NAL logistics – The All-American Canal and 15 MPH through barren desert

Over 80 miles long the All-American Canal is the last great diversion before the remaining water of the Colorado River ripples across the Mexican border. The All-American canal built in the 40's to replace a canal that winded back and forth across the border put the water of the Colorado solely in the hands of America. With the assisstance of the Imperial Dam it now offers irrigation water to 630, 000 acres, helping to replace the arid desert lands with water hungry crops. 98% of the water in the canal is used exclusively for irragtion. A lot a work goes in to the last 2% to make it suitable for drinking. The total length of canals moving water around Imperial Country is over 1600 miles – that's a lot of water moving.

Just miles after crossing to the high side of the canal I wind through ocotillo on rough desert roads. The sun sets a finally feel meet the cool air blowing up of the water and enter Picacho State Rec Area. Canoes full of kids would come in til tomorrow afternoon, I swim, sleep, and wake to flocks of desert quail gurgling about. I chat with the Park Ranger – been livin' in the 200 ft bloody hot desert, generator and solar panels, for 27 years. Not a life I'm planning on pursuing anytime soon.

We'll finish up the NAL trip this morning. Clean some coolers, inventory some equipment, and point the cube truck for Ventura and Joshua Tree. The NAL company Halloween party (aptly named Naloween) is Saturday night. A lot of people who are great friends who never get a chance to hang out all together leads to high energy evening – I'm gonna start saving up on sleep.