"OH OH"...DID IT AGAIN:(( EMAIL FROM BORREGO SPRINGS TO-DAY!!

A VERY SOFT MIST ON THE POND

I have always felt that music is the fastest way to transport the brain matter back into the mists of time.  How often have you heard a jingle on the radio or put on an old record or cassette tape, popped an 'oldies' CD into the player, & let it take you back to moments & whole eras of time in your life.  Remember all those good old television shows years ago with their catchy tunes you were always humming or singing along with.  Gunsmoke, Leave It To Beaver, Newhart, & Petticoat Junction, just to name a very few.  Came across this TV theme site in my files this morning.  Sit back, relax, & let those old familiar tunes take you back to a time & place long ago & don't feel embarrassed if you find yourself humming & singing along with the OLD TV SHOW THEMES

A few comments recently have asked what kind of camera I use for obtaining sharp clear images.  In October of last year I happened to post a blog answering that very same question.....  October of 08 was a difficult financial time for many folks so disregard my blusterings in the first paragraph of the CAMERA BLOG & skip to the camera part beginning with the second paragraph. 

ALONG THE BANK OF THIS MORNING'S POND

As an update to that blog I would like to add that I generally use the 'Sharpen' feature in the Picasa photo program as well.  It allows you to adjust the sharpness of your image.  I also like the newer 'Retouch' tool in Picasa 3.5 & it does wonders for dust specs, etc.  Your photo program is every bit as important as your camera.  Even with cheaper cameras colors can be enhanced, images sharpened, lightened, or darkened with contrast features, etc.  Many times your eye sees vibrant colors but depending on the lighting your camera may not see those colors the same way you do & the results may be disappointing.  But, not to worry, chances are you will be able to restore those colors to the way you saw them in your photo program.  Picasa 3.5 is a great easy to use little photo program, it's a free download from Google, & you can find it here PICASA 3.5

THE FOREST FLOOR IS ABLAZE WITH COLOR

Photo programs came with both my Nikons & Canon but I don't use them.  I upload my photos directly from the camera right into the Picasa 3.5 photo program.  No confusing Nikon or Canon programs in between.  And speaking of the old never ending Canon vs Nikon rivalry.  It's the same argument as Chev vs Ford, Motorhome vs 5th Wheel, diesel vs gas, hamburger vs cheeseburger, Michelin vs Goodyear, Tim Hortons vs Starbucks, or Wal-Mart vs itself.  Bottom line is the same in that they are all fine products with varying degrees of pros & cons & it boils down to individual tastes & requirements.  For example, Canon camera's are mainly used in Astrophotography because of their different metering system than Nikon.  I have never suffered from the narrow mindedness of brand loyalty so whatever car, camera, motorhome, peanut butter, lawnmower, shoes, or pants, suit my needs at the time.......that is the one I go with!!

AFTER THE RAIN

Oh, & before I forget........a big resounding "yes" to the question about a darker background in the blog making the photos 'pop' out.  That was my number one reason for choosing the dark background for our blog.  I wanted the photos to stand out!!  You will notice the same thing over at Laurie & Odel's blog..... SEMI TRUE TALES.

AUTUMN REFLECTIONS

White is not my favorite color anyway & I didn't want the blog looking like a standard run of the mill ho-hum newspaper article so I've got it looking like a local popsicle stand with all the different colors.  And it is those popsicle colors that compliment the photos.  Yes, I know it looks a bit like a circus carnival at times, but.................:))

DAPPLES OF FOREST COLOR

In yesterday's blog I had a few things incorrect about Borrego Springs in California & was fortunate enough to receive a nice email to-day from Dan Wright, CPO & President of the California Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds tactfully pointing out my errors.  I'll let Dan set the record straight in his own words......

Hi Al and Kelly,
I appreciate your nice blog posts about Borrego Springs and The Springs RV Resort. The photography is quite good!
Couple of minor points; The name of our project is "The Springs at Borrego". ( Minor detail, I know.) Also wanted to point out that there are no permanent dwelling units of any kind at The Springs. The ones you saw along the golf course are part of The RoadRunner Club, a 55+ Luxury Golf Community next door.
Anyway, keep up the good work and we would love to see you in sunny and starry Borrego. By the way, if you make it to Borrego Days (Oct 22-25), don't miss the headline act Saturday evening at 5PM - Its Jacqui Foreman, an amazing young and beautiful singer-songwriter who is going to do a knockout 2-hour show at Christmas Circle.
Hope to see you there!

Dan Wright, CPO
President
California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds
www.camp-california.com
General Manager
The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course
PO Box 70 - 2255 DiGiorgio Road
Borrego Springs, California, 92004
Cell phone: 206-295-6921
RV Desk and Pro Shop: 760-767-0004
www.springsatborrego.com

General Manager
The RoadRunner Club
55+Luxury Golf Community
PO Box 308 - 1010 Palm Canyon Drive
Borrego Springs, California, 92004
Cell phone: 206-295-6921
Office: 760-767-5374  Golf Pro Shop: 767-5373
www.roadrunnerclub.com

Thanks for the email Dan & unfortunately we will still be in Canada on those October dates you mentioned but hope to make it down your way sometime early in 2010......... Al & The Bayfield Bunch:))

RAIN DROPS ON PINE NEEDLES

GROANER'S CORNER:))  A man is recovering from surgery when a nurse asks him how he is feeling. 'I'm O. K., but I didn't like the four-letter word the doctor used in surgery,' he answered.  'What did he say,' asked the nurse. 
'OOPS'

OUR PHOTO ALBUMS  http://picasaweb.google.com/stargeezerguy/

The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right now...AL.

BORREGO SPRINGS CALIFORNIA....WHAT A GREAT LITTLE PLACE:))

OUTSIDE THE BORREGO SPRINGS LIBRARY & MINI SHOPPING CENTER

We have a steel roof on our mobile home here in Bayfield & right now it's raining so hard I can't even hear my own mumblings.  The weatherman sure hasn't co-operated for our Canadian Thanksgiving week-end so far.  Even the turkeys are soaked. LOOKING WEST ALONG BORREGO'S MAIN STREET FROM THE CHRISTMAS CIRCLE

Two weeks from this morning we will be busy loading ourselves into the rig for our trek to the southwest.  I will be happy to finally pull the gearshift lever into drive & end all this apprehensive waiting.  These final 2 weeks would be very exciting if I was still a kid but as an adult the excitement is always a bit subdued by the reality in thought of the journey ahead with it's concerns & unknowns.   Once the big wheels are rolling those thoughts quickly diminish & it's on with the business & enthusiasm of the journey ahead.  Nice to once again see the countryside rolling by, feel the gentle roll of the big rig underfoot, & hear those traveling tunes cranked up on the stereo.   Let er rip Mr. Nelson.......On The Road Again:)) 

GOLF COURSE & LANDSCAPING AT THE 'SPRINGS AT BORREGO'

WANDERING WILLY  had 3 posts recently about his early RV camping & trailer days which reminded me of a unique RV trailer park in Bisbee, Arizona that we saw last winter.  Called the SHADY DELL it consists of vintage travel trailers laid out in a park setting that you can stay in for the night or by the week.  Check to-days blog photo album for our walk-through the 1950's style nostalgic RV park earlier this year.

View Full Album

We were in Slab City California a couple seasons ago having our solar panels installed when a passing comment from a fellow RV'er about a place west of the Salton Sea led us to the quiet little desert/mountain town of Borrego Springs.

We spent 17 days boondocking at the Clark Dry Lake Bed area that time & another 17 days just this past season again.  We will likely end up there this year for a few more days as well.

ANZA-BORREGO STATE PARK VISITOR'S CENTER

BORREGO SPRINGS is literally an oasis in a harsh desert landscape nestled into the foot of the towering San Ysidro mountains .  Palm trees, green grass, lush flowers & vegetation along with acres of orange, lemon, & grapefruit trees make Borrego Springs a true diamond in the rough.  No traffic lights here, no car crazy chaos, no big box stores or chain restaurants.  No endless acres of paved parking lots with ticky tacky stores as far as the eye can see.  Main street stretches east & west for about  half a mile or so & has retained its early western flair tastefully blended with modern facilities like a great library & small shopping complex.  A large round-about & wide traffic route called Christmas Circle begins the main street from the east & is the center of events for flea markets, farmer's markets, etc.  An award winning design for the Anza-Borrego State Park visitor's center is here complete with RV Park & can be found at the western end of the main street.  There are 2 or 3 other RV Parks as well including one very high end park complete with a large beautifully landscaped golf course called THE SPRINGS OF BORREGO.  This are also permanent living units here as well. 

OVERLOOKING BORREGO SPRINGS BELOW FROM NEAR THE CULP VALLEY CAMPGROUND

TOURING THE BORREGO BADLANDS ON A JEEP TOUR WITH LOCAL BORREGO SPRINGS RESIDENTS

Despite the harsh appearance of the surrounding desert, Borrego has a very ritzy side to it so be sure to see our photos of both the ritzy & the dusty side.  Borrego has a small airstrip as well & it's nice to drive around the backstreets to see the beautiful homes with their ever creative desert landscaping.

 CHRISTMAS CIRCLE

If you check our side bar to the right you can scroll down to our archive section where you will see the months & years listed of our travels.  We have spent a total over 34 days in Borrego Springs over the past couple of years so check out 2007 for the dates between December 21rst & 31rst.  Also January 2008 from Jan 1rst to the 7th.  Also have a look at December 31rst of 08 right up to January 17th of 2009.  All photos for those dates can be found in our photo albums for those dates as well.  PHOTO ALBUMS.  You will find our day trips to the Borrego Slot Canyon, Palm Springs Canyon, Hell Hole Canyon, Marshal South's Ghost Mountain, the little mountain town of Julian, Salton City by the Salton Sea, a couple of Jeep tours with local Borrego Springs residents, the Borrego Badlands, & a drive along the old Butterfield Stagecoach route heading towards San Diego, plus hikes & drives in & around the desert landscape.  This is a very friendly little RV town with lots of activity put on by the Anza-Borrego State Park & the local townspeople themselves.  I should add that Borrego Springs is totally surrounded by the vast Anza-Borrego State Park system.

 KELLY BUYS A COUPLE DOGGY BEDS FROM A VENDOR ON CHRISTMAS CIRCLE

Oh, & I should add that the nearest Wally World to Borrego Springs is a leisurely 58 mile drive to Brawley.  That is an important factor to RV'ers for sure & I might add this is a new looking Wally World with with a real southwest design to it having only been constructed in the last couple years.  And they have a McDonald's as well as all the assorted fast food places in Brawley as well so it's is a popular last stop if your heading to Borrego Springs from the southeast. 

THE BORREGO RANCH & SPA RESORT

Turned out to be a busy afternoon here at home in Bayfield to-day as Kelly scurried back & forth to the motorhome with armloads of this & that.  Wanted to take advantage of the sunny day because next week is looking cold & wet again.  Two weeks from now we should be stopped for the night somewhere north of Indianapolis.  Yay team:))

BOONDOCKING AT THE CLARK DRY LAKE BED NEAR BORREGO SPRINGS WITH NEIGHBOR'S CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON THEIR AIRSTREAM TRAILERS

GROANER'S CORNER:))  Two Mexican detectives were investigating the murder of Juan Gonzalez. 
'How was he killed?' asked one detective.
'With a golf gun,' the other detective replied. 
'A golf gun? What is a golf gun?' 
'I don't know. But it sure made a hole in Juan.'

OUR PHOTO ALBUMS  http://picasaweb.google.com/stargeezerguy/

The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right now...AL.

BORREGO SPRINGS CALIFORNIA......A TIGHT FITTING SLOT CANYON HIKE IN DECEMBER 2007

OUR FRIEND & GUIDE, BUTCH ON THE LEFT.  CAMERA WAS ON SELF TIMER SITTING ATOP A ROCK.....December 23/07  (Click on any photo to enlarge it)

Our nasty splash of bad weather this past week has let up for to-day & we have sunshine at 60F with a breeze.  A normal Autumn day for this time of year but I'm still surprised that 90% our forest trees are still green with only a few dapples of color here & there.  Usually by now we are into full blown Autumn colors.ALMOST IMPASSABLE IN SOME SPOTS

In keeping with yesterday's slot canyon theme I've added another 'tighter fit' slot canyon hike to-day.  This is the Borrego Springs slot canyon in California & it is hard to find but luckily we had a fellow RV'er take us there.  We generally boondock at the Clark Dry Lake bed just north of Borrego Springs & 2 years ago we met a fellow by the name of Butch who spends his winter's there in the desert with his dog Kapeesh.  Butch is from Riverside California so knows the whole area well.  He had also taken us on a hike to Palm Canyon nearby a few days earlier.  To-days photos are from our Borrego Springs slot canyon hike with Butch as our guide.  You can read our BLOG for that day & see us 'squeezing' through the rocks on the hike photos in our WEB ALBUM . 

Kelly's in Cambridge to-day visiting her daughter & grand kids & I'm home doing my daily smattering of puttering.  Lots of pine needles to rake up & I added some water to the rig's fresh water tank.  I won't fill the gas tank until a few days before we leave because I don't want the motorhome just sitting for weeks with the weight of a full gas tank on the stationery tires.  I'm anxious to get more things loaded up but as you know the majority of loading is done in the last 5 minutes before you leave.  Well, it seems that way sometimes!!

AL HAD TO REALLY SUCK IT IN TO SQUEEZE THROUGH SOME OF THESE TIGHT SPOTS!!

APPROXIMATE LOCATION OF BORREGO SPRINGS SLOT CANYON

In yesterday's blog I mentioned it was me who took the doggy guys out every morning but I should have mentioned Kelly does that as well.  Sometimes it's too cold out & I pretend I'm still asleep so then she has to do it.

MOONRISE OVER THE SANTA ROSA MOUNTAINS FROM THE CLARK DRY LAKE BED NORTH OF BORREGO SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

In our travels throughout the southwest we have come across so many places we love that just about everywhere we go becomes a favorite place for us.  Coming up soon, maybe to-morrow, I'll blog about one of them.................Borrego Springs, California:)) 

BORREGO SPRINGS.....CHRISTMAS CIRCLE

GROANER'S CORNER:((  'Mr. Clark, I have reviewed this case very carefully,' the divorce Court Judge said, 'And I've decided to give your wife $775 a week,' 
'That's very fair, your honor,' the husband said. 'And every now and then, I'll try to send her a few bucks myself.

OUR PHOTO ALBUMS  http://picasaweb.google.com/stargeezerguy/

The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right now...AL.

MARSHAL SOUTH, GHOST MOUNTAIN, THE JULIAN CEMETERY, AND DIRECTOR JOHN McDONALD

Not sure why the MARSHAL SOUTH & Ghost Mountain story captivated me so much, but it did.  We were boondocked outside of Borrego Springs in the heart of California's ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK back in January of 2008 when we drove to the Park's nature center in Borrego Springs to check on day trip adventures in the area.    A ranger behind the information desk told us of many sites to see & mentioned something about a family that had lived atop a mountain back in the 30's & 40's.  Said the site was over in Blair valley, there were a few ruins of the old cabin left, & it was a wee bit of hike to get up to the homestead.  That thought stuck with me & a week later we were on our way to Blair valley in search of Yaquitepec on GHOST MOUNTAIN.

THE LONG ROCK STREWN NARROW PATH LEADS UP THE SIDE OF GHOST MOUNTAIN FROM  BLAIR VALLEY BEHIND ME

 BLAIR valley is about a 40 minute scenic drive west of BORREGO SPRINGS through the Yaqui Pass. You can read about our first trip to Ghost Mountain HERE & see our photos HERE.  A few days after that visit Kelly picked up the book, MARSHAL SOUTH & THE CHRONICLES OF GHOST MOUNTAIN.  I immediately set about reading the book & finished it a few weeks later while we were boondocked over in Quartzite Arizona.  I knew at that time I wanted to not only return to Ghost Mountain again but also wanted to see if I could find where Marshal South was buried.  The book said his final resting place was in the little mountain town of JULIAN not far from Blair Valley.   We also found out a documentary had been made by director John McDonald & a second more detailed documentary DVD by the same director was due to be released shortly but not until after we had already headed back to Canada.  I definitely wanted to get a copy of that DVD somehow.   Little did I know that less than a year later director John McDonald himself would actually contact us, meet us at the foot of Ghost Mountain, & give us a signed copy of his DVD documentary, ‘The Ghost Mountain Experiment.’

OUR FIRST GLIMPSE OF THE MARSHAL SOUTH HOMESTEAD AS WE ROUNDED A CORNER ON THE TRAIL

In January of this year we once again found ourselves boondocked near the CLARK DRY LAKE BED close to Borrego Springs at the foot of the Santa Rosa & San Ysidro mountains.  I mentioned in a couple of my daily blogs that we were going to head over to  BLAIR VALLEY for a second trek up to the Marshal South site on Ghost Mountain.  And I also blogged about our day trip to the little mountain town of JULIAN in search of Marshal South's final resting place.  That day's blog is HERE & the photos of our visit to Julian & the cemetery are HERE.

MARSHAL SOUTH’S STONE IS THE FLAT ONE IN CENTER FOREGROUND BELOW, WITH THE TOWN OF JULIAN IN THE BACKGROUND

IT WAS A COLD RAINY DAY FOR MY SEARCH IN JULIAN’S CEMETERY

About this time we received a surprise email from the documentary's director JOHN McDONALD.  Said him & his wife Lydia were camping in the area & could meet us at Ghost Mountain if we liked.  He said our BAYFIELD BUNCH site kept coming up on his computer & he had known of my interest in the Marshal South story for quite awhile.  He has a program on his computer that alerts him whenever Marshal South or Ghost Mountain are entered into a search engine, so people clicking on our site kept bringing up the Bayfield Bunch on his computer.  He began to wonder who this Bayfield Bunch was & decided to email us.  Assuming that is how that search program works you may be reading this blog right now John, so a big 'Hello to you & Lydia from the Bayfield Bunch up here in Canada:))'

JOHN & LYDIA McDONALD WITH GHOST MOUNTAIN IN THE BACKGROUND.  YAQUITEPEC IS JUST ATOP THAT RIDGE ABOVE THEIR HEADS

The blog for our second visit to Ghost Mountain & meeting John & Lydia McDonald can be found HERE & the photos from that day are HERE.  We did pick up an autographed DOCUMENTARY DVD  from John that day as well.

 

JOHN AUTOGRAPHS THE DVD JACKET

We will probably be back in the Borrego Springs area sometime in January of 2010 & if we are you can be assured I will once again strap on my hiking boots, throw a camera over my shoulder, & head on up the mile high old rocky trail leading to Marshal South's Yaquitepec atop Ghost Mountain.  As I mentioned at the beginning of the blog, I don't know what it is that captivates me about this spot but it's as if I sense something special when I am there.  Being the totally logical person I am I certainly am at odds with my feelings about all that...........but, in a nice sort of way.

REST IN PEACE YAQUITEPEC

GROANER'S CORNER:((  If you don't have a sense of humor, you probably don't have any sense at all.

OUR PHOTO ALBUMS  http://picasaweb.google.com/stargeezerguy/

The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right now...AL.

NICE MORNING FOR A BACK ROAD MOTORCYCLE RIDE

I MISS MY MOODY MOUNTAINS (Borrego Springs, California)

The humidity was gone out of the air to-day making for a really pleasant morning. Perfect for a motorcycle ride so I headed off out into the countryside. Local country roads were hard packed from recent rains & dust free making for some nice enjoyable slow scenic riding. My favorite kind:)) Years ago Kelly & I went on a "Food Drive" motorcycle run with about 40 other motorcyclists. It was a 4 hour ride with a couple of stops in between & it was the first time I had ever ridden with a bunch of other motorcycles. By the end of the day I knew I would not be doing that again. For safety sake each bike is confined to a small riding block in the formation & if you stray out of that block there could be a serious collision with another bike. Not my idea of a relaxing enjoyable ride so if & when I go somewhere................ I go solo!! Never was much for group decisions anyway.

We lost a neighbor to cancer yesterday. Just recently retired & looking forward to spending summer vacation & travel time with his wife & little dog. Had just purchased a newer truck & travel trailer this past winter. He was only 62 & it is a reminder that at this age & stage the hands of time are winding down much quicker on all of us. Do whatever it is you want to do now............. while you still have your health!!

When is a travel blog not a travel blog? Does it cease to be when the traveler's return home? Does it lose it's travel status when the blogger stops blogging about travels or does it lose it's status when the blogger blogs about thoughts, feelings, & opinions of non traveling issues? Hmmmmmm, just curious.........................

TO-DAY'S PUN: Two cannibals are eating a clown. One says to the other: 'Does this taste funny to you?
And did you know.......Flea's can jump 130 times higher than their own height. In human terms this is equal to a 6ft. person jumping 780 ft. into the air.

OUR PHOTO ALBUMS http://picasaweb.google.com/stargeezerguy/

THE WINDS OF TRAVEL ARE STIRRING

MOVED TO OUR NEW DIGS THIS MORNING

Late Monday afternoon a truck camper rolled into the desert & parked in our back yard!! Acres & acres of room here but this fellow decided to set up shop about a hundred yards from our rig. Now, in an RV Park a space of a hundred yards between rigs would be pure heaven but out here in the desert, that's not only un-acceptable, it's downright rude & inconsiderate. Well, at least in my books anyway. The people had 2 dogs so that immediately presented a problem with our gang as the bunch ran over barking their tails off. I walked over to fetch our guys & the older couple did not seem friendly. It wasn't long after that I heard the loud radio station inside their camper. Very loud!!!! I have zero tolerance for people like that so the handwriting was on the wall. We were going to have to move. No point in asking them to turn the music down because by then the damage is already done. If someone is that inconsiderate & uncaring in the first place then I have no interest in talking to them at all for any reason. And I don't want to be camped near them!!!!

After a short dog walk this morning Kelly & I put the computer in the car & drove to another area west of us checking for a good Verizon signal. Just off Rockhouse Rd Kelly spotted what looked like a solar oven out in the desert. Doug & JoAnn had told us about an oven some friends of theirs had built out here somewhere so we're thinking this is it. We drove over to the pile of rocks & domed adobe oven & had a closer peek. Looked like a great camping spot plus we were able to pick up a good Verizon signal. The decision was made!! We zipped back to the rig & half an hour later we were all packed up & on the move to our new site.

Ever since setting up in the desert a couple of weeks ago our nearest neighbor was a 5th wheel just to the south of us. We never really got over to meet the people except one time at Butch's four o'clock fire ring. Yesterday morning I walked over & said good morning. As it turns out, Suzanne & Bob are a lot like us. A bit on the shy side when it comes to meeting people & not wanting to bother anyone. That happens a lot with boondockers. People tend to stick to themselves & I'm sure some great friendships are missed that way. Kelly came over & it wasn't long & we had all found some common ground to converse on. And, is so often the case these days, the main topic turned to computers & the cyber problems encountered on the road. Always nice to hear new ideas & learn new things. And meet some likeable people along the way.

Before we pulled out this morning Kelly went over & let Suzanne & Bob know our change of plans. They are heading for Mexico next week so hope we see them again before they leave. Stopped at Butch's for a minute & told him we'd just be down the road a bit.

We like our new spot because the closest rig is about a half or a mile away. No more worrying about the dogs bugging people or someone in the backyard with a loud radio!! And, we have a view of Borrego Springs down in the shallow valley to our southwest. Am looking forward to seeing the lights of Borrego shimmering in the night air to-night.

Kelly slipped into town for some groceries while I reversed the solar panels on the roof because we changed the direction of the coach in our new spot. Our door now opens to the south & we have put the awning out for the first time since putting it up in Truth or Consequences at the end of last February. STEAKS ON THE CHARCOAL COOKER

A month or so ago we had heard from another RV couple (Doug & JoAnn) about a possible ranch sitting job over in Arizona for the month of February. We have been in contact with the ranch people & to-day received an email saying they would like us to come over & take the job, so that's what we are going to do. The winds of travel are stirring & we've been putting to-gether some travel plans this afternoon. Will probably leave here around the end of the week heading over into the Quartzite area for a few days & then eventually working our way southeast through Gila Bend, Casa Grande, Tucson, Benson, & then on down into the Bisbee/Douglas area.

This is a good example of why we love this RV lifestyle so much. Nothing ever remains the same, change is always afoot. New adventures around every corner & over every hill. Hardly ever two days the same. Plans made, plans changed. Sometimes it's the weather that determines the destination & sometimes it's a comment from a fellow RV'er about a great place just over those mountains there. We ended up in Borrego Springs last year because of a chance encounter with another RV'er over in Slab City who said what a great place Borrego was. He was right:)) I like the friendships that are made out on the road as well. They are generally brief encounters with people you may or may not ever see again. And that's what makes the friendships special because there is an unwritten bond formed. We are all fellow travelers living a vagabond lifestyle helping each other along the way. Some full time & some part time. People never really get to know each other well enough to get on each other's nerves over a long period of time & I really like that. It's one of the true beauty's of the internet in how people remain in contact with each other over the years. You may never see them again but you follow their lives as they travel about over the land. Some, like us, have blogs & some can be found on RV Forums, Facebook or My Space. Many varied ways of keeping in touch with each other. You are only an email away from people at any time. It's a special kinship & it is our preferred style of life................................................

THE SOLAR OVEN BUILT BY A PREVIOUS RV PERSON CAMPED HERE

OUR PHOTO ALBUMS http://picasaweb.google.com/stargeezerguy/

ROCKHOUSE ROAD & COYOTE CANYON

Noticed the moon going down over Coyote Mountain this morning so started off the day in my pajamas outside the motorhome taking pictures. Another perk that comes with boondocking. No neighbors close by to complain about some guy running around in his PJ's. The area we are boondocking in was once an aerial gunnery range where fighter pilots were trained during & after the second world war. There is a large dry lake bed west of us called Clark Dry Lakebed & that's where the large concrete targets were placed for the pilots to shoot at. There are still bullets & shell casings to be found here in the desert. Last January we found the business end of a 50MM tracer bullet. A gravel road (Rockhouse) leads back to this dry lake bed & continues for miles beyond into what we hear is a beautiful area. To-day we followed that road along the east side of Coyote Mountain as far as we could before having to turn around. Just too rough for our 2 wheel drive car. COYOTE CANYON

On the other side of Coyote Mountain is Coyote Canyon (of course) so we slipped around over there where the road through the desert is all hard packed sand & much gentler for both vehicles & passengers. The road slowly climbs into a valley with an abundance of Ocotillo plants. Most we've ever seen in one place. Indians lived in this sheltered valley a couple of hundred years ago. It later became a main route for people making the trek to the west. Beautiful area surrounded by tall mountains on three sides. Drove in as far as a place called Desert Garden. Not much there except a few picnic tables & a bench but definitely a quiet shelter in the desert to sit & quietly imagine the life & times of the people who once lived here.Borrego Springs is only about 3 miles from Coyote Canyon so we drove back into town & split a fish taco at Jilbertos. I still prefer my hamburger but was told by the Boss we were going to share the taco so button it up. Parked by the library for a few minutes to check out their Wifi signal on our laptop. Kelly's having a few problems accessing her business email account so she was doing some troubleshooting. I took a few photos around the picturesque Borrego mall while she worked on the computer. BORREGO SPRINGS MALL

Back to the rig by 3. Another couple, Ken & Vicki walked over so we did a little tour of our renovated motorhome showing them the Ikea furniture we had put in after ripping out all the cheap RV stuff last year in Quartzite. I think they went back to their rig with a few new ideas:)) JUST OUTSIDE THE LIBRARY

The lack of wind made for a very warm day so we stayed outside & got a campfire going in the later afternoon. We haven't had many campfires so it was nice for a change to hear the crackling fire & get that great wood smell imbedded in our clothes. Watched the full moon slowly rise over the Santa Rosa mountains & enjoyed the sounds of our neighbors well played bongo drums wafting in on the still desert air. A nice way to end another fine day in the Borrego Valley................................................... SUNSET ON THE MOUNTAINS

OUR PHOTO ALBUMS http://picasaweb.google.com/stargeezerguy/