Thursday, March 31, 2016

Palm Springs, CA

Moreno Valley and the Redlands
We had a quick change of plans yesterday when we discovered that our lease ended on March 31, not April 1.  Because of that we added Palm Springs as an additional stop on our way home.  This route took us through Moreno Valley and the Redlands with beautiful views of the hills and mountains of California.  As we entered Palm Springs we spotted the visitor's center and entrance to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.  The tram car rotates as it rises 2 1/2 miles along the Chino Canyon to Mt. San Jacinto State Park.  Here we had expansive views of the valley below and of Palm Springs.  
Tram Ride

Tram Ride with Palm Springs in the valley

Palm Springs viewed from Mt. San Jacinto
Following that spectacular introduction to Palm Springs we headed for our hotel and headed and headed until we realized we were in Palm Desert, not Palm Springs. Palm Desert was beautiful and we were not disappointed.  The downtown is quite swanky with an outdoor mall that would rival Rodeo Drive where we had pizza.  

A few more pictures are at flickr.




Adios Imperial Beach

Sweetness
Sweetness is very sad today because she has to pack all those winter clothes for the trip home.  She would much rather be on the beach.  Yes, tomorrow we end our stay in Imperial Beach.  It has been a very delightful and uplifting time.  We are melancholy but looking forward to the trip home.  It was wonderful to spend time with Kathy, Phil and Lola, and to see Bonnie and Duncan.  Staying for 2 months helped us to feel as if we lived in the area.  The people at the fitness center I joined we so welcoming and friendly.  Lee, our fearless leader, was attentive and shared his Sunday hikes with us.  

Imperial Beach Fitness Center, Silver Sneakers
Our days and nights were filled with the rumble of the Pacific Ocean. We finally stuck our toes in on the last day.
Wayne, Christy and the Pacific
If you have about 30 minutes to spare flickr has 60 days of recorded sunsets.