Exploring California ~ Metal Sculptures and Apple Pie

NE of San Diego County is the village of Borrego Springs, which is surrounded by the 600,000 acres known as the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.  We had an absolutely beautiful day to take in the spectacular mountains that border this park and to experience the awe-inspiring metal sculpture displays of prehistoric animals by Ricardo Breceda.

Dennis Avery, philanthropist and landowner of Galleta Meadows Estates in Borrego Springs, envisioned the idea of adding free-standing art to his property with the original steel welded sculptures created by Ricardo.  Pieces include mammoths, camels, turtles, wild horses and giant sloths all that began in 2008 when Ricardo was commissioned by Avery, of the Avery Label fortune to begin to create his pieces on Avery’s three square miles of underdeveloped property throughout Borrego Springs

This collection of 129 figures is called “Sky Art” by Avery.  I think you’ll enjoy the 350 foot sea serpent as it appears almost lifelike to burrow and emerge from the desert sand.  The serpent cost $40,000 and took 4 months to craft – and then another 3 months to erect it in Borrego Springs.
 

From a distance they look almost real.

The "Little People"

Do you think I've gotten too much sun?



Magnificent Sea Serpent

We feel right at home with this fellow!

Grasshopper & Scorpion - before the battle.  Who will win?

Pre-historic turtle

Who's that human in the desert?  Run!!!

This one was Jeff's favorite - a Willy's Jeep

Another fun piece of trivia about Borrego Springs is that it is called a “Dark Sky Community” in California – meaning no big box or chain stores, and a slower, uncomplicated and scenic community.  It sounds perfect for those looking for a slower pace to their lives.  Now, we just have to get past the $4.00+ gas prices that exist in California!  Now, road trip through the mountains for dessert!

Starting the trek through the Vallecito Mts.

Quite a few hairpin turns where speeds of 15 mph were posted.

This stretch of road proved to be the greenest with all of the trees

This was the road that we took to a small town nestled, in the California mountains, known as Julian - where fall is apple-picking time.  I’m sure that we’ll make your mouth water when you take a look at these delicious pies – Original Apple, Dutch Apple Crumb, Natural Apple, Apple Mountain Berry, to name a few.  The Julian Pie Company started in 1986 and now ships pies throughout the US.  After tasting one of their pies (with your choice of ice cream) we can definitely understand why they are a favorite in this area.

Are you drooling yet?  Ice cream was cinnamon or vanilla....yummy!



This tree's red berries reminder me of a Holly tree.

Santa outside of the Bakery

So, with tummies full of sweets, it was now time to head back.  The mountain road through the Vallecito Mtns was breathtaking by Jeep – probably white knuckle time if in the RV – as we ascended to over 4,600 ft for some pretty awesome vistas – before descending back to sea level for the ride to Brawley. 

What an awesome day trip with our new friends from Kelowna, British Columbia.  They are: Louise & Glenn and Richard & friend, Marilyn (with her cat named, Buster, who weighs in at 22 lbs).  Each of us will be going our separate ways for the Christmas Holiday but I know that we will definitely see each other real soon.  It has indeed been a pleasure to meet new friends and will cherish the memories here at the gravel pit near Five Palm Oasis.

(l-r) Glenn, Marilyn, Louise, Richard, Kay & Jeff



And, we couldn't forget about Buster!

Our Travel Plans:  We leave the gravel pits here near Brawley, CA on Monday, 12/16 toward Palm Springs.  Kay’s daughter, Jill, will be flying out for 5 days to spend with us, so we have a reservation at an RV park that will have all of the necessary amenities (electric, water, etc.).  We are looking forward to spending some time with her, but wish that the grand kids (who will be in Naples FL during that time) could be with us too.   After that . . . we will still stay in California for a while as we explore the open road.

Our Holiday greetings to each one of you is for a blessed and beautiful day.  Merry Christmas and remember to live the moment!

 

Hugs to all,

Kay & Jeff

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year