Balboa Park

It's been a few weeks since my last update. As mentioned in my last post I picked up some severe congestion in Borrego Springs. Very aggressive, and passed it to Fran. For almost 2 weeks we traded it back and forth …

At least my testing showed it was not Covid!

So mid-Dranuary/January we ventured out. Our destination was some fresh air and a walk in Balboa Park.

It was a chance to saunter in the sunshine to the remodeled Botanical Garden. We parked near our 5^th Ave outside the park and meandered to the Laurel Street Bridge.

At this entrance is the Founder's Plaza. Last time I passed this way George Marston had construction tape wrapped around his neck. I have to admit that I consider him as 'Mr. San Diego' for the dedication, commitment and sacrifice he personally made for the city.

Nice to see the the construction tape has been removed from around his neck and his wishing pond restored.

Marston donated his property for the construction of the Laurel Street Bridge. Sauntering across the bridge I knew to look for the construction inscription.

top center of the arch 
19 0n the left 13 n the right

The Botanical Garden Exhibit was also built for the 1915 Panama Exhibition. A complete total renovation was completed last month.

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The building looks great, but is missing the mature botanical displays. I guess the new plants will continue to thrive and in future visits they will mature.

The flags are at half-staff in honor of President Jimmy Carter, who died the previous week. 

For our own tribute to our 39th president we walked to Jimmy Carter's Mexican Cafe.  Our first time here we walked over from the Marston House with Joe and Gay last January.

Certainly no relation to our 39th president, but it just seemed appropriate. Fran is sticking to her 'Dranuary' (Dry January) resolution and had a soda, but I had a Margarita with my tostada.

I do audio books, a lot of them! But I'll share this one with my readers as we are all RV'rs. “Three Years a Traveler” is just a laugh out loud read! If I made that many impulsive, dumb, and expensive mistakes in 3 years I'd not be writing a book about them!

On the local front:
1.  Amazing how fast our new President has all but closed the San Diego to Tijuana border crossing. With nearly 2000 National Guards sent to the area, my next dentist visit may be delayed.... ARG!

2.  SpaceX had an early morning launch,  It was overcast when my  morning alarm went off.

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My first thought was that I caught the 1st stage separation...
But no, the exhaust burned off the clouds to reveal what appears to be
Arcturus and Denebola

3.  The east side of Mission Bay (my side) is now locally called “Quartzite on the Bay”! Our current Mayor and City Counsel decided not to enforce any parking or occupancy regulations. Meaning any RV, car, or tent camper can select a prime spot on the bay with no ramifications!  and stay until the city changes its mind.

His slide extends into the Bike Path

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A school bus converted on a budget

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At least his slides or only part way out.  Atho parked in front of the Mission Bay RV Park, it looks like he could easily afford a site in the park

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At Mission Bay Golf 

All pictures of the RVs are from De Anza Cove.  There were many many more along East Mission Bay Drive.  Why can't our current leadership deport these?

4.  And best of all, RAIN! Whoot! Whoot! a measurable amount of RAIN! 

New Years Greetings - Borrego Springs

Fran and I are again in Borrego Springs to celebrate the New Year. We have decided to again spend a couple days at the Legion and join in the New Year's potluck. You may recall the Thanksgiving potluck didn't work out so well, but we'll give them another chance ;)

This year the FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association) 4-Wheelers are using the Legion as their base camp for a few days of off-road adventures.

With 40 Jeeps wanting to participate they are divided into smaller groups based on the destination of the leader. The group closest is heading to the Calcite Mine, The other two groups are going to either The Squeeze, or the Diablo Drop-off.

All the Jeeps have their suspension fairly well modified, and several are sporting Moab Badges of the trails they conquered there. I wish I had taken pictures of some of those badges as Joe and Gay would certainly know of/or have done those trails.

With the FMCA Jeeps off doing their rides we decided to do our own.  Always stop at Font's Point for a chat with dad and wish him a Happy New Year.

As we moved on up the point another couple stopped by dad's forever home.

We continued east on Short Wash for a bit before returning to S22. We picked up a bag Seley Red Grapefruit, now $6 for 10 pounds. Everybody has a favorite sculpture in the Galleta Meadows, I'm sure most would select the serpent, but I like the park's namesake Borrego sheep.

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There's a small sign, often missed, that offers tribute to Seb Tarabal. Tarabal was a Cochini Indian guide to the de Anza expedition of 1774. Without Tarabal's knowledge and ability to find water the mission may have failed.

With all the Jeeps in town we stopped at the Galleta Meadows 'Uber' sculpture.

I did take a shot of the last sunset of 2024 as we headed back to the Legion.

After cleaning up we took our potluck contribution to the lodge. Only a few minutes late this time and the place was indeed packed!

But I'm sure it was the FMCA folks that made certain there was plenty of munchies!

Up early the next morning for the first sunrise of 2025, as seen from our campsite.

Our first bike ride of 2025 had us looking for Pickleball courts! Yupper pickleball! Fran wants to find the perfect spot to play with her gal-pals. Certainly The Springs would not disappoint.

The Palms at Indian Head is right along our travels. 

Last time we were here they were underway in a major face lift. The Red Ocotillo was still here then. It has since moved near Christmas Circle. Suzi and Dave recommend the Coyote Steakhouse, which opens for dinner at 5pm. The Palms was the first upscale resort in Borrego Springs. A photo wall shows just some of their famous guests.

We had lunch with the kids poolside a long while ago. The pool has been redone since then. Although not the best view the Indian head can be seen in the relief of the background hills.

So I'm laughing that she is not looking for sculptures. After exploring the western neighborhoods with only one pickleball court, it became time for sculptures. I certainly understand why the serpent is a favorite

It's huge and takes up space on both sides of the street.

Fran next asked if I knew where the 'grasshopper' and 'mosquito' were. She was sure they were nearby. Hmmm I did not know the mosquito, but there is a grasshopper and scorpion nearby.

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I've been having a serious issue with congestion this trip and wanted to stop at the Center Market for some relief. With that errand accomplished it was time for some lunch. Pablito was a short walk and so we did.

Not sure I would call it the 'Best Food', maybe not even the best Mexican food in town. But the Margarita!

For our last night we moved over to Ocotillo Wells with all the off-road gang. We're here to be closer to the Salton Sea. The migration is in full swing and I've never seen a Sand Hill Crane. Fran now has my head cold and will sleep in while I head to Sonny Bono Unit 1, where they are said to be.

There were many 100s of shore birds, but alas the Cranes must have already been out forging their breakfast.  The Snow Geese are just getting up.

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I suspect this pair is making future plans

This egret was eating alone this morning.

In the past I've seen the adorable Burrowing Owls here, but with the sea level drop not so much. I've read the lagoon near the prison is now pretty reliable. Another time.

Fran, me, Bentley, Jason, Kami, Kg, Aj

The kids along with Fran and I wish you the best for the coming year.

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