Circled the Valley to find a Snake

The wind came back this morning.  Not as bad as yesterday, but very noticeable, especially coming from the north.  I could see a light dusting of snow on the San Ysidro Mountains west of Borrego Springs.  Not much, but looks pretty.

Even late in the afternoon, Indianhead Peak still had a little snow at the top.

We started our day by going to Salton City, to fill the Jeep and I made a detour when heading back.  The map said their was a hot springs within a few miles of our place, so I went to check it out.

Unfortunately, there was only a sign giving the history of the place.  Nothing there now, except the sign.  Since we were out in the middle of nowhere, we decided to follow the pole line road across the desert to highway 78 through Ocotillo Wells State Park.  Turned out to be just a lot of blowing sand and mud roads and sandy roads.  Had to go into 4-wheel drive from all the sand the wind piled up.  Little nerve wracking.  Didn't see a soul for the whole 20 miles.

Salton Sea behind the Jeep in the distance.

Desolate!

We arrived to highway 78 and went through the little town of Ocotillo Wells, but didn't turn to go to Split Mountain.  Just didn't feel like doing that today.  Instead, we turned toward Borrego Springs, going down the Texas Dip.  

Now that's one big wash!

Made one last stop before heading home and it wasn't Christmas Circle.  I decided to find that Coyote Mountain snake one more time.  Last year, it took Nick and I forever to find it.  It's getting late, so better find it fast.

This time I went up the face of Coyote Mountain near Peg Leg Smith RV park and found it over the first summit I climbed.  Yuma had his head down in the rocks sniffing out that snake.

I see him, Dad!

One long snake!

For some reason someone added rocks right next to the snake, interfering with a nice picture of the snake alone.  It says, Dark or Park.  Not sure of their intentions and I hope it is gone soon.

It was after 5 o'clock by the time we got home.  The wind died down with the sun and hopefully will not come back tomorrow.  I had a pork chop and chopped potatoes from the grill and some French beans to boot.  Managed to drive about 60 miles around the valley today and even put in 6,666 steps looking for that darn snake.

Thanks for stopping by.