A Detour to Palm Springs

Some Work Before Play

As I am recounting our RV adventures from over three years ago, I am glad we kept a journal about our travels.

It was November 10 and 11, 2017, at our stay in Catalina Spa and RV Resort, near Desert Hot Springs, CA.  These were both work days.

Connie had to reorganize some cabinets.  And, we had to plan our next location to park the RV.  Plus, we had 24 postcards to get in the mail!

Of course, when we are trying to see all we can of the West, two work days in the RV is more time than is needed to get things done!

Why Not Palm Springs

Connie was ready for a day of sight-seeing!

Since we were only about ten miles away from Palm Springs, we decided to check it out.  However, we missed our turnoff on Interstate 10.

Then, as day-trips often work, we decided to try the Whitewater Canyon Preserve.  It was a trout hatchery until 2006, when a rare frog was discovered.  The frog won over the non-native trout!

Whitewater Canyon Preserve
Whitewater Canyon Preserve
Our selfie at Whitewater
We liked the Whitewater Canyon Preserve

We walked around the ranger station, with pools and no fish.  They were nicely landscaped, with some big stones with famous quotes etched on them.  The setting was peaceful with benches to relax and take it all in.

Landscaping
Nice landscaping
Whitewater Canyon
The pond in Whitewater Canyon Preserve
Connie by the pond
Connie looks good by the pond!
Whitman stone
The Walt Whitman stone
Peaceful Path
A peaceful path to walk
Me on the wall
Me on the wall in front of the Ranger Station.
Emerson Stone
Emerson stone!

Leaving there, we got back on the Interstate and took the correct exit to Palm Springs.

The Experience

We decided to walk the Main Street and visit some shops.  One of which was a shop with primarily socks, with all kinds of sayings, prints, etc.  We had to buy some for Christmas presents! 

Palm Springs sign
Front wheel sign on sidewalk art
Shops in Palm Springs
A row of shops in Palm Springs
Sock Shop
Find Your Feet – sock store!
Me and Marilyn
Oh, Marilyn!
Socks
Socks galore!
T-shirt store
Designated driver – old west style!
Shopping near a park
After shopping we walked by a park
A city at the base of a hill
Palm Springs is at the base of a large hill
Palm trees
Plenty of pam trees in Palm Springs!
Palm tree and me
A palm tree bigger than me!

As we shopped, we overheard conversations in several dialects of mostly European decent.

We found a sandwich shop where we shared a large sandwich with the elements of a Thanksgiving Dinner!  It was tasty!

Lunch sandwich
Turkey with cranberry sauce and dressing!

Back at camp, I was able to go swimming in their warm mineral spring water pool.  I did 12 laps!

Another Work Day

The next day was Monday, two days before Pay Day (SSA Day!).  So, preps need to be made for moving money and paying bills.

Our next stop was near Julian, CA.  We like to research what sights might be nearby.

Since we had two folding adult tricycles, (long story) which I carried in front of the fifth wheel hitch on my pickup, unloading to ride them was difficult.  So, I had a wild idea for a crane wench to help ease that problem.

I had noticed a welding shop on our drive to the RV Resort.  We stopped there and I got a guy who knew just what I needed.  He welded an “L” shaped arm with a brace that would fit in the hole on the side of the truck bed.

Then, I went to a hardware store, in Desert Hot Springs, to get a clip, a pulley, and some rope.  I was set up!

I, also, bought a battery powered, Porter-Cable, screwdriver/drill, with a backup battery!  A guy with a new tool, how great is that!

We ate healthy, that evening, as I cooked a spaghetti squash to go with sauce and meatballs!  I like to talk about food!

More Sights, More Food

We had three more days at this site.  The next day was to be a visit to Big Bear Lake, which had some unusual twists.  More on that trip in my next post.  Until then, safe travels!