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!!

Happy New Year

 

Happy New Year Everyone

Another year has come to a close and a new one has begun.  Reflecting back it has been quite a year – one with challenges and one with blessings.  The pandemic has created a lot of havoc in a lot of  lives – some have lost loved ones, some have lost their jobs, some have suffered illness, many have experienced mental stress.  However, at the end of the year we feel we have been blessed – we have been healthy (well as healthy as one can be in their mature years), we have family near by, and we have been able to live our lives in relative peace and harmony.  We are so fortunate.

This week we moved to Borrego Springs which is an old favourite of ours.  It is a large Off Road area although where we stay is not in an off road area.  It is very quiet here – fewer people and RV’s than we have ever seen this time of year.  They may still be coming but so far, it is good for us.  We met some folks from Ontario who we have known for quite a few years and it was certainly great to see them again.  We do expect a few others over the coming couple of weeks although the numbers will be few.

Before we left Yuma I had to have some routine bloodwork done.  Interesting enough, if you don’t have a doctor’s requisition, you can order whatever tests you like.  The waiting room had chairs properly distanced along the walls; however, the chairs in the centre of the room certainly were not.  When you go in, you check in on a kiosk and are then called when it is your turn – kind of neat.

This week we went on a hike – first to Cactus Loop Trail and then to Cool Canyon, and let me tell you, it wasn’t at all cool, it was cold. 

A barrel cactus on Cactus Loop Trail

A

Up we go

Our sunny skies clouded over, and the wind blew, and there were a few drops of rain.  This canyon is very scenic but it is also quite challenging to hike as one must scramble over some pretty big boulders at times.  Of course I found it necessary to slow everyone down as a boulder knocked my feet out from under me.  Although it wasn’t long before we came across one that everyone said “uh-uh”.  I have no idea why because two years ago, we all scrambled over it.  How time tends to bring on new challenges.

Our group in front of the rock that stopped the hike

Succulents growing in the rock

Just before hitting the main street in Borrego Springs, there is a park in the centre of a traffic circle which is called Christmas Circle.  This park is a lovely park and is always nicely kept.  Today there was a concert in the park which was a tribute to Tom Petty.  Some of the entertainers were very good, and some, not so much.  We were very surprised at how few people were in attendance.  It was a great way to spend New Year’s Day – listening to music is a lovely park, with the sun shining. 

The park at Christmas Circle

The downfall – it was only 15 C and a bitter wind.  I will just mention the weather very quickly as I know that at home, there is brutally cold weather and daily extreme weather warnings.  Perhaps that will soon pass.

As we start 2022, we would like to wish everyone a Happy and more importantly, a Healthy New Year.  May the sun shine on your face and may the wind always be on your back.  Have a great week and hope to see you next week.