Afternoon happy hour was here at the Igloo today...

 

Our Location: 

Truckhaven BLM, California

 

It was a do nothing kind of morning and so we did nothing, or next to nothing. I do have a few things to report however, first, the cookies purchased at Julian, were wonderful but I'm glad we only purchased 6. The pie is also delicious and while I am enjoying it, I think it will be the last one for a long time. 

 

It is all sand, the fine sand at the bottom is from riders spinning and driving over it.

One of the arches we found. Very skinny in here.

Deb & Tom texted to ask about coming to find the sand arch today and I jumped at the opportunity to spend more time with our friends. Doug opted to stay home. 

 

The banks are steep and high, only wide enough for a desert toy.

Someone's home built into the crevice of the sand. Note the different colour and shape of that line. It's sand too.

 

I started walking back to the area we would be travelling since I haven't seen the arch for a few years I thought maybe I could find it first. It wasn't long before I noticed the Little Black Limo coming along the bumpy trail and I still hadn't found it. Oh well, we'll figure it out. Long story short, they parked and we found not one but two arches. Yeah!!! Of course we had just found the second one (which was the original one we were looking for) when I had a text message from Doug saying he was on his way. 

 

Which path shall I take?

So many things contribute to this erosion but the beauty is evident.

The badlands is an interesting place to visit. So many paths to follow and yet it's all sand, hard packed, wind driven, water pounded, driven over sand. I'll let you figure out if you like it from the pics. I hope you enjoy them. 

 

This is the original arch I found years ago.

 

I asked Tom to stand in there to give you an idea of the height. Deb, the other photo didn't show up for some reason.

That little dot on the cliff up there under the arch is Tom.

After our little trek in the lower paths we climbed into the Jeep and headed back to the Igloo. Riley came out and joined us for happy hour. No photos, sorry. Doug &  Yuma left after about 40 minutes but Deb & Tom stayed until the sun was sinking below the horizon. Cooling off and time to head inside. Another good day with good friends! 

 

It is actually sand, but very hard packed and now it's drying out and flaking off in places. Crumbles in your hand.

Even the Dogsled would fit down this one!

 

I seem to chatting with my dad most nights now and so I called him around 5 PST and we chatted for a half hour or so. Not much new up there, a fine misty rain falling, somewhere between almost freezing but not really. Slight build up but so far nothing much. Mild, seems to be the word on all the lips up there. 

 

My friends seen through a small opening I'd climbed into.

A cave like opening, it goes no where. I hope you enjoyed the very edge of the  Badlands.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoy the trip into the Badlands. 

 

Until next time....

 

Take care, stay safe, 

 

Deb

 

 

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