My neighbor showed up at my door last night and asked for some advice on where to go in Anza Borrego for his first off-road trip. His car was in the shop and they gave him a Jeep Grand Cherokee as a rental, so he figured he should take advantage of that. His plan was to go by himself, with just a friend riding shotgun. Neither had ever driven off road. I'm sure that the Jeep, with its 4-wheel independent suspension, street tires, low riding muffler and full leather seating would have been quite capable - but just in case I suggested Blair Valley, which is pretty easy, and he didn't want to go someplace where he might scratch up the shiny black paint. By the end of the conversation I had agreed to go along.
It was a beautiful day out there today. We arrived in Blair Valley at about 8:30am, and stayed to about 2:00pm. The weather was perfect for hiking, and we did both the Pictograph and Marshal South Home trails. So, here are a few pictures, which will also serve as a preview for anyone planning to come for the Apple Pie Run next Saturday.
There are a lot of fresh new cholla cactus all over the place. More than I've seen in several years.
Marshal South's homesite is looking a bit more worn these days.
There are a few more in this gallery:
https://frankbaiamonte.smugmug.com/So-Cal-Explorations-Day/Blair-Valley-Anza-Borrego-Nov-12-2017/
