Sunday: we headed to the mountains, we left the valley at 8:30 am it was about 66 degs. when we got to about 5500 ft above sea level it was about 50 deg.. the higher we went the greener it got. There was cactus plants all over the mountain until we got up high enough for the pine trees etc to survive.
found 4 new birds! new count at 351! the White headed Woodpecker was #350.
mountain bluebird
Acorn Woodpecker
red tailed hawk
great day for bird watching
Smoky the bear is into the season…
he is way too cute.. It took us over an hour to get up to Idyllwild Nature center, and it was all up hill on lots and lots of switchbacks. It was a bit windy but out of the wind it was very pleasant. Very beautiful up there but would not want to take the RV or have to drive up and down too often.
got home just in time to see the last 10 seconds of the Packer game.. Go Pack!
Monday: it was –24 at home this morning! +50 here! wow this is going to be a very long winter in the Northwoods. It just so happens that Palm Springs is enjoying a 15 deg warmer than Average December. we are very thankful for the heat.
Headed out to hike Randolph Henderson trail. another beautiful place to hike. we seen about 20 birds but nothing new.
found this poster in the bathroom… thinking we need to make one when we get home
some of the walk seemed like we were in a “Lost in Space” or “Star Trek” episode, can you see Eric?
the cactus were losing their blooms but still beautiful and lots of hummingbirds
The Phainopepla posed nicely for us
time for lunch.. headed to Indio
the food was OK, the corn chowder got a 3 out of 5 forks, the wedge salad got a 2 out of 5 and the pulled pork got a 4 out of 5.. it was a beautiful place with great service but don’t need to return
we sat on the patio, so beautiful
Since we were right there we stopped for a Date Shake from Shields, 2 for one coupon! of course they are too big so we put them in the freezer when we got back home. then for a bit of pool and spa time before it gets dark! only two days left to enjoy the area.. we had two earthquakes today. One while we were hiking the other when we were at the pool… did not feel either of them!
Tuesday: Back to Big Morango Valley for one more bird hunt. we had a very successful day, 3 new birds today. grand total is 354! so far 33 new birds since we left home. If we were better or had been with professional birders the number would have probably doubled!
the California Quail is our last one of 2013!
we did a few last minute chores then a little time at the fitness center then off to the pool with our Date Shake from Shields in Indio.
Its been a while but we were able to watch the marathon of Twilight Zone and celebrate the New Year with New York… we are not good about staying up late.
Jan 1, 2014: Happy New Year! another beautiful day in the Coachella Valley. Our last full day to enjoy our surroundings, we really love the mountains, flowers, birds and of course the weather.
As we come to the beginning of the new year we have to pack up and head to Needles for our volunteer work at the Havasu Wildlife Refuge. It will be hard to leave this beautiful area, we have seen so much, logged a few new birds and met some new people but… its time to move on.
our final walk around the resort, this guy has never heard of Ice fishing. just sitting telling fish stories to his friend.
Packer fans throughout the resort!
our oranges are ripe for the picking, taking a bag or two…
One last session at the fitness center, pool and spa.
Went to Ray’s for a cocktail before going to the Rivera Circa 59 for dinner.
Circa 59
the menu has a light for the old folks…
dinner was delightful… salads and salmon and shrimp linguini
service was very good the food was OK… nothing to write home about. great atmosphere. A great way to begin 2014..
Wow what a year, so much to be thankful for including our health, the love of family and friends and our ability to keep on moving. We are saddened by the loss of three very special aunts and a very good friend, they are always in our thoughts as they had all touched our lives in a very special way.
Its time to begin 2014, we have a lot to look forward to this year, we will begin in Needles and the Havasu Wildlife Refuge.
Your pictures are gorgous, however I am sure that was not what you were shooting for, just the shock value of the day..... We also got a little snow yesterday but nothing stuck and most of it was rain. We want to make one more trip to Iowa before winter, but no control over that. Will hope for dry roads for all who have not made it out of the north early enough. Hugs
ReplyDeleteOK so now do you believe I am having trouble with the comment section. Where did this one come from dated Oct. 23, 2013?? Loved your last blog entry in PS as it summerizes the beauty of this place. I can't wait to go back next year. Drive safe to Needles and keep these adventures coming.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Great photos, they instantly make me feel warmer!
ReplyDeleteI see Eric's last session at the "fitness center" was intense; I have to try that routine!
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