Desert

The word "desert" actually has two different meanings, both of which stem from the original Latin. The first meaning is one which pertains to aridity and climate, and the second meaning is one which pertains to an unpopulated area. These two meanings can be seen in how we use the term today. As an example, "In this blog I will explain how I deserted all responsibility by camping out in the desert." But most importantly, the word has its origins in the Latin verb"deserere"- to abandon! And that idea, abandon, is at the core of today's blog.

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When you're in the desert, you look into infinity.... It makes you feel terribly small, and also in a strange way, quite big. - David Lean (Director)

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After being at home for a couple of months, I felt the need to get away. The idea was to just abandon all responsibility, and to get away from the winter cold for a while. So what better place then the desert of Southern California? So, on January 10th, I hooked up Trailer Swift and headed off to the desert with my dog, Jazzy, as my sole companion. We took our time traveling and stopped in Deming, NM, and Tucson, AZ before landing in Winterhaven, California. There I set up camp and Jazzy and I settled in for our stay. In the distance to the North were the Cargo Muchacho Mountains as a backdrop.

Click on the pictures below to enlarge

Our camp was beautiful and relatively isolated from other campers. It was located on a slight rise directly beside a sandy wash. In the distance to the South, the only signs of civilization were the high-power lines that run parallel to Route 8, which in turn runs parallel to the border between the United States and Mexico.

There was actually an abundance of vegetation here, especially Ironwood Trees, Tumbleweed Bushes, Creosote bushes, and the occasional Ocatillo. The sandy wash had a number of burrows which interested Jazzy for a couple of minutes. The spot was completely flat, giving us the perfect spot for Trailer Swift's entrance and windows to capture the beautiful sunsets.

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I can speak to my soul only when the two of us are off exploring deserts or cities or mountains or roads.- Paulo Coelho

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My twelve-day trip was pure relaxation and detachment. It was just about nourishing my soul, bonding with my dog, and getting in touch with "me". People ask, "But what do you do all day? How do you keep busy?" And I can only respond that it isn't about "keeping BUSY"! I mean seriously, what is THAT fixation about? A better question (in my mind) is, "Why do you feel the NEED to keep busy?" What are you hiding from deep in your soul that propels you to business? What part of self-reflection is scary? But as for entertaining myself? I go on walks, I cook meals and clean up afterwards. I take care of my dog and play with her. I read. I think. I ponder.

I also sometimes research things that have piqued my interest. For example, on this trip I discovered that the great "American Tumbleweed" is not American at all but an imported plant that simply took over the Great Plains. I also learned about the Ocotillo, a spiny desert plant that is NOT a cactus but is often mistaken for one. In fact, it is more closely related to Blueberries. Who knew?

The American Tumbleweed

The Desert Ocotillo- This one is about 20 feet tall!

Strangely, I had better Verizon connectivity in the desert then I do at my own home, which actually led to a problem of sorts. During my first 48 hours, just by chance, I was bombarded with calls and texts from family and friends. In fact, I hate to say it, but I actually shut off my phone in order to just enjoy the solitude.

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“The desert is a natural extension of the inner silence of the body.” – Jean Baudrillard

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The area that I stayed was actually called "Sidewinder Pass" and an old, weathered sign that appears at the side of the road, just as the asphalt gives way to dirt and rock, states that this area is "The End of the World". Somewhat dramatic, and to my mind, also very incorrect. To me, this was the "Beginning of the World", a place where thoughts are fresh and clear. A place that allows one to clear their head and just breathe. It is a place to rejuvenate and give one's soul a rebirth. Or, as that same dilapidated sign itself proclaims:

"The desert creeps into our souls,

strangely beautiful.

Very remote yet very friendly,

a place not quite in this world.

Fascinating. Frightening.

At once a glimmer of the beginning

And the End."

As always, thanks for stopping by.

And please, embrace your own adventure, no matter how big or how small.

I leave you with a song from ZZ Top called "Asleep in the Desert". If you haven't heard it, please take a listen. It is very different from what you might expect from this band and is an instrumental beauty.

https://youtu.be/fLSuT1ivuWg?si=vYqV03KwQ_PfgZ6W