Cazalea takes readers on a scenic journey through the American Southwest, showcasing the diverse landscapes from San Diego County's rocky deserts to Arizona's flatlands. This post highlights the unexpected beauty and historical points of interest encountered during a road trip, all while featuring a Seiko Presage on the wrist. It offers a unique blend of travelogue and watch appreciation, inviting the community to share their own travel experiences.
We decided to get out of town for the day, and rather than walk, we took the truck and headed to the desert. Our goal? Arizona. Only 175 miles away. If you are a regular reader, you have seen plenty of San Diego County in my posts. The eastern part of it is a bit rocky and barren, as shown here.
We decided to stop at an historic spot, the In-Ko-Pah Desert Overlook Tower. A bit of curiosity from back in the early days of overland travel, you can see the highway coming up a huge climb from the desert.
The tower is for sale, if you are interested. Sadly, just outside its fences are alien invaders and squatters. The roadside leading to the tower looks like this:
It has a "Burning Man" vibe going on ... where are the authorities? Where are the Men in Black!?
We got back on the freeway and kept heading East, down the grade
And we came to the flat lands.
We were in Imperial County,
the lettuce bowl of America (such a large bowl, it's about 50 feet below sea level at its lowest)
Working conditions are much better than in old days, as a mobile shade cover / packing plant moves along with the pickers, and a bus with facilities and wash stations accompanies each team.
Not everyone works in groups; someone has to go ahead and check the ripeness of the crops.
We saw this sign and wondered "Did we get to Holland already?" (having only an American geography background I am never sure of which country is where)
Here's the canal ...
No, Mexico is just a few miles to the right and so I'm sure we are still in the USA
We reached Arizona with no mishaps, and stopped at the Yuma Territorial Prison Park, for a picnic.
We saw loads of history, plus a Roadrunner (no Wiley Coyote)
a gopher tearing up the lawn,
another canal,
and a bunch of sand dunes being torn up by 4x4s and motorcycles
As we headed back I realized that this was "my country" -- I am not fond of forests or mountains. I'll take the desert and/or the ocean any day. I guess it's all down to what you grew up with, and I grew up here.
Oh, here's the Seiko for the day. An 8F56 perpetual calendar GMT in titanium case.
As we headed back over the 4141 foot mountain pass and down the other side, we saw the marine layer waiting for us at the coast.
It looked a bit dramatic as the sun dropped to the west. These are not forest fires, just light on the clouds.
Thanks for riding along.
Cazalea
