Anza Borrego II

Day 5: After luxuriating in the Borrego Valley Inn (complete with breakfast in bed...which we ate out of bed) we decided to explore the farmer's market, where we bought dates and honey, and visited the Borrego Art Institute. They directed us to the mosaic mural in town, which was worth a quick visit.

From there we drove out to hikeThe Slot of Slot Canyon, thanks to a suggestion from Rick. Anna had said the road was too sandy, but it was fine. The hike was loads of fun, and we continued on the Triangle Tour through the Narrows geology walk. When we came to the four mile sandy road to Mine Wash and the Village, we chickened out and went up into the mountains to Julian instead, where we bought food for dinner. We arrived at Agua Caliente County Park Campground and set up in our campsite near the swimming pools. Quite a different experience from the usual camping in the desert

Day 6 Again thanks to Rick Hulls, we set off to hike the Bow Willow Palm Groves--two separate trails that are linked by a trail we were advised was difficult (Rick) and impossible to follow (Anna).

Anna even suggested the hike into the Southern Grove might be too much for us. Geeze. None of these trails were difficult, and of course we found the seldomly-used connector and took it to hike all of the groves at one go. A lovely way to spend a few hours in the desert. There was standing water in one of the groves, and enough other desert scenery to keep us well entertained along the way. And wouldn't you know it, the only people we saw during the whole time we were on this hike was a group of oldsters just like ourselves--all over 70. Some of the signage could use an update, though!

The road in was passable, with a bit of sand near the end, but we left the van at the highway. That added a mile total to our hike just to be safe. We were back in camp in time for lunch. After a soothing soak in the warm swimming pool and a nap, we drove a few miles to see the old Vallecitos adobe stage post, and discovered a cell phone hot spot. Nice! Dinner was backpacking food in the campground.

Day 7. Early start--with blueberry granola for breakfast--surprisingly good with warm water added. We were on the road by 7:45 for a LONG drive on the LA freeways through the smoke of the massive fires and then fog. We finally stopped for lunch at the rest stop near Tejon Pass, feeling as if we had survived the traffic. From there is was an easy drive on to Coalinga, where we explored for fossils (found a couple) and had great food at Tres Agaves restaurant. I grew up in Coalinga but hadn't really been back since.

Day 8.  After cruising Coalinga for a few minutes visiting childhood locations, we hit the road and were home in time for lunch.

The photos from the whole trip (including a couple of recordings of coyotes calling to each other, are here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/MJP6cXZd9gMXVSYg8