Desert Travel

The Desert in Bloom

Anza Borrego Hawk Canyon Photo © Alice Joyce

Stunning natural settings to trendy eateries: When my travels include vigorous workouts in rugged terrain, I look forward to indulging my foodie cravings, accompanied by a glass of excellent wine. Known as one of the top U.S. sites for spring wildflower displays, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park did not disappoint. I’d hoped to visit since moving to California, and finally found time for a mid-March getaway. Myriad conditions must be in harmony for wildflowers to appear in this magnificent setting: A matter of rain, sun, wind, and temperature: all in harmony during the prior year and the season leading up to Spring. 2011 is proving to be noteworthy, with vast swathes of lupine, dune evening primrose, brittlebush, and ocotillo (Fouqueria splendens), to name but a few. Set in the midst of Anza-Borrego State Park is Borrego Springs .. a town that comes to life most vividly during the wildflower season. A small, friendly oasis, Borrego Springs offers a limited number of rooms available in a comfy resorts, motels and no-nonsense hotels, campgrounds, and the lovely Borrego Valley Inn.

Continue reading The Desert in Bloom: Spring in Southern California

Desert Travel

Desert Destinations: Wildflower Hikes

Palm Springs Wind Farm Photo © Alice Joyce

Tucson is on the current itinerary, so I won’t be returning to the California desert. Still, that won’t keep me from reliving the adventure of a series of 2011 Springtime hikes through arrays of wildflowers, starting in the Indian Canyons of Palm Springs and going on to Joshua Tree, with lots of time to explore Anza-Borrego State Park. Wildflowers displays light up the desert landscape in a good year….

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National Parks

Big Sur - California Travel Route 1

Carmel Courtyard © Alice Joyce

Recently returned from a fascinating trip to Monterey County ~ taking in the awe-inspiring beauty of Route 1 and the Big Sur coastline.

Carmel Courtyard © Alice Joyce

A room with a fireplace and ocean views in Carmel pretty well guarantees relaxation! It’s a quaint town. Easy to kick back and revel in great meals, once you’ve chosen from the countless restaurants in town and nearby.

Hahn Wine Tasting © Alice Joyce

Continue reading California Travel: Route 1 to Big Sur