Oasis Palms RV Resort & the Salton Sea area...

 Monday, March 7,,,We pulled out from our month's stay at B-10 Campground in Quartzsite, AZ, for Oasis Palms RV Resort in Thermal, CA. It was overcast with wind and clouds building as we traveled.  Winds topped 20 mph as J cruised along about 55 mph without trouble.

We encountered a few drops of non measurable rain that to the desert folk was a real rain as they get very little rain throughout the year.  6 inches of rain to the desert folk is a flood.

Another Indian Reservation is in this area.

Along the way we passed by grape vineyards and agricultural farms.

 Finally, as we passed by hundreds of green houses, we arrived at our destination.
Here is the office, game room.

Oasis RV Resort is a southern CA spot with a warm desert climate for campers who enjoy spacious lots and outdoor activities.  The high mountain ranges on three sides help keep the year-round warm climate.  Amenities include FREE WiFi, heated pool and spa, laundromat, bath house with showers, plus.  Happy hour every day at 4 p.m. where campers can gather around a bonfire. Free morning coffee with baked treats in the lobby.  The campground is situated in an orange, lemon, and grapefruit orchard where campers can pick all the fruit they want.

Talking about good fruit....does not compare to store bought.  The grapefruits are so juicy and sweet as well as the oranges.  Will be a fruit fest for sure.

J did get bit by what looked like a Pinyon Midge (gnat) that gave him a nasty whelp reaction. Really surprised him.

Thermal, CA, is located within the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, CA, just north of the Salton Sea.  Thermal (originally Kokell) began in 1910 as a Railroad camp.  Agricultural development from canal irrigation made the area boom by the 1950's.  The Kohl's family (owners of the Kohl's Department Stores) are from this area and still own property here.

The Salton Sea is a shallow, saline lake that does not flow to the ocean & is located on the San Andreas Fault.  It's surface is 234 feet below sea level.  For years the Colorado River flowed into the Imperial Valley and deposited soil (silt) building up the terrain with the river constantly changing course.  The Salton Sea region was part of the Gulf of CA.  The river silt eventually blocked off the gulf and separated the region from the Pacific Ocean.  If this had not happened, the now land would be under water all the way to Indio, CA.  The New Liverpool Salt Works began in 1885 with Native Cahuilla Indians working the 1000 acre mine.  Between 1905 and 1907 (thru an engineering mistake), the Colorado River broke thru canals in the irrigation system in Imperial County. This contributed to the salinity of the new 'sea'.  Today, the Salton Sea has shrunk to 15 feet wide and 35 feet long.  The old water line is still visible on its western shores below.  See the dark water line........................................

 Look towards bottom of the mountains and you can see a definite line that once was a water line.

Boat races became popular in 1927 at the Date Palm Beach Resort for the water playground in the middle of the desert.  Names such as Guy Lumbardo, Jerry Lewis, and Frank Sinatra held speed records on water...some set here.  Date Palm Resort was bought in 1947 with its name changed to Desert Beach, which still exists today.  J as a young man water skied on this lake.

The Pacific Flyway for migratory and wintering birds is close to collapse from environmental threats. The once endangered Brown Pelican now thrives at the Salton Sea.  The lake is shrinking as it competes with coastal cities for dwindling water in a historic drought.

Our afternoon ride took us to Salton Sea Beach and to the Red Earth Casino for gas at $2.09.9.

Our spa time was awesome as we chatted with a fellow Canadian camper who was knowledgeable on the area as well as J. The two swapped roads and towns and past desert experiences.

Until next time...take care...see you by the campfire.