Senator Wash South Shore

Across the road and over the dam sits another place to park for two weeks at a time and enjoy kayaking the quite waters so Senator Wash. There is one caveat to parking however, if you hear a horn sounding for any length of time, it means they are moving water into the reservoir. The levels usually rise to just below the parking and camping area but it is possible for it to come up even higher. There is a sign as you enter the area that alerts users to be ready to move out if the horns sounds. Hmmmm, well so far so good we are high and dry.

We have been enjoying the senator wash area and yesterday we made what was our longest hike this year. But with the lake at it's low levels, we were able to cut this normally longer hike down considerably from the first time we were here two years back. Given the low water we can do a good part of the hike along the waters edge. What a nice day to be out.

Gold rush at Senator Wash

Today we hiked to the area where many have undertaken to quest for gold and left with the undertaker. We are not sure if this is the exact area were over 20 people died in cave ins back in 2005 but it looks dangerous as we walk the area. Gary thinks he has found some gold but I think it's only fools gold.

Backwater Kayaking

Through the reeds and cattails and past the complaining coots we took a narrow canal into the backwater area behind the Senator Wash dam, next to the Colorado River. We have discovered that mornings are best, the winds are calm and the day is just starting to heat up. As we made our way out of the canal and into the back lake flanked by steep desert cliffs, we scared up a single coyote watching our passage from on high. The cliffs and hills in this area have many good places for a mother coyote to hide a family but we found no young today.

Kayaking the Colorado River

Well just when we have forgotten the MN winter all together, we hear the call of a loon as we put the kayak in Squaw Lake for our morning paddle. A loon! Well they like the warm weather and sunny days as much as we do, just another snow bird I guess. Squaw Lake connects to the Colorado River just north of the Imperial Dam and while the currents are strong they are manageable. Winding around heading up stream we found a passage through the tall grasses and cat tails into a back water area just north of the embankment at Senator Wash. Nice day on the water!

Evening visitors and local shakes

As the full moon rises over Squaw lake we have many visitors including the mother and daughter shown here. Plus, if the generators aren't too loud we can here owls in the palms near the water, coyotes in the hills and tonight we watched as a raccoon skirted the waters edge. And when the moon sets, the stars are amazing, but hard to capture.

Algodones Mexico

This border town is an easy and safe crossing into Mexico. Many cross the border to have dental work done at a fraction of the cost in the US, myself included. The town is not pretty, in fact I often feel sad for those that cross the border and feel this is a good representation of Mexico, because it is not. It is a product of the demand of tourism and lacks the craftsmanship and artistry that is typical of Mexico. Sure, you can get your Kalula cheaper, the Agave syrup is also less expensive and there is no shortage of cheap Mexican silver. But you will not find the beautiful silver that is unique from all the masses and the art is missing, even the rugs are low quality. The people are friendly and the tortillas are good but like most border towns, this is missing the heart you find deeper in the country.

Squaw Lake and Senator Wash

Our second time in this area but this time, we elected to go into the fee area near the lake. So far, I'm loving this. There are bath rooms in good condition, water access and views of the lush green river area in the otherwise stark desert. I can see signs of Burrows and last night enjoyed the song of the cayotes. The only difference so far is we are missing the eclectic group of people we met here the first time around. Gone is Bobby, king of the Lakota and Tilly. Gary thinks he saw Al's rig, he had a heart attack the last time we were here, the care the volunteers took to save his life and make sure his belonging were cared for while he was in the hospital was above and beyond what you might expect of a good friend, let alone a total stranger.

The area was full last time we were here, not so this year and many of the spaces are a winter retreat (for 2weeks) for our neighbors to the north. One thing I have learned is that if you want to find a nice place to camp, that is less expensive, follow the Canadians. Today was a day to relax with a short hike, tomorrow a longer hike to see if any one we know has returned and to explore the Libary (no Liberian on duty to check the spelling) and perhaps a kayak. The lake leads to a series of channels that eventually enter the Colorado River. As I post this blog, I can hear the coots along the bank just below of site and last night I noticed herons flying over looking for a palm tree to roost in for the night and then a morning hunt for the perfect fishing hole.

The Slabs

For those who like to boondock in the SW, the Slabs are a "must see" kind of experience. The Slabs are located near the Salton Sea and in one of the poorest counties in CA, sitting just outside the equally tired city of Niland. It is hard to describe the Slabs, one hardly knows where to start but here we go.

Once A former military base, it was dismantled leaving just the concrete slabs that were barracks and begat the name. Now it is home to many that need or want to live free of charge, including the homeless, down on their lucks, former druggies, people with mental issues and when ever you have free, you have snow birds. Some say there is a third world feel to the place and a lawlessness, which was verified the moment we drove in with a squad car shaking down some youth. There are many areas filled with trash and make shift buildings here and there between old motor homes, there is even word that a resident is digging under one of the slabs and has plans for a multi room home. But there is also a community that takes care of those that want and need to be a part of a social group. And there is Salvation Mountain, a interesting folk art installation. Roughly three stories tall and about 100 feet wide, on a constant state of repair and a bright spot in an otherwise drab desert landscape.

Art that brings back the past in Borrego

As you drive along the desert roads in Anza Borrego Desert State Park you may be lucky enough to spot a Turkey Vulture circling above hunting for food or maybe even some Bighorn Sheep. There are some other amazing sights along the highway that harken back the time of the ice age and before. Scattered in the desert are sculptures placed in various locations in the northern part of the park near the town named the same, Borrego Springs. These amazing sculptures were created by Ricardo Breceda for the owner of the Galleta Meadows in Anza Borrego, owner Avery (of Avery labels...)

Thanks to a commission by Avery the artist created ancient statues of beasts from the past in steel. From raptures to sloths, tortoise to dragons crossing under road, this part of southern Cal has a homespun charm along with a lot of dust. If you like your ATVs, dirk bikes and Off road vehicles this is the place for you. I know there is much to see in this grand state park but you need 4 wheels turning or a lot of energy and a good face mask to see it. If we come this way again, we will be sure to stay at least one day in the pay area of the park to access the trails from the park. And we will never come over a holiday again, the park is too close to San Diego and LA and over run causing a choking dust everywhere.