We awoke earlier Monday morning in hopes of getting cooler temperatures. By 7:00 am we were at the top of the hill near Jacumba Springs where we'd given up, uh, stopped yesterday. Cheered by the cooler temperature at the top of the pass (70), we headed down to the Imperial Valley looking forward to making up time and distance. After a 3,000 foot descent, we were greeted by 95 degree temperatures at Ocotillo.
Still, we were optimistic because we were now riding the flats. The cracked and potholed road surface provided an experience that must have been like what our pioneering forefathers endured. Despite the jarring and a rear flat, we made good time through Plaster City (the real name of the place) to Seeley (20 miles). By now the temps had reached 99+. Jeff was having low blood pressure issues. I was sizzling. And Bill and Karen's RV had a flat.
Seeing as it was turning out to be another balmy day in paradise, we decided to head for a motel 9 miles down the road and hang it up for the day. Wanting nothing more than cold showers, we checked into a Clarion Motel in picturesque El Centro. This hotel was staffed by wonderful folks who did everything they could to make our stay comfortable. They even brought us bananas, yogurt and apples for tomorrow. If you're ever in El Centro, check 'em out!
Did you know you can't find a cold shower in a hot desert? Sounds obvious, but it was something I'd never considered. So, after very warm showers Jeff and I laid down to fight cramps while Bill and Karen took the RV to have the tire replaced.
El Centro
City in California
El
Centro is a city in and county seat of Imperial County, the largest
city in the Imperial Valley, east anchor of the Southern California
Border Region, and the core urban area and principal city of ...
Area: 11.1 mi²
Weather: 108°F (42°C), Wind N at 7 mph (11 km/h), 13% Humidity
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