BORREGO WASH

Last year while here in Anza Borrego, I was on an errand and discovered a road we had yet to travel.  I found that it leads to the Borrego landfill.  Wonderful.  

But, right before I reached the landfill, I parked and took a hike there in the desert - away from the landfill.  I discovered the Borrego Wash.  It was deep and wide.  It traveled as far as I could see.  I wanted to explore it, but decided to wait since I did not have water with me.  

Thursday, we were trying to decide where our hike was going to be and John remembered my talking about this wash.  

The Borrego Wash became our destination for the day.                                                        We arrived at the wash. I parked the Miata where I parked it last year. There was not a cloud in the sky and the sun was hot! Off we went with our plentiful water supply for John, Oliver, Oliver and myself. 

This wash is as wide as a two lane highway and, in places, as deep as many underpasses. Oliver and I led the way with Olivia and John bringing up the rear.

  

John walks much slower than I.  I walk ahead then walk back to him.  We chat as we walk then I walk ahead again. We repeat this walking style wherever we go.  He gets his exercise and I get mine.

                                                                    Past storms and the flow of the rain water creates magnificent patterns on the wash floor.  

Trees and Creosote bushes are determined to survive in this harsh environment.  

Look at how far this root goes to find a water source.  Water has exposed the root at some time, then it disappears into the floor of the wash.   

Rodents make their way into the sides of the wash.  

We were carefully watching for any signs of rattlesnakes.  Luckily, we found none.  

You can see the footprints of Oliver next to the root system.  He and Olivia were beginning to show signs of being too hot.  I felt the temperature of the sand and it seemed to be cool enough.  We did not want them to burn the pads of their paws.

John would sit and rest a bit, then we would continue on our hike.  

We stopped for water often.  I did not bring a water bowl for the fur kids assuming Oliver would drink from the lid of their water bottle since he was frightened by the lick / drip method that Olivia uses.  

Oliver seems to think that the bottle is going to attack him!  He would not drink from John's cupped hands either.  

This bottle is great for dogs that are not frightened by it.  



We had been walking quite a long time and finally decided that we did not want a dehydrated dog, so we turned back toward the road and car.  When I checked how long we had been walking, I was surprised to see that we had been in the wash for two hours.  That was long enough for John .... and too long for Oliver. 

End of day two of John's building strength program.  Day three, he needed to rest.  And rest he did.  

Thanks so much for visiting our blog.  We appreciate your Amazon purchases through our blog and your visiting this site.  Come back next time.  

God bless!

FRIENDS YOU CAN COUNT ON AND BUILDING JOHN'S STRENGTH

Borrego Springs, California

First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt thank you to those who shared words of encouragement and prayers for me during my April fool's memories.  I could feel your thoughts and prayers and my soul was filled with peace and thankfulness.

John continues to make progress daily.  Of course, some days are better than others.  I cannot imagine what it was like to loose six weeks of life.  He missed, St. Patrick's Day, of course April 1, Easter, and Mother's Day.   

I am working to help him regain the strength he lost over the cold beginning to winter while we were at Tiffin Motorhome Service Center, Gunter Hill COE, (ice storm), Foley Alabama, (too cold and damp for him to be out for any length of time), Mississippi, New Orleans, then Texas.  Everyplace had unseasonably cold, wet days with a good day occasionally sprinkled here and there.  

It was not until we arrived in Quartzsite that he began to venture out for longer periods of time, but I did notice that he did not venture far from the security of the coach.  

So, I have taken the 'bull by the horns' and started him moving longer and further.  Little by little, day by day, he is making progress.  

Wednesday, we woke up to a gorgeous sunrise reflecting off the mountains in the west.                                         It was our first day of accelerated exercise, we drove from Clark Dry Lake to the Anza Borrego State Park Visitor's Center. California. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               We toured the grounds of the Visitor's Center, stopping to see each cacti, tree, the pond, etc.  The 'garden walk' is only a quarter mile, but John was tired at the end. That is a good thing.  We called it a day for walking.

Hedge Hog Cactus

I suggested that we look for more of the desert art donated by Richard Avery.  Here are those we found today.  Some were new to us, some not, but since I lost my camera in Fish Creek at the Wind Caves last year, I wanted more photos.

  

It is interesting to think that animals similar to the ones found in Galetta Meadows roamed this part of the country.  Can you wrap your mind around this fact?

 

 

I believe some of these metal sculptures exhibit the freedom of artistic interpretation.  What is your opinion?

 


 And there is some humor in the art.   
                              We did find our most desired Jeep though, but in the end, we decided it had a bit too much rust. 







January 8, 1774, the Spanish allowed Juan Bautista de Anza, in whose name Anza Borrego was named, along with three padres, twenty soldiers, servants and translators to establish a presence in southern California, then known as Alta.

Here is one of the padres in metal.  Even he had his fur kid with him.  

Returning home we were greeted by partly cloudy skies and gentle breezes. 

Clouds, air currents and temperatures do some beautiful designs in the skies around the mountains of Anza Borrego. One never knows what is going to appear in the sky next. 

Beam me up, Scotty.

It was a great day, full of explorations and discoveries.  That is what we like.  

Thank you for stopping in today, and of course, thank you for shopping Amazon through our blog.  

God bless y'all!  This IS the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice in it.  

ANZA BORREGO FUN

Our intention was to leave Quartzsite, Arizona Tuesday after we checked for mail at the post office.  Medical supplies were to arrive from Roche that had been ordered the previous week.  

The postal employee checked the general delivery and there was no mail for John.  We returned to the motorhome and John called Roche to see when the supplies were mailed. Just like last year, Roche did not mail them.

Now, going to their website, you find this motto: "Doing now what patients need next"  I don't think so!  

Wednesday, after consulting with John's physician and 

new making arrangements, leaving Roche out of the equation, 

we left Quartzsite for another year and headed to Anza Borrego

State Park and Borrego Springs.  

There were predictions of high wind gusts and John drove with 

much caution.  We had just two mighty gusts as we ventured 

Coachella and Walgreen's to pick up John's medicine. 

After another quick stop at Walmart for a few veggies and fruit, 

we programmed our Verizon Navigator for Anza Borrego State 

Park where we planned to spend a night or two.

I had much laundry to do and wanted to make use of their 

never ending supply of water.

  

Friday evening, we met with Blogger friends Merikay and 

Craig McKenna at Carmelita's for a Mexican dinner.

   

What a nice couple.  They are very excited about beginning their full time life. Florida is their destination for next winter.  

I awoke up early  Saturday morning and took Oliver and Olivia for a hike.  

I was very aware of all the rattlesnake sightings that bloggers have had and was very aware of our surroundings and what the dogs were doing each time they stopped to sniff the pee mail or scent trail.  

A huge Jackrabbit scurried off to our right.  Thank goodness the "kids" did not see it.  I was a bit entertained by it's running pattern.  Starting off slowly and gathering speed. By the time he was out of site he was really racing through the desert.

A bit further on our hike, to my left, I spot something different and of course we are off to explore!  What is this???

It seems that there is an entrance.  I'm too short to see if there is a roof, but I do see a metal cylindrical tube of some sort sticking up at the edge of this stacked rock wall.    Any ideas?  

Yesterday, after shopping at the Farmer's Market on Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs, we moved to our current location at Clark Dry Lake withing the Anza Borrego State Park.  This is a boondocking area called the "badlands."   

After the stop at the Farmer's Market, we are stocked with spring vegetables to last the week. I did not find my absolute favorite honey.  I purchased some last year and proceeded to run out by November.  This year I am going to double my purchase. 

Wind was in the forecast for today and the weatherman did not lie.  This is a photo of the mountains this morning.  What a lovely sight.  

The photo also shows our closest neighbors.  

A bit later, the wind began to blow.  And blow, it did!                                                   The wind and dust came roaring down the valley between the two mountain ranges.  

It did not get better for a long, long time.                                 The dust continued to blow and swirl up and into a backward spiral.                                                         Needless to day, we brought the slides in to protect the slide awnings.  

Here, inside the coach, I have prepared split pea, sweet potato curry in the crock pot.  We are just waiting for it to finish cooking.  

Thanks for stopping by.  And again, thank you for shopping through our Amazon link.  

God Bless!  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

September the eleventh is not the happiest day in our memories. Our prayers go to the families that relive this experience on this day, year after year.  

Good events also took place on that date. One for instance is that today is John's  birthday.  For this I am extremely thankful.  He would not be alive today if it were not for extremely talented physicians and caretakers.  And for our decision to put him on life support rather than follow our previous decision of artificial means to stay alive.  

The physicians assured John and I that this was a "temporary measure and he probably would be off the ventilator on Monday."  Monday turned into a long six weeks, but John is here and doing better than anyone expected. 

Happy birthday to my love and best friend. May God bless you in is infinite wisdom with many more.

Today is his day.  We are doing whatever he chooses. This means target practice with his gun, fly fishing and trying on the socks I have been knitting for him for almost a year, off and on.  

They are still not done because I do not know how to make the toe on a process called the "Magic Loop."  

He also wants a campfire tonight since the ban on campfires was lifted just yesterday.

We went to where a ranger suggested we shoot.  John gave me my first shooting lesson.  First came all the safety instruction, then how to load the gun and how to shoot.

Some of my shots went about three feet above the target. Some were below the circle in the white area, but I got two bulls eyes my second turn.



We are in Bellevue, Idaho in BLM territory.  This is the first Bureau of Land Management camping we have done since in Clark's Dry Lake and Blair Valley at Anza Borrego State Park in San Diego County, California.  I had forgotten just how enjoyable this kind of camping is.  We want to do more of this!

No neighbors close by.  Unless you want to call a quarter of a mile close by.  That is with the exception of a possible visit of Sandy and Jim Dixon, Scooter and Skittles.  

We had a visit from a strange to us bird.  I sure Judy can identify it.  I have looked on websites and thus far cannot find it's name.   

Until next time...God bless you....

DUST AND CAN HORSES JUMP OVER THE CA. 78?

Desert dust and the fairy sparkles / glitter that comes with it is neither a pleasant sight nor a pleasant feeling when I rub my hand over a flat surface. 

Thus, I clean dust out of corners and polish the cabinetry.  Vacuuming the carpeting and washing tile in the kitchen and bathroom area and window washing becomes the excitement of the day.  Grit is everywhere!  

I love the desert, I do not love it's high winds and dust storms.  Thus, We leave Blair Valley which is one beautiful part of the Anza Borrego State Park.   

We drive through Warner Springs and the Palomar Mountain Range.  As we approach Temecula, we see wild horses!  Are they really leaping over the highway? How do they have the strength to make that huge leap? 

We leave the beauty of the mountains and descend into the valley containing cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Oceanside, Carlsbad etc. One city stretches into another, and another...on and on.  

Did I mention traffic?  People in California drive like there is no tomorrow!  Everyone is in a hurry to be somewhere.  For an environmentally conscious area of the U.S. these people burn more fuel with their high speed driving.  

NancyJo explains this phenomenon.  She says people live far from where they work in order to have 
affordable housing.  Thousands and thousands of people commute an hour or more to and from work.  What a rat race!  

Our first stop is San Marcos Camping Word for a part to our toilet (another story in itself), and a part for our awning, (still another story).   

We spent two nights 'on the road' in the Home Depot and Walmart lots respectively.  We had hoped that there would be a cancellation at the Carlsbad State Beach for the weekend. But no luck.   

We are now in dry camping at the Sycuan Casino in El Cajon.  Our 'neighborhood'  consists of green, rolling foothills and a parking lot and the casino containing six different restaurants and more slot machines, roulette wheels, blackjack tables than I have seen since Las Vegas. 

We left with our money still in our pockets.  

Tomorrow, we head back to Oceanside  and Carlsbad State Beach.  

Hopefully, I will soon have photos of the Pacific Ocean and more activities to share with you. 

No, horses cannot jump over the highway.  They are more work of Ricardo A. Breceda: Sculptor/Designer.  He  is the 
sculptor that created the works in Borrego Springs 
and Anza Borrego State Park

Thanks for stopping by and...God bless!

MUCH TO DO ABOUT NOTHING

Poor Willie Shakespeare, I am messing with his words. 

The last few days have been quiet and restful.  At least we are trying to rest.  Nightly winds with gusts up to fifty miles per hour whistle through the brush and around the corners of the motorhome making a peaceful night’s sleep impossible.

Thankfully, the motorhome does not rock in the winds as we have heard reports from others.  We wonder if Tiffin has a magic anti rocking formula?  If so, we approve!

Saturday brought the death of my Motorola Droid Razor.  I called Verizon and soon as I could report the problem they said that they would send a replacement overnight.  I had to remind the service technician that overnight would mean Sunday.                                             

Yesterday, Monday, was the newly designated day.  It arrived, just a promised.  I was without a working phone and Hotspot for a day and a half.  I was lost without my link to civilization.  Now, we are rolling once more.  Thank you Verizon!

As I was reading blogs Saturday, I found a one that was new to me.   Dave and Maxine (Max) had Borrego Springs in their title.  That was a “must read.”   

Clark Dry Lake area is their location!  Also our location. I  looked at the photos on their blog, went outside with binoculars and tried to get a fix on their general area. I  Could not find their exact location, but had formed an estimate of where they were. 

 On our way to the Springs we went in their direction and easily found them by what I described to John as the “smile” on the front of their Mobile Suites fifth wheel, their white truck and their beautiful bright red Goldwing motorcycle.  That was easy enough. 

Approaching their site, we saw that not only was it their site, but also they were sitting outside. How convenient is that?  

We stopped and talked a bit, then continued our trip to town.  What a nice couple. To top it off, they also are from Indiana.  Small world. Check out their blog at http://wanderingwingers.blogspot.com        
  
Yesterday was semi active day if you can call two visits to the Post Office, a visit to the Anza Borrego State Park visitor’s Center, a stop at the Market and lunch out active.  There were very few flowers in bloom.  The
drought is really bad in the desert.  

Thank goodness the seeds lie dormant over the years until there is enough rain to promote growth and bloom.  Maybe we will see a colorful desert next year.  

While at the V.C. We met a new little friend.   He was accustomed to people and dared to come closer than most.   

 


I sat quietly on the bench and watched him rush from one spot to another searching for morsels to eat.







Finding a seed, he stretched out to eat and enjoy his find.

John remarked that he lays like Olivia on our ceramic floor in the motorhome.  That bench must have been cool.  



Our plan for the rest of the day was to visit the shops in town.  But the shops are closed on Mondays. That was a good excuse to head toward our favorite Mexican Restaurant.  

We were fortunate to meet three travelers.  They are from Italy enjoying a week in the States.    

The two on the right are in research, trying to find a cure for Alzheimer's Disease.  The one on the left, moved from Italy to France with her husband to France where he is a surgeon.  Three nice ladies. 


We headed for our home at Clark Dry Lake and another windy night of broken sleep. 

On another subject, many of you will remember when we were in the first stages of fulltiming, we stayed at Brown County State Park just south of Indiana We needed to be close to Indianapolis for John’s physical therapy and follow up appointments with the doctors.

While we were there a family camped next to us and we met Amanda who had just finished her Chemotherapy for Brain Cancer and was in the process of gaining strength.  I requested prayer for Amanda’s recovery and, of course, you joined us. 

Amanda was able to start school in the fall!  She is an A+ student, active in extra curricular activities.  One being the musical THE MUSIC MAN.  The results of your prayers is below, in costume.  And look at the smile on her face!  God is so good!  Please continue to remember Amanda in the days, weeks and months to come.  We want her to continue to gain strength, remain cancer free and stay healthy!  

AMANDA RIGHT AFTER CHEMOTHERAPY

AMANDA EIGHT MONTHS LATER!  

  
            THE END


Until next time God Bless! 

THINKING BACK SIX MONTHS

Wow, was it six months ago!  Hard to believe that we were touring the mountains above Anza Borrego Springs.  Actually they call it Borrego Springs or "the Springs. The roads in the valley looked like  snakes on sand paper."  Some of the passages on the highway are so close to the side of the mountain, I could have, if I wanted to, reach out and touched them from my seat in the motor home. 

After our white knuckle tour, we were off to Carmelita's Mexican Grill & Cantina.  Oooooo my, what good food!  I was on a taco tour and rated this place at number TWO!  


Last night I was craving southwest tacos.  It was also our Mexican restaurant night. Now, wasn't that convenient!  I have never ordered taco's there and my rating for their tacos is not so hot.  But, it is the first meal there that was not top notch, so they are forgiven.  


When we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by our usual greeting committee of five or six.  They always have worn nice golf shirts, but last night, well baby, they were puttn on da dog!  


Everyone had on black dress pants, not jeans mind you, but dress pants with a new black belt.  And on top they wore burgandy dress shirts and black ties.  These ties even had silver tie bars!  Whoo hoo, they were stylin and proud of it.  


You know, if everyone in the U.S. had their work ethic, there would be no quality control issues....not one.  My hat is off to them and the owner.  He stopped by our table and was so excited.  His daughter starts first grade this Tuesday!  He is a mighty proud papa.


Speaking of hot food,  I just put a batch of wings in the oven with hot chili seasoning from Penzeys.  Then I sprinkled a bit of garlic and salt.  What is it that Emeril  says B A M!

How did I get from Borrego Spring to Greenwood, IN's finest Mexican restaurant.  I guess it's almost dinner time.  So for now,  safe travels for you on the road and for those of us who are home for the summer...be safe out there and by all means....God Bless!

GETTING THE "ITCH"

I had decided not to post on my blog this evening.  I thought I had nothing to say that would interest anyone.  I was comfortable with my decision and off I went to play Spider Solitaire. 

BUT, then something happened.  As I was playing with a blank mind, I had a strange feeling.  A feeling of being someplace in the southwest.  A feeling of peace, tranquility, happiness.  What the heck???

I actually felt the way I did last winter as we toured  Amboy Crater, 

Death Valley, Joshua Tree and Anza Borrego.  What can I say, I was "outta here".  

 Joshua Tree

On our way to Death Valley and a Ghost Town....John Manson style. 

Our home on wheels with Oliver in the window, but almost hidden by the reflection of the sun.

Traveling and living in our motor home this winter, for the first time, was such a neat experience.  It was liberating, refreshing, it was a joy!  

The beauty of the southwest is amazing.  It lingers in my mind and surfaces at least once a day.  But tonight, I felt like I was there in the midst of it all.  What joy!  

Tonight, Al of the Bayfield Bunch wrote of being at the half-way point to their winter travels.  This writing must be what clicked my brain into winter drive and revived the good feelings from last winter.  I think I am as eager as he is to be "outta here".  But we must wait a bit longer.  

We will have Thanksgiving with the family here, hopefully celebrate Christmas a bit early with our Indianapolis family, then set out to be in California with our other daughter.  We have not had Christmas with her in at least twelve years.  It's her turn this year, don't you think?  

I digress....what, if not Al, made me have those feelings?  I keep asking myself.  Probably a combination of things.  

I've mentioned that we plan to put our little farm up for sale.  You know that we have installed cherry hardwood floors.  

Now we have started up-grading our kitchen.  We purchased a French door refrigerator with double freezer drawers on the bottom.  Tonight, we found the dishwasher to go with the stainless steel frig.  The only other things we need to take care of are the counter tops and the new stove/oven. 

Couple that with walls painted, then we will be able to list the house for sale!  How exciting.  AND  the housing market here is not in a slump.  Places in our price range seem to be moving quickly.  Hopefully, it will not take long to sell...............But,.............. oh my gosh!  Then the eliminating begins....

OK,  I have totally frightened myself to death!  I am not going to think about it any more!  I will never get to sleep tonight.  It is already one a.m.

Actually, I have been going through the process of getting rid of "stuff".  I have some empty drawers to show for my work.  

BUT, then there is John....I eliminate, and he removes the "stuff" from the trash to a barn for a garage sale!  So the "stuff" is only moved from one place to another!  We still have to get rid of it~!   

Help!  I think I'm loosing my mind!  I have no clue when we will have time for a garage sale.  My art shows and fiber festivals start with a vengeance in about five weeks.  We will be on the road then till mid November. Then comes Thanksgiving and I've already shared our plans for Thanksgiving and after. Then comes December pre-Christmas shows. 

My thought......  use Craig's List to sell of  some of the stuff.  Call antique dealer to appraise and buy said antiques.  Make numerous trips to homeless shelters with donations.  That would be my choice.  

I choose not to use Goodwill very much.  They charge for their goods and the needy people of the inner city, the homeless, etc have a greater need.  I shop at Goodwill!  I buy silk garments to use in my felting pieces.  It is a cycle....a good cycle. 

Goodwill is good.  It serves a purpose in helping physically and mentally challenged people by providing them with a job.  But we also have seen what donations to the small, homeless shelters, food banks, etc can do for people. 

Hum, I thought I didn't have anything to say tonight.  That changed, didn't it!  Now, I'm off to bed so I can dream of Craig's List, homeless shelters, Goodwill, garage sales, painting, oh my...I'd better get some rest so I will be ready to felt tomorrow!  Nite all!

God Bless!