We moved today.....

Our Location: South Entrance, BLM Joshua Tree National Park

After a loudish night we decided to pull up feet and head out for quieter pastures. The day time noises weren't bothersome but the night time ones were very much so. 

On our drive toward the Badlands this morning.

 

Some spectacular views.

We first took a drive out to the Badlands where we thought we might like to park just to ensure we could find a spot. Sure enough we found a couple and headed back to the Igloo to hook up. We were thinking it would only be a short drive to the Badlands and weren't in any hurry. 

It sure is pretty out here.

After pulling in and starting to put the feet down we realized just how cold the wind actually was up there. We changed our minds, opting for Joshua Tree National Park instead. We stopped at the Red Earth Casino on CA86 to dump our tanks. The wait was long as it seemed everyone was using this spot instead of the one a bit further down at the entrance to the Parkway. No problem we waited our turn and headed out. 

In the lower down area of the Badlands they were wall to wall to wall to wall.

To wall to wall to wall.

We arrived at Joshua Tree National Park late in the day for us to be arriving. It was 3:30 pm and we still had to find a place, set up and do all those things before dark which would be around 4:45 pm. We managed to find a spot to park the Igloo, but found it very difficult to get level. We eventually moved a bit and within 5 minutes were level and setting up but are now much further out in front of another rig than I'd like to be, but we did ask if he minded and he assured he didn't. 

 

They were tucked up against the hills, in the open flat, way out as far as the eye could see.

In the background you can see the dust. As we drove along you could see the dust cloud hanging over the desert.

We are debating about how long we want to stay here but for now we're going to spend at least a couple of days here. We have a few errands in Indio and we want to visit Janet as well. So we shall see how things go. 

It was like a city down there in the low area of the Badlands.

That's it, our long day but short blog. Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed your visit. 

And also along CA 86 they were packed in like fish in a barrel.

Until next time.. take care, be safe, 

Deb

Note to myself: Jason and Leah have arrived in Fernie, BC, Canada last night. They are too early to check into their rental unit until Dec 31 in the late afternoon.

Lots of sights out the window today....

Our Location:  Near Borrego Springs, CA


It’s cooler here at night than we’ve been used to but we add an extra blanket and enjoy the sunshine more when it appears. Today however was very cool with lots of folks wearing puffy vests and jackets as they were out and about. The wind kept us indoors most of the day with only about an hour outside to read. We didn’t reach above 57F/13.9 C. I know that doesn’t sound cold to the folks at home but believe me it was cold. 

 

Playing with the zoom lens, you can see the area of Borrego Springs far off in the distance.

 

The many faces of the mountains in the area.

 

We stayed inside looking out and enjoying the sights. The place has filled up with weekend warriors, big small and in between. They come in packs, doubles and solo. They bring multiple vehicles for the same family. Our newest neighbour was interesting to see coming in. Dad and son along with the dog in the truck with a small dune buggy in the back towing a fairly large home on wheels. Mom, daughter and small child in the SUV behind them pulling a trailer with the family side by side with a generator in the back of the SbyS. They were barely set up before they were off in their rides across the desert with dust flying and giggles sounding.

They are serious about their fun. Even the little toddler was excited to be riding.

 

The BLM parking lot on Henderson Canyon Road is filling up quickly too.

 

 Flags abound here in the area, one group has as many as 7 between two rigs. With today’s wind the flags were flapping and snapping. Kites were also out today in the wind, looked like they were having a good time flying them. The rides are varied and numerous. A few dirt bikes, a number of three wheelers, a couple of quads, a number of dune buggies and even a few bigger side by sides. Jeeps and SUV’s are also here adding to the fun and excitement. Flashing lights, stiffy’s (long ariel with flag attached) and various engine sounds mixed with yells, dust and laughter were certainly entertaining today. I can tell you that I wouldn’t want to stay among them for a month but for a few days I think we’ll enjoy the activity. Some great photo opportunities if one is quick enough. 

 

Flags, flags, flags.

 

Kites and helo's.

 

Other than Riley having a fire tonight the day has been very quiet and restful. Entertaining and amusing as well just by looking out the window. I’m amazed how many folks seem to land here each hour. Not even the cold wind can deter them. They are a hardy bunch. 

 

Big, small and in between, of various ages and sizes.

There are two different little fellows here. The smaller one is quite a dare devil. You can see he even managed to catch some air in the middle picture.

 

A news update on Jason and Leah, last night they reached the Minnesota/North Dakota border staying near Fargo. Today a text from Jason assured me they weren’t having any issues with blizzard conditions as they crossed N. Dakota. (The weather had blizzard conditions listed in N. Datkota). They were having blue skies and making great time. They were headed toward Great Fall, Montana. I have no doubt they will reach close to their goal. They are gaining an hour with each time zone and so they can stretch their driving hours if they wish. Both are young and capable of driving so I’m certain the long days aren’t having too much effect on them.

 

You can get anything in camouflage. The truck came behind the motor home and left at the same time, so I assume they were together. 

 

They are parked everywhere.

 

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed your day. 

 

Rigs come in various sizes, colours and shapes too.

 

Until next time.. take care, be safe,

The green and orange are led lights on an ariel and flash as he goes. It's getting dark and they are still coming in.

 

 

Deb