Eric and I woke up at 6am to get to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park somewhat early, since we heard about the Super Bloom enthusiasts, and the not-so-super Super Bloom traffic.
Technically, we are Super Bloom enthusiasts too... I know I couldn't miss it!
Regardless of the crowds.
It was pretty exciting to come down into Borrego Springs on the 22 and see more flowers than I have ever seen in Anza Borrego.
We started off just north east of Christmas Circle, on DiGiorgio Road... with everyone else. People had moves too, rapid exits off the road as if they had spilled hot coffee into their laps, in order to avoid arguments from backseat drivers...
We had no plans to go to the Visitor Center, which was completely full anyway, lines of cars miles long crowded the sides of the streets. There was even a cop directing traffic into the Visitor Center.
You would have thought that we were at Disneyland.
Part of the problem is the name?
It is as attractive as bees are to pollen...
Super Bloom!
How lovely.
I get it.
Who doesn't love flowers?
We had no plans to spend too much time with the masses, not too long after our arrival, we headed off for some solitude. Anza Borrego is 600,000 acres after all...
We are pollinators.
We drove five miles down Pinyon Wash to Harper Flat. Although we passed a car or two on the one lane wash, by the time we got to the parking area, we were the only ones there (okay, so the road was a bit treacherous... it was best for everyone that I was not driving).
We had every flower to ourselves...
This is the Anza Borrego that I know.
Although the flora was abundant, so was the fauna. We saw a jack rabbit (see it?!), countless birds, lizards, and butterflies, and even a fat rattlesnake.
I was so hoping for a rattler!
Hello, Friend!
The desert is incredible.
Glad you had an exciting time viewing all the flora and fauna and didn't get in any problems with the vehicle. I always enjoy your photos ans commentary.
ReplyDeleteI've heard some really good things about the vernal pools, flora and fauna at the Santa Rosa Plateau too. Some friends have described them as the most spectacular in 10 years.
We did luck out that more people weren't on the road, because pulling over on the soft sand (and getting out of it again) was not easy.
DeleteWe will have to get out there to see for ourselves!
I have referred this to everyone... All of us Tahoans trapped behind the berms of snow, just dying to see colorful flowers. You brightened a number of people's day. I love all of these photos. I think you need to make a calendar or notecards (hint).
ReplyDeleteThanks for the travel tips, images and knowledgeable insights. I love your blog.