November 16-20, 2020
We escaped to the Mohave Desert for a quick get-away in the Lundcruiser. Palm Desert is a beautiful area we haven't been to before. We needed a change of scenery and found a nice RV Resort, so booked it for 4 nights!
I wasn't going to do a blog, but there are so many things to share, I couldn't resist!
Palm Desert is a beautiful place, and a paradise for golfers--everywhere you look there is a golf course. We stayed at Emerald Desert RV Resort, which is usually full, but thanks to COVID, we were able to snag a spot. The rv park had two putting greens, as well as a beautiful pool, and we found some pretty good pickleball players too! We were told that pre-Covid, all 8 courts were full with people waiting; we met a group of 6 players each morning at 8am and got some good games in.
Palm Springs is just a few exits away, with scenery just a beautiful, and more golf courses everywhere. We did some exploring through the downtown, stopped for lunch and enjoyed Mahi Mahi Tacos on Taco Tuesday--the special included a beer, so of course, we had to indulge.
We found the Star Walk, which extended for several blocks....
...and also found See's Candies, (which we visited twice because we received a request for a special order of Maple Cashew Brittle.)
We capped off the day with a visit to Shields Date Garden --a local iconic market, famous for its date shakes. We tried one of the milkshakes, and it was delicious! Southern California produces 90% of the date production in the US! We are bringing home some Barhi dates (another special request from a sister) . They are yummy--like eating a caramel with real health benefits!
We scheduled a Windmill Tour to find out about the thousands of windmills we could see along the interstate. (The tour was suggested by a sister who has visited here.) We were literally "blown away" (pun intended) by the fascinating facts and things we learned about wind power. Palm Springs is situated in a pass between two mountains, that directs the wind through the area. It's one of the windiest places in the country, and a perfect spot for windmills! There are about 2100 windmills in the area that generate all of the electricity for the valley.
The windmills are magnificent machines. Each blade is 144ft long, made of carbon fiber. The post is a thick metal tube, constructed in 3 pieces, and is 262 ft high! The base foundation is 15-20 ft deep, made with 50 loads of concrete!
As you stand among the windmills, all you can hear is the whoosh of the blades as they turn through the air. The electricity is transferred through underground cables and provides power for all of the surrounding valley. What an amazing way to harness energy.
We saved our last adventure for the final day--Joshua Tree National Park.
It is a huge park--800,000 acres-- and different than anything we've seen before. The Doctor Seuss-like trees, and gigantic boulders and rock formations are everywhere. Joshua trees are slow growing, adding only 2-3 inches of growth each year. They only grow between elevations of 2,000 and 6,000 feet, and are found only in the Mohave Desert. They live about 500 years! The old guy in the picture is a baby compared to this tree!
We didn't realize it, but the park is a mecca for rock climbing enthusiasts, and we saw several of them in action when we visited today! These people camp in tents at the bottom of the rocks, and get up early to avoid the heat and begin their climb up the face of the rocks. I could have watched all day. Look for the arrows to find the climbers!
These people are really really brave (and fit!)
And check out this very impressive rock climber!
The ginormous boulders and rocks actually developed from volcanic activity. The magma rose from underground and pushed up the ground and granite, resulting in piles of rocks. When it came into contact with groundwater cracks appeared which provide the perfect rock climbing opportunities.
Skull Rock is one of the well-known formations, aptly named!
Joshua Tree National Park is yet another example of nature's wonderful work. We are so glad we got the opportunity to experience this magnificent treasure!
It's been a great get-away!
Now we have to get home so we can decorate for Christmas!
