From Palms to Pines

We do a lot of driving around the area because it is about 105 degrees. The heat of the day is late afternoon, so even at night it's hot. We go to the pool and the gym (not enough!!) but frequently just get in the car and take a day trip. We are in the land of palm trees and dates. 

On I-10 at Palm Springs are wind mills. Thousands of them; more than anywhere else we've seen. You know the what a lot of windmills mean; a lot of wind.

We took a day trip to Idyllwild. At over 5300 foot elevation, it is cool in temperature and wonderful place to get away from the heat of the desert for a hike.

Idyllwild has two large climbing rocks on each side: Tahquitz Peak and Suicide Rock. Both are famous with the Southern California rock climbers.

Since reading the book "Wild" I've been interested in the Pacific Crest Trail. Not to hike it myself, but in amazement of those that take on the journey. It starts near the Mexico border of California and travels into Washington.

This is the PCT - albeit a simple snapshot of an incredible 2663 mile journey

Completing our round trip loop around the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains (yes, they are mountains with elevation over 10,000) we approach the Coachella Valley consisting of Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, La Quinta and Indio.

It is surprisingly green in the cities. I know there is a drought in SoCal, but this area is keeping it's multiple golf courses and tourist areas green and lush. Even peoples front yards are green. 

Salton Sea: From Accidental Oasis to Poison Pit

We are now on our way from Northern Arizona to San Diego. Tim has never been to Palm Springs so we're taking advantage of the off-season to stay at a few nice resorts along the way. It is hot here and we drive around in the car to stay cool. We decided to take a day trip around the Salton Sea.

The Salton Sea happened as an accident in 1905 and became the largest lake in California. For 18 months the banks of the Colorado River overflowed and water rushed from three ill designed irrigation canals into this basin that lies 226 feet below sea level - only a 5 foot difference from Death Valley. Vacationers from Palm Springs came to see waterfront property in the desert! In the 1950's and 60's the area flourished with hotels and marinas; waterskiers and fishermen.

By the 1980's, Salton Sea is a health hazard. Water is evaporating and what is left behind are salt, muck, and stench of dead birds, fish, and waste - both environmental and human. The New River flows north from Mexicali and brings with it untreated sewage. It is an abomination. 

Why would we even stop? This was one of those places I had always heard about growing up in San Diego. I thought maybe we had been there as children but my brother assured me we had not.

At Bombay Beach, many homes and trailers had been abandoned and fenced. Amazingly, we saw some people milling about the residences. The smell was horrific. It reminds me of Tammy's favorite show: The Walking Dead. Except no zombies.

A few miles east of Salton Sea is another gem: Slab City. During WWII General Patton practiced war games in this area - even Enola Gay flew over from Nevada to practice bomb drops nearby. What remains are slabs of concrete where snowbirds could park their RV's. For Free! It remains a free for all with no rules, no water, no sewer, no electricity. Nada. Nothing. We will never stay here. but it sure was a unique place to see. It was a bit of a train wreck.

Many come and stay for years off the grid. It is Mad Max meets I don't know what. Certainly not Burning Man. Sadly, I think during the hot months it is mostly drug addicts, people with mental health issues, and those wanting to live without any law or order. Not all however are destitute, but they are all squatters, living in the last free place in America. There is somewhere for everyone.

This is Soul Tree so named for all the shoes hanging from it's branches.

Upon reaching Slab City your first sight is Salvation Mountain, a 30 year ongoing project. Bring him a can of paint or two when you visit.

Slab City has full time residents, hobos, and snowbirds. Some people are ingenious using solar power and creating works of art out of garbage.  I understand visitors return year after year to experience the music and to see friends they've made. Once the temps hit triple digits only the hardy remain. If you visit, and you should, also see East of Jesus. There is an interesting art exhibit made from garbage.

America is an amazing place. The good, the bad, and the ugly. It is ours to behold and experience.

On a lighter note, this is our friend in our RV Park. We call him Broke Beak. He rules the roost. I found out that hummingbirds have a tongue! It has ridges that allow the nectar to be swallowed by the bird. You can see his tongue hanging out. Maybe because it's so freakin' hot here in Indio in Sept.

Broke Beak is our buddy all day, every day.

Chris and Chuck were at their new place on the River so we spent a wonderful weekend with them. The sunsets are amazing and views spectacular!

Being with them in the sunshine and warm water is so relaxing.

On the Road to Spectacular Sedona

To further round Tammy's National Monument experience, she and I visited a couple more. This is Montezuma Castle; a cliff dwelling that you are no longer allowed to climb up to but view from below.

I call this "camo tree"

Our final National Monument was Tuzigoot; a hilltop dwelling with a series of rooms inhabited 800 years ago.

Tammy really wanted to go shooting in a gallery. I watched from the lobby.

Peak season is September and October. With monsoon rains it is very green and colors pop.

Our final destination together is Sedona, AZ. I wanted Tammy to get the awe inspiring experience of driving into the Red Rock area from the co-pilots seat.

Although we had been to Sedona several times, the most recent being just 6 months ago, we have never stayed at the RV park in the city. We are right in the middle of the action and walked to Tlequepaque and the Uptown area. You wouldn't know it but the RV park is at the lower part of this picture where you can see some grass planted under the trees. The houses on the hillside blend in. They have ordinances to not cut down any trees and the house colors are restricted to blend in with the red rock. 

This was our RV site called Hilltop. The cicadas were very loud during the day. Ahh, nature!

This is sunrise view from our bedroom.

The grassy area as seen from across the street is at the bottom of the photo. Oak Creek runs behind the park between us and Uptown Sedona.

RV Parks have quiet hours but we thought the 10pm lights out rule at our park was unusual. We learned that Sedona is one of eight cities world wide to receive the coveted International Dark Sky Community designation. This allows for spectacular star gazing in the area.

Although the water looks green it was clear. The color must be the reflection from the trees.

Our must see every time we come to Sedona is the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It is a Frank Lloyd Wright design and built into the hillside. I think the Pope would not be disappointed if he visited. It is simple yet speaks volumes. 

The most wonderful part of staying at the RV Park in the city is that you just walk up the driveway and onto amazing hiking trails. 

This tarantula moved right onto Tim's path.

We walked across the street to Tlaquepaque which has amazing architecture and galleries that although closed early in the evening, were open for people to walk through the hallways at any time. 

On our final night together Tammy treated us to a great meal at Elote's.

The view, food, and company were amazing. Love you Tambones. You were an excellent guest and you are welcome to share in our adventures again.

Spelunking the Lava River Cave

Tammy is here from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to stay with us and visit Northern Arizona. All she knew about Arizona was Phoenix. There is so much open land and parks to explore! We've been in Williams for over a month now and I love how much the area has to offer, all within an hours' drive. 

We took a day trip from Williams to Grand Canyon. The on to Wupatki, Sunset Crater, and Flagstaff.

We  really enjoyed Flagstaff. Great shops, cool old hotels, tasty mojitos at the Rendevous.

We did a little bike riding.

Tammy took over the lobby desk to do some work. Looks like she's on Facebook to me.

We went to the Junior Rodeo in town.

We went to visit Denny and Kristina at Wild West Junction. We met the mayor. He asked if we are sisters. Actually, we've had that question more than once. I get to be the taller sister for a change.

Tim, Tammy and I went to Lava River Cave. You climb over lava rocks deep into the cave for 3/4 of a mile. Some places the stones rocked, the deeper you went the smaller the boulders/rocks. Kids and teenagers ran over them. Tammy did a good job of keeping up the group in front of us. I couldn't see even with a head lamp and hand held torch.

It is pitch black in there. It's actually good when there are lots of people around because the lights everyone carries brighten up the place. Surprisingly, there is plenty of room inside for everyone. Sometimes we saw no one at all. Here is Tammy with lights balanced on her hat.

This is what she looked like inside the cave.

Once inside there are 30' ceilings, but along the way though you better watch your head!

Sparkles on the ceiling look like gold but were water. You can see how slippery the small rocks are. 

I was very happy to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is actually the beginning of the cave because it is one way in and out. This adventure was not quite for me. The shadows and uneven surfaces really messed with my balance. I was an accident waiting to happen. Tammy ended up with a couple wounds. I did not for change. Not even a broken bone!

We've moved on to the Verde Valley

The mining city of Jerome is built on a hillside. We walked around but weren't feeling it's charm. Possibly because the night before we had too much fun.

Mining rail cars. The one on the left is a two seat potty.

This colorful butterfly was huge.