Sunday: gorgeous blue sky, warm temperature and a beautiful place to hike, can it get any better? We found another birding/hiking spot. The Whitewater Preserve just west of here about 20 miles.
We went to Cabot Pueblo Museum but did not have enough time to see the whole thing, will try again later in the week. But… this has #27 of the Peter Toth Trail of the Giants, we only have 62 more to find…
We did a few chores, some pool time then met up with Ray and Jon for dinner at Wangs in the Desert. Live music and very good food.
Monday: Went to the Coachella Valley Wild Bird Center. Nice place to look for water birds. not too big but we spent about an hour and a half walking around. Then to a local casino “Fantasy Springs”. we were able to play for a bit and walked out with more than we walked in with! Warm day means pool time.. it actually got too warm sitting in the sun! the same Canadian that complained about the pool being too cool raised the temp to 85 degs.. it really did feel good to be in the pool.
A wonderful Italian dinner at Johnny Costas.
began with a “Costa politan” and Peroni on tap:
One of the best blue cheese dressings that I have had in a long time. Eric’s salad was a “continental” a mix of blue cheese and Italian. it too was very very good.
We both had a pasta, Eric’s with shrimp.
Tuesday:
our weather forecast for the week
means lots of pool time… which is what we did after cleaning and exercising then to Ray’s for Christmas Eve celebration with friends Jon and Chris
The last 3 years we have been alone for Christmas so it was a wonderful night and so special to spend it with family. Of course the food was fabulous and we even got to take some home.
Christmas Day:
woke up to beautiful views of the mountain and temps at about 60 deg!
took a bike ride to the local cemetery.. they really decorate them up for the holidays
there were lots of Christmas trees and of course poinsettias.
another day by the pool before picking up Ray to go to dinner at Trio in Downtown Palm Springs. forgot the camera…. but We had a wonderful dinner, Lamb shank, prime rib and salmon. then to the Rivera for drinks in the Side Bar. Beautiful place that is very reminiscent of the old days with Frank, Sammy and Dino!
Thursday: Headed to the Cabot Pueblo Museum in Desert Hot Springs. Great place to visit. cost was $9 in December.
It took him 10 years to build this place, but always adding on etc..
Eric really liked this concrete bench, giving him some ideas…
I liked this one much better!
Lunchtime in Downtown PS at Fresh Grinder Burger
we sat outside with a beautiful view, the burgers were great, so were the fries, mine were truffle parmesan fries..
then for a little walk downtown, stopped for a Date Shake and a quick tour of the Palm Springs Historical Museum. there are 200,000 poles around the world.
next stop is the Art House. some people like some don’t.
it looks like recycled stuff was used to make the sculptures.
back home to rest and relax after a day of sightseeing.
Saturday: We met up with Ray at Tahquitz Canyon for a ranger led walk. another beautiful morning…
we seen some Big horn sheep, can you see them?
this one is in the middle at the top
this one is in the shade
this picture has both of them
we finally made it to the waterfalls
a few views of the valley
time for lunch at Dickie O’Neils Irish Pub. we had heard about the mac n cheese from our tour guide during week one.
it was very good. Eric had a Rueben and Ray the chili, they were all very good.
Eric and I headed back home, had to go back to the cemetery to find the stars sites..
pool time before the sun sets…
Saturday: we went to the street fair at COD (College of the Desert). they hold it every Sat and Sun from 7-2. some of the same vendors as at the Village fest in downtown PS. Lots of good stuff!
of course lots of food booths.. I had a grilled polish sausage, Eric had Island chicken.
the chicken was phenomenal! we spent about 2 hours walking quickly around. since we don’t really need anything we did not really shop around but it was a beautiful morning to walk and it was fun to see all the stuff…well we did purchase consumables… fresh dates, pistachios, macadamia nuts and Carmel corn!
next to Old Town La Quinta, not too much to see here, about a 30 minute walk around town, a few cute shops and restaurants.
On to Sunnylands, this place is called the Camp David of the West. we did not get tickets to tour the home but the gardens are free.
it was a very beautiful place, very serene and peaceful.
we only have 4 days left here in the valley/desert. Boy time sure does fly….
