The San Diego County Parks are raising their amping rates to $45/nite from $38. With that in mind I booked a couple nights at Agua Caliente on S2 in Anza Borrego.
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It’s been a couple decades since we were last here. Since that time the park has doubled the number of sites and added cabins. But has not added cell service. If you decide to go be sure to print out any information/maps beforehand. And no bats this trip! Last time we had bats!, and staying still they came in close. So cool!
We headed out on a gray morning with a prediction of RAIN!
The draw of Agua Caliente is of course the hot water. The outdoor pool (is new to us) maintains the spring temperature of 90+ F.
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While the indoor spa is bumped up to a constant 102F.
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We had company every morning and evening as this pair of roadrunners had a route they seemed to follow.
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Morning heading out
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| And heading back home |
The San Diego County Library has partnered with the County Parks to create Story Book Trails.
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Our trail was a variation of the tale of Stone Soup.
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The trail is easy, and welcomes kids of all ages to enjoy the tale.
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And Whoopee!!! Rain did come. The first rain in 364 days (a new record) but only measured 0.33” in Borrego Springs. Not much but any helps!
Valentines Day dawned with clear skies.
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For our special lunch we chose Julian over Borrego Springs. A beautiful rainbow, ensured we made the right choice.
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WRONG! It was 43F, with wind and pouring rain! At least parking was easy and we walked across the street to the Julian Pie Company for a slice of Cherry Pie and a slice of Boysenberry Apple. Both good, but Apple Mountain Berry remains the favorite.
We left with dessert, but no lunch. We stopped at the Farmhouse 78 in Santa Ysable for lunch. I experimented with the Hog Wild Burger (wild boar) with Apple Kale Slaw. It must be the Kale, but I spent much of the night in the bathroom!
I don’t want close with that thought. So here is a nice capture of a SpaceX daytime launch from my neighbor, Michael.
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Good shot Vecino!
Glad to read the Pie Factory is still open. Our favourite was Strawberry/Rhubarb. Hoping to get back there next year.
ReplyDeleteStay Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
I sure hope you can make another trip this way too! Julian Pies are fresh in Julian and Santa Ysabel. And often found in local markets.
DeleteBest to you and Kathy!
Love the storybook trail, things like that always add context to a hike. And it gives me an excuse to stop and rest while I read!
ReplyDeleteThe Storybook Trails are a fun way to spend some time on the trails. But as you and Barb are climbing the highest peaks in SD I doubt you'd need much of a rest :)
Delete364 days w/o rain - wow!! I too love the creativity of a storybook trail. We enjoyed one back east that was based on the journal of a pioneer child. I gotta get back to Julian for some pie!
ReplyDeleteYour Storybook Trail sounds interesting, I want to look for more of them. And for sure you do need a return trip to Julian.
DeleteLooks like a good time, well....except for the Kale situation.....We've stopped at that camping spot but never actually stayed there. Is it good? Next time you're looking for another lunch spot, try Jeremy's on the Hill. We had a great meal there the last time we were nearby.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Suzi - Thanks for mentioning Jeremy's. We did have a special anniversary dinner there some time back.
DeleteThe big draw of Agua Caliente is the Spa Pool, 102F water with jets, but not bubbles. During the week with the kids in school it's fine, but gets crowded on weekends. With over 140 sites that's a lot of folks to share the enjoyment. The little market down by the airport has closed and there's no cell service.
Good morning Jeff…did I see Reeses on your table? My all time favorite and when the mood strikes it’s off to the DQ for a Reese’s blizzard. What a cool idea to have storybook trails. I read Stone Soup to all my Kindergarten & First Grade classes. I still haven’t had a Julian Pie…😢.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Gay - The Stone Soup trail is an adaptation of the book, but since you're familiar with I'm sure you'd enjoy the trail.
DeleteReeses are Fran's favorite too. I'm not that much of a fan, so she knows she gets the whole box! ... and I get a Julian Pie!