Sunday, November 10, 2013

Anza Borrego and Salton Sea

The Romance and Sex Life of the date! Date lover's and more, learn everything you need to know and more about the production of dates. We did not know ourselves how much we enjoyed the many varieties. Very interesting and tasty! A must do in Indio, California on the way to Anza-Borrego State Park, world famous Shields Date Gardens.



 
 
 
 


 
Our campsite at Anza-Borrego State Park
 



Just a sampling of beautiful iron works along the highway.







 



 
 

Salton Sea State Recreation Area

 
Heading back west from Anza-Borrego we visited the Salton Sea. This unique body of water was created in 1905, when the flooding Colorado River was accidentally diverted into the Salton Sink, thus creating the current Salton Sea. The sea holds millions of fish that feed masses of wintering birds.
 
 
Black-necked Stilt



Eared Grebe
 


                                                    Great Egret


 
                                                                             The "Accidental Sea"
                                                  


Thursday, November 7, 2013

Joshua Tree National Park

Returning to the scene of the crime! On our way to Joshua Tree National Park, we bravely revisited Havasu Springs staying at the same resort where we had the accident with the RV last April. No problems this time. Enjoyed two days hiking this scenic boater's paradise.


The amazing Joshua Tree National Park is located in the Mohave Desert in southern California. Our visit began at the south entrance of the park just north of Interstate 10. We soon found that there are many similarities to the Sonoran Desert, however the most striking difference is the lack of Saguaro cacti and the presence of the magnificent Joshua Trees. Patience is required, as we traveled 27 miles before we saw our first Joshua Tree.


 
 

First, we enjoyed walking the nature trail at the Cholla Cactus Garden where we saw numerous and varied cholla cactus including the teddy bear and silver cholla. Great care was taken to avoid any encounters with these "jumping cholla".


 


A nice drive down a dirt road prior to the White Tank Campground revealed the first of many fabulous rock formations that we enjoyed throughout the park.
 

 

Jim and Jester enjoying their hike.
 

 
 
Rock formations of monzogranite throughout the park are the result of volcanic activity more than 100 million years ago. These rock piles rose from the ground and were created into unlikely shapes by winds and water.


 
 

 
At last, the beautiful Joshua Tree!
 
 
 
 
A well deserved picture of Jim!
 
 
 


 
Great fun for rock climbing. No, that's not Jim.
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
So very picturesque! Would love to return in the spring when this desert is in bloom.