Mystery Mound, Center and End of the World

We were camped close to ‘The Mound’ off Sidewinder Road, Felicity, California.  No one seems to know the reason or origin of this monument, but it seems to be well maintained, as someone has recently raked the gravel in the rings.

Lots of little angel statues surrounding the central pile of white rock, but I guess I didn’t take any pics.  You can see them in the video link above.

Looking back towards our camp from the Mound.

‘Centre of the World’ is in the background (!), and Sidewinder Road is known as the ‘End of the World’!   So – perhaps we’re camped on the Edge of the World?

Needed some exercise, so headed over for a hike up Pilot Knob one day.

First part of the trail skirts an inactive quarry, and follows this high, steep, narrow ridge.

Great views back to Yuma and Arizona in the distance, and looking right down into Mexico to the south.

That’s Algodones, Mexico in the background.

There’s a flag pole on top, but the flag has long ago blown away.  There are also some small solar panels and amateurish antenna on top.  Not sure if it is a Ham radio repeater or something?

There are some old foundations on top that likely anchored a tower of some sort in the past.

And, here’s the border wall, with a huge open gate.  Anyone know why the gate, and why it’s open.  There is a fast flowing canal along the border there as well, so even making it past the wall would not get you very far. I think I spotted this open gate last year as well …

Northeast view toward I-8, and the Sidewinder road junction.

Depending on the wind, from our camp you could often hear the distant hum of the Interstate from outside, and I was starting to get used to the regular train traffic and whistles, so it was time to make a move.  We flipped a coin and headed west on I-8. First, the Imperial sand dunes.

And the border wall gets pretty close to the highway for a while.  As well as the wall, there are miles of vehicle barriers right along the edge of the Interstate.

There are convenient RV dumps at the rest areas just west of El Centro, so we took advantage.  There was no fresh water other than for flushing, but we were fully loaded with fresh water anyway.

Lots of solar facilities on both sides of the Interstate.

Nice to get back into some mountains again!

Pulled off the Interstate at Ocotillo and headed north on the S2, into Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Downtown Ocotillo.

The highway was as deserted as can be.  I think I was the only vehicle for miles.  But the border patrol was waiting for me with a full complement of officers, two vehicles with flashing lights, and ugly zig zag rumble strips!  I guess they were really bored, and actually asked me for ID!  I think this is only the second time for that request in 15+ years of regular border patrol check points.

Sweeney Pass on the S2

Anza – Borrego park has a number of developed campgrounds, including full serviced ones near the town of Borrego Springs.  There are a couple of primitive campgrounds in the southern end of the park as well, but random camping is allowed in most areas.

My preferred spot was occupied, but the alternate spot worked out just fine.

No trains or traffic sounds here, just silence. Great scenery all around, lots of hiking and biking options, and warm sunshine to enjoy it all.

Kicking a few stones for ‘Bayfield’ Al!  Not sure if we’ll make it up to check out Marshall South or Jilbertos this year?  Had a weak moment and picked up an iPhone14 this fall, so it is responsible for most ground based photos, good or bad!