After several days of relentless wind and heat near Borrego Springs, Richard and Dianna moved over the mountains to an RV park, while I sought refuge in a more protected section of landscape discovered the day before. I’m still in Anza-Borrego State Park only about 20 miles south of Borrego Springs, but a whole world removed from the wind and oppressive heat. It has been a little breezy but nothing like the howling torrent on the other side of the park. The campground I’m parked in, called Blair Valley, is surrounded by mountains on all sides, quite secluded and pretty, and also quite a bit higher and cooler than the flat lands near town. And even though AT&T has been very disappointing almost everywhere I wilderness camp, I was surprised to find I have excellent cell service.
There are some pretty cool hikes in this area. You wouldn’t think to drive through this place – the term ‘forsaken’ comes to mind – but there are some nice places to hike. Last week we hiked through a slot canyon that twisted for about a half-mile along a narrow, sandstone groove cut by ages of seasonal runoff. In some places we had to turn sideways to squeeze through, while the walls towered way above our heads, blocking out the sun and creating a feel almost like a cave. I have not hiked many slot canyons but this hike has given me the desire to do more of it.
I have also hiked to a place called Palm Canyon. It was a nice five-mile walk on easy terrain with tons of people along the way. The trail follows a canyon to an oasis of palms and gushing water that seem quite out of place in such an arid area. I almost didn’t take enough water; I was thirsty when I got back to the visitors center.
I’ll probably be here for a few more days. There are some nice places to explore and the weather is looking good. I will meet Richard and Dianna in Julian this afternoon. The road to get there looks like fun on a motorcycle – lots of curves.
Glad to know that one of my offspring can write–and do such a good job of it. Sounds as though you are still enjoying the outdoors. Doesn’t it make you wonder what’s around the next curve?
We met in Julian and had lunch along with three slices of pie. Then we took a tour of an old gold mine in town. It was very interesting.
Check the local forecast and watch those slot canyons. If an unexpected rain comes, they are beautiful, but can be dangerous in a flash flood! Still, it sounds like you’re enjoying life. 🙂
Was that 3 slices of pie a piece or 3 between the 3 of you?
That’s what I thought of with the slot canyon: flash floods. Nice on a dry day, though.
Howdy Castaway!
I thought of searching for your AT blog on google and found a reference to it via a friend (or relative?) of yours. Anyway I’m in Anza-Borrego now, so I thought I’d post you a comment here. I got the trail name Tortuga because I kept catching up with people who passed me days ago. Anyway, it was nice to see you at the PCT films and I didn’t want to lose touch entirely, so I thought I’d send you this note.