Borrego Springs, California: It cooled down in the 60s overnight, so we had a restful sleep and didn't wake until 7:30a, and the campground was quite still - just the dog-walkers were out and about. But with no where to go and nothing to do, we lingered over coffee and then DT went on an epic bike ride to scout-out the changes in town and surround. Later, we hopped in the car and he drove me on his bicycle route and stopped to show me acres of desert in yellow and purple bloom.
Then we headed up the hill to Julian, 30 miles away and cooler (though still warm). Always a beautiful drive, but with the wildflowers blooming and several ocotillos flashing red flowers, today was especially nice. There was water flowing in the little creeks, something we don't often see. Our ears popped.
Our plan was to have lunch at Romano's, a Sicilian restaurant we first visited over 20 years ago. It is still good and a fun place. I ordered two appetizers: Caprese Salad, and their famed Spiedini (thinly sliced beef rolled around vegetables, skewered, and grilled) appetizer. My Driver had spaghetti with a short rib marinara.
Sadly, we could not even begin to finish our meals. So. Much. Food. Again. I mean, that Caprese would have fed 2-3 people (served on a dinner plate) and there was definitely an over abundance of basil (they grow their own). Everything was so good and I recalled the Spiedini from our last visit all those years ago. Our mood went from joyous to awful when two elderly (older than us) women began talking to each other in very loud voices, so everyone in the place could hear every word. They discussed the wine. Which item shall they order, as they only get here once a year. Then the conversation turned to the stoopid people who get vaccinated, and comments about a woman who seemed so lovely until they learned she wasn't MAGA. And they went on and on, until I thought this must be a hidden-camera thing. No one (not even super-opinionated me) would ever talk like this in a public place. Seeing no cameras, nor film crew, we skedadded.
This is America. Freedom of Speech. Just use your Inside Voices.
MEDICAL NOTE: At my annual physical last week, instead of sending me off to the orthopedist, my GP hit me up with a steroid injection in my knee. It's been over two years since my torn meniscus has received this miracle cure. So happy. I should be 90% in a few weeks. (She also hit me up with the latest COVID vaccine.)
After our lunch, we walked up and down the streets of Julian. Many shops have been upgraded. Some fancy stuff, but most of the shops are still filled with apple jams and jellies, candies, and tees. At the end of Main Street you will find the Julian Pie Company. The bakery is undergoing a remodel of the store, and they have added another building adjacent that only vend whole pies, with a courtyard between the two buildings. This courtyard has tables where customers can enjoy a slice of Pie Heaven. We bought a slice to take back to our RV.
Julian still looks like so many old California towns - especially the Gold Rush towns on the east side of Sacramento and Yosemite. When we took Leo and Lucy here a while ago, they laughed and laughed about the Julian Bakery, the Julian Town Hall, the Julian Hotel, the Julian Inn, the Julian Bookstore, the Julian Grocery... on and on... so, we bought a Julian postcard and sent it to them to remind them of our fun day in pretty Julian.
Returning to Borrego, DT wanted to go to the mall. Going to the mall in Borrego is not exactly like going to the mall in any suburban American town. The mall in Borrego Springs has several fun shops and a few restaurants. One story. No food court. No mall cop. We especially like Borrego Outfitters, as they sell hiking and biking equipment and also have a fantastic selection of travel clothing and accessories, fun wines, cheeses and appetizers. Tons of natural lotions, creams, soaps and also useful kitchen gadgets. Something for everyone. Not to mention a good array of outdoor footwear.
While in town, we noticed a few changes. The Wells Fargo Bank (and sadly, their ATM) is gone. Replaced by a local radio station THE RAM 90.5 FM. The grocery store that never happened is now another restaurant. I can't keep track of it all.
We had a quiet evening under the stars in Borrego Springs. The Farmers Market is tomorrow morning and we will golf in the afternoon heat.
Until my next update, I remain, your pie-eating correspondent.
Campground Information: The Springs at Borrego RV Resort - We have a paved, full-service, pull-through site. There is a table, but oddly no chairs. Paying $90-something a night. This resort has everything (except chairs). Pool, hot tubs, fitness center, library, lots of activities, and a regulation (very decent) nine-hole golf course.