Friday, January 10, 2020

Family visit, lunch out, some pretty neat views....




Our Location: Truckhaven BLM, Salton City, CA

A wonderful night's sleep even with the bright moon light. Truly it was almost like being outside in the early morning, it was that bright.  Perhaps one of these nights I'll take my camera out and take a few photos of the 'city' lights over by the Salton Sea area. Very colourful, almost like Christmas lights. 

Out our dining room window this morning. 




 A larger view. 

 
 Looking out toward the Salton Sea and the mountains behind.

We had plans today to head north to Indian Wells for a visit with sister in law (Aunt)  Janet, who's farm we stay at usually spring and fall before we leave Ontario. Buttercup Ridge is the name of the farm, I've mentioned it many times in this blog. 

 Can you see the snow on two different mountain tops in this photo? The snow covered mountain on the left is Big Bear and we can see that from Janet's back yard.


 I'm not sure if that is sand or salt but it isn't snow on the side of the road. Since we are very near the Salton Sea which of course is sea water I'm not sure. 

A street in Indio, California. 
 
We left the Igloo about 9 AM and arrived about an hour later. We truly enjoy the drive with the dirty white sand/salt reminding us of snow, the snow capped peaks off in the distance, the trees loaded down with lemons and oranges, the palms swaying in the breeze and amazing greenery we can see as start getting into the urban areas. 

 The entrance to Janet's community.



Sorry for the glare, the windshield needs to be cleaned. 


 Pretty, isn't it?

A wonderful visit with Janet, sitting outside on the edge of the golf course that runs behind the house, enjoying the company, warmth and views. We haven't seen Janet since we out here last winter. They were late coming home in the spring and we didn't stop stay this fall due to weather.  

 I know the colour looks off but from here on our side of the Salton Sea the mountains on the east which truly are an odd colour. The water also is an odd colour from our spot. The buildings below are Salton City. The white car is one of our neighbours.



 I didn't walk INTO that wash but I was over there around it so I could see it up close.


Can you see all those different trails down there? 

We went for lunch at Mexicali's, a wonderful little Mexican restaurant on Indio Blvd. It seems to be a tradition now, we've been doing for 3 years, so I think it's safe to assume we'll be visiting Mexicali's every year. The food is excellent and the folks very friendly. We have another date for dinner a week from today with Janet as Dennis will be back in Canada for a day or so. We had a great time today and are looking forward to dinner as well. 

Now wouldn't you like to ride down there?
 


 I think the ride up that trail would be fun.


I walked down on that flat floor (which isn't really flat) on my way back to the Igloo. 

Back home we both enjoyed what was left of the afternoon in our own way. Riley stayed at home and did whatever it is Riley does on her own and I headed out for a bit of a picture taking walk. 

Which trail would you choose first? 
 

 Many trails meet at some point.


Oh what fun this one would be, a thrill at the top I'm certain!

This is a beautiful spot with some pretty amazing views and I don't have far to walk to see some more pretty amazing sights.  I hope you enjoy the photos. 

 Right road, left road, wash, upper road, lower road? So many choices.



 Do you think one could get lost down there?



Joy riding has a whole new meaning out here in the Badlands. 

Dad called around 4:30 PM Pacific time just to chat. It's always nice to chat with Dad and I do it often as I'm sure you know. Sounds like bad weather is due in Ontario over the weekend but I'm not sure it will hit his area, more southern Ontario I think he said. 

 The Salton Sea and the mountains in the background.


 Lots of green out here as you can see.

So there you have it, our first full day here in the Salton City area. Thanks for stopping by, feel free to leave a message if you like. 

 Lots of choices to make, which road to take, which hill to climb, which direction to turn....



 The Mountains, the Salton Sea and Salton City. (Those roof tops are Salton City)

Until next time... take care, be safe, 

I think I need one of those! Haha. 


Deb 

16 comments:

  1. Do you have to beware of venomous snakes on your walks?

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    1. I keep an ear and an eye out for them but I think it's too cold now for them. I've not seen nor heard any in the three previous years out here and I've done a fair bit of hiking in some very rocky areas.

      Take care, be safe,
      Deb

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  2. As I was reading your blog tonight I was thinking you should get yourself one of those side by sides . Then you posted the picture of one. I looked at them last year and my goodness they were more than my first house ( 50 years ago) . Also you might be watching out in those bad lands as there still could be some dinosaurs around , just saying. Be safe and great pictures . To bad they don't put more water back into the sea . Vern in Boise ( the snow is coming in )

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    Replies
    1. I would like one but then on the other hand, I wouldn't like one. I like my feet and while they can't take me to the same places or as far, it's better for me to walk and hike. I could take the Dogsled part way and walk in different areas I suppose but it wouldn't be quite the same.
      I didn't see a single dinosaur track the entire time I was walking today. Although I guess one could peek up over the next rise at any time and I'll be too stunned to take a photo for you.
      Sorry to hear about the snow Vern. Keep warm!

      Take care, be safe,
      Deb

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  3. Yes, I can see you in a side by side for sure. Not sure how you would move it from place to place though.
    Great photos of the trails. Looks like the area is well used. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A toy hauler would have to be in my future but for now I'm content to watch out the window and enjoy the others as they enjoy their own adventure.
      I do believe the area is well used. A number of vehicles, two and four wheeled passed by today and we enjoyed watching them out the windows. Saturday is a play day I am certain.

      Take care, be safe,
      Deb

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  4. Lots of trails in those hills and washes. Some aren't Jeep friendly I can tell. Have to check it out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A lot of jeeps around here and I'm' sure there are many more further in to the badlands. We are on the outer edges.

      Take care, be safe,
      Deb

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  5. Lots of trails in those hills and washes. Some aren't Jeep friendly I can tell. Have to check it out.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I waved as you went through Indio ... did you see me? Hahaha not really, but I am familiar with the restaurant. Lots of OHV trails in that area.

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    Replies
    1. Haha. I will watch next time I pass by. There are a number of trails here and they are interesting to see and I can tell by the folks around us they are enjoying them all a great deal.

      Take care, be safe,
      Deb

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  7. That looks like a great day visiting Janet. She does live in a lovely community.
    The trails would be confusing to me but I think you would love a 4 wheeler! :)

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    Replies
    1. We always have a great time with Janet. They golf a great deal and so the place is perfect for them, they can use their golf cart to go everywhere.
      I use my Dad's on occasion in our summer spot but I think one of my own would be nice, although I think it would make me lazy and I wouldn't walk as much as I do. The trails are quite simple actually, you can always climb out and have a look at where you are. It would be a tough climb out but you could eventually get to the top.

      Take care, be safe,
      Deb

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  9. Those are the Chocolate and the Orocopia Mountains(to the north of the Chocolate) across the sea from you. The Chuckwalla Mountains are further behind them with the famous Bradshaw Trail running in between them. In your picture I believe it is Bombay Beach on the other shore. Palm Springs area sure reminds me of Florida with all the manicured lawns and gardens.

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    Replies
    1. Yes Peter you are correct about the mountains, I checked them out as well. Out our dining room window I believe is the end of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The colour is always odd and the air is always hazy over the Salton Sea. We have not travelled along the east side of the Salton Sea very far and so you could be correct about Bombay Beach.
      Janet's neighbourhood is very interesting place, golf courses of course are always well manicured and this whole community is part of the golf club community. It's very green and flower filled. Along with many fruit trees including grapefruit, lemons, oranges, and limes.

      Take care, be safe,
      Deb

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