January 29, 2018, our noses pointing in a westerly direction, we slowly make our way along Hwy 111 to our next destination on the Salton Sea, Corvina Beach. The water sparkles like diamonds where the morning sun hits it, and there is no where to pull over.
We come to a little oasis along the shore that I thought might be a good place to spend an hour or two amongst the palm trees, but once on the dirt road leading down to the water I spot a no trespassing sign. Private property. Keep out.
I turn around and continue on.
The Salton Sea, largest lake in California, used to be a busy vacation spot. Time has changed all that. The “sea” is slowly decreasing in size,, increasing in pollution, and huge fish kills happen every year. This body of water is 50% saltier than our oceans! If you care to read of how the Salton Sea came to be, the problems, and the hopes for it you can read this assessment about it Here. While some saltwater species of fish do live in this toxic soup they have huge die-offs each year.
The beach is composed not of sand but of inches deep crushed barnacle shells and dried, petrified fish bones and scales. It would be brutal to walk on barefoot, but surprisingly it doesn’t bother The Chiweenie Brothers’ paws.
I set up camp and wait for Jan to arrive. I cover the windshield and all the windows on the sunny side of the van which will help keep us a bit cooler. There is also a wonderful cool breeze coming off the water. Seagulls are checking out the shore for any bits of food that they might find.
We take walks, but mostly just enjoy the view and the birds. I reflect on the predicament this body of water is in, but have hope that something can and will be done to save it. At this time of the year there is no smell, but in high summer the stench of dying fish can knock you off your feet I am told.
I enjoy our first night’s sunset. 
Our second evening stuns with this sunset. 
The next morning, having been awake since 4:00 trying to get a shot of the super blue moon eclipse and failing, I get enough light to catch the setting moon reflecting on the water. And then Mr. Gull strutting his stuff looking for an easy meal. The air is cool and refreshing and it’s going to be a stellar day!
Thanks for stopping by. Hugs, Shawna
CUURRENT READ: Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
CAMP AMENITIES
Water: Yes Garbage: Yes
Bathrooms: Vault Electricity: No
Tables: Yes Shower: Yes, cold water
Fire Pit: Yes BBQ: No
# of Sites: About 12 Fee: $10 per night, $8 with senior discount
Other: Nice view of the water. Near railroad tracks, but honestly the sound is somehow dampened and there are no whistles as the trains pass by. I didn’t find the trains a bother.
That first picture with the palm trees looks like some kind of little animals all looking at the sea 😊. I had never heard of the Salton Sea. Very interesting read. And all those chopped up fish bones….. You took some beautiful pictures of the sunset.
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Sounds like a wonderful hiatus to the wandering for the moment.
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