#11 Jan 2014 Windmills - No, they are Wind Turbines!

We had seen hundreds of them before Palm Springs and now there were thousands in the valley. We had so many questions we had to take a tour. Our guide was a wind turbine expert extraordinaire having worked in the field for over 25 years. He described the wind pattern between the mountain ranges and how the towers are placed to maximize the wind but not impede the flow to the next tower. There are over 2,700 towers of varying heights which is particularly noticeable between the north and south side of the highway. In the 1970s when the first towers were built the mayor of Palm Springs – Sonny Bono – didn’t want the towers to obstruct the view so limited the total height. In the Palm Springs town limits they are exactly one foot less than the maximum. Across the highway on private land they are up to 240 feet but new ones will not be higher due to logistics. The parts arrive by truck and must fit on the highway.

There were solar panels in one field and everyone on the tour wondered why not more solar installations. Our guide explained the dramatic difference in power generated. Solar power is more suited to small installations such as homes, commercial buildings and, of course, recreational vehicles.

This type of information is why we take tours.

Palm Springs Ariel Tramway drew our attention like a magnet but we waited for a clear day with minimal haze. The road to the Valley Station twists and turns up the mountain to 2,600 feet. Tram cars revolve slowly from within, an eerie feeling, but it gives everyone a 360’ view during the 10 minute ride to the Mountain Station at 8,500 feet.

We took the tram mid afternoon so we could enjoy the view in the day and at night as the lights of Palm Springs came on.

We have seen many spectacular sunsets. We could see this one coming as the shadow of the mountain crept across the valley, up the mountain and into the clouds.

In the winter there can be several feet of snow at the top. In the day it was about 10’ C and in the evening colder with the wind but no snow. We really hope to escape snow completely this trip.

Another day we drove around some back roads looking for a particular date farm. When we stopped to get our bearings a road runner ran across the road directly in front of the car.

Ralph immediately looked for the coyote! No sign of him.

We finally found the Oasis Date Garden and learned the history of date farming in California starting in 1912. Dates are known to be the oldest fruit cultivated by man. We sampled several types including the Medjool which is the most widely produced. Nearby roads are named after the varieties, most of which were imported from the Middle East. We each ordered a date shake which came with a spoon instead of a straw. They were huge. We could have shared one and not been as frozen as the ice cream when we finished.

It’s easy to find happy hour and get to know new people and share where they have traveled and what has been interesting to them. There has been a majority of BC and Alberta license plates in the parks we have visited. We have usually stayed to ourselves and continued to unwind and rejuvenate. However, our last afternoon in Desert Hot Springs we enjoyed a glass of wine with park neighbours from Salmon Arm. We have continued to email and will stay in touch.