Roadtrip

Woke up early, 5,45am to be exact, and the sky was light. So, time to get going. A walk around the campground exploring, given I had arrived in the dark. A quick breakfast, and then a walk up Palm Canyon.

Interestingly the campground was all but empty. Most people come here for the wildflowers, and cooler temps, in Feb/mar and May is the start of the "off season". In fact, many places close or have limited hours June to October. Funny, but maybe not surprising given that it can get to 125F, and today I experienced 104 (40 C)

The walk was about 2 hours up a very baron canyon, but, the while point was to see a real spring. And yes there was, water welling up from the ground in an otherwise barren landscape. I can truly see where the words "oasis" and "water hole" come from now. Really awesome. The spring is formed by the fault line, water wells up, literally into a small river. Which eventually after much vegetation etc, recedes back into the desert.

Packed up and visitor the information centre. Naturally, very interesting explanation of the geology, flora and fauna. Two key facts for me were that tarantulas and scorpions are the most adapted to live without water. Seriously? Why?

Then off to the Salton Sea. Also very interesting. I was created in 1905 when a canal accidentally emptied into the basin for 18 months. And being 227 ft below seal level, there was nowhere for it to go. It has remained, despite no major input now aside from agricultural run-off. Max depth is 50ft, its 30X more saline than the sea (better check that fact) and has loads of fish. I saw heaps being caught!

And then given the 40 deg heat, the lack of proper camping gear etc, I elected to take the soft option and head to Palm Springs. Always wanted to go there anyway. I found what was probably the last room (!) and relaxed.

Into town, had a look at the Marilyn Monroe statue, which by the way, us very nice, but everyone has their photo taken between her legs. Hmm ...

Oh yes, this is my mighty Kia Soul. Not so good off road ..