Thursday, December 22, 2011

EXPLORING THE SCULPTURES OF GALLETA MEADOWS ESTATES - BORREGO SPRINGS, CA

Each time we visit Borrego Springs, I see something new and realize there is a lot more to this little town than first meets the eye.  For us, the (usually) pleasant winter weather and the proximity to dozens of desert hikes are a big draw, but the somewhat quirky nature of the town appeals to us, too.

Galleta Meadows signWhile Odel was playing golf yesterday, I took the Jeep and GPS to tool around town, exploring.  I enjoy driving slowly along unknown streets, turning here and there as whim strikes – an interest Odel doesn’t share, so best done on my own.   I learned quite a bit more about the neighborhoods of Borrego Springs, and renewed my wonder at one of the oddest sights of the area: the giant metal sculptures of Galleta Meadows Estates.

Driving around the outskirts of town, both north and south, you will frequently see this sign… and behind it, huge, rust-red, metal sculptures of prehistoric animals and birds, horses, giant tortoises, and mastodons, some set well off the main road on winding, sandy tracks.  The land is owned by Dennis Avery (Avery office supplies); the sculptures are crafted by Ricardo Breceda.  

The sculptures are eye-popping and great fun to visit.  In the few years we’ve been visiting, the collection has grown substantially – and on this trip, I found one I’d never seen before (as it turns out, it was completed just last July): a 350 foot long serpent that spans the road!

The serpent

See our Jeep?  It is parked on the road, tiny in comparison to the huge serpent.  On this side of the road, you can see the head and two “humps” (I could easily walk through the first one without ducking).  On the other side of the road is a shorter hump and a long tail.
Serpents head closeup






Here is a close-up of the amazingly detailed serpent’s head.

As interesting as the sculptures are,  I am equally amazed by the generosity of Mr. Avery.  Each of the Galleta Meadows Estates signs say the same thing: “Hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, photographing, bicycling – no motorized cycles, camping limit three days.  Privately owned desert estate.”  When was the last time you saw a sign inviting you onto private property?  Inviting you to camp for up to three days?  To stick around, explore, enjoy the interesting sights he has commissioned and installed for your pleasure?  In a world of liability fears and “No Trespassing” signs, it seems miraculous.  Borrego Springs has a great benefactor in Dennis Avery.

19 comments:

  1. I LOVED THAT POST.!!!! WHAT NEAT STUFF, THANKS!

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  2. Very cool--both the place and Mr. Avery

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  3. Very Very interesting ..thank you

    Susan
    Just BS!(Bob and Sue)

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  4. I, like you, enjoy driving slowly along unknown streets, turning here and there as whim strikes. Borrego Springs is a great place for doing that. Particularly enjoy the southwest architecture of the many greatly landscaped desert homes. The Dragon sculpture must be new because I have not seen that one.....

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  5. Wow the sculpture is amazing and so is the generosity. Great find Laurie!!

    Sherry
    www.directionofourdreams.blogspot.com

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  6. This is definately on my bucket list of to see places!!

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  7. I was there just a few weeks ago:

    http://nancysroadtrip.blogspot.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-in-desert.html

    That dragon is so neat!
    And this is a wonderful time to be in Borrego Springs. The night skies are gorgeous!

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  8. I wish we had more time in Borrego Springs. Now I need to go back and see all the things I missed. Meanwhile, I think I'll go buy some more Avery labels - what a cool dude!!

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  9. Thanks for the background on Mr. Avery. We were there a few years ago and did some geocaching among or near some of the sculptures. We have a group of neighbors from Cool that winter at the RV and Golf at Borrego Springs park. I think we all met up with Boomers and each other for a Taco Tuesday at one of the BS country clubs the last time we were there.

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  10. my kind of spot and on our list for a visit during next years winter stay our west...

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  12. wow very very interesting thanks for sharing...what great sculptures...

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  13. How nice of Mr Avery! I'll think kind thoughts of him every time I put a sheet of labels in my printer! And, how fortunate, that visitors have been respectful and not ruined it for future visitors.
    Have a Merry Christmas, Laurie and Odel!
    hugs,
    donna

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  14. WOW....too cool. I would LOVE to see this. The pictures are awesome. What a wonderful guy Mr Avery must be. Need to bookmark this one for sure. Better take Odel back to see these up close and personal!

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  15. Hey Laurie, did I read your post right -- camping on the property for three days is allowed -- is there an actual C/G (where?) and is it free? Or...?

    Enjoy the heck out of your stay!

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  16. Wow. Just. Wow. That serpent is amazing. Having seen all the others last winter I am looking forward to checking this guy out! Wandering, whether down back side town streets or in the middle of nowhere is one of my favorite pastimes.

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  17. Wow! I think you just inspired us to add this place to our Bucket List. Thanks for a great review and pictures.

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  18. I love the sculpures there,but never noticed the three day camping sign. Will try it next spring when I visit. Love to be there for the blooms.

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