Day 18 - Look, Dave, Adventure Roads

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We took I-8 east to Descanso, then 79 north toward Julian. The road wound and climbed through the mountains. At around 4,000', Kerry noticed snow in sheltered spots, old dirty snow. Then we started meeting cars and trucks with snow on their roofs and hoods, fresh snow. Soon it started to sleet, then the ground began to turn white, then more sleet blowing and everything white. The last 3 or 4 miles to Julian, we were behind a snowplow, which was somewhat reassuring. We got into Julian just after noon and the roads were covered, schools were closing early and it was still sleeting and blowing. We stopped at the Sheriiff's office to ask for advice. The woman there told us it was about 5 miles of twisting, somewhat steep road east, then you're down in the desert. She said to just take it slow and be cautious. So we had to give it a try, we sure didn't want to go back the way we came. Well, it was 7 miles and the first 4 or 5 were really nervewracking, but the sleet finally began to be mixed with snow and then it turned to rain. Finally the desert and only an occasional drizzle.
We drove through Anza Borrega Desert SP and through Ocotillo Wells, where it was pretty flat and sandy. There is an airport at Ocotillo Wells with a dirt runway.
We left Santee this morning in short sleeves, shivered in our jackets with sleet blowing down our necks at Julian, and ended up in short sleeves again at the Salton Sea. We drove up the east side of the Salton Sea, but decided against staying at one of the campgrounds along the shore. The winds were blowing strongly across the water making white caps and promising an uncomfortable night near the water's edge. We've stopped for the night at Desert Hot Springs.

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Photos

Heading down winding road from Julian
Is this adventurous enough, Dave?

Salton Sea
Note storms over the mountains

Salton Sea
All whitecaps from the wind

Comments

[dave]

Not exactly a dirt road, but you're getting there. I wish we would get snow. Ya'll go to the damn desert and see snow, but we still get none. We're getting the raw end of the deal I think. I'm glad ya'll made it safe and sound. I'm very envious of your trip.

[Pat]

WOW - What weather you're having!
California has everything - sunshine, ocean, mountains, snow and your favorite cuz! See you tonight!!

[Barbara]

Y'all have seen and been thru it all. Now it's time to kick back and relax in some nice weather and have a great time with our CAL cuz. Love to all of you, I'm thinking about ya!