Our camp was in an area within Borrego Springs which allowed dispersed camping. It was an idyllic spot and we enjoyed a peaceful night's sleep.
In the morning, for only a brief few moments, this was the gift which greeted us, a reward for our early awaking. Breathtaking.
I have been following the status of our locale. This morning's Park Information stated, "We love sharing Anza-Borrego with you, but . . . we can’t risk sharing COVID-19! So for now, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is CLOSED to all camping and to ALL vehicular traffic, even on dirt roads. Please stay home, shelter in place, and help flatten the curve of COVID-19 infection. It is up to all of us to do our part to control the spread and keep everyone healthy."
We decided to drive through town and delight in what was being offered. We learned a bit more about Dennis Avery and admired more of sculptor Richard Breceda's commissioned works.
We met Juan Bautista de Anza (1736-1788) through the artist's "romantically portrayal of de Anza on his horse as he returns in triumph through Borrego Springs on his way to Mexico City".
We were drawn to this church nestled at the base of the mountains. Again we had another history lesson. Until the 1940s, the Borrego Valley was considered one of the most isolated communities in San Diego County. The outside world was accessible by only a few dirt roads, and there were no telephones or outside electricity. Agriculture was key to the local economy, and a small number of tourists were drawn to the area during the annual wildflower bloom (it's why we are here). As the population of Borrego Springs grew in the late 1940s, it became clear that a Catholic Church should be established in the community. St. Richard's was dedicated in 1954.
I had Steve put his boot next to this Lily just to grasp the size. Gorgeous.
We couldn't get over the miles and miles of Ocotillo in bloom.
This image is so full of interesting aspects. I thought the flower was spectacular and while I was photographing it, in flies the bee. Unbeknownst to me, there was a crab spider lurking. This squat arachnid perches on the center of flowers waiting to grab a fly or bee. Nature is weirdly exceptional.
There is so much to admire about the desert however, the flowers are my greatest love. The diversity is almost too much.
The animals are pretty fabulous, too. Seeing this beautiful coyote was a major delight. Wow.
Physical distancing here is at its finest. We are happy campers. The desert is the best place to get away from it all. We have yet to come in contact with anyone so we feel we are obeying the protocols and making amazing memories.
"What draws us into the desert is the search
for something intimate in the remote."
-Edward Abbey
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2 comments:
I am so loving your coyote picture! It looks like you found a great camping location! I would consider it but honestly don't want to risk getting a ticket! It is worth it but not...
other worldly ~ especially compared to our world here (white, white, white - ice and snow). Love the crab spider photo, sculptures, & flowers. Can't wait to see it all!
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