Date:         Sat, 3 Apr 2004 11:09:57 -0700
Reply-To:     Gerald Masar <azsun99@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Gerald Masar <azsun99@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Vanagons&washboard Rds in AnzaBorrego S.P.
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Hi,
Recently returned to Arizona from a trip to San Diego. On the return, stopped a day
and a night in Anza-Borrego Desert S.P. Didn't plan to stay longer because I had a
large dog with me and they are not allowed on any trails.
I stayed at Bow Willow C.G., about 2 miles off S2, in the very southern part of the
park, not too far north of I8.
The road in is a long two miles of sand base and continuous washboards.
So what's the best way to drive on washboards?
Slow and easy on the Vanagon, or fast and furious and shake the s*** out of the
vehicle? Or something in between? I drove very slowly since I was not in a hurry and
there was no one behind pushing me. On the other hand, walking just outside the
campground in the evening, I watched  a J**p Chickoree come in at about 50 MPH,
trailing a huge cloud of dust.

For those interested, this campground has 16 semi-primitive sites, picnic tables, fire
ring and shade structure. Vault toilets. There is water, but also a sign advising to
boil it if used for drinking. It comes from a large tank on the hill above, so is
trucked in.
There are some hiking trails and a few wildflowers in bloom. Most noticeably, ocotillo
and brittlebush. Most of the more showy displays are in the northern part of the park.

Gas in El Centro was $2.35/gal.

Jerry