San Diego County Explorations

11/28/2014

Ocotillo Wells OHV Area - Miles of Sandy Canyon Trails

Planning to meet friends in Julian, I made camp in the Anza Borrego Desert State Park somewhere around 3000'. Scrub oak and boulders shielded the campsite from some of the strong winds coursing over the landscape. Gusts buffeted my tent overnight and forced me to pile boulders on the Ruckus centerstand to keep it upright. The wind howled through the night, slapping the tent with force from every direction in the dusty gyre. I awoke in the morning to a gritty sleeping bag in a still and calm world.

A view overlooking the boulder strewn campground where the desert meets the scrub oak forests

Morning temperatures in the 40's made for chilly fingers and occasional stops in the sunshine to warm up. I had some time to kill before being in Julian so I headed for Lake Cuyamaca higher into the mountains. Pine forests and grasslands dominated the landscape in the park-like setting. Exploring up to an old Gold Mine, I read historical markers about the colorful past and quest for gold that helped settle this region. A gaggle of turkeys pecked across an open grassland ranch, a fitting welcome for Thanksgiving. I would spend the holiday with friends in Ramona for a week of relaxation, hiking and fixing up gear.

The Oasis Camel Dairy, one of only a handful in this part of the world.

I signed up with the US Dept of State's STEP program, bought Mexican motorcycle insurance and plan to slip south through the Tecate border crossing next week headed for Baja California Sur. The myriad of blogs and advice pieces for travelers has offered great information about what to expect on the road ahead, namely, the unexpected :)

A few of the items I'm perusing may be of use to any other's future travels south.

http://moon.com/2011/10/best-of-baja-road-trip/
http://www.mexconnect.com/articles/3812-driving-the-baja-highway
http://songoftheroad.com/2014/01/baja-mexico-camp-site-list/
http://capitolsouthbound.com/2012/07/16/our-top-12-camping-spots-in-mexico-part-1-baja/

8 Comments

Jay

11/28/2014 04:51:14 am

Really enjoying following along - just caught wind of your blog here about a week ago on ADV - beautiful photographs and great narrative!

Mike Saunders

11/28/2014 10:33:54 am

Thanks Jay! I'll try to keep it up as I continue my travel. I need to do some updates to the site at some point.

Mike

11/29/2014 04:10:53 am

Still checking in to see how your moving along. Just amazed by the great photos and commentary. Your level of stamina can only be appreciated by other bikers that have traveled the same paths. The pace you've chosen is what's most impressive, much more contemplative than the speeds I'm used to. I guess this is just more proof that less is more. Thanks Mike

Mike Saunders

11/29/2014 11:08:22 am

Thanks Mike. There really is truth to "less is more". Nearly all of the photos on my blog are from my smart phone. My "real" photos should be fun to develop in the future.

M

Tracy & Don

11/29/2014 10:34:40 am

Love the Photos ..
Keep'em coming ..

A Very Happy ThanksGiving to you Mike.....

I see you updated the site .Very nice....

Mike Saunders

11/29/2014 11:09:15 am

Happy Turkey Day to you and Don. Glad you like the updates.

raman from remans coffee and chai

12/6/2014 01:10:51 am

ramram! mike, went to my daughters for thanksgiving. had a good time.thattwas 2 days of driving alone. she and hubby live in socall. we are having some rain as of now.the farmers are ecstatic. you made such an impression here that people are still taking about you. keep up the good work and keep me posted.ihope this gets to you.ramram. raman

doug keener

1/11/2015 03:11:57 pm

Hi Mike, Have checked in on you off and on...hope all is going well

69'000 miles on a Honda Ruckus named
La Tortuga