Red Rock Canyon

We took advantage of a nice day with no wind to see some outdoor sights.  We took a drive to the western side of town and back into  Red Rock Canyon, an area of desert and mountain beauty on the outskirts of a not so beautiful city.  (For more info on the area, click on the link in blue above.)


We packed a partial lunch - fruit and chocolate for us and fruit and dog food for Maggie - and stopped for a Subway sandwich on the way.  Now, living in the desert surrounded by mountains, you would think we would realize that even a few feet in elevation changes the temperature.  We dressed for where we were at the RV park at 55 degrees and anticipated at least a short hike after lunch.  Well, at 45 degrees, and only wearing lightweight sweatshirts, the hike didn't happen.  There were lots of folks there hiking, though, but they were dressed appropriately.  Cars were lined up on the side of the road at every trail head.  


We had company for lunch. Maggie and the company had staring contests. Surprisingly enough, she didn't get all hot and bothered by them and try to chase them.  She sat calmly (more so than when she was riding in the truck) and just kept her eyes on the critters.  
They occupied her attention enough she didn't even want her lunch.

  
Red Rock Canyon is a beautiful work of art by Mother Nature and I'll just show some pictures rather than try to describe what we saw.  

The weather gurus are predicting 50 degrees and 40mph winds for tomorrow and Saturday.  We won't be going out much. (Fortunately, Roger's Audible credits showed up today so he'll be plugged in and entertained!)   Two years ago when we stayed here for two weeks before going on to Santee Lakes, it was warm and we had some wind, but we were able to be outside, so the time passed quickly.  Not so this year.  It's been a very long two weeks as the temperatures are below normal and the lower jet stream has caused some mighty unpleasant windy days.  We are re-evaluating our plans for next year!