It was a Saturday evening during a heat wave here in Southern California. I'd been meaning to take a drive to the Calico Mountains in order to check out the colors at sunset. A check of the weather in the area indicated that the forecasted "low" would 90 degrees by early evening.
So, after filling my 2 gallon water jug, brewing coffee for my thermos, and checking that all necessary batteries (drone, camera, amateur radio and GMRS handhelds) were charged, I headed out.
Heading north on the 15 Freeway from the Inland Empire on a Saturday at 5 PM, there was light traffic- despite this being Labor Day weekend. I guess that most people were already hunkered over the Vegas gaming tables.
After exiting the 15 Freeway at Calico Rd. I turned left, and after roughly two miles, I turned right on to the Doran Scenic Drive.
So, did I mention that it was still 103 degrees at 7:37 PM?
But, it really didn't FEEL like 103 degrees. I wasn't uncomfortable at all, as I stood outside my Subaru flying the drone.
There were other people here too, driving their sand vehicles. I even heard gunshots(for those who don't know, this area is popular with recreational shooters.)
As the sun went down, I was struck by the beauty of these mountains. The rich brownish and reddish hues on the hills all present a natural watercolor "painting." No matter how many times I come here, I am awestruck.
