Four years ago during one of our first trips to Tucson in our T@B trailer, we intended on driving through a town in southern California known for its small world charm and apple pies called Julian. Instead on the way there, our GPS was convinced that we were off roading instead of driving on Interstate 8 through San Diego county. By the time it finally found itself, we were all the way to El Centro, CA.
This visit to Anza Borrego however we were determined to make it there as it is just a quick drive into the hills from Borrego Springs. Armed with a new(er) GPS unit, we headed up towards Julian for a day trip via Highway 78.
The rain from the previous day and higher elevation in these hills resulted in a light dusting of snow along the way. Much of the road was windy and narrow so towing a trailer through here is not recommended during the winter months especially with possible black ice on the road.
Julian is about 4000 feet in elevation which makes the air temperature significantly colder than where we are staying. Although we had not experienced any frost down at the desert basin, there was plenty of it here. Frost over the windshields of cars and lots of black ice on the roads as well as the sidewalk.
Julian has grown in popularity as a tourist destination in the last few years and during our visit, it was packed full of people. It is in San Diego county, is less than an hour drive from many of the suburban neighborhoods there and is a favorite mountain retreat for the city folks looking for a get away.
Known for its apples, apple pies and the charming Bed & Breakfasts around the town, its tourism business has also benefited for several Indian Casinos that have cropped up around the area.
We stopped in at the Julian Cafe and Bakery for lunch which was delicious even though there was a good amount of wait. We decided afterward that the icy sidewalks and busy shops were too much for this short visit. We are just going to have to come back again when it is warmer and less crowded.
We headed back down the hill towards our campground and stayed away from the black ice on the road hence avoiding tumbling to our death.
The girls were pretty happy about that.
over and out,
dan
2 Comments
Bob 'n Nanc · February 28, 2011 at 7:15 pm
This kind of snow is not common for us, glad you got some pie! Enjoy your visit to Anza Borrego SP…we visit alot. You drove right past us on I-8, Pine Valley…always something cold in the fridge, something warm on the stove!
You guys Stream Safe, thanks for sharing your blog…we enjoy it.
Bob U-
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marlene · March 3, 2011 at 7:55 am
Thanks for commenting Bob!! We had a great time in Anza Borrego and are looking forward to camping there again.