After preaching the virtues of avoiding bling, we promptly retired to the swanky environs of Palm Desert, CA, where snow-capped peaks soar over palm-lined streets filled with Tesla sedans optioned for “ludicrous speed” and the latest Italian offerings from Ferrari and Maserati. What could be better than hanging out in this picturesque and relatively balmy place with Nana and Papa? Hanging out with even more family, of course!
Well, that, and doing it without treating multiple cases of strep throat. But that was not possible. Fortunately, good antibiotics and our excitement for seeing Aunt A and Cousin M, who flew out for a very long weekend, cut through the malaise and we all enjoyed seeing the sights and each other.
Our first order of business, a hike through The Whitewater Canyon Preserve, allegedly the home of countless big horn sheep, a mammal that has managed to elude our detection across half of the U.S. No sheep here, though I thought I heard sheep-like snickers from the rocky cliffs above. At least the 4-mile trek to Red Dome and back, much of that along the Pacific Crest Trail, offered up some nice scenery.
Joshua Tree National Park proved more accommodating, it actually had Joshua Trees.
The Hidden Valley hike entertained with gigantic boulders that begged to be climbed and interesting scenery.
Nature is great and all, but sometimes you just have to kick up some dust.
But why ride the dusty trail when you can crush tires instead…
M and AA took the kids to Indian Canyons and enjoyed a nice hike through the California Palm groves.
Family dinners, street fairs, tie-dye shirt making, and trips to the hot tub made a memorable stay in Palm Desert even better.
Taking our malfunctioning toilet out and tearing it apart on our well-manicured site at Emerald Desert RV Resort while shocked Snowbirds walked by the muck coated innards provided a different kind of memorable experience.
Exhausted and still recovering from our ailments, we decided to spend an extra day in Palm Desert while Nana, Papa, AA, and CM packed up and headed for home. It’s a good thing we stuck around because American Airlines treated us to an extra day together when mechanical difficulties canceled their travel plans. But all good things must come to an end. The next morning, the family jetted off while we rolled across the desert to Lake Havasu City, AZ, grateful for our time together.
Must have been great to spend so much time with family while on the road! The photo of that large strangely shaped rock (Joshua Tree 16) is reminiscent of the melted helm / mask of Darth Vader as seen in the Force Awakens.. (and no, that is not a spoiler, the mask is shown in the previews).
They call that Skull Rock.