Clark Dry Lake
You will never guess what was on the desert mountain top when we came outside Saturday morning.
Keeping in mind that the days have been very hot, would you believe snow at about six thousand feet? And it lasted well into the day.
Our day was a bit cooler and we had a full day of activities on our agenda.
The visitors center and the Anza Borrego Foundation and the Begole Research center were hosting an Archaeology Weekend.
There were seminars and activities for adults and children.Clay pots were created by budding artists. As they were working the clay, they heard how the Native Americans, in this case the Kumeyaay, made water vessels, bowls and other useful items for their everyday living.
There were Kumeyaay attending to sell their pottery, jewelry, and to demonstrate weaving with reeds and grasses. I was eager to ask the ladies questions. I tried the small amount of Spanish that I know to no avail. Thank goodness there was a translator. The ladies speak their own Kumeyaay language!
There was also a display of native plants and their uses by the Native Americans.
When I grew up, the Native Americans were called Indians. Now, that term is 'politically incorrect.' I agree. Native Americans were here longer than our ancestors, unless your ancestors are natives that is.
The visitor's center was crowded with guests there to learn about the animals and the culture of the area. The extra volunteer staff was extremely busy answering questions, selling merchandise and giving directions.
Each display had visitors learning about the birds and animals that populate the Anza Borrego Desert. How many animals can you find in the photograph on the right? Can you name them?
The day ended with a silent auction and ice cream social at the Begole Research Center.
They served chocolate and vanilla ice cream with every topping that you can imagine.
The volunteer on the right was also making root beer floats. All a nice treat on a warm spring afternoon.
For the auction, there were almost two hundred items donated by Borrego Springs businesses.
Many beautiful items were displayed, but they were too large or too heavy for a motorhome. We went home empty handed.
This is one of our favorite destinations. It is relatively close to our daughter, Jojo. And we have so much more to see and do here at the Anza Borrego State Park.
Thank you for visiting today and a big thank you for shopping Amazon through our blog.
God bless you - especially during this Holy Week as we remember the life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.
So was the Ice Cream Social was a bribe to get more people to attend? Somebody was thinking ahead! ;c)
ReplyDeleteMaybe for the campers in the state park, but citizens of Borrego Springs were there in strong numbers. Everyone knew each other, etc.
DeleteI bet they would be overjoyed to have you there as volunteers. And a joyous Easter week to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.
ReplyDeleteWe will see what transpires. It is something John could do and he seems to be very interested.
DeleteSuch a wonderful area yo visit your time there.
ReplyDeleteIt is George. And we still have so much to see and do.
DeleteSounds like an interesting stop-over. Are you coming to this end of the desert as well? Our town is Tehachapi, located in the mountains between the town of Mojave and the San Joaquin Valley. Site of the famous and pretty impressive Tehachapi Loop where the trains go across themselves as they make their way up or down a 4,000 foot mountain.
ReplyDeleteInger, we have a daughter in Menifee and our desire is to spend a month around there. From that point we do not know what we will do. Depends upon the heat. John is a bit nutty over trains, so I can tell you that he is tempted.
DeleteGlad to see such a nice turn out for this cultural event - it looks like the volunteers put in a lot of work. Can't remember the last time I saw new snow on the mountains in April! Wonder if they have any left up in Idylwild? Always a fun day trip when you get a hot day in Borrego :-). Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteThe volunteers were crazy busy. Not sure about Idylwild. Will have to ask our daughter that has a cabin up there. She uses it as a rental most of the time and must check on it occasionally.
DeleteI wasn't aware of the research center. We'll have to make sure we check it out on our next visit to this area. Thanks for the information.
ReplyDeleteI believe (only my opinion) that the research center is intentionally understated. We hear about it through the Anza Borrego Foundation, etc. But they do have a roomy facility from what we have seen from the outside.
DeleteThis is a park I have always wanted to visit. They have such an active friends organization. I'm on their list and get emails from them about all the wonderful things going on. Thanks so much for this first hand look.
ReplyDeleteIt is Sherry. Al of the Bayfield Bunch www.thebayfieldbunch.blogspot.com has written some marvelous blogs about the area.
DeleteForget that mountain top...You should see what is on our ground! YUCK!!!
ReplyDeletePaul and I would love to see this place. What fun it would be to volunteer here.
God Bless you and John and a very Blessed Easter week!
OH NO! double yuck! I sure am glad that we are not in the midwest......said as I sit here under a fan keeping cool. lol ....eat your heart out, my friend.,
ReplyDeleteAre you in the briar patch?
ReplyDeleteOh Bill, I just don't get it. hehehe....maybe I'm just too tired tonight....
DeleteIce cream always gets my attention:)
ReplyDeleteIt was refreshing!
DeleteRecognized that outside stone wall at the Visitor Center, Always enjoy seeing things in people's photos where we have been, Like the idea of Root Beer floats & ice cream. Nice volunteering idea & happy to see you are enjoying that whole Borrego Springs area. One of our favorite places.
ReplyDeleteYep, you are correct, Al. Did you recognize the mysterious structures I found in the desert near the trailhead at Palm Canyon? ...... was in an earlier post.
DeleteLooks like a nice place to volunteer AND so close to your daughter.
ReplyDeleteIt is like having our cake (or ice cream social) and eating it too! Thanks for stopping in to read the blog and comment.
Deleteroot beers floats - my hubby's kinda place. Archaeological conference - my daughter and son-in-laws kind of place (they are both archaeologists.
ReplyDeleteLove both ice cream and root beer floats. Where are your daughter and son-in-law working?
DeleteLove your header shot. Anza Borrego Springs is definitely on our must see list. So many bloggers post about it that it has really piqued my interest.
ReplyDelete