The Desert

What I assumed to be allergies while we were in California turned out to be colds. Both Bella and Remi were coughing but with no other symptoms. Either they were sick, or maybe we picked up a bug from the flight attendant on our airport shuffle who was complaining of a head cold. I wanted to say, “Lady, no one wants to hear that. Complain of a sinus infection, if you have to say anything.” 

In any case, my sinuses filled up, and I joined the TB ward brigade, hacking and wheezing away.

On Tuesday, after Ryan’s overnight shift, we drove out to Anza Borrego State Park, a 90 minute drive up and over the mountains. Going there and coming back just about did me in. A bunch of the snot in my nose drained down to my stomach, so in addition to my sinus headache, I was nauseous. Delightful. 

But it was worth it. The rocky scenery looks like pebbles in a stream, but house-sized. I guess the remnants of glacial action? We saw a wild turkey crossing the road on the way.

The desert flowers were blooming, although maybe just past their peak. Some of the cacti still were gorgeous.

The upside was there was plenty of parking, both at the state park and out in the town. Walking around the visitor center, I saw a costa hummingbird flashing its purple gorget, a first for me. I also saw a verdin, life list bird which I had never heard of before. The Merlin app did the identification. 

House finch, white winged doves, crows.

We parked along the roadside so Bella and Ryan could see the flowers up close while Remi snoozed. They found a few sphinx moth caterpillars still munching away. When Peg, Betsy, Mary and I had been here a few years ago, the ground was covered with them, waiting to be decimated by migrating birds. These remainders had avoided that fate and were the size of my little finger. Surely time to make a cocoon.

I wandered over to the square area, about 50’ on each side, roped off by caution tape. According to the signs, rattlesnakes had been seen there. I peered in, but didn’t see or hear any. Maybe it was a den, however it didn’t look any different to me than all of the surrounding desert. Plus, I was skeptical that rattle snakes care much about caution tape. I did start watching where I walked.

Before we headed home, we drove through the campground at the state park. This would be the time of year to come: high of 70°, nighttime low of 50°, clear skies and no wind. I’d love to camp here on a new moon night.

On the last turn, Mary spotted 2 quails. Another first: California quails in California. I’d seen them in New Zealand, (imported for hunting), when I visited Betsy, and in Utah at Spaulding’s. Never before in their home state. Then, just as we were leaving, a greater roadrunner popped out of the brush with a lizard in its mouth. It obligingly ran along beside our car so everyone could get a good look, then it turned and went cross country. To its nest, to feed babies, or just to eat its lizard in peace? 

Mary drove us home, and I crawled into bed hoping to die. Later, Grant made me a child’s portion of ramen.