AdventureGraham: October 2012

We always head out into the desert each October to attend OutdoorAdventureUSA's BorregoFest event, held in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Since 2007, my wife and I have enjoyed participating in the festivities which include camping, 4wheeling the various trails, great food at the potluck, and trying our luck at the raffle.

This year's event was held at the Butterfield RV Ranch Resort, from October 19th to 21st. There are tree-shaded grassy areas to camp at, pools and spa to enjoy, as well as a lounge and general store. Although I may prefer more primitive campsites, this is a great venue for families and organized events. Since my wife had to work Friday, we didn't get into camp until after 11PM. After setting up the tent, getting our bedding organized, and chatting for a bit with those who were still up, we called it a night. I planned to be up early on Saturday to make sure everything was ready for a run I was leading through the Borrego Badlands. After a quick breakfast, I made my way to everyone who had singed up for my run to make sure they were ready to head out.

Our route for the day began at Fonts Point Wash and over to the overlook of the weathered badlands landscape. We then took Short Wash to Palo Verde Wash over to the Cut-Across Trail to Tule Wash into Ocotillo Wells OHV Area to the Pumpkin Patch were we had lunch. It was then on to Seventeen Palms oasis along Arroyo Salado Wash and then the historic Truckhaven Trail, where we eventually reached paved Highway S-22. From there we aired up and made our way back to camp to enjoy the pool and great food served at the potluck.

I think we passed out rather early Saturday night from a food coma. Sunday morning brought very strong winds to camp. The walls of the tent blowing down onto us kinda freaked out our daughter. We eventually got all our gear packed back into the Jeep and gathered for the raffle. I didn't win anything this time around but did manage to snag an issue of the Overland Journal. After saying our goodbyes and grabbing a few drinks at the store we hit the road and headed home, but not before taking Oriflamme Canyon on up to Banner, along with Don and his son in his Chevy pickup. The trail up the grade was very washed out and I managed to rip off the passenger side running board from my Jeep. The wife was not amused.

It was a fun filled weekend spent in the desert with like-minded people. We're already looking forward to next year's event.

Parked at the campsite.