Desert-ed

After a long drive through SoCal traffic and a winding road into, over and down mountains, we arrived at Borrego Springs State Park. The mountain road was reminiscent of the Baja “Road to Hell” (Cuesta del Inferno) in terms of steepness and curves. We did have guardrails this time and the roads were probably 10 feet wider. Nevertheless, there were a few flashback moments as we crawled downhill, often in first gear. An old auto carcass lay down one steep slope. This is not a road to take with an RV on the way out of Borrego Springs, but it’s OK on the way in.

Our first space was sloped, so we canted the rig a bit into the adjacent desert flora campsite, being careful not to disturb any growing flora or fauna. Nevertheless, Ranger ‘Ruth’ rapped on the door the next morning and lectured me about the “rule” (written no-where) that requires at least two wheels on the pavement. Since we were scheduled to move to another site, she only gave me a “warning.” 

Subsequently, as we waited for the new campsite to open, we were again “warned” by Ranger Ruth for enjoying a picnic lunch in a vacant campsite with our friends, Greg and Jennifer Thompson. 

One more warning and I think I would have been hauled off to the desert slammer, or wherever they lock-up campground ne’er-do-wells. 

This official intermeddling didn’t spoil a perfect day of wildflower viewing and a hike up to Palm Canyon. Hordes of hikers were on this trail, many of them (apparently) enjoying their first exercise in years. Three packs of Cub Scouts meandered up the trail, proudly carrying handmade troop flags which they were likely going to plant, Iwo Jima-style, for a photo op. Digital cameras were everywhere. Some of the kids were outfitted to the max for this 2-mile hike. When I was kid, it was well worn out Keds, jeans with patches, a ratty T-shirt and last season’s little league BB cap, duly festooned with sweat-stains. The day marked the annual first unveiling of my ivory legs, which hadn't seen the sun since last October. 

Also part of the day's touring was a viewing of several metal sculptures scattered over 1000 acres of desert property. The creator thereof had a lot of time on his hands.  

 

We finished off our time with the Thompsons, giving them an afternoon Scrabble seminar and then hustling over to the Red Ocotillo restaurant for dinner (thanks again, Greg). This place was a ‘sleeper’. I’ll go for the spaghetti and meatballs any day.