Borrego Springs, California: Overnight, the rain pounded the roof of our bus for 14 solid hours. The park ranger said it rained 1.57 inches last night!
Incredible!
This morning we woke to low temperatures and snow on the mountain tops!
After a healthy breakfast, we were anxious to walk up a bit of the trail leading to the palm oasis in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park where we hiked Wednesday with Kathy & Woody. On Wednesday, we hiked over one mile up the stream before we found any water in the creek. Dave and I were very curious as to what the creek looked like now - because this morning we could hear the creek from the campground!
Wow - what a difference 1.57 inches of rain makes in the desert. This part of the stream is just a few feet from the trailhead parking area. We have never seen water in the creek here.
Water was simply flooding out of the canyon!
Wednesday, we just walked across this part of the stream bed. It was completely dry!
Here is a view down to Borrego Springs from about 200 feet up the trail. It was a beautiful day - though chilly - but we did not want to hike all the way to the palm tree oasis at the end of the canyon today. The ranger said the creek was three feet deep at the top of the canyon and there was NO WAY I was going to attempt fording that creek.I am barely five feet tall.
DT was able to point-out the Prairie Falcon nest in the cliff and finally I could see the huge bird sitting on her nest!
Plus... speaking of birds... we had to get back to the motorhome to watch the Ducks beat the Beavers in basketball. My Driver is very happy after that 19-point whooping! Our afternoon continued with non-stop hoop action - George Washington beat LaSalle! Woo Hoo! It was quiet enjoyable to hunker-down in our cozy RV watching college basketball. It has been far too long since we have just kicked-back for an entire afternoon. Staying in this afternoon was a good idea anyway - the rains returned around 4 o'clock and are predicted to continue throughout the night.
We headed into town between cloud bursts for dinner at Carmelita's Mexican Restaurant. Our dinner tab was only $23 for delicious grilled chicken tacos and beers!
Until my next update, I remain, your "it's pouring rain again" correspondent.
RV PARK: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. 30-amp power, water and electric paved pull-through sites. Bathhouse. Picnic tables & fire pits. Close to town, restaurants and Visitor Center. Many hiking trails. Good cell service. Dump station. Group camps. We paid $37 per night with tax and also $8 extra-vehicle fee for our tow car.