We left the Las Vegas condo at 7:00 am. Temp 46, clear sunny sky. Our journey today was 280 miles, we took the highway the entire way. We did stop a few times, arriving at our condo in Cathedral City at 3:15 pm, 77 deg and sunny sky. Our trip was a bit unnerving around the areas of construction and traffic. We did see the remnants of at least 4 accidents with turnovers. Speed kills.....
a few of our stops
the world's largest thermometer in Baker Ca It has reached 130 deg!
walking spots in the desert
Nice pic of a Lark Sparrow
Our condo is on the first floor in a gated golfing community. Very clean, chocolates, wine, fruit, Starbucks coffee and toilet paper! We did go for a walk around the neighborhood after we settled into the condo.
Dec 2: Time to go birding and lunch with Ray at his club. We went to Thousand Palms for our first walk in the area. the parking lot is closed but we are able to park on the street. The pond is closed for rehabilitation but the docent came with the keys and let us in. then Lunch with Ray. Great visit and great food. A bit of grocery shopping and a walk around our "hood" completed our day.
Dec 3: Off to Morongo Valley for a great walk. Good birding (5 year birds), but not too much water. In the past there was a marsh with boardwalk. We spent about 4 hours there and did not see it all. After a rest stop at home we went downtown PS for a walk before the Gov shuts down the state. There was a number of people eating, shopping and walking around but not too crowded. We found a Brewery tap bar, La Quinta, which we stopped at for a beer an nachos. It was all good.
I must say that California has this outside eating thing down. Everyone wears a mask, even on the trails, plenty of outdoor eating and only so many people are allowed into an establishment.
Dec 4: off to Sultan Sea where we found lots and lots of birds on the water! We don't recall seeing so many on the water.
After spending about 3 hours walking and birding we headed to Dos Palmas. They changed the parking lot to about 3/4 of a mile from the Oasis. Luckily it was not too hot.
Yes it says minus 210 ft below sea level
On the way back we stopped at Shield's Date Garden for a delicious Date Shake and 7 varieties of dates. They are so sweet and good. A quick stop at La Quinta Brewery to fill the growler then home. Great day in the valley.
Dec 5 Today we headed to Whitewater Preserve. The park is closed because of a fire in August but we were able to walk the trails along the river. it started out cool but sure did warm up quickly, I was overdressed with my flannel lined jeans. We found a nice park in PS, Demuth Park for a walk after we ate our lunch. Birthday Dinner for Ray at The Farm with John. Dinner was fabulous as was the company.
California will be shutting down at midnight on Sunday. We knew it was coming, thus the early b-day dinner for Ray.
Sunday Dec 6: our final day before lockdown. We headed up to Idyllwild in the mountains for a great hike and a few birds. We hoped to get at least 5 year birds but ended up with only 2... Hopefully we can try one more time. After coming back down from the mountain we did a little shopping and an early dinner at Sherman's for Matzo Ball soup and corned beef/pastrami sandwich. Our final dinner out in Calif...
Took the Buick in for an oil change on Monday Dec 7. We went walking around the local parks in the morning before chores in the afternoon.
Tuesday we went back to Morongo Valley. Our pools are open. This resort has 31 pools, ours is #15. Of course no one was in the pool or hot tub.
We have to wear our masks to the pool but not In the pool
I am happy, the water is warm and the Brandy Eggnog is good!
Although the pool is heated, its a bit too cool for me but not for Eric
Wednesday: we found a new year bird, Plumbeous Vireo right in our parking lot in a tree over our car! You just never know where you will find one... We went to Coachella Valley Wild Bird Center, which is really Sanitation ponds and a rehabilitation center for birds, then we headed to Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area ($12) for a walk around the pond. It was nice but not worth the money..
I called our hotel in San Diego to confirm our reservations. California has put a stop on reservations for people from outside of Calif. He said we are good to go.. We weren't really panicking about our plans as we had 2-3 other options.. But we really want to go to San Diego... Everything (like here) will be closed but the parks and beaches are open. We still have one more week here.
Thursday we headed to Indian Canyons. They charge $7 for seniors and $9 for adults. Its a bit pricy but such a beautiful place. We hiked for a few hours, the easy routes.
Friday we began the day with a long walk around our resort. The club house grounds are so pretty.
We headed back to Thousand Palms for a walk in the desert and through the preserve
Saturday Dec 12: We celebrated Ray's 65th B-Day with dinner at his place. He ordered dinner in from his club as Calif is still in shutdown mode.
There was the four of us, me, Eric, Ray and John
Cake with no candles!
He was planning on having a big bash for his big birthday but... We had a good time with delicious food and lively conversation.
Sunday was a stay around the compound day. We found a beautiful walk way. landscaping is so pretty here.
Left over cake and sweets makes for a Happy Sunday!
Monday we headed to
it was a cool windy morning
Are you talking to ME?
such beautiful formations
By the time we left the park it was getting pretty crowded. It was hard to avoid people on a couple of our hikes.
Tuesday we headed up the mountain to Lake Hemet to look for a a White headed woodpecker and a Pinon Jay. Needless to say we found neither but did find 3 new year birds! It was cold (42) and windy but we had a good day hiking and birding.
Wednesday Dec 16: our time is coming to a close here in the valley. Our final visit with brother Ray today (until next year). We picked up Sherman's sandwiches to take to Ray's house. Beautiful sunny day to sit out side and enjoy his company. The sandwiches were so big we have enough for two dinners and two lunches!
Eric's sandwich: roast beef, turkey and corned beef! This pic is one half of the sandwich!
Thursday is our final day in the valley. Cloudy day makes for a good day to hang around our property and pack up the car. The sun came out in the afternoon making a great day to hang by the pool.
Friday Dec 18: We are off to San Diego......
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