29.01 Anza Borrega, California—Butte Slots and a beautifully painted desert.
If I had the talent of an artist and was allowed to paint only one scene, I think it would be of deserts. They certainly are harsh, even cruel, tough places in which to survive but there is a beauty that is certainly more than 'skin deep'. In fact, the surface, including the floor and mountains, look like paintings in of themselves. Over the past few years, the deserts have become one of our favorite places to visit, whether it be mountains or dunes. Yesterday's short but meaningful hike through slot canyons as well as to a few minor peaks with surrounding views, was outstanding. The light proved to be ideal although it was neither sunrise nor sunset. We think the pictures attest to the magnificence of that which we witnessed. Our next hike is a tough one which takes us high and far into the desert. The size of the mountains in the region are staggering. California displays a diversity of nature including, inter alia, mountains, canyons, volcanoes, lakes, an ocean, deser...