The Westin Mission Hills Villas Rancho Mirage

... also very very expensive!). Once at the top there is a limited amount of stuff to do as it is somewhere between summer and winter activities. No matter though the view down to the Coachella valley below – all the way to the Salton Sea was incredible.

I went for a gentle wander along the valley behind the tram station which was 5 inches deep in snow and delightfully crisp and calm. Had I been up early ...

... I could make from G6 but decided as my Mum reads this I better stick with the Gee-whiz which is now my chariot of fire until the end of Feb.

Getting on the freeway at 2pm was a relief as I was tiring fast from the journey. Unfortunately me and the ****-Nav had a few more problems. To be clear this was a different Sat Nav from the ones used previously but you know they all talk to each other. What I learnt from this trip was ...

After a long couple months of grueling school, it was nice to take a little vacay with the family to palm springs. The Marriott desert springs is a gorgeous hotel on the golf course with ample room space and stunning views of the mountains. It's the 5th day of our trip and so far it's been very nice and relaxing. We've gone shopping quite a bit that I'm a little worried about how I'm going to bring everything ...

... of San Jacinto with autumn afternoon sunlight. The contrast of colors is aesthetically pleasing. It just looks beautiful. The air is crisp and clean. The sky is royal blue. The mood is nothing but positive. Maybe its because the last couple of mile to the summit are not as grueling as the first eleven miles of constant steep ascent. At one point both of my quadriceps had been cramping and my left knee had me wandering if I was going to make it. Thanks to Martin ...

... The added feature of the whole Hallowed-Fest experience was the first ever all acoustic set. Needless to say the music was amazing.

The promoters built this giant castle-snake-overlook in the middle of the firelds. You could walk all the way around and be at a rotunda at the top and look out to see the whole venue. A very cool feature. Highlight was the glowstick battles on either side with the people on top ...

... fitness center, games room and internet access. It is great for people with their massive modern mobile homes, which are like studio flats on wheels.

We will be moving on to Grand Canyon today and will be camping in a more primitive campground, with no electric hookups. I am sure it will provide us with a whole new experience.

I am totally exhausted after a whole day wandering around the Joshua Tree National Park in the desert heat.

We are camping for the first night in 29 Palms. Woot-woot! We started out the evening great, already cooked and ate out of our van. Ok... it was ...

We have arrived in Palm Springs.

We spent the day shopping at the Desert Hills Outlet Center on the way here. It definitely lives up to its name of being a "premium" outlet. They had the standard designer fare, with great discounts. However, they just did not seem to have enough regular stuff. I was looking for some sports wear for ...

... animals
running onto the street. We took the palm springs aerial tram up onto
the mountains. The 10 minute ride gives you amazing vies of the
mountains. It is a very pretty place to see and our last stop. I loved
our time here in California and there are many memories we will take
back with us.

... that nice for you! What is this guys problem. wow. Then rechecking bags, biding each other adieu (soooo sad!!!), and off to my plane to Palm Springs (only a 45 minute flight). Beth unfortunately had A LOT more traveling to do to get to West Palm Beach, Florida. Landed in Palm Springs, met mom, grabbed a pastrami sandwich.. and FREE water WITH ICE!!! And I've been just generally chillin', doing laundry, helping mom with the house, eating lots of ...