Indio, California: We finally checked-out of our Las Vegas hotel (more on this later) and hit the road back to Indio. We have made this trek countless times in our motorhome and/or car, yet had never traversed the desert through the Mojave National Preserve. Today was the day.
There is nothing but desert between Las Vegas and Palm Springs… except the largest Marine base in America – Twentynine Palms Air Ground Combat Center – covering nearly 1000 square miles.
This was our vista much of the afternoon. We were so disappointed there were few wildflowers with all the rain in SoCal this winter. The desert floor was very green and the yucca and Joshua Trees were looking very healthy. Elevations on the preserve road are nearly 5000 feet. As we neared the Coachella Valley (20 feet), we saw acres and acres of yellow and purple wildflowers.
Mojave National Preserve
Mojave National Preserve
Mojave National Preserve
Mojave National Preserve
Eroding Sandstone rocks Mojave National Preserve
Mojave National Preserve
The preserve is ripe with history – mining, ghost towns, and railroad lore. Much to explore in the middle of nowhere in the SoCal desert. We saw few fellow travelers today and no wildlife (except one bird nest on an electric pole). Only one Painted Lady butterfly died on our windscreen. The road (probably not usually in good repair) was seriously eroded due to recent winter wash-outs and were marked (randomly) with orange cones. Not to worry… with zero traffic, My Driver was mostly driving down the center of the road, avoiding the crumbling curbs.
Hours after leaving Las Vegas, we arrived to our dusty campsite in Indio at the Motorcoach Country Club. While we were away, Mother Nature returned from her winter holiday and finally remembered (oops, sorry folks!) to flip the SPRING IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY switch. No more rain. Only sunshine and warm days in our future! The worst winter in recent (and not so recent) history is gone.
That’s what I’m talkin’ about!
Until my next update, I remain, your “here for three days” correspondent.
RV PARK: The Motorcoach Country Club