Gadget’s Airstream Chronicles

Last year I planned on staying in the Quartzite area for a few days.  But a sandstorm, and a really strange “something” in the air moved me right out of the area.

Last night that strange something in the air was present once again.  By the time I posted yesterday’s entry I was totally clogged (could be the cold), my eyes were red and itchy, and I was having what I’d describe as “difficulty” with my breathing.  The inhaler was nearby for the evening.

Sadira experienced a similar reaction.  Red eyes, runny nose, the works.  Hmmmm…..something in the air at Quartzite for sure.

This morning got up at 4:30.  Not feeling perfect.  A combination of allergies and this cold that has definitely gripped me.  Yuck!  I’ll try not to spread it around, although everybody seems to be getting it.

We headed out by 7:30 MST.  Quickly we were in the Pacific time zone.  California is only a short hop from Quartzite.

The ride for the morning went well.  Pretty skies, no big winds, and few vehicles on the road.  Nice.  A few rest stops were made, and nothing eventful there either.

As we closed in on the entrance to Joshua Tree I decided to pull off to a rest area and take 5.  The turn off led to the General Patton Memorial museum.  It was in a lonely spot, and didn’t seem to blend in with the area.  We talked about taking a few photos, but I thwarted that.

Within 5 minutes of getting out of the truck I felt like I was choking.  There was something really strong in the air, and it bothered Sadira too.  Best guess, given the color of the haze (a yellow green layer in the sky) was smog.  And it whalloped me good.

From the memorial to Indio I struggled today.  The on board hepa in the truck chugged away and kept me going, but wow, nasty air.  As we descended into Indio we could see this layer of air floating half way up the mountains.  Nasty!  It almost made me want to turn around, but I kept going.  I remembered my experience in Palm Springs last year, and also remembered Borrego was better.  So I banked on that.

After gassing up in Indio we turned south toward Salton City, and hoped for a better air quality.  We got it, but it took a while.  You could see the “air” thin out, until there was only a slight haze as we made our way to Borrego Springs.

Hooray!  I had a sinking feeling I’d be hiding in the trailer with the Hepa on all weekend, but I think I’ve dodged that bullet.

We’re now all settled in here at Palm Canyon.  It’s as nice as last year, with an extra splash of green here and there.  Definitely a change from last year’s drought condition!

I’m still feeling the effects of the cold and this morning’s allergic reaction, so I’m off for a nap shortly.  Not sure what Sadira will be up to.  We’ve got to wander to the ranger’s office at some point in order to see about cancellations for Saturday……cross your fingers! 

Another post will come for sure tonight.  Bill & Larry are running behind.  I called Bill moments ago, and he’s just refueling the truck.  Whoops, a little behind schedule for them, but that’s ok.  I remember a similar call last year! 

Well, off to rest, and then maybe a short hike. 

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 28th, 2008 at 1:57 pm and is filed under Digital Photography, Notes from Gadget, On the road, airstream.You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.