The drive to Cottonwood Springs was much slower and restful than the preceding day. We arrived at the visitor center, got a trail map, and some good information about the area. We headed to the campground and quickly found a camp site HoW would fit. Next was a quick lunch and then off to Mastodon Peak Trail. It was the much the same as all the others – up stairs, over boulders, through rock fields, slogging through sandy dry washes. We passed the Mastodon Mine and then up a steep trail toward the peak. There was a sign showing a sharp left turn to the peak which was .1 of a mile, but indicated the trail was not maintained. I invoked one of my little used hiking rules “Don't go on unmaintained trails especially if they ... read more

This was re-fuel day and we were off trailer-less to the only service station in the area (17 miles south). Gasoline and propane tanks were filled and with a couple hours till check-out time, we went to the Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge. One section was less than 10 miles away and was in a beautiful location at the edge of the Salton Sea. Although this was the middle of migration season, there were few migratory birds to be seen in the area. Back to the KOA to pack-up and head up the road about 20 miles to the Salton Sea State Recreation Area. We arrived just in time to get the last full hook-up site available. The camp site was an extension of a large parking around the Visitor Center. It was barely wide enough ... read more

Conservation seemed to work as we started this day with a battery at 12 V, a full fresh water tank, and empty waste water tanks. This was a day to explore and explore we did as we hit 3 different trails all 1 to 1.5 miles in length. The beauty of the day was the different parts of desert life it showed while focusing on the people and families who lived here. This was also a glorious day with a slight breeze and 50+ temps. Sunscreen was in use and water was in our backpacks. First was a walk to Ryan Ranch, where a Ryan brother had raised cattle, provided water to his gold-mining brothers, and transported ore to the mill. A shell of an adobe house sat on a hill overlooking the valley below and ... read more

Again the day started about 4ish, but this time it was not only cold, but the refrigerator was off and the Check light was on. Another problem - batteries had been depleted. Out into the cold once again and I do mean cold (high 20's and 20 mph winds). The mission this time was to start the truck and charge the batteries until the sun came up and the solar kicked in. Again our morning meal was filled with discussions about how to deal with this new problem. Since we were already headed out to explore the park, finding a battery charging facility was foremost in our thinking. A stop at O'Riely's auto parts store (formally Kragen's) found charging was a service they provided and they were open until 9PM. This would give us time to ... read more

I woke about 4ish, but things were different. It was much colder in the trailer and the refrigerator Check light was on which lead “Dennis the genius” to speculate the active propane tank was empty (used also on shakedown trip). Dressing hurriedly, I braved the cool desert air to switch propane tanks. There were several reasons to quickly make the switch (unhappy travel buddies waking to a cold trailer, food going bad, and brewing my morning coffee). Soon everything was back to normal and I had time to start Blog updates. After a bowl of Irish Oatmeal laced with dried fruit and nuts, Emily took a shower and I waited my turn. Don't think I mention this, but the on-board bathroom has a shower in the tub, sink, cabinet and of course a pottie. Emily finally ... read more