Los Ocotillos de las Quebradas (Backcountry Byway)

Here at N34.11855, W106.81048, we're at the northern most range of the ocotillo. And this is the fuzziest (see last photo) I've ever seen...evidence, along with signs of recent grading where the arroyos cross the road, of the wet summer. 

They claim we're in a drought, but the truth is it's a desert and the years they tho't (they call that thinking?!!) were normal were actually a period of unusual wetness.

Now that they've documented the (still unpredictable) weather for 40 years there are a few iconoclasts who're hinting that maybe *this* is normal. Of course, those who've grown accustomed to their entitlements don't want to hear it. 

Oh, and while yer at it, how about bailing out all us other "artisans?" Whaddya mean you only do banks & S & Ls?


Fuzzy! (probly my cataracts)

Spring on The Quebradas Backcountry Byway

The Quebradas is 80 miles south of Albuquerque -- to the East of the town of Socorro. Spring is happening...the creosote are starting to leaf out and the cactus are blooming.

This is perhaps the farthest north I've seen ocotillo. You can find them in The City (Albert's Turkey), but they look out of place. I suspect they're immigrants. That's them in the middle-left of the photo below.

Here on the Quebradas they (ocotillo) seem a bit shy, as if they're pleased with having made it this far, but unsure of their welcome. I, for one, am delighted to see them, but hey, it's troo, I'm into diversity. Their spindly demeanor's give no hint of their (yet-to-come) splendid efflorescence.

Breakfast (kale & bell pepper)


                 &


                       Sunset -- colorfests.

The Julian Grade

Longer Than Wide

Steve Hunter (camp host at Hot Springs Long-term Visitors Area - west of Yuma) said anyone travelling in these parts was missing something if they didn't go to Julian for apple pie.

It wasn't as if I *needed* any, so I rationalized with "It's my patriotic dooty."

I exited I-8 at Ocotillo where a banner advertised for help wanted in the windfarms...in case you need a job of work. (What other kinds of jobs *are*  there?)

Ocotillo Blossom

Wind Farm - Help Wanted

It was sunset when I topped a ridge and spied a track disappearing over a knoll. I went to the edge of a precipice overlooking the valley (top picture) with spectacular 360-degree views.

Entering Julian the next day I noted the elevation of 4500 feet and shuddered with horror at the patches of roadside snow. If not for the beckoning pie I'd have turned around then and there.

Setting my cap, I strode the boardwalk with numerous others -- an assortment that included boisterous teenagers throwing snowballs and oldsters in walkers venturing to cross the busy main street. The place was hot!

Given the temperature (cool) and presence of white stuff (snow), I steeled myself to eat and run. I wasn't ready for a night of freezing temperatures just yet.

I selected the venue by whim and took a table at the back near the register.

Tastes vary as do results (see mileage ratings for vehicles) so I'll simply say it was not Mom's or The Julian Pie Company. While not bad, it wasn't quite worthy of a troo patriot. The apples were over-cooked and the cinnamon was so strong there wasn't room for another flavor. There just ain't nuthin' like Mom's (my Mom's, that is).