The Salton Sea is the largest lake in California, encompassing 378 square miles in the southeastern edge of the state. The Sea is located below sea level, with the current surface of the Sea at about 220 feet below sea level. The deepest point in the Sea is only 5 feet higher than the lowest point in Death Valley. The current level of salinity is about 45,000 parts per million, making the Sea about 30% saltier than the ocean.

I continued on Highway 111 along the east side of the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea area can becomes a hot, odorous place during the summer season but this was a great day. The eastern shore of the Salton Sea is rather bleak and barren. To my right I passed a chain of 3 locomotives pulling a long load of freight containers. To the left my gaze was directed to a line of pelicans flying in a V formation towards a tree just off the shore. There were a bunch of birds in the branches and a larger group of birds bobbing in the water. It looked so unusual that I stopped the car and walked slowly toward the shore about 1/8 –mile away to see if I could get a picture. As I was walking, the train started approaching and blowing the air horn. Since I was the only one around I guess the train operator was signaling to me. I waved and took a couple of pictures. There were initially about 20 birds on the tree but as I approached many dropped down into the water. I got as close as I dared which was still pretty far and took some pictures.

As I was retracing my steps across the packed sand I picked up a few rocks back to the car. The section of beach was barren of plant life. Small shells and stones littered the ground.