June 11, 2013---Out Into The Desert

June 11, 2013—166208 Odometer Reading

          After a good night’s sleep, fond farewells and good wishes for our trip, and a better prognosis from Barb’s doctor, we took off from Phoenix around 10:00 a.m. to I-10 West. 

          I've never made it a secret that I’m not big on the desert. Maybe it’s because I’m a native; maybe it’s historical DNA and my ancestors lived in green, verdant areas of the earth or near the sea, as attracted to them both (and together is paradise). But the desert...not so much. When I hear people say, “Oh the desert is so beautiful”, I have to say I’m tempted to hand them my glasses. But to each his own.

          However, as we drive through the Mohave desert from Phoenix to Palm Springs on I-10, although I do not think it’s beautiful, there are areas that are unbelievable.  At Chiriaco Summit, there is a huge climb from the desert floor and to the north is a large mountain.  In the side of the mountain are huge pipes coming out and running down the side and disappearing once again into the ground.  On our last trip over, we drove over and asked what it was (gated entry so we couldn't go in).  Low and behold it’s water from the Colorado going to California. And he told us the tons of water going through a day (basically L.A. wouldn't exist without it) and we were astounded. The topography is interesting also...you can see that the land was heaved up to the summit from the desert floor, so it is tilted at an angle. The forces that must have come together with such strength to heave this unbelievable amount of terrain from flat desert to a wedge to the summit is mind boggling.

          A stop in Quartzite for a potty break and gasoline. We were going to pull into a spot with shade trees and partake of cheese, crackers, hard boiled egg, and some fruit, keeping within the budget, but alas it was high noon and there was no shade to be found anywhere. So we opted for a drive thru for a bite and cold beverage.  Guayo the wonderful traveling dog had definitely earned a treat by this time….the whipped cream off of a small orange shake. He loved it, and there were no adverse side effects as we feared.  

          Quartzite is growing.  When we first went there, the only time it had a lot of buildings were the tent stores and RVs parked during the January and February gem and mineral shows and events. The rest of the year there were hardly no permanent buildings. It was like an American Bedouin encampment….come March, everyone left. But now there are permanent store fronts where tents used to exist. However, in June you do not see nearly the number of people, nor are the stores necessarily open. It’s hot out there...109 degrees today.

          Roy is my navigator, companion, radio adjuster, telephone answerer, talk show host, beverage handler, and service monkey for this trip and for life, and does an excellent job with the maps. Okay, before you have apoplexy about the service monkey thing, there's a story behind that nickname. We watched a news segment about some people whose home had burned down. They were saying all was fine as they got out, and got their 6 dogs along with the 16 other dogs they were pet sitting out of the house, along with the man's service monkey. Yup....seems he had PTSD and anxiety attacks and so he had a little Morris monkey who kept him calm during these anxiety periods. I told Roy we should have Guayo trained as an anti-anxiety dog and Roy's response was, "We don't need to train him, I'm your service monkey". Well, it stuck, and he is now my service monkey and since Nic and Lisa's visit in May, Nic is Lisa's service monkey too!!). 

          So onward to the Coachella Valley...and these mountains are spectacular. Sharp  jags of rock thrusting through the desert floor on the rim of the valley and rugged and intimidating. I can’t imagine being a human being on foot in those mountains...you would be lost, dehydrated, and dead n no time is my summation.

          Once we get to the top of the ring of mountains going into the valley and drop over, we see the smoke from all of the fires in the Southern Calfornia region, trailing along the valleys and dips in the mountains. Doesn’t make for good, much less great photography. Plus doesn’t smell so great either. But from the comfort of our air conditioned truck enclosure, we are oblivious to the smoke and to the heat, thank God.

           Down into the valley, into Indio, and check in to our hotel.  A wonderful smile greeted us from the check in clerk, Aarun, from India. He was delightful and funny.  Our room was warm, so we turned on and pumped up the A/C, took Guayo for a short walk to stretch his legs and relieve his bladder, and unpacked just what was needed for one night. Filled his dish with ice water, put out his dog food, spread his blanket on the bed and put some of his toys out, and then abandoned him while we went to Herb and Carroll’s.

          A delightful visit as usual. Lots of conversation, catching up, laughter, and we always learn something when we are there. Dinner was delicious...Carroll prepared a delicious salad with chicken, romaine, pecans, grapes, celery and a homemade dressing, and served it with a wonderful multi grain bread. For dessert—-a bleu cheese and fruit plate with apricots and peaches. Perfect fare for a hot summer day.

          As we took our leave back to the hotel,  it was cooler out, so we gave them a “tour” of our Tear Drop. They were in disbelief, as are most people, that we can actually fit in it much less camp out and sleep in it, but we are positive it will work, and be the fodder for some great stories along the way!!!

          Tomorrow, off for the beach and I can’t wait after these awful desert temps and dryness.