Anza-Borrego State Park and the Big Wind

We got up early to beat the heat. Our destination was the Anza-Borrego State Park, and the Palm Oasis at the end of the trail. We had a quick breakfast in our rooms to save time, skipping some of our morning routines like eating dark chocolate almond clusters with our coffee, and lingering over the paper. We've experienced the desert heat on this hike before, so pulled out the stops to beat the heat.

Intrepid hikers heading for the Palm Canyon Oasis

Armed with water, cameras, Palm Canyon Trail guides, and the Anza-Borrego Wildflowers app loaded on my Android, we hit the Park around 8:30 in the morning. The temperature was comfortable with a lovely cooling breeze coming down the canyon.

Lots of water in the creek

The desert floor

Scanning for Borregos

We hiked together enjoying the plentiful flowers on the desert floor and the spectacular views. Dad dropped off to investigate some interesting seeds and plants, and to scan the hills for Borrego sheep. Mom and I trudged on, both feeling our age as young families and college kids on spring break filed past us.

Palm Canyon Oasis is in sight

Under the shady palms

Relaxing by the pool – we made it!

Undaunted, we persevered to the end, and enjoyed the refreshing shade of the Palm Oasis and the waterfall and pool under the palms. The day was heating up and we were grateful for the shade, but remarked to each other about the unusual cooling breeze that kept the heat manageable.

Fan Palms (Washingtonia filifera)

On the way back, we spotted a large herd of big-horn sheep, or Borregos (Ovis canadensis nelsoni), on the hillside. Signs by the creek admonished hikers to keep to the trails so that Borregos could bring their lambs down to the water. We noticed two other Borregos on the adjoining hill; they seemed to be making their way to the large family herd. We watched them for quite a while, amazed at how powerful and agile they were at negotiating the steep terrain, and how well they blended in with the hillside.

Big sky view of the valley

Desert color

We met up with Dad (he’d been watching the Borregos from his location), and then headed over to the Anza-Borrego Visitor Center. We enjoyed several showings of the nature film in the cool dark theater, and checked with the help desk to find out about the best flower viewing in the area. We decided to skip the exhibits this year – too many people! As were leaving the Visitor Center, a late afternoon picked up, and dust was whirling around.

High Wind Warning viewed from the safety of the car

We headed over to Henderson Canyon Road to visit the recommended flower spot. By the time we arrived, the wind had kicked up to almost hurricane force. After struggling to open the car door to take a picture, and losing a favorite hat to the wind, we decided to head back to the Palm Canyon Resort for an early supper. It was cozy in the restaurant, with our delicious dinner and the wind and dust swirling outside. The power went out just after we ordered dessert.

A Public Alert announced a High Wind Warning for the mountains and desert. A deep pressure system had moved over the Great Basin, causing 60 – 80 miles per hour winds. Trees were whipping around, dust and leaves swirled, a hotel sign was ripped off its mounting. We lingered over our pecan pie, served in near darkness by an efficient, can-do waitress, then fought our way through the wind to our hotel rooms. We sat together with our flashlights at the ready in the alternating darkness and light, as the power failed and restarted, and marveled at the power of nature unleashed. We turned in early, and were lulled to sleep by the Big Wind.