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.

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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

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T-minus one – to Sequoia / Kings Canyon National Park

My husband loves to fish –  find me a kick ass hiking trail and I’m a happy girl.  This National Park gives us everything an active, or not so active, couple could ask for!  dutch-oven-c

Link to NPS website: http://www.nps.gov/seki/historyculture/index.htm

“Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks contain big trees, high peaks, and deep canyons, but the diversity goes far beyond that. Located in the southern Sierra Nevada range, the parks’ elevations extend from 1,300 feet (418m) in the foothills to 14,491 feet (4,417m) at the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous 48 states. Plunging in the opposite direction far below the surface are over 200 marble caverns, many with endemic cave fauna. This huge variation in the landscape contributes to the collage of habitats that create a rich assemblage of terrestrial, aquatic and subterranean ecosystems. Here one can observe a vast diversity of plants and animals representing an array of adaptations.”

 

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Did You Know?

Copper Creek Valley.

The mid-elevation Sierra coniferous forest supports a remarkable diversity of tree species. Here ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, sugar pine, and scattered groves of giant sequoia intermix , forming one of the most extensive stands of old-growth coniferous forest remaining in the world.

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Super excited to head out tomorrow – photos to follow !

Happy trails…………………

 

 

 

Wedding Bells – Sedona

Well – we did it …. been a busy week but Chip and I got married.

Sedona AZ – Nov 3rd –  weather was amazing, the ceremony spiritual, and yes – I looked like a princess!  

The boys went bike riding – us girls did the spa day – pampered

Ceremony at Sedona Creative Life Center –

Reception at Market Place Cafe – they did a GREAT job  – talk to  Austin www.mpcsedona.com

Some pix of our wedding day

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Zion National Park – Sept 2012

The fall colors are just beginning, the weather is perfect and the National Park was awesome as always.

With the Geology team from Irvine Valley College we trudges the paths of the backcountry – a 12 mike hike that began at East Canyon and dropped down to the switchbacks above Dripping Cavern.  We found some slot canyons with enough water to swim in – I love that area….  

Enjoy the pix – next stop, Blythe for some off-roading!

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Laughlin – Nevada Next Stop!

Heading to the lake - Boat running good!

This weekend we’re heading to beutiful Lake Mohave…. Staying at Harrah’s and launching from Katherine’s Landing.

General information and reservations:  www.visitlaughlin.com

Katherines has a Marina – Gas dock – Kick butt mechanics (should the need arise) – Air and Ice – Restaurant – and boat slips!

Laughlin – Great place – great prices – Fun times!

Harrah’s – Harrah’s – Link to Hotel Info 

Katherine’s Marina:   Desert Information – Link 

Lake Mohave Resort
2690 Katherine Spur Rd
Bullhead City, AZ 86429
(928) 754-3245