Hello and good day to you, where ever in the world you are. You made it to see another day. It is 4:20 in the morning and 83 degrees here in the Coachella Valley on this last day of June 2021. Today our high will only be 108. This past weekend, our highs in the Coachella Valley was around 115-117 degrees. Hubby and I mostly stay indoors when the temps are that high. However, this weekend, Hubby planned the perfect 24 hour get-away to Borrego Springs located about 40 miles from our place, if we drove there via Salton Sea Way. The weekend high in Borrego Springs was forecasted to be around 117 degrees. We almost went to to San Diego but we were not interested in being in a place that was probably going to be crowded with people trying to escape the heat, not us, we headed right for it!

Our adventure began around 10 AM Sunday morning. We took the long way around and went up highway 74 through the Santa Rosa Mountains and then down the 22 into Anza Borrego. Going through the mountains is slow but you get to see some spectacular views. For me, the drive scares me, but I use my camera as a security blanket and keep it pressed against my eye so I am distracted from all the twists and turns of parts of the journey.

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We made a few pit stops along the way so I could take photos and for restroom breaks. I was getting giddier by the mile as we got closer to our destination. Really though, I am glad Hubby was driving as I would have not made it. Hubby stopped at this one look out spot on S-22 that had ample room for cars to park.

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Hubby walked right up to the barrier to gaze at the valley. My heart pounded wildly as I grabbed my camera and carefully got out of the car. I steadied myself against the car and took a few photos. I could not make it to the edge.

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From that look point, we were only 20 minutes from our destination, the Borrego Valley Inn, an adults only oasis. Last week I started looking for inexpensive lodging in Borrego Springs. At the beginning of last week, Hubby asked were I would like to go since he had a weekend off. He had mentioned San Diego or the LA area. I really had been interested in seeing the stars as I had just received an email from the International Dark-Sky Association about a photo contest and even though I have zero experience photographing the cosmos, I though, “WTF, why not!” Isn’t that how most adventures start out, right? I made the pitch as to why we should go and then waited for Hubby to decide. Personally, I would have been happy going anywhere with Hubby. I am so glad that he made the arrangements as it was perfect.

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One of the great features of this place was the contactless check-in. Along the way, I spoke with Christina from the inn to give her a credit card number for incidentals and she also called to let us know that our room had been upgraded as the one that we had reserved was being painted. Originally, we had reserved a smaller room so it was surprise when we arrived. She mentioned that it had a fireplace, although I know we would not need it. Honestly, we brought a fan from home as we were not sure of what to expect because of the heat. Our fears were eased when we walked into the adobe style quarters. My jaw dropped when Hubby opened the door as I was in awe of how wonderful the room was. I honestly said, “I could live here and comfortably.” within seconds of putting my bag down.

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I can honestly recommend this place and both Hubby and I are already planning our next visit. I have walking issues because of the damage that CES has caused to my lower spine but easily walked around the complex and would have had no issues with my walking aids if I needed them. Everything is so well arranged and thoughtful. Although I did not take a photo of the bathroom it was amazing! It had a huge walk in shower that was perfect for sharing. Also, the spa quality toiletries was a huge plus. When we arrived, it was already 117 degrees so we were not able to fully enjoy the patio at that moment but we did spend time out there in the late evening and early morning before we headed home.

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After we settled in, we took a nap around 4 PM that lasted till after 10 PM. We missed the sunset, darn. Hubby then said, “Ready?” and I shook my head and grabbed my cameras and we headed out into the dark. Really, though, it was bright outside. The waxing crescent moon brightly illuminated the night sky and watched out the Milky Way. No worries as we plan on checking the moon phases before we take another trip there. Hubby drove to a nice dark spot and I snapped a few photos of the moon. Again, I do not have dark sky photography experience.

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Then we went looking for Galleta Meadows and the iron sculptures as I wanted to try and capture a few photos with the stars.

We found the dragon-serpent as it was difficult to find these creatures in the dark and even with the bright moon.

I did not do so well, but we will be back and I will have more chances to try this again. We then drove around and checked out a few more before we headed back to the Inn. It was the best and made me love Hubby even more for his thoughtfulness in planning this trip. We returned to our room around 1 in the morning. We were still awake so we went to the clothing optional pool and jacuzzi and lounged there for an hour enjoying the cool-ish air. We did not go for a dip but did the following morning before breakfast. It was nice soaking my feet in the pool as I laid on the ground staring up at sky. So peaceful.

Early Monday morning, around 5:30 AM we took a quick trip to locate Peg Leg Pete’s Monument. It took a bit but we found it!

After checking out the pile of Pete’s rocks we headed back to our room around 8:00 AM as Hubby mentioned that breakfast would be delivered to the door at 8. We headed over to the pool for a quick soak before breakfast.

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The inn provides a lovely wake-up meal. I squealed when I saw the tray as Hubby opened the door.

I am a girl from Duarte, CA and I am 51 years old. and little touches like this seem like I am at a 5 star luxury hotel. It was such a treat. I was excited to have breakfast in that big ass comfy bed!

Again, everything at this place was well thought out down to the docking station to charge our electronic devices. It truly was a place that I hope we can make a home (short trips) away from home. By the way, this is not a paid advertisement as we are never looking for a free ride when we go out. Our goal is to have fun, not create work for ourselves, and share with you a place that we liked and got to experience. If you are ever in the area, do consider this place and many of the other little establishments in this area.

I am still going through the photos and video from the trip. I will share one more that Hubby took of me. Monday morning, as the sun came up, we took a short drive to Peg Leg Road in search of Peg Leg’s Monument. I brought my guitar as I wanted to try and get a few photos of it to maybe paint later. I snapped a few of Hubby and then he gave me the guitar and had me pose for a few shots. This is my favorite shot that he took.

So that was just a little bit of our trip. For me, I can whole-heartedly give the hotel a big thumbs up as well as spending a day exploring this part of the desert, at least once. For hikers and photographers, you will have plenty to do here!

Thank you, dear reader for coming along on our little trip. Where ever you are and where ever you are going today, be safe and may the sun shine softly on you. Hugs to you and you and especially YOU.