Borrego Springs

Two weeks ago to the day (oh - how the time flies), we took a trip to Borrego Springs accompanied by newly weds John and Niamh; John being one of Alma's "too many to list on a single A4 despite whatever font size you use", cousins.

We picked the lads up at their very basic lodgings - the Paradise Point Hotel (no expense spared there I can tell you !) and headed back up the I-15 and across the 79.  Not the shortest of routes by any means if I was to base it on the despair in the voice of the TomTom lady, but it had been recommended as quite scenic so that was the route we were going to follow - satellite navigation system or not !

Our outward journey.

Sure enough, the drive was very scenic; past the orange farms, into the mountains and then suddenly on the descent you see the vast open expanse of the desert - pure flat browness-ness.  First photo opportunity !  Everyone else on the road appeared to have the same idea at the same time because before we knew it there were about 15 cars pulled over on the side of the road; everyone jumping out to take a few photos.

Aaah - the lovebirds.

On we headed to Christmas Circle - the center of the Borrego Springs from which all roads emanate - our first goal: to see some of the metal art scattered around the place.

Alma gets her groove on.

Turns out Mr. D wasn't so impressed by her moves.

 

Goal 2: To conquer the 3 mile round trip - don't try this at home - Palm Canyon Drive trail (actually it's for woosies).  It's always hilarious to pay a trip to the visitor centers at these places to be told that you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Bighorn Sheep - but if you do - don't startle them !!  They're comfortable enough around humans, but dogs - oh no, they just don't like dogs ... and there I am thinking, "who's actually writing this stuff only humans?".  So anyway - sure enough - we were "lucky" enough to catch a glimpse of the Bighorn Sheep (let's face it - they were walking around all over the place; not a care in the world on them).

The elusive Bighorn Sheep.  If only I had brought my 500mm lens, I could have checked if they had any fillings in their teeth. 

This part was cool.  It's nothing but brown all over the place, and then suddenly there was this lush green area heading up towards an oasis.

The oasis at the end of the trail - what it was all about.

Aaah - the love birds again.  OK, now I'm starting to feel a little queezy.

Looking up through the palm trees at the oasis.

A Borrego Springs flower - oh did I forget - that's what it's famous for ... flowers in the desert.

On the way back we drove via Julian to try out some of that famous apple pie that them good folks offer and sure it enough - it was goeie sh*t !