The dawning of day brings to the Salton Sea a beauty only reflected by a jewel that sits in the middle of an otherwise dry and cracked desert basin.
The sea occupies the lowest portion of a structural basin called the Salton Trough, a seismically active valley that lies at the southern end of the San Andreas Fault and marks the northern extent of the Gulf of California Rift Zone. Millions of years ago this area all lay below the waters of the ocean. Throughout its 10,000-year life span, Lake Cahuilla, which since 1905 has been known as The Salton Sea, has had a tough existence. The meandering Colorado River changed course numerous times over the centuries filling the Salton Sink area. Then silt would build up on the Colorado closing the flow into the Salton Sink. The lake would over years dry up till the next flood. The lasted being in around 1904. The Salton Sea is California's largest lake. It is the 3rd largest saline lake in the nation. Its surface elevation is 227 feet below sea level. The average depth is 29.9 feet, its deepest is about 50 feet. The Sea is approximately 35 miles long and at it widest about 15 miles. It sits surround by San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains to the west, the Orocopia Mountains to the north, and the Chocolate Mountains to the east.
During the 60's and 70's the popularity of the Salton Sea for recreation and fishing was at its highest. Due to the drying of the Sea the salinity is increasing to levels that will soon no longer support wildlife which the sea and surrounding area is rich with. So begins the controversy over the sea. Should it be allowed to die a natural death as it has over thousands of years or should the government step in and try to save the Sea.
Many come to this area and are blind to the beauty that is here. They only see dying fish, birds and a brown murky water. But as in all things natural there is a beauty to be found when the mind is open to see it. Let me share with you the beauty I see at the Salton Sea. 
The shores of the sea are full of textures and patterns. 
The Sea itself full of colour and reflections.
As the twilight begins the pastels immerge.
Soon the monster and maiden of the Sea will only be dark figures.
With every passing moment as the sun is setting to the west
I always look to the east and south over the sea
as the pinks and purples come aglow.
Never turning your back to any direction as the colour is all around you.
To the north where the mountains seem to meet the Sea the clouds always create a brush stroke of beauty to add to the scene. 
As the moon rises casting a light of beauty so ends our day at the sea. 
I hope you enjoyed the beauty of the sea as I enjoy it during the few winter months we spend here. We have been coming to this area for over 20 years now. I don’t have everyday internet access while here so my blogs and visits will be few.
Wishing those with cold winter months the bright rays of the sun to warm your soul…
Till Then..
Good Morning… Good Afternoon… Good Night…
Whatever it is to you.......
Photos & Words
by
Here I Am/Carrie
