This desert adventure was first attempted in March 2024. But it had to be cancelled at the last minute due to a strong-wind advisory.
The 2025 desert adventure started with Picture 1 — totally packed and ready to GO!!
This was the first time I camped in the desert — or to be precise, the first time I ever camped. I’d spent countless dark nights out in the desert photographing the night skies, but I’d never actually slept in the wild without the comfort of a hotel bed.
Well, it’s never too late to try NEW things! Honestly, I was quite nervous in the days leading up to the adventure — I had no idea what to expect or how I would ever fall asleep under the stars.
The 2-hour drive along winding hillside roads brought us to the desert just before sunset. Kevin was so proficient at setting up everything — from the campfire to all the cozy furniture. I never imagined having a nice dinner in the desert, but to my delight, we enjoyed homemade sausages, desert stew, s’mores, and mulled wine. WOW!
It happened to be the night of the Geminids Meteor Shower, with over 120 meteors per hour at its peak. The gentle, quiet, dark night was filled with our cheers as meteors streaked across the sky. I have to say — I saw more meteors that night than I had in my entire life.
Sleeping under the stars turned out to be surprisingly peaceful. I remember waking in the middle of the night and seeing countless bright stars above me. They seemed to be looking back, as if they knew I adored them. When I woke a second time, the red clouds had filled the sky, wrapping the desert in a breathtaking glow — it was simply amazing.
Before everyone else woke up, I took a hike through the wilderness for almost 2 hours, alone, hiking and running under soft winds and the warm morning sun. The little desert park wasn’t famous or exotic, and it didn’t require extensive travels to get there. Yet it had its own quiet charm — unassuming, serene, and utterly captivating. I loved it.
Anza-Borrego State Park
California
December 13-14, 2025
