Touring the Anza Borrego Desert

     We've spent 2 days here at The Springs at Borrego and it is truly quite a comfortable RV Resort.  We've enjoyed the pool and the mineral springs hot tubs, and the views from anywhere in the park are truly amazing.  The mountains surrounding Borrego Springs are truly remarkable and even though they look like they are nothing more than rocks and sand, they actually are home to many different species of animals.  Big horn sheep and cougars can be spotted occasionally, along with numerous species of birds.

 We took a ride over to the Anza Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center, and discovered that millions of years ago, this area was actually covered with a fresh water lake which was fed by the Colorado River.  Fossils of pre-historic animals have been found throughout this 60,000 + acre park.  We were hoping to catch the desert during its spring bloom, but the lack of rain the last few years has severely limited the flowers this year.

 The desert needs rain and sunshine in order to bloom, and the plants out here seem to be perfectly happy to wait.  Many looked like they were completely dead, but just a little bit of rain could wake the desert up.  We took a ride out toward the Saltan Sea and soon noticed we were traveling through an area known as the Badlands.  The area looked like a mini Grand Canyon with absolutely nothing anywhere around.

Not a place where you would want to break down. The Salton Sea was visible in the distance, and it was a little eerie standing there in the complete silence around us.
     Today we headed into the town of Borrego Springs and stumbled into a Farmers Market.  The area was known as Christmas Square, but I don't know what the significance of "Christmas" was.

 But the town is completely surrounded by desert, and in the middle is a lovely green circle full of local farmers pressing their wares.  Across the street I spotted a little park with a stage coach, burro and prospector.  Upon closer inspection I discovered that it was all metal construction.

 Seems like a local businessman has hired an artist from Mexico to build all sorts of these and they are scattered all over the area.  From the visitor's Center, Debbie spotted some of these creations sitting out in an empty field a mile or so away.  I guess it gives the locals and the tourists something to talk about.
      Debbie worked her way through the Farmers Market while I headed back to Weezie to pick up my wallet.

 Seems I headed out this morning without it.  I got away pretty easy though.  She was only able to find some delicious strawberries that were calling our names.  Can't wait for dessert tonight!