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| Imperial Valley-Salton Sea, CA | |
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| | Imperial Valley-Salton Sea, CA | | | |
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Imperial Valley-Salton Sea, CA
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| no partners | | I have been following some folks on Facebook in California that have an interest in all things Salton Sea related, as do I. One of them mentioned going to the newer mud volcanoes over near Mullet Island for a photo shoot, so I asked if I could join them. A yes response had me happily on the road to Southern California.  My base camp for two nights was the ABVI Motel in Westmorland. Good place, clean and inexpensive, and in a perfect location for exploring the area. I wanted to visit these mud pots when I was there in 2013, but wasn't exactly sure how to get to them from Red Hill Marina, plus it was muddy and I didn't want to get stuck out there alone. So this was perfect, plus I got to meet some new folks over there. 
The fellow who put it together was driving down from Rancho Cucamonga, others were coming from Long Beach and San Diego. The fellow from San Diego was going to do some drone photography. I got to Red Hill a little early and followed the first vehicle to the mud pots. This was Eric from San Diego, who fired up the drone for some practice flying before the rest arrived. He was there with his family. I was off by myself exploring when I heard one of the young boys screaming. Turns out he somehow fell into one of the really hot fumaroles and got pretty badly burned/scalded, so Dad and family had to leave quickly to seek medical attention for him in Brawley.  We found out later he had second degree burns and was headed to San Diego. Shortly after this happened, Randy (who set the event up) arrived from Rancho Cucamonga and I informed him of the incident. The spirit of the day was dampened a bit, but we carried on. It was pretty busy in the area with the picture takers and duck hunters. The place is just so surreal to me! After we explored the mud pots it was off to nearby Mullet Island, which is not an island anymore, due to the continued lowering of the water level. I guess it been an island for about 60 years until recently.
The last stop for the day was down south a short distance at Obsidian Butte. Lots of obsidian there for sure. After a bit of exploring, we said our goodbyes and everyone went their separate ways. Short 12 mile drive back to the motel for me.
On my way back home Sunday, drove east on CA78 across the Imperial Sand Dunes at Glamis, then headed back south to I-8 on Ogilby Road, which proved to be a nice scenic drive. There was a steady 20 to 30 mph wind blowing from the north, which gave me a chance to see some real drifting sand in action! The grin means it never got out of hand (though it did get in my eyes). 
Cucamonga Randy is planning on walking around the entire Salton Sea next June in 6 days in the blazing heat!   Yikes!! (see Salton Sea Walk)
http://youtu.be/dL7sDfeKeX0?list=UUCPnf ... omx4diET0w
http://youtu.be/kn6gt41JM9Q?list=UUCPnf ... omx4diET0w |
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