Joshua Tree and Palm Springs
Palm Springs was as far west as we made it on this trip and our mark of the halfway point of our total trip. We happily camped at the Palm Springs/Joshua Tree KOA, a top-notch KOA with 3 hot tubs (hot spring fed), a heated pool, mini golf and an extra-large dog park. It was a treat to soak in the tubs in the cool desert air each evening. We only have a picture of the dog park but it’s nice and we would return.
I know we say this often, but driving into the Joshua Tree National Park feels like a different world. Driving to the trailhead we saw plenty of the Palm Tree Yuccas (Joshua Trees)
We spent one day hiking in Joshua Tree on the (undocumented according to the park) Inspiration Peak Trail. It was a vigorous hike with inspiring views of the Coachella Valley and Salton Sea in the distance. The trail was very rocky with climbing in some spots, so boots are recommended and be sure to watch out for the ankle biters!
Palm Springs
1000 Palms is an Oasis with an impressive growth of palm trees on the San Andres Fault just outside of Palm Springs. (In case you are wondering, jumping on the fault did not cause an earthquake). The Oasis is filled with the only Palm tree native to California, the California Fan Palm. These trees do not self-clean the dead palm fronds, creating excellent habitat for snakes, scorpions, rats and birds. Since these Palms need a constant underground water source, the Fault is an excellent home as the pressure of the fault constantly pushes water up from the depths. Nature never ceases to amaze us.
We spent an evening with MK’s cousins Erik and Angela. What a treat to have some Italian food in downtown Palm Springs followed up with a famous date shake next to the Sony Bono statue. Sony Bono was the mayor of Palm Springs from 1988-1992 and they are known for the Medjool Date. Gorgeous night, great company and great to catch up!
