjoyed a great Mexican lunch and then stopped to pick up a few groceries.  We had seen some wild turkeys but will have to show those on another trip.  On our way home, Rick took us the scenic route which I must say was very scenic.  What a great day – just sit in the back seat and watch the world go by!

On Wednesday evening we were sitting enjoying the evening when all of a sudden the motorhome seemed to take a jump, and made quite a loud creak.  Yup, there was an earthquake (they originally reported it as 4.2 but I think settled on 3.6).  It was quick and we didn’t feel any after shocks.  I must admit, it was a bit startling.

The week ended by a road trip to Inspiration Point.  We decided to go in the back way but somewhere, I think we missed a road.  After a bit of wondering, and of wandering, and following a trail, we did get to it.  Gerry said he wanted to go up the backway, and that he did.  It is nice trail and quite scenic – a great way to spend an afternoon.

In the past, I have posted some photos of different types of campers, but I haven’t posted any of different pets.  A couple came in with a motorhome and as they were walking around, she was carrying a small carrier.  We sat and wondered what was in it and we soon found out – two young chickens.  They let them out and made some sort of enclosure so they could run around outside.  We see all kinds.

This morning we discovered that it was time to get fresh water and to  dump our sewage.  As we were filling with water, along came a couple of road runners.

This must also serve as the bath tub and drinking fountain!

I hope you all have a great week.

 

 

Great January Weather

 Thanks for joining me this week as we wish Merry Christmas to all our families and friends who are of Ukrainian descent!!

Another week of sand and sunshine with absolutely perfect temperatures.  We are so fortunate in being able to spend the extreme temperatures at home in a place of warmth.  As most weeks seem to be, we spent the week mostly passing time.  In fact, yesterday (Saturday) I said “gee, today sure feels like Sunday” to which Gerry replied “it could be Wednesday.  Every day feels like Sunday”.  So true but what great feeling it is.

We took a couple of road trips this week.  One was out to Font’s Point which overlooks the badlands near here.  As you over look the badlands, you can see the Salton Sea, some twenty miles away.  The goal this year is to go out one evening at Sunset – off course there will be pictures.

The other trip was out to Coyote Canyon   This is the route Juan Bautista de Anza first passed through the Borrego Valley using this route in 1774, on his first route-finding mission to the new Spanish settlements in California.  The route goes past Santa Catarina Springs which are the largest natural source of water supply in San Diego County. 

On the way out, there are three water crossings, although it’s neither very deep or very challenging. 

After the water crossings is a short, rather rocky trail which leads up to a primitive campground which often is empty, but this time, it was full.  There were a couple of camping units that were perfect for primitive camping which requires four wheel drive to access the site.

We took a short drive up Rockhouse Road which is right near us.  Mostly, we wanted to see what was down the road.  We came across an old rock quarry that had a large rock at the entrance.  At first, it looked like a shrine but is was a rock that was showing the entrance. 

Near by was an old building which was either a home, or perhaps the office, or ?????? 

There is someone who has a home but I would say that they do not want anyone coming to see them.

There also were a couple of hikes.  One was up behind Ram’s Hill (an incredibly  nice golf course and resort) after which we were fortunate to be able to enjoy a lovely lunch on a patio.

  The hike was very easy but the different vegetation in such arid climate is amazing.

Then there is always the hike up the mountain right beside us.  When going into the mountains beside us, you can make your hike as challenging as you like; however, it usually isn’t terrible challenging, especially for some.  This one was particularly easy as I had to keep guard on the motorhome. 

At the top, there are a number of designs created out of rocks – a new one is a rabbit.  Love to see the creativity that some people have.

Since Borrego Springs is rather far from medical facilities, there is a medical clinic where a helicopter and staff are located.  Always a nice feeling should an emergency occur.

Finished the week with a campfire.  Of course it is still light out but honestly, it was dark by the time we left it.  The problem is that you can’t start a fire too late as no one can stay up late enough to monitor the coals!!  Don’t laugh, you will all get there one day!

Thanks for taking the time to follow our week.  I hope everyone has a great week – stay healthy, stay safe, and stay warm!!