When leaving Quartzsite, AZ, the drive to our next destination, near Borrego Springs, CA, was a fairly short one at 165 miles. We were heading into new territory, for us anyway. Steven & Linda had left earlier than us to secure a spot in one of their favorite off-the-grid locations. There was concern the area would fill up with weekenders, due to it being a Friday.
We arrived at the designated Arco station to fill up with fresh water and then headed into the Anza-Borrego State Park. We followed Steven & Linda’s directions and found them about half a mile in off Rockhouse Trail. The views all around were amazing!
The four of us spent the next five days seeing the sites nearby.
Temecula
Touring started in the great town of Temecula. There is a great farmers market there, and we stocked up on strawberries, jams and homemade peanut butter. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at E.A.T., which was extra special because their daughter,. Tara, drove in from San Diego to join us. It was wonderful meeting her!
On our way home from Temecula, we stopped in one of the more popular Escapees campgrounds, Jojoba Hills. What a great park! This park is a co-op park that you can by into, but the wait list is very long, like 2 to 3 years long! Someday Bill and I might be interested in this type of park, but not now, although it is good to keep updated on what type of places are available.
Rock Snake
Another day we hiked a bit to see the rock snake. It is not a real snake, but one that someone fashioned out of rocks, along with other things. Its easiest to just show you a few pics.
Rock turtle
That same day, we ate lunch at a little place Steven & Linda have eaten at many times, they keep going back and brought us because it is just amazing Mexican food! The Enchilladas I had were really good!
Apparently, a trip to Borrego Springs isn’t complete without seeing the Serpent. It is easier, once again, to just show you a picture, verses trying to explain it.
Julian
The town of Julian was our destination on another day. We drove up to the cute mountain town to walk around and see the sites. Nope – I cannot tell a lie – we drove up to the cute mountain town to eat pie. Not just any pie – world famous Apple Pie, served warm with cinnamon ice cream, which is also world famous! How many of you have heard of Julian Pie? Before that day, we hadn’t either, but it should be world famous because it was fabulous! DELICIOUS! Plus, they had a cute kitty!
Last Day
The last thing I have to tell you about our time in Borrego Springs, was our day going to see Sonny Bono Salton Sea Wildlife Refuge, Salton Sea, Salvation Mountain and East Jesus. We also stopped for the most delicious date shake EVER! I know that sounds like a lot, and it was, but a great day! I’ll shut-up and let the pictures do the talking. I’ll also include a few links so you can click to get more information. We enjoyed a picnic lunch on the shores of Salton Sea (not near the stinky part.)
You can read more about Salton Sea, and why it is stinky, here: Salton Sea Wiki page
East Jesus
Click HERE for more info on Slab City, Salvation Mountain and East Jesus.
As quickly as we arrived, just like that, it was time to move on. As you can see – we kept busy – finding the perfect blend of seeing the sites and also relaxing down time. Our next stop was Indio, CA, where we would be doing some shopping while hanging out at the Elks Lodge there. You will have to wait til next time to hear about that!
Last thoughts:
My feature pic (top one above the title) is courtesy of Steven Dempsey. You can check out his website and see all his great photos at: Steven Dempsey Photography
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Yes I knew about Juilian and having some of that pie……Have not been to the other areas.
Guess it really is FAMOUS! Awesome!
You guys had a fun filled busy week! That rock snake would have taken awhile to make, very cool. Safe travels!
Thanks Steve! We had a great time!
The pie alone is worth the trip to Julian!, we’re having their Apple Mountain Berry with our Easter dinner today,totally can recommend it. You covered a lot of territory in your short visit to Borrego thanks for taking us along.
Happy Easter and safe travels to your next destination.
Thanks Jeff! That is actually the kind of pie I had – as I LOVE all things berry and apple – perfect combo! You must live close by – will have to get in touch next time we will be In the area!
Great pics. I am enjoying your posts.
Thank you!
Been to all those places. Story behind the metal sculptures is inspiring. A man who owns that land for conservation purposes commissioned every one of those. A story worth reading. Just wined in Temecula. Loved Callaway and Ponte wineries. The store you mentioned is owned by my daughter’s friend. The man who created Salvation Mountain died weeks before we were there. We were told there were plans to bury him at the top of that mountain. Enjoy Indio. We’ve spent this whole winter here in the Coachella Valley. Tons to see and do! If you need suggestions, let us know!
Thanks so much Pat! We LOVED our time in Coachella Valley! We’ve moved on now, but will make a note to reach out next time! Thanks!
Awesome sights and stories as usual, we are counting the days till retirement and returning to the road fulltime.
Thanks Robert! Can’t wait to hear your stories – see your sights!
Kelly, great pictures. Looks like you had a wonderful time and some good food. Have a wonderful week.
Chris
Can’t wait to see YOUR pics!