We left Phoenix the day before a big storm and so glad we did. We heard there were strong winds and lots of rain coming. Since we were parked in the field next to my brothers home, we might have gotten stuck in the mud and it would not have been a fun drive. We drove a few hours to Quartzsite and spent the night before heading into Palm Springs. I actually took the wheel of the new rig for a couple of hours, what a difference from our old RV. This one handles so nice, easy to drive but oh what a cost to get from point A to point B on diesel. The cost of gas in California is over $4.00 and diesel is over $4.50/gal.
We are in Palm Springs visiting with good friends Mark and Naomi and playing Farkle. Mark has declared himself the undisputed winner and is Farkle King! And he makes a really great spaghetti sauce!!!!!!!
We discovered here that the San Andreas fault runs right through this area, and used to be visible from the mountains. Since there has not been a major eruption on this section since 1906, the ground has been overgrown, plowed over, etc., so it is not easy to locate now. Amazing how many things, including hospitals are built right on top of the fault!
 |
| Tram car with revolving floor |
 |
| Mt. San Jacinto |
We spent a day up on Mt. San Jacinto. A 13,000+ ft mountain that has an aerial tramway taking you up a steep 2 1/2 mile climb to to an elevation of 8,516ft. The tram cars on this tramway are the largest in the world, and the only ones in the western hemisphere. They have rotating floors and each car can hold 80 people. The car has glass windows around and the floor of the tram makes two full revolutions before reaching the top, so everyone gets a view of all directions. Once at the top, you are treated to an beautiful view of this Coachella Valley, seeing all the way to the Sultan Sea.
 |
| Joshua Trees |
Another interesting place to visit in the Palm Springs area is the Joshua Tree National Forest. Actually, Joshua Trees are succulents, related to the Yucca bush and were named by Mormon travelers. The strange contorted branches made them think of Joshua pointing the way to the promised land.
The trees themselves are unique, but the rock outcroppings are what catches your eye. You pass hills of bare rock, usually broken up into large loose boulders. These hills are popular amongst rock climbers and the park has created the most unique camping sites in them. In the Jumbo Rocks campground, each site is nestled in among the formations of the rocks, and tents are set up and snuggled in protective coves.
 |
| some of the rock formations |
 |
| Skull Rock |
The rocks were formed
100 million years ago from the cooling of magma beneath the surface. Groundwater is responsible for the erosion that created the spheres and shapes. One of the most famous shapes is the skull rock.
On our way out tomorrow, heading up to Yosemite National Park. We both grew up in California and Deane has been there many times, but I never remember visiting there. Because it is still early in the year, we will only stay a day.
