These wild turkeys were along the roadside of the Banner Grade on Highway 78 heading east out of Julian down into the desert. According to the CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife, turkeys now inhabit about 18% of California. Whenever I see a wild turkey I think of Ben Franklin and his preference of the turkey over the bald eagle as our national bird. It might be hard to enjoy eating your national bird though!
Great views abound in Joshua Tree National Park. This spot is close to Inspiration Point.
The San Gorgonio Pass wind farm is one of three major wind farms in California, the other two being at Altamont Pass (near San Francisco) and at Tehachapi (near Bakersfield). Wikipedia says there were 3,218 wind turbines at San Gorgonio Pass in 2008, generating 615 MW of power. Currently there are over 13,000 wind turbines in our state. This pic was taken from the observation deck at the upper terminus of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Here’s another great Ricardo Breceda statue of a stagecoach and team of horses to brighten up your morning. This sculpture is located at Mr. Breceda’s “showroom” which is along Highway 79 near Vail Lake. Stop by and take a look at the many statues for sale and maybe take one home!
Links: previous related post previous related post Ricardo Breceda
The third creek crossing on the Lower Coyote Canyon Trail in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (ABDSP) can be a bit disconcerting. One enters the water but cannot see the end of the crossing because the trail bends and is covered by trees and vines. The day we crossed the creek a few years ago there were about two feet of water to ford.
Links: The Adventure Portal
About 18 miles from the start of Titus Canyon Road in Death Valley National Park you will find the Klare Spring petroglyph area. Although there has been some vandalism, several original images still persist.
Links: NPS previous related post
Hole in the Wall is a small gap in a natural wall of rock some four hundred feet high. It is located 3.7 miles up a sandy wash/road that takes off of Highway 190 close to Zabriskie Point and Twenty Mule Team Canyon.
Twenty Mule Team Canyon is an unpaved 2.7 mile, one-way loop drive in Death Valley National Park located off Highway 190 just east of Furnace Creek. This badlands area is quite spectacular in color and texture.
Links: NPS previous related post
The Salton Sea was formed between 1905 and 1907 when the Colorado River broke through irrigation system diversion canals in Imperial County. It currently hosts over 400 bird species each year and serves as a critical stopover on the Pacific Flyway. The lake surface is 234 feet below sea level and its deepest point is only 5 feet higher than the lowest point in Death Valley. It sits directly on the San Andreas Fault.
The Inn at Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park was built by the Pacific Coast Borax Company of Twenty Mule Team fame and opened in 1927. It remains a luxurious oasis in the middle of an inhospitable desert. Included on the grounds is a large palm grove that invites one to stroll its paths and enjoy the shade!
Explore California 