At 3am I was awakened to what I thought was pounding at the door. I’m thinking WTF??? Then as I gain my bearings, I realize the noise is coming from the room directly above mine. With their headboard trying to break through to the room next door, it was obvious that they were getting a bit amourous. Then the …oh……….oh…..oh..oh.oh..oh from the vociferous female getting close to that magic finish line. She never screamed in delight but her mate seemed to be Superman or he was taking Viagra for sport. I almost felt like calling them to suggest a change of technique to get her there. Then it was quiet.
Six o’clock finally appeared and I got up and started my task of getting ready and packed up. Shortly after the couple upstairs were at it again. I was almost tempted to call their room and let the call be the proverbial “bucket of cold water”, but I didn’t. I’m assuming they were doing what they could before his deployment.
This was Monday morning and everything was bustling. All the troops entering the gate and repoorting in for the day’s work. It’s nice to be retired or on vacation and not worry about work. The morning was too beautiful to have to leave so soon. A leisurely ride down Silver Strand Blvd. seemed the right thing to do. It was quiet except for the few coffee shops along the way for the commuters. It was time to head east into the sun and the desert. I felt it was easier to run on the highways than surface streets and not get into so much commute traffic and such. The ride was easy from Coronado to El Cajon except for the sun to contend with. Once I was getting into Alpine, the traffic was much lighter and could take a bit more time to take in the surroundings. Later, I headed up Highway 79 where there are many homes out in the middle of nowhere. Quite a variety of homes, cabind and farms along the way. There was even a few twisties to perk you up and hope there were many more to come.
Lake Cuyamaca from north side
I stopped along the way at Lake Cuyamaca to take some photos. Not very many good places to pull off the road except for the dirt and gravel turnouts. There was only a few taken as my thoughts were the lake wasn’t that picturesque. I’m sure to be flamed over this statement. It was a very nice and quiet place to be and figure it’s not meant for boating. After a few more sweeps and twists I came to the little town of Julian. It looks like one of those destination places for tourists, the little shops and antique stores to catch your interest. I went into one little restaurant and had coffee and a muffin for me and then next door to feed the Wing at the gas station. Between Julian and Banner is a pretty nice bunch of twisties to go through. This was another of those great times with no one else on the road and take the curves with gusto and mabe scrape the pegs a little bit. Beyond Banner you head int0 the Anza-Borrego Desert and some straight road along Highway 78. The air was getting strange and humid feeling as I got closer to Salton Sea. The temp was getting to be about 95 dergees and feeling warmer. I could see a huge dark cloud forming over the sea itself. By the time I got to Salton City, I stopped to get some cold water and stretch a little bit.
In Salton City, looking east over Salton Sea
The sky was getting darker and sure hoping that I wasn’t going to get caught in rain, or much worse a thunder and lightning show. The sky sure had the look like things were about to get real ugly. I decided to keep heading to my destination and see what happens. This time the temp seemed to be cooling down which was welcome as the past few days had approached 100 degrees. I kept on heading north and then over to Mecca. Just a little desert town with the usual samll stores and fast food. getting out into Box Canyon, the terrain took on a whole new look. The rock formations were somewhat different than I was used to seeing in the area.
Box Canyon, Mecca, CA
Further ahead was Joshua Tree National Park. The locals still call it the “monument” even after it was made a national park a few years ago. Being on a motorcycle was great beacause I only paid five dollars for admission. I was short by several months for the Senior Pass that would have gotten me in for free. The park ranger in at the south entrance was very helpful to my inquiries. I had been in the park a year ago and had to return to one spot in particular for a photo op at Skull Rock. One place you shouldn’t miss is the “Cholla Garden” that is about 20 miles north of the south entrance. The Cholla is probably the most treacherous cactus around. The needles will almost jup out at you. There are only a few animals able to move unscathed in the Cholla.It’s very beautiful and blooms about March or April.
Cholla Cactus, Joshua Tree N.P.
The next spot to be at was Skull Rock that is popular with everyone. It’s about 3 miles or so on the Loop Rd. west of where the two roads intersect from the south entrance. IT’s amazing that the rock would take on such a human form. Got the photos take that I wanted and even took a few for some other visitors in the park. Upon leaving the park, I had to show my receipt since it was not affixed to my windshield. I only had a few raindrops traveling through the park so it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.
Skull Rock, Joshua Tree N.P.
My cousin, Maryanne’s house is about 2 miles at the most from the north entrance to the “momument” in 29 Palms. Most everything is very easy to find there even by accident. Maryanne has a Mini Pinscher called Riley. Most of the time he can be your friend and others, your worst nightmare. I walked in through the entry gate and he starts nipping at my ankles. That is his way of greeting you even if it is a bit odd. I did learn that if I sit at the table on the patio, he would come and jump up into youtr lap. The nipping is his way of saying, “come sit a spell and be welcome”. from that moment on, we were OK.
It 2pm, I was rather surprised the temp was in the mid 80’s which made it a nice afternoon. This was my respit for two days to visit and kick back before heading north. Come back, I’ll have more later. Ride and Drive safe.
