We arrived in Desert Hot Springs (just north of Palm Springs) in time for a beautiful sunset. Wind turbines highlight the horizon on the bottom right of the photo.
The next day we headed for Riverside to visit Uncle Bob and Auntie Gwen. They are still in their own home and managing well. Uncle Bob was 90 that week so we were able to extend Many Happy Birthdays from family. We had not seen their son Robert for decades. He stopped in unexpectedly and we had a great visit.
We knew Paul and Marg would be in Desert Hot Springs at the same time and we managed to park right beside them in Sands RV and Golf Resort. As always, we visited easily and enjoyed happy hour.
The four of us took a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Paul and Marg have been there before and pointed out the highlights.
Joshua trees grow in a very limited area of the Mojave Desert. They are unique and ancient.
The cholla cactus also grows in a very limited range.
The cholla blooms are small but beautiful.
Enjoying and appreciating the desert requires patience and a close look.
Boulders strewn and jumbled by giants dramatically display the power of nature.
It only takes a little imagination to visualize Skull Rock.
In Peace Arch Park, Surrey we became acquainted with Greg and Josie who were also in Desert Hot Springs. They have been there many times and took us on a tour of Old Palm Springs. The homes are individual and unique to the heyday of Palm Springs and the magic of the early Hollywood stars.
The Eagles based the song Hotel California on this hotel. We both enjoy The Eagles music so this stop was special.
Many roads through the desert warn about dips to allow water from sudden storms to follow its natural course.
When it does rain in the desert the water can’t soak into the hard, dry ground.
The desert shows its many colors and shapes as we travel.
I remember Joshua Tree very well. That and the Mojave desert. Kind of like a Star Trek (original series) set, of which I am very fond. The desert is a coooool place ( not by degree of course). May you Live Long and Prosper ( I am giving you the actual Vulcan sign of peace, which really stems from ancient hebrew texts, and is a real sign of greeting that Leonard Nimoy suggested for his character) . See, everything you ever wanted to know about Star Trek all because you were at Joshua Tree. Gorgeous place,
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