For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Salton Sea a google will give you a ton of information, but most of it is pretty negative and sadly this has affected the area and caused much of its demise. Back in 1905 the government decided to divert part of the Colorado River into the basin which was a dry lake bed. This valley had actually at one time been connected to the Gulf of California in Mexico and was salt water - when the lake bed dried up all that was left was the salt...the diversion of the Colorado put fresh water into the dry salt bed and turned it into a "Salt Lake"....this happened between 1905 and 1907. In the 1950's the Salton Sea became a huge resort area and was frequented by more tourists than Yosemite National Park. In it's heyday it was a huge success with towns and marinas surrounding it's shoreline.
Then the downward spiral started with back to back Hurricanes in 1976 and 1977. which raised the lake level to flood stage and destroyed all of the marinas, restaurants and facilities. Now it pretty much sits in decay...however I found it very interesting at what has survived - the lake itself is quite beautiful although the water is dirty and filled with algae...the bird life around the lake is tremendous and is the primary source of visitors - bird watchers.
It is another example of trying to fuck with Mother Nature it never works out properly!! When will we learn??
In it's Heyday!
Now!
Nice birds here is a Grebe in it's winter colors!
Here is an Avocet!
Some of the scenery on the return trip! Amazing country!
And finally last nights sunset over Joshua Tree!
BTW - I forgot to mention an interesting fact - Salton Sea is 200 feet below sea level...
Stay tuned for more adventures - I have plenty planned!!
Capt. Jim - "The Gypsy"
Traveling and photographing the Southwest and Alaska!
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