So the Duffman and I met up along with Jason and his son in his Taco and we headed down into Ocotillo. Temps were warm-ish when we got to camp. Set up camp before nightfall and in no time had a really nice fire going (Mucho El Thanks-O to Duffman for supplying the firewood) Duffman also constructed a Dakota fire pit just because and it worked very well. Since I'm a "slow cooker" it took me awhile to get the Dutch oven up and running but I believe all who partook of the dinner was well satisfied. Jason had to leave shortly after that so it was just the Duffman and I.
The temperatures never dipped below about 61 or so and there were no winds to speak of. I got a check in from home along with an updated local to our area weather report over the 2m which is pretty impressive as it's over 100 miles away. A few rum and somethings around the fire with great conversation about family and whatever else we could think of to while away the few hours before we both decided to get to bed and each climbed into our respective mobile homes for the night. I should add we didn't see or hear anyone else in the area which is always a plus.
Next morning we got up to a beautiful and very calm day. Broke camp and decided to head into Borrego Springs for a very hearty breakfast. Just after Christmas circle I had my eyes off the road but Duffman said there was a modded out X that passed us with a friendly wave and I just caught a glimpse of it in my rearview window. Right before we left the Kendall's restaurant, a young man came up and said he liked our Xterras and said he used to be an active SCCX Member. His name escapes me my but said he was about 16 years old when he owned his X and went on the trips. Maybe Duffman is better with names than I am? He remarked that was about 8 years ago and remembered Frank. Kind of a small world. We both headed home after that and kept each other company during the rest of the trip on the 2m radios while playing musical repeaters. All in all a very fun and mellow trip into the desert.