Saturday the 27th
The weather was looking pretty iffy this morning with rain showers predicted along with high winds, but the sun was out so I decided to participate in a planned ride supporting the local Special Olympics organization.
Called the "Le Tour de Manure", the ride covers a large section of the southern Imperial Valley commemorating the annual fertilization of the fields. Anyone who has ever spent time in the Kent Valley when it was still mostly crop fields will remember the smell. Called "Liquid Gold", manure from all the dairy and cattle herds is collected, mixed with hay and fermented for a year. Water is added and the resulting mess is then strained and spread with mobile spray rig.
I was at the start point around 8:00 AM, registered and spent time talking with other participants. I finally hooked up with a very nice young man of 45 who was celebrating his birthday. Eventually the ride organizers had everyone line up in the street for a mass start led out by a patrol car. Art and I were across the line and onto the route hoping to complete the event before the rain hit.
The roads were fairly good and the organization really good with police at major intersections controlling traffic and keeping the riders moving. The first ten miles were into a stiff wind and we were pushing pretty hard, probably running about fifteen mph. Eventually we mad the first major change in direction and had the wind coming from behind us. We upped the pace to about twenty and traded off pulls. This is like a two person pace line, trading the lead every quarter mile to provide a draft for the second person. It allows the riders to maintain a faster pace for longer periods.
Eventually we hit a five mile stretch of absolutely horrible road. We ended up slowing to about 12 mph because it was too difficult to maintain safe control at faster speeds. The last ten miles we were on the return leg back to town and were running against the wind again so we basically gave up trying to maintain a good pace and spent our time riding side by side and talking.
When we got back to the start line, there was pasta, salads, refreshments, fruit and music. Art and I grabbed a bite to eat and visited some more before we called it a day and after thanking each other and the organizers for a good ride we went our separate ways.
Returning home I put everything in the wash and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing with Tina as we watched more of the Olympics. Every now and then we were serenaded by the "Blue Angels" doing training runs. Their base is about three miles away.
Not too much else to report. It never did rain but the winds came up and rocked the coach every now and then. We took the kids for several walks. Other than the wind it as quite nice out. Tomorrow its supposed to be back in the 70's.
No photos today.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Bike Ride and Swim
Friday the 26th
The weather is still holding up nicely. It's cool enough in the morning for the heat to come on for about an hour then the sun takes over and around noon we switch to A/C. I think we have a permanent feature programmed into our morning alarm clock. Seems that 6:00 AM when the sun comes up is the new get up time. Oh well, just gives us more day to enjoy, heh, heh.
We went out after lunch for a ten mile bike ride through the agricultural fields. Some of the roads are in really bad shape due to all the heavy trucks running on them and also affected by the rain, which though not necessarily all that heavy, doesn't soak in. There is a lot of clay in the soil and when it does rain the trucks continue to pound the roads damaging the underlayment and breaking up the asphalt. For cars and trucks it's not too bad but for skinny tire bikes it's murder.
After e returned from our ride we changed into our swim suits, grabbed our towels, books and a pop and headed for the pool. The pool was divided in two with a volleyball net on one side. There must have been twenty people playing volleyball and having a really great time. We went in for a dip in the other half but only stayed in for about fifteen minutes. The temperature must have been almost 90 degrees! Getting out we spent another fifteen minutes in the hot tub before retiring to our table and chairs where we sat reading and watching the volleyball game.
Riding back to the coach we changed clothes and drove to the Imperial Mall to see Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief. It was pretty good flick. I have read the first four books in the series and they did a good job converting the first book into a screenplay. After the movie we went to an Italian restaurant for dinner - it was good but nothing to write home about.
By the time we got home it was 7:30 PM and the kids were really hungry!! So we ed them dinner, took them out for a walk and settled in for the evening, watching the Olympics.
No photos today.
The weather is still holding up nicely. It's cool enough in the morning for the heat to come on for about an hour then the sun takes over and around noon we switch to A/C. I think we have a permanent feature programmed into our morning alarm clock. Seems that 6:00 AM when the sun comes up is the new get up time. Oh well, just gives us more day to enjoy, heh, heh.
We went out after lunch for a ten mile bike ride through the agricultural fields. Some of the roads are in really bad shape due to all the heavy trucks running on them and also affected by the rain, which though not necessarily all that heavy, doesn't soak in. There is a lot of clay in the soil and when it does rain the trucks continue to pound the roads damaging the underlayment and breaking up the asphalt. For cars and trucks it's not too bad but for skinny tire bikes it's murder.
After e returned from our ride we changed into our swim suits, grabbed our towels, books and a pop and headed for the pool. The pool was divided in two with a volleyball net on one side. There must have been twenty people playing volleyball and having a really great time. We went in for a dip in the other half but only stayed in for about fifteen minutes. The temperature must have been almost 90 degrees! Getting out we spent another fifteen minutes in the hot tub before retiring to our table and chairs where we sat reading and watching the volleyball game.
Riding back to the coach we changed clothes and drove to the Imperial Mall to see Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief. It was pretty good flick. I have read the first four books in the series and they did a good job converting the first book into a screenplay. After the movie we went to an Italian restaurant for dinner - it was good but nothing to write home about.
By the time we got home it was 7:30 PM and the kids were really hungry!! So we ed them dinner, took them out for a walk and settled in for the evening, watching the Olympics.
No photos today.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wister Mud Volcanos
Thursday the 25th
After lunch we drove to El Centro, fueled up and got the car washed, then turned north towards the Salton Sea. We were headed for the Wister Mud Pots located nine miles north of the small town of Niland.
We pulled into the ranger stop and registered our intent to do some bird watching. Leaving the parking area we drove onto the unpaved road (in our newly washed car) and turned on one of the levee roads to try and get to the shore of the Salton Sea. We saw lots of birds but unlike in Florida, most of them are very skittish and fly off as soon as we get close.
Eventually we had to turn around and head back for Davis Road which runs parallel to the Salton Sea.
There were probably 25 large mud volcanoes covering an area 300 feet on a side. Many were actually small depressions filled with water, with gas bubbling up from underground.
Returning to the car we headed south again until we reached the access road to the Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR where we stopped and walked up to the top of the viewing stand.
It's interesting, this whole area is part of the Pacific Flyway, a major North-South route for migratory birds, at the same time it is a major geothermal energy source. We passed at least nine very large geothermal energy plants owned by SoCal Edison, an example of nature and technology existing side by side.
Another early morning with the "Punky" alarm going off at 6:15 AM. With the sun shining through the windows it promises to be another great day, so we got up, took the kids out for their walk, gave them breakfast and then took care of our own morning routines. After breakfast I went over and shot pool while Tina did a few chores and read.
After lunch we drove to El Centro, fueled up and got the car washed, then turned north towards the Salton Sea. We were headed for the Wister Mud Pots located nine miles north of the small town of Niland. After we passed through the immigration check point we turned east toward the Coachilla Mountain foothills on Hot Mineral Springs Road. We passed several big RV Resorts and ended up at a new KOA at the end of the road.
We hadn't seen any signs or evidence of mud pots so we stopped to ask directions. When I talked to the manager, he said the only active site he was aware of was back at the south end of the Wister Wildlife Refuge. So we headed back the way we'd come making a stop at the Wister NWR first.
We pulled into the ranger stop and registered our intent to do some bird watching. Leaving the parking area we drove onto the unpaved road (in our newly washed car) and turned on one of the levee roads to try and get to the shore of the Salton Sea. We saw lots of birds but unlike in Florida, most of them are very skittish and fly off as soon as we get close. 
Eventually we had to turn around and head back for Davis Road which runs parallel to the Salton Sea.Turning south again on Davis we continued along a very rough dirt road, passing many intersections finally arriving at our intersection with Schrimpf Rd where we parked and walked out onto a big mud flat covered with Mud Volcanoes, some of which were 8 or 9 feet high. The smell of steam and carbon dioxide gas flavored with sulfur was quite strong.
There were probably 25 large mud volcanoes covering an area 300 feet on a side. Many were actually small depressions filled with water, with gas bubbling up from underground. Some make rattling sounds like old steam radiators, others gurgle like someone trying to clear their throat. The temperature of gasses coming out of the vents seemed to be warm but not hot. The water was cold or ambient temperature. The mud percolating out of the towers was very fine and sticky likely a silty clay.
Returning to the car we headed south again until we reached the access road to the Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR where we stopped and walked up to the top of the viewing stand. It's interesting, this whole area is part of the Pacific Flyway, a major North-South route for migratory birds, at the same time it is a major geothermal energy source. We passed at least nine very large geothermal energy plants owned by SoCal Edison, an example of nature and technology existing side by side.
Leaving the Salton Sea we headed south on secondary roads passing huge agricultural fields where several vegetable crops are grown including broccoli, lettuce, carrots and surprisingly, hay and alfalfa used to feed huge dairy herds. Several fields were filled with equipment and workers harvesting what looked like onions.
We arrived home around 5:30 PM in time to get the kids out and fed, then Tina put the chicken on the barby for our dinner. Later we watched the Olympics and relaxed.
To see all our photos, click on:
CanAm Parade
Wednesday the 24th
Today is the start of a big celebration and competition here in Sunbeam Lake. There is a golf tournament, shuffleboard tournament, parade and dinner. We're not participating as most of the people are long time snowbirds and everybody knows everybody else.Another beautiful day, in the low 70's so we just had a relaxing day sitting around reading, playing pool and watching the parade.
Later Tina fixed a super salad and we caught some more Winter Olympics events.
To see all our photos click on:
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Fossil Canyon
Monday the 22nd
Following the Imperial Highway through town we turned off on Shell Canyon Road and drove into the southern part of Anza Borrego Desert. After three miles of paved road we hit the unpaved portion, fortunately not a off road dirt track, so we were able to drive pretty much all the way to the end of the road.
Eventually Tina said "Whoaa" and I pulled off to the side of the road just before a gully wash. Changing into our hiking shoes we slowly made our way along the remaining road to the head of the canyon passing through hills of mudstone that had been pretty much carved up by desert bikes and 4 wheelers - leaving quite beautiful designs in the dirt.
A mile from the car we reached the gate at the head of Fossil Canyon, which is restricted to foot traffic only. As we passed the hills of sandstone and aggregate of the ancient sea bed, we saw strata of embedded shells and fossilized coral. This area we were walking through is thought to be about 50 million years old.
We hiked about a mile into the canyon until the fossil strata went back underground then turned back for the car. Between the wind and rain, erosion in the canyon has left caves and holes all along the cliff sides making it a very interesting hike.
Not much going on today. We are spending our time relaxing and enjoying the warm weather. We are back in shorts and tank tops.
Shot a little pool in the morning, there were 12 guys playing "One and Fifteen Eight Ball", six - two man teams playing on three 9' Olhausen tables. Most are pretty good players but only one is shooting at my level and I'm still improving and having a good time at the table.
Lot's of Olympics - Curling, Skiing, Skating, I love it all!!
Tuesday the 23rd
Well, the kids are a little slow to adjust to time zone changes. When the "Punky" Alarm went off it was only 6:00 AM. The light was just coming in through the blinds. Oh well, I managed to get up and moving so they could go out for their walk. It's so nice to be able to go out with them and not have to be dressed for 40 degree weather.
After breakfast Tina let me go shoot pool with the guys for a couple of hours. When I got back we drove into El Centro for lunch at La Fonda Mexican Restaurant, not bad but needed more heat, then we drove west on I-8 to the small desert town of Ocatillo.
Following the Imperial Highway through town we turned off on Shell Canyon Road and drove into the southern part of Anza Borrego Desert. After three miles of paved road we hit the unpaved portion, fortunately not a off road dirt track, so we were able to drive pretty much all the way to the end of the road.Eventually Tina said "Whoaa" and I pulled off to the side of the road just before a gully wash. Changing into our hiking shoes we slowly made our way along the remaining road to the head of the canyon passing through hills of mudstone that had been pretty much carved up by desert bikes and 4 wheelers - leaving quite beautiful designs in the dirt.
A mile from the car we reached the gate at the head of Fossil Canyon, which is restricted to foot traffic only. As we passed the hills of sandstone and aggregate of the ancient sea bed, we saw strata of embedded shells and fossilized coral. This area we were walking through is thought to be about 50 million years old. A study done in 1916 by Dr Thomas Vaughn revealed that the Carrizo Creek reef-coral is actually related to the Atlantic rather than the Pacific. Apparently, at one time the Atlantic and Pacific were connected by a waterway in Central America. When the passage closed, the Atlantic Coral in the Pacific became extinct. The fossils found in this canyon are the only evidence that this coral once existed in the Pacific.
We hiked about a mile into the canyon until the fossil strata went back underground then turned back for the car. Between the wind and rain, erosion in the canyon has left caves and holes all along the cliff sides making it a very interesting hike. Everywhere you looked, large chunks of decomposed granite were lying about, large flakes of mica reflecting the sun. We picked up several pieces of rock that looked like they had veins of gold running through them.
We made it back to the car, changed shoes and drove back home. With books in hand, we took the dogs out to the patio where we sat and read for a while. When it was time for dinner, Tina handed me a couple of nice pork steaks to grill. Dinner was yummy!! After dinner we checked out the poker game over at the card room and decided to take a pass so we spent the evening watching the Olympics. A nice ending to a great day.
To see all our photos, click on:
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Day One in El Centro
Sunday the 21st
Now that we are finally done traveling for a while we could take time to do laundry, cleaning, various minor repairs and shopping.
With that done we went on a short bike ride around the lake in a pretty stiff breeze. The rest of the day we checked out the facilities, relaxed, watched the Olympics, walked the dogs, etc.
No photos today.
Now that we are finally done traveling for a while we could take time to do laundry, cleaning, various minor repairs and shopping.With that done we went on a short bike ride around the lake in a pretty stiff breeze. The rest of the day we checked out the facilities, relaxed, watched the Olympics, walked the dogs, etc.
No photos today.
Gila Bend to El Centro, CA
Saturday the 20th
Once on I-8 we cruised west through a steady rain for about fifteen miles before it cleared up. Crossing the border into California we drove through the Imperial Valley with cultivated fields and water canals on both sides of the freeway. Then we got a real shock as we drove into the Imperial Dunes Recreation Area.
We arrived at our new home and got set up for a two week stay. It was sunny and warm even though the wind was blowing. Unhooking the car, Tina drove it off the dolly then helped me take the dolly off the rig and park it on the pad. Once free of the car and tow dolly Tina helped me back into our site. Once in, down came the jacks and out came the slides... Ahhhhh we made it to California and it's warm.
Another day dawns as we continue our westward trek in search of warmer weather. It's cloudy and about 45 degrees out. After a slow morning we got under weigh about 9:30 AM pulling out of our campsite in a light rain. Just before we got on the freeway we made a stop to look at some Arizona Pottery but didn't find anything.
Once on I-8 we cruised west through a steady rain for about fifteen miles before it cleared up. Crossing the border into California we drove through the Imperial Valley with cultivated fields and water canals on both sides of the freeway. Then we got a real shock as we drove into the Imperial Dunes Recreation Area. This is a huge area of gigantic sand dunes formed by windblown sands of ancient Lake Cahuilla. The dune system extends for more than 40 miles in a band averaging 5 miles wide. Largely known as a favorite location for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, the dunes also offer fabulous scenery, opportunities for solitude, and a home to rare plants and animals. Stretching out on both sides of the freeway, there were big groups of RV's with jeeps and other types of off-road vehicles enjoying a day of fun in the sun.
We arrived at our new home and got set up for a two week stay. It was sunny and warm even though the wind was blowing. Unhooking the car, Tina drove it off the dolly then helped me take the dolly off the rig and park it on the pad. Once free of the car and tow dolly Tina helped me back into our site. Once in, down came the jacks and out came the slides... Ahhhhh we made it to California and it's warm.After changing into shorts and tank top we spent an hour checking out things to do in the area and keeping an eye on the TV for Olympics coverage. Dinner that evening was a gently grilled steak with sauteed asparagus followed by a small dish of chocolate ice cream for desert. After cleaning up we spent the rest of the evening watching the Olympics, glad to be done with traveling for a while.
Distance for today, 185 miles. Total for the trip so far, 6,276 miles.
To see all our photos, click on:
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