I “had” to go to Palm Springs for a work trip, so Sc tagged along. While I was at the conference, Sc was going to hike around the area. We stayed a few more days to visit Joshua Tree National Park and explore Palm Springs.
The conference was at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage. Very fancy. We pull up to the hotel in our rental car (a minivan – not exactly the look of luxury) and Sc asks where the parking garage is. The nice valet said “There’s no self-park sir, only valet.” 😆
The hotel was sleek, chic and smelled refreshing. We were offered a drink upon arrival. The towels were fluffy and there were two soft fluffy robes available in the bathroom!
Our room overlooked the pool and outside event area. Here’s the day and night view. Gorgeous weather!
During one of Sc’s hikes, he went past Bob Hope’s house. He took a picture and sent it to me and the boys. The boys responded, “Who is Bob Hope?”
After the conference, we headed to Joshua Tree National Park.
The Wall Street Mill Trail followed an old road used by gold miners. Wall Street mill operated from 1928 to 1949 and processed gold. A few remnants remain including the mill, the building that covers it, a well and a well pump. There was also an old car buried in the sand.
Hidden Valley Nature Trail is a 55-acre valley surrounded by mounds of rock. Between the late 1800s and early 1900s, the valley was used by cattle rustlers looking to keep their livestock hidden.
Barker Dam was built by cattle ranchers to help capture water for their livestock.
See in the center of the photo, you can kind of see some grass? That’s where the water pooled.
Skull Rock – because it looks like a skull. 💀
We also spent one night in a yurt! We had a comfy bed, fire pit, and a few household items like plates and silverware, There was a heater and fan. Our sink, shower and bathroom were all outside. It’s not fun to have to get dressed to go to the bathroom outside in the middle of the night. 😆
The yurt did have a fun door!
Made dinner at the yurt – grilled salmon, salad, bread and dessert!
The sink outside…Sc is making breakfast.
We weren’t that far from civilization! 💚
We also visited Mount San Jacinto State Park, accessible by the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The tram boasts the world’s largest rotating tram car that travels through the Chino Canyon to Mount San Jacinto State Park. See the tram car?
The history of the Aerial Tramway is interesting. You can read about it here.
I wasn’t expecting snow at the top!
One last note: I think the Palm Springs airport is my favorite airport. It’s so different than other airports. It’s mostly outside and Palm trees everywhere!
One Kansas Girl 