Tuesday, January 17, 2023

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.

15 comments:

  1. The mountains look pretty with a dusting off snow on top. I'm sure it's much cooler up there. It's amazing that you found the snake so quickly. Sometimes it seems to take forever. Maybe tomorrow will be less windy.

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    1. Thank you, Dolly. Those mountains are about 3000 feet, so a little cooler at night up there. Every year, it is a battle. This time, was better.

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  2. I agree, whatever that is beside the great stone snake is distracting. I rem

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  3. I remember the first time we saw that snake years ago it was the only sculpture there except for one other which somebody later knocked down.

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    1. The area is changing. Not for the good most of the time.

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  4. good job locating the snake, Yuma! We've found it a couple of times. First time in 2017 with Clark and Elaine from Our Newell Adventure(whatsnewell.blogspot.com). It was a much nicer day today! Good job on the steps, I managed over 7400 after many not so good walking days. :)

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  5. So many paths and so many valleys. Easy to miss.

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  6. Great job on the steps, Patsy. I miss my goal lots of times. That's a pretty rough hike. Lots of loose rock everywhere.

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  7. I enjoy seeing the new friends that are visiting the Great Snake of Clark Lake

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  8. Worth it ... that snake is so cool. It's too bad people can't leave well enough alone.

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  9. Replies
    1. Almost as pretty as your mountains, just not much snow here.

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  10. Hi Doug! Susan and Eric here. We took your advice to visit Borrego Springs - how beautiful. I think we may actually see your spot from the ridge we are parked on!

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    1. That's great! I'm sure I stand out. Drop by when you can. Thinking of Jeeping in the Badlands today or tomorrow.

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