Borrego Badness, Big Snakes, And Snow!!
As we enter our third week of Borrego boondocking, I reflect back on the many things I’ve seen and done here. Now admittedly I’ve spent most of my time vegging out, and with the kind of spot I’ve got you can’t exactly blame me. Plus I’ve been many times to Borrego before so I don’t feel the same need to speed out and see stuff. But I’ve not been idle, far from it. Our socializing bonanza has continued, as well as a few select hikes & outings in the “badder” side of the park. In addition we’ve wrangled enormous snakes and been through a rare arctic blast, which I blame on our Canadian buddies, that brought several days of below-freezing temps and even a rather dramatic layer of snow. Hopefully this’ll bring ya up to date:
Social Bonanza
I guess it must be our animal (blog?) magnetism, but we’ve just been going social crazy these past few weeks. Following the big get-together in my last post we invited the “neighborhood” to a casual gathering at our spot which brought many of the “usual suspects” from our last meet as well as a few new entries including Deb&Jeff and none other than the famous (infamous?) Bayfield Bunch. Now, if you’re coming to the SW and have never read Bayfield Bunch, you’re missing out. Al & Kelly’s blog is my “go to” for ideas especially around Borrego Springs, Quartzsite, KOFA, and Yuma areas, amongst others. I’m waiting for their travel guide book to come out (hint, hint), but in the meantime I just search their blog for goodies and inspiration whenever I need it.
New Year’s Eve we continued the fun with a small nomadic get-together with our buddies Technomadia and @asolojourner who’d rolled into town the night before. Fajitas, margaritas, sazeracs, a little head-banging and a game of headbands got us into the New Year with a good buzz and a fair few laughs.
Mere days later the “Airstream gang” started to assemble due north of us with lots of notable Instagram & Blogger types including @MaliMish_airstream, @rosiestreams, @shopthelivingroom, @kmpuccio, @journeywithhappiness, @toddmb, Aluminarium, VanTramp and more (who did I miss??). We went from being some of the youngest cats in our crowd to being some of the oldest and arguably not nearly as cool, but we managed to sneak in and crash a few happy hours nonetheless. We’re versatile types, after all.
The Biggest Snake In The Desert
It’s a well-known fact that most desert snakes hibernate in winter, so when there’s a big live one out there word travels fast via the boondocker grapevine. This particular snake has been around Borrego for years and most of the locals will understand what you mean if you say you’re “off to feed the snake”. In fact seeing this slithering gargantuan is a bit of a passage of rites here in Borrego if you will. If you make it up there and the snake allows you to live you get to stay. Fair and easy enough, right?
Last week, after our Christmas food excesses I enticed Chris & Cherie to make the pilgrimage and put themselves to the test. Together with doggie we trekked across the desert plains, up the rocky ridge and over the hill. Al (Bayfield Bunch) caught us half-way and tried to avert the madness, but didn’t quite manage to stop us. In the end he sacrificed his morning cereal to scramble up with Pheebs and help us wrangle the 30-foot long monster on the hill. We made it to the clearing, tested ourselves against the jaws of the savage and survived. I guess we get to stay after all 🙂
P.S. For those wishing to test their own wits against the monster approx. coordinates are 33.300654, -116.293109. Go at your own peril.
Borrego Badness
Some things are so bad, they’re just too good to miss and the Borrego Badlands are one of those things. Badlands, from the French term les mauvaises terres are basically dry areas where softer sedimentary rocks and clay-rich soils have been extensively eroded by wind and water. The results are a deeply intricate series of ancient folds and curves that create a stunning visual palette unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Many of these exist in the western deserts, but the one at Font’s Point is particularly well-known for it’s spectacular sunsets.
It takes 4 miles of rather sandy driving to get there, so we usually don’t go unless we can hitch a ride with a 4WD. Last year, Ivan took us out and this year another kind year blog reader, Russell offered to take us along in his super-duper souped up go-everywhere rig. We got there right when the sun was turning the hills golden and captured the very last of its rays illuminating the 4 million year old hills. Pretty darn cool!
The Arctic Blast
Our Canadian friends to the north are generally a very likable and relaxed lot, but every now and then they do like to sneak up and kick us in the butt, and it’s a chilly experience when they do. Over New Year’s Eve they decided to make their presence known by sending an arctic blast down from the coldest nether-regions to the south. We went from pleasant, sunny 70-degree days to cloudy skies, below freezing temps and snow-levels that dropped to 1500 feet.
And it was quite the Oscar-worthy show too.
Dust and clouds rolled in during the afternoon sending plays and rays of light and fire dancing across the desert floor. Once the sun set, temps started to plummet and the rain engaged, first as soft drops followed by pelting sleet. The desert floor, normally a rock-solid ground transformed itself alarmingly fast, turning into flowing rivers of sticky, thick, impenetrable mud (good thing we parked on a ridge, I tell you). The tempest continued through the night on and off, edging off in the early hours to a deafening silence.
What an aftermath!
The morning dawned bitingly sharp and speckled with sun, illuminating the surrounding mountains in pure, glistening white. We were surrounded by a winter wonderland and despite the numbing cold I couldn’t help but go out to click away and soak it all in. The blast lingered but a few days and then ebbed away, but it was beautiful while it lasted. I guess I can’t be too upset with our northern friends 🙂
That finally brings you up to date, my friends. Paul is home (yeah!), we’re nearing the end of our tanks and thus also approaching the end of our time here. Given the social madness of the last few weeks we’re looking for some solitude and may well go and hide out in the remote desert for a while until we can recharge. No idea where we’ll end up, but I’ll let you know when we do….
A wonderful way to bring in the new year! That looked like a blast in more ways than one!
It was a good time…plus we stayed warm too!
Nina
33.300654, -116.293109 Great coordinates. Just drop them into Google map and it is in the belly of the snake.
Yup, exactly right. It’s an easy hike from Peg Leg or Rockhouse Road.
Nina
Well where does Canada get it’s cold weather from ??? Think about it ! Alaska, and last I heard that was part of the USA. Blame Canada if you must, we are kind people that can take it, but the real source of most of those cold Winter Blasts comes from the good old USA.
Then there’s the Arctic too which has a bunch of countries claiming it. Of course my “blame” here is very tongue in cheek, as those who know me well would know. We love our Canadian buddies & I do like to write my posts with a bit of humor in them.
Nina
P.S. The big stone snake won’t really kill you either 🙂
That reminds me — there’s a wonderful song called “Blame Canada! Blame Canada!” (from South Park, the movie, so beware) It will really shake your maple leaves!
Uh oh….we’re in real trouble now 🙂
Nina
The cold was bitter but the scene being surrounded by mountains of white was divine.
It was a fine theatre both that night and the next day. Always super cool to see snow in the desert mountains.
Nina
oops, sorry ’bout that, Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!
Ming from Canada
It was actually a beautiful show and not nearly as cold as what you guys got up there. One day I’ll drive the other direction so I can take advantage of your beautiful summers.
Nina
Hi Nina, we’d like to see some new spots this yr in Anza Borrego; how to get to ‘the big snake’ (what is it near)? Other points of interest that you recommend? Font’s Point is a must; Pumpkin Patch? etc. Good hikes?
Thanks
Pam
Coordinates are up in the blog post (see in italics). You can hike right from Clark Dry Lake bed if you decide to boondock here. Fonts Point is a must at sunset. Highly recommend Pumpkin Patch. Also really recommend Ghost Mountain (I’ve written about it on my blog, plus Bayfield Bunch has a bunch of info on it too). A few slot canyons too, plus Hellhole Canyon.
Ghost Mountain:
https://www.wheelingit.us/2012/02/15/a-dream-a-mountain-a-desert-prophet-the-story-of-marshall-south/
Slot Canyons:
https://www.wheelingit.us/2012/12/12/curves-swerves-slot-canyons-washes/
https://www.wheelingit.us/2012/02/11/the-amazing-hidden-slot-canyons-anza-borrego-state-park-ca/
More hikes here:
http://www.hikespeak.com/ca-desert/anza-borrego-desert-state-park/
Nina
What a fabulous place, Those drinks look dangerous, your photos are beautiful as always and I especially love the dust storm, moody sunset and Font’s point sunset! Can’t believe I missed a game of head bands – that is such silly fun. See you soon.
It was actually our first time playing headbands. Chris and Cherie introduced us. Loads of fun! And yes, those drinks were dangerously good.
Nina
Your storm photos are amazing! We are getting that weather in Michigan right now, but that is normal for this time of year. Cheers!
Yeah I heard the blast made its way to the Midwest…and you guys are serious about your snowstorms out there! Hope it isn’t too crazy and that you manage to stay warm!
Nina
We don’t any boondocking, yet. I was just wondering, when you stay for more than a week, where do you dump your tanks? We can only go for about a week or week and a half before the gray tank is full and black tank is getting there.
The State Park here allows you to dump tanks and fill water at their campground for a fee (I believe $8).
Nina
Glad we decided take @aluminarium’s suggestion and head over to Anza-Borrego for a bit! Thanks to your excellent suggestion we have a sweet little spot that works great for our Wanderlodge. We are working on blogging more but I post religiously on Instagram under @toddmb. Looking forward to a happy hour or two before you move on.
So glad you both decided to come on over too! Cheers for the Instagram handle. Added to our list!
Nina
That last photo is fantastic! I don’t usually like the sun’s rays in my photos, but in this one, the rays are perfect and really add to the whole scene. Wow!
Thanks Barbara! I’m pretty happy with the shot. I had to work on a bunch of different manual settings, plus I combined 2 exposures, but I think I got a nice mix in the end.
Nina
Wonderful photos! Glad there is no snow on the ground like here in Kansas City.
Indeed, I’m happy there’s no snow on the ground. Definitely a bonus. Even if you get it out here it usually only lasts a few days. The solid white stuff scares me…
Nina
Ditto Barbara, the last photo is dynamic!
I’m just now planning a trip south, using your blog as a guide. I am afraid I may freeze my pipes off in my Casita if this weird cold continues. I really thought Borrego would be warmer – HA! Once again I am in awe of the wealth of the info on your blog. THANKS
Thanks! The forecast is looking warmer so I’m hoping this crazy arctic blast is over. Should be nice 70-degree days from here on out. Fingers crossed.
Nina
I’m itching to get on the road again, and your Borrego location seems like a great spot. I’ve been making mods to the Class C to support boondocking: another battery, replaced lights with LEDs, and a dip of the toe in the solar pond.
Am I just being obtuse, or are you not giving the location of where you (and the current crowd!) are parked? I looked at where the snake is and can make some good guesses, but … it looks like you’re either on the Rockhouse Trail somewhere, or on S22 (the Borrego Salton Seaway??!!)
I read every new blog post, and many of your stops are on my growing list. Borrega is 5 hours+ from home in Tucson, which is more than I’d like to travel in a day, but it’s a great easy 2-day “hike.” Especially on $1.95 gas!
Thanks for the guidance!
We’re camped around Rockhouse Road, but I never like to give our exact location when we boondock. We just prefer some solitude out here (although we have been particularly social these past few weeks). It’s a sweet spot and I do have general directions on the blog -> just do a search on Rockhouse Road.
Nina
Love your photos .. the last one looks almost like it’s underwater!!
We’ve been following you for a couple of years and just started our own full timer journey on Dec. 16th!!
Well congrats on starting the lifestyle! Hope it turns out to be everything you wished. Good travels to you!
Nina
Looks like you are having a wonderful time, wish I was there. Damn it is cold up here in South Dakota!
Brrrrrr! I can only imagine. I’d try to send you some warmth, but I think it’s all coming the other way at the moment. Hope you’re managing to keep cozy.
Nina
Sorry you won’t still be around when we finally arrive but, hopefully, we’ll catch up to you somewhere this winter:)
Your post and fabulous photos have me all excited to come back to Anza Borrego again. We arrive the 15th. We haven’t made the journey to the snake so that will have to be our first mission. Can’t wait to do a sunset at Font’s Point:) That last sunset photo at Font’s Point is gorgeous!
Glad Paul arrived back safely:)
Hope to see you this winter:)
This was a fun post. I like all of your photos, but I really admire the stormy photos, especially the snow covered mountains in the background, and the desert in the foreground. Heavenly!
Inspiring pictures, makes me want to see it. Maybe next month. Does it take long to drive the for miles? Is the road decent enough four a Ram 2500 4×4?
It doesn’t take long to drive and if your truck has 4WD and decent clearance you’ll be absolutely fine. Smaller cars sometimes get out there too by “gunning” it across the sand, but I’m way too chicken to take our CRV out there.
Nina
We sure enjoyed our brief stay. I’m going to give Instagram a try.
Paul’s been running an Instagram account for about a year and I have admit we’ve met a ton of new people that way, especially the younger RV crowd. I’m about to start up an account too. It’s a fun outlet for us picture snappers.
Nina
Thanks for you blog. I’ve had a great time reading about you and Technomadia and friends spending your holidays in Borrego. Sounds like a great time. All the photos are beautiful. Happy trails and safe traveling!
Roger and Kelley Gingles
Thanks. We’ve had a great time here, albeit VERY social. Many good photo ops too.
Nina
I’m glad that you did some veg-ing surrounded by all that beauty – it’s certainly on our list of things to do 🙂 That is such a great pic of Chris and Cherie, I love the color. But the one of Cherie is too good, makes me want to grab her and pull her back from the edge!! Safe travels to wherever the call of solitude finds you.
It does look dangerous doesn’t it? She wasn’t actually as close to the edge as it seems in the pic (perspectives are strange at the point), but it sure does look dramatic in the photo.
Nina
Ah, Sazeracs. We have fond memories of drinking them in New Orleans, but if you have too many it’s hard to remember anything!
Love that last photo.
Indeed. Our very first Sazerac was in New Orleans in 2011. Had never tasted one before, but heard it was the drink to drink in that town. You do have to be careful how many you imbibe.
Nina
Oh SIGH………that closing picture is just well….super de dooper. It’s fantastic. I want to be where you are to veg out in the glorious photographs you’ve posted and take on the snake. I’ll even hang out in a few days of winter. It would actually be nice to see some snow. Just a little on the ground around me but as much as they like on the mountains above. Terrific post!
All your photos are beautiful, but that last one…can we say contest winner?! Too bad you can’t have a gallery of framed prints in your abode — that one would certainly deserve a spot of honor. Happy New Year!
Especially love that last Font’s Point photo. Good stuff. Sorry we didn’t get around to saying good-bye to everyone when we left but I’ve never been much good at good-bye’s anyway. It was nice to see you at Borrego & also meet a few new groovy folks. Thanks for your shout-out & kind words. I think I might have blushed a wee bit. I do blush easy. Know that you guys are always welcome here in Congress. All the best:))
Part of my goal was to make you blush Al, so I’m glad I succeeded 🙂 It was great to see you, and thanks for saving us from the snake.
Nina
We were there this past week; cold was manageable but there were a lot more people so, no solitude.
We too are off for more quiet environs.
It’s been a particularly busy Christmas/New Year around here. Things starting to thin out a bit now, but it’s sure been crowded.
Nina
Hihi, we like to see what you are made of every once in a while 😉 =D
Not that I can take “credit” for the cold snap, I have spent the last few weeks basking in the Florida sun 🙂 🙂
Happy New Year and may you and Paul and the fur kids have another awesome year on the road!
And the truth is we’re all wimps…at least I know I am LOL!
Nina
When I tell people about full time RVing most think of crowded parks with barking dogs and loud generators and all the other inconveniences. The way all of you do it is light, friendly and spacious. What was it Hemingway said about Paris in his time? “A moveable feast.”
Love the quote! That Hemmingway had some good ones 🙂
Nina
We surely are surrounded by a wealth of beauty and good friends. And now that the snow has melted and the temps back in the mid 70s, we just couldn’t ask for a better place to hang out for who knows how long!
Yeah, this is a sweet spot. Also it’s thinned out a bit since New Year’s Eve which is nice.
Nina
great post…great photos…we loved Fonts point although I stayed clear of the edges…been cold here…starting to warm up…..
Ron and I drove back to Sacramento from Oklahoma City and we happened to be in Needles, CA the night of the 30th. Although we got an early start the next morning, we did run into some falling snow on our drive out of town on northbound 40. I kept seeing RV’s going in the opposite direction and was hoping they made it safely to their destinations.
I like your view of the snow covered mountains much better than our view that morning.
Nina, as always your photography is stunning! I understand your feelings about the desert as we are enjoying our little desert habitat as well. We are looking forward to spending some time at Borrego in March.
Great info… Can’t wait to experience this. Will you guys be at the Phoenix Rally Goodyear Raceway) in Late February?
No, we don’t usually go to rallies of that sort. Sounds like fun though.
Nina
OK. Hope to meet you both in person someday 🙂
Hi Nina, your posts and photography are excellent. Now camped off Rock House trail for a week after a couple of weeks at Senators Wash near the Colorado River. Still trying to sort out my handheld GPS to find the snake today. Clear, calm and in the eighty’s now.
Let us know when you and Paul plan your San Diego leg and maybe we can meet and greet. I’m with the sailing club out of Harbor Island Marina West and we could possibly do an easy day sail. Regards, Tom & Gina