Anza Borrego and Borrego Springs, California.

Anza Borrego and Borrego Springs, California.

The next morning we headed farther west and into California as we usually do after our time in Arizona.

Anza Borrego is slightly south of Palm Springs. Its right near a place called Sultan City, which is located on the Sultan Sea. As we drove into the area we could see the Sultan Sea on our right side and it was a lot bigger than I had assumed.

Along the road and at our turn off to go westbound was an Arco gas station. We just happened to notice they had a RV Dump. No this isn’t a place where old RV’s go to retire!

It is a place that we needed, as our tanks were getting full. So we filled up with fresh water and dumped our black and grey tanks. The best part about this and I don’t think I have ever seen it before, was that it was free, courtesy of the gas station! They had several islands of them too. As I was there doing my thing I realized it must get pretty busy here with RVs?

Once done we continued west towards the town of Borrego Springs. Using the GPS (I can’t imagine doing half of what we have done with out our GPS!) we located a small road that led us into the desert at the base of some very scenic mountains. This was another location recommended to Barb in her research. Once again this was government land becoming home for three great nights of free camping.

Borrego Springs is a neat little area. As noted it is tucked into the desert mountains (not as big as the Rocky Mountains bet very scenic). We had lots of space to ourselves although there was the odd RV camped out in the distance as well. Some of them had their Jeeps, VW Baja Bugs and ATV’s which is cool to watch. They didn’t bother us and I liked to see them when they did go by.

It was a great spot just one problem, when the wind decides to blow, boy does it ever blow! It happened a couple of times and you learn quickly that unless you want your home to be full of sand you must batten down the hatches and wait it out.

 

Metal art Sculptures in the desert of Borego Springs.

If you don't like Desert Reptiles you are safe here
This one wasn't real, but it was cool!

A favorite pass-time in the desert!
Replicated and made by an Artist

There's a little bit of everything out here!

Some days I wonder if I should trade the CRV for a Jeep for the desert?
Today we pretended to be a Jeep and go onto some desert trails. 

We spent the next couple of days touring around the area. Borrego Springs is a neat little town and there isn’t a lot there. I sort of like it that way. They had a couple of nice privately owned RV Campgrounds and one of them had a section (much like one in the southern AZ town of Bisbee) where you could rent a restored antique trailer. I love those old trailers especially if they have polished stainless steel on the outside walls and/or wings extending out back like a bird.  This place had both. Definitely a trip down memory lane.

Restored retro trailers!
I love them!

You can rent one just like a Motel Room but more fun!

You can't beat a travel trailer with wings!

If you happen to be in town on a Friday, Barb suggests you check out the Farmer’s Market. I went too. It’s located in the middle of the traffic circle in town. A nice little park with green grass. After doing so much out in the desert we really enjoyed being with some green grass and tall trees. The market wasn’t that bad for a small one either!

The Borrego Springs Farmer's Market

We went for a healthy bike ride around town too. Checking out another luxury campground and golf subdivision and other nooks and crannies about the town. We found it was a little hot for an uphill climb at the end though, we must be getting old?

Another place we were told to check out was a small town in the mountains called Julian. It was about a 45-minute drive from Borrego Springs. If you go make sure you take your camera! One of the stops we heard about was to take in the Julian Pie Shop. 

Scenes from our BLM Camp spot in the desert.

A shot from one of the mountain roads looking down.

Desert and Mountains, It doesn't get much better!

I love pie so that was a major priority of our trip. We had some awesome pie and ice cream and then walked it off with a stroll around town. If you ride a Harley Davidson you will fit right in here as many motorcycles use this as a day stop for a nice ride up into the hills.

The Julian Pie shop is to be checked out... Mmmm!

Some old T-Birds visiting Julian.