2014 blusters out in a storm. Laura and Joel encounter cold and snow as they make their way here to southern California for a New Years visit. They arrive a bit tired from the stressful drive, but in good spirits, ready for some fun and exploring.

We decide to take a drive around the sea.Joy and Shiloh come too! From Salton City we drive north, to Mecca, and on to the International Banana Museum. Yup, I said the International Banana Museum. Lots of bananas in there. Plastic ones, stuffed ones, ceramic ones, banana shakes, banana muffins, and shirts with bananas on them. Laura and I each buy a shirt.

We spend some time at the Salton Sea State Park visitor center, and check out some of the campgrounds as we continue north. Looking out at the sea towards the west, the view with the snow capped mountains beyond it, is really beautiful. When this area began to be developed, it was intended as a playground for the rich and famous. Due to the water level receding so drastically, the area is now abandoned and destitute, despite the beauty. We stop at the SkiInn at Bombay Beach for a late lunch. The crowd is full of goodwill and cheer.

We drive towards The Slabs, to Salvation Mountain. We make it just before the sun sets.

As darkness falls we are driving through the poverty stricken town of Niland. Even here a few homes are displaying Christmas lights.

We continue on until we are back to Salton City, where we regroup and then prepare for our New Years Eve dinner. Laura prepared and packed a beautiful meal, and brought it along…spinach salad with home made lemon dressing, a yummy Greek bean stew, great bread and a desert cake….oh and don’t forget the Margarita fixin’s!

Our New Years celebration is simple and festive, and it feels so comfortable with these dear friends….in talking over old times we realize we met 16 years ago in January. Where does the time go?

2015 arrives, mild and sunny.

Sunrise paints the mountains pink

After our morning walk near the sea, we continue our exploration with Laura and Joel, with a trip to the Anza Borrego desert area. We make many stops at the state park, and we check out the Pegleg dry camping area since I’m considering it as my next camp.

Later on we find ourselves fascinated by the many life-size metal sculptures in the desert near Borrego Springs. They are so life-like! What an artist is the sculptor Ricardo Breceda!

After an amazing peachy sunset, we end up at the Mexican restaurant in Salton City and relax over dinner. Before we part for the evening we visit a bit more in WS…three humans and 2 large dogs…it’s quite snuggly! Joy and Shiloh consider Laura and Joel part of the pack and are very reluctant to see them leave for the evening.

We’ll see our friends again tomorrow….for a little while.