Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Sigh of relief!

 It was getting on 9 o'clock this morning and I was laying in bed doing my mind games when I decided to see if I could get out of this place.  I am just off of highway 86 in a very rocky area with thick dirt.  I don't want to go out like this.

First, before trying to start the engine, Yuma and I headed out in the Jeep towards the Badlands just east of Borrego Springs.  Only about 15 miles from here.  Six as the crow flies.  Got there and checked out places to park and there were plenty.

Headed back to the White Lion, jumped in and turned the key.  Started like a champ.  I am going to have to figure this out soon.  Spent the next half hour putting everything up and moving the WL out of the rough area onto the flatter rough road and hooked up the Jeep.  All this time the water temperature sat at a wonderful 186.  

I'm hoping the temperature stays in a comfortable range the whole 15 miles.  There are a couple of steep hills to give it a little test.  Made it to my site and the temperature stayed at 192 until the hills and it did go as high as 204, but still nowhere 220.  I feel good about the results and it will be weeks before I'm heading down the road again.

This is the end of the line for going west.  Next moves will be slowly heading back east.  Today is turning out beautiful.  Partly sunny with a high of 67 and just a breeze to make laying in the sun comfortable.

I am parked high on a hill overlooking the badlands.

Looking to the southeast.

Santa Rosa Mountains to my north.

Badlands to the southwest.

Looking west along a ravine.

Looking from the WL to the southwest.


Standing in front of the White Lion.

We only walked around the area today slowly setting up camp.  Had one cup of coffee and then went straight to lunch with a ham and cheese sandwich.

Just as I was watching the sunset, a motorized kite flew by.

Sunset on a beautiful day!  All is good with the world.

Thanks for stopping by.

19 comments:

  1. Phew!!! Awesome news that you got out of there!
    Lovely pictures, Doug!

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    1. Thank you, Patsy. Glad I'm in a great place for a couple of weeks. This is the end of the westward trek for me this year.

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  2. I'm so glad to hear that all is good in your part of the world. Great news that the engine started right up and no overheating on your trip to your new spot. Fantastic pictures of the Badlands and the area you're in.

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    1. Thanks Dolly. This yoyo adventure is wearing me down. Just hanging on for as long as it takes me.

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  3. Good you got the WL started!! And made it!

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  4. Wished we were out there parked nearby somewhere. That whole Borrego Springs area is one of my favorite places to be. Borrego was genarally as far west as we went too and whenever we left there it marked the beginning of our long backtracking journey home. It was always a sad time thinking we might not make it back there again.

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    1. I am looking forward to my stay here. I know the feeling of the last trip west. I wonder if I'll ever be back. Going to just be glad I'm here now. Can't worry about tomorrow.

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  5. "Next moves I will be slowly heading back East". Wow. That made me sad. But this is your journey not mine. I know you love this area so just relax and enjoy every moment. Blessings.....

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    1. Thank you, Elva. I'm in no hurry. Lots of winter left.

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  6. Glad the WL started up for you! Beautiful sunset!

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    1. I certainly am. Don't like this hanging over me but it is what it is. I hope I can find the problem.

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  7. Beautiful pictures Doug! Enjoy each and every day! Ellen

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    1. Thank you Ellen. Even with all the drama it has been fun.

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  8. Fantastic spot. The badlands look inviting and the Jeep sounds to be purring. Hopefully all things go well and you get to enjoy the adventures that await you there.

    Deb

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    1. Thanks Deb. It's going to be full of 4 wheelers this weekend. I'll have a front row seat from above.

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  9. Awesome sauce!! Love it when things work.

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    1. I know. Wish I had someone to call and show me right where the problem is. I would even give him the shirt off my back. :)

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