Friday, March 19, 2010

Palm Springs, CA

Yesterday we took a drive down to Palm Springs, CA...about 50 miles south of Twentynine Palms. We thought we stroll Palm Canyon Drive where all the movie stars shop...but we were sidetracked when we stopped at the Visitor's Center first and asked about the tram ride that we had seen signs for. The ranger told us it was an amazing ride up to the top of the San Jacinto Mountain, where you can view all of Palm Springs and Indio on one side and the mountains on the other. The tram opened in September 1963 and more than 12 million people have been transported to the top of the mountain since then to look down over the Coachella Valley some 8500 feet below. Well, we were convinced, so we hopped on the tram, which rotates a full 360 degrees continuously so passengers can enjoy a panoramic view on the way up and down! When we got to the top, we trekked down a paved path that leads to the trails that adventerous hikers take, as well a wide open space where people were sledding and snow shoeing. We stopped at the end of the pavement and were just in awe at the scenery around us...huge pine trees nestled in about 4 feet of snow surrounded us!


After taking the tram back down, we headed to Palm Canyon Drive and walked around the shops for about an hour...it was HOT so we didn't walk too long! It was a beautiful day and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!

Tomorrow we leave for Hobson County Park in Ventura to spend 5 nights on the beach...we can't wait! We've had a lot of fun spending these past 6 months in the desert, but I think we're looking forward to some vegetation and civilization!

2 comments:

Dawn Fine said...

ohh.the beach..I forgot about the beach..will get there in a few weeks..until now we are in Big Bend, which i love .Looks like you two are having a grand time out west!

Rena and Ed said...

The beach is beautiful! The drive here was horrendous...no fun going thru LA (even around it!)...the rest of our trip should be much easier tho! But the beach was definitely worth the trip! I'll do a blog today or tomorrow with pics...