Palm Desert – Spring has sprung…

Saw my first wildflowers this past week – that’s right…winter has eluded California this year and spring is upon us – the time change in effect I hear the desert a callin!

We were tossed between a camping weekend in Joshua Tree (Most campsites there are first come, first served and very busy this time of year) or Pete’s place in Palm Desert Greens…. so Palm Desert here we come.

Swap Meet at College of the Desert
Swap Meet at College of the Desert

The swap meet at College of the Desert is really a good one – open on weekends until around 4pm they have many unique items – if you’re looking for golf attire or jewelry, this is the spot.

Fox

Heck yeah - let's hit those trails - Indian Canyon, Bump and Grind, lots to see...
Heck yeah – let’s hit those trails – Indian Canyon, Bump and Grind, lots to see…
Map of the area
Map of the area

This time of year is amazing for hiking – especially if you go early in the day – last month Chip and I tried a trail called “Bump and Grind” – it’s a switch back and more of a workout than a leisurely walk- all the locals know about it and you can ask anyone (that’s what we did) – The trailhead is behind a grocery store – Albertsons

One of my favorites is Indian Canyon (cost to enter park – around 9.00 I think) – there are many many trails – Palm tree oasis, creek, old mines, Indian artifacts, and miles of trails…
http://indian-canyons.com/

Golf anyone?
Golf anyone?

My husband loves to golf – now, while it’s not 100 degrees, is a great time to hit the green. I, of course, will be poolside waiting for them! As much fun as driving the cart can be I think R&R is on the schedule for me this weekend.

Palm Trees and Beautiful Skies
Palm Trees and Beautiful Skies

In summary – if you haven’t explored Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta this time of year you are missing some of the beauty California has to offer – word class restaurants, The Living Desert Zoo, casinos, golf, shopping, or an inexpensive weekend poolside; Palm Desert is amazing.

Happy Travels – Barb and Chip

wpid-20130601_175235.jpg

Mineral King. Aug 2013

Did a side trip, well a 90 minute windy road side trip, to an amazing place in the Sequoias called mineral king. 

We used to visit here when my daughter was young, what an amazing place…. 

image

image

image

image

Caught a rainstorm….found some hail on way down mountain

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

Zion National Park – March 1 2013

Zion National Park is one of my favorite spots –  When we ski in Brian head, a day trip through the canyon is a “must do” –  We’ll be heading there next week so wanted to get prepped and primed with my geological and Botanical information.

I have hiked many of the back trails in the area – the Red Rocks, Slot Canyons, and Flora/Fauna are some of the most amazing in the world.

Geology – Zion National Park is located along the edge of a region known as the Colorado Plateau. The rock layers have been uplifted, tilted, and eroded, forming a feature called the Grand Staircase, a series of colorful cliffs stretching between Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. The bottom layer of rock at Bryce Canyon is the top layer at Zion, and the bottom layer at Zion is the top layer at the Grand Canyon.

An amazing place -we go time and time again. Been pretty lucky in the Big Horned Sheep sightings – especially on East side of Park  (by the tunnel) –

Safe travels…

Camera 360Ponderosa – Stay in a covered wagon
DSCN5524

Dripping Cavern

DSCN5519

Dripping Cavern – pretty cool hike above it (switchbacks / Observation Pt)DSCN5543 DSCN5541

Check this out – Virtual Hike to Angel’s Landing – cool

 

wilderness