Anza Borrego State Park

We just got back from Anza Borrego State Park experiencing both snow and sand during this weekend trip. We first dropped by the vistors center. They were very helpful in pointing out the various places we could explore without a 4x4 vehicle. We then visited Blair Valley hoping for a bike ride to see some sights off the hiking trails futher up this area. The snow got the better of us, however, and we didn't make it very far before the soggy terrain was too much and we had to set down for lunch.

After finishing off some roasted chicken and watermelon kept cold on the snow, we back towards town with a detour to explore Plum Canyon. This wash creeps up into the mountains, but we ran out of daylight before having to turn back. We checked into the Borrego Springs Resort and headed off to dinner at the Red Ocatillo. They served some very generous meals which hit the spot.

Overall, we found Borrego deserted around this time of year. If you want solitude, this is the place to be. After doing a bit of star gazing, we retired quite early in the evening.

The next day, we set off to Fonts Point. This canyon of sorts is defined by a dramatic drop off into the Borrego Badlands. It's one of those things that must be experienced as pictures cannot convey the feeling you get in your stomach standing on the edge and looking outward at the panoramic view.

We wrapped up the day with lunch at one of the deli's in town and a tour of some old rusted animal and dinosaure statues which decorate various portions of town.

New Bike

New to the stable is a 2009 Specialized Roubaix road bike. This bike functions as a more efficient daily commuter while providing performance for longer recreational weekend rides. My goal is to do a century (100 mile ride) in the near future.

My commute now is generally by both bike and train. The day typically starts with a 25 minute (6 mile) bike ride to Carlsbad Poinsettia train station. The train ride lasts 24 minutes (17 miles) followed by a 1.2 mile uphill grind to my office. All told this generally takes about 1 hr. 15 mins door to door.

On Friday's, I've begun riding the 23 mile trip exclusively by bike. Interestingly enough, this takes only 1 hr 30 mins.

San Diego's climate provides the perfect conditions year round for bicycling, a fact I appreciate everytime I take in the coastal views.

Night riding has become more comfortable now that I have a sufficient lighting system. Front lighting consists of a main 110 lumen LED headlight and another helmet mounted LED (good for pointing at cars approaching intersections). Two very attention grabbing blinkies, one mounted to the back of the seat and the other clipped to my backpack, light up the rear. All of this, I would consider the minimun equipment for someone who regularly commutes at night.

I just changed my insurance classification on the car to 'pleasure vehicle' given the continued low usage.

Pacific Coast Flyers

Pacific Coast Flyers is a non-profit flying club based out of Palomar McClellan Airport (KCRQ), our home airport located about 2 miles from us. I've been considering joining due to the flexible rental terms as well as reasonable cost for their cross country aircraft.

Joining the club would allow more flexibility for missions we fly as a family - typically 2 to 5 day excursions in California or neigboring states.

There are two primary aircraft of interest in their fleet. One is a 1974 Cessna 182Skylane. The other a 1975 Cessna 177 Cardinal. Both yield resonable cruising speeds and payload.