Palm Springs
Trip Start
Apr 07, 2008
1
3
54
Trip End
Oct 12, 2008
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Palm Springs,
California,
United States
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Living Waters Spa
We went to PS for several reasons: first, PS boasts several upmarket naturist resorts and we knew that since we were heading North to much colder country, this would be our only chance to spend a week textile free - except when we weren't :-). 
Living Waters Spa
We spent the week at Living Waters Spa which holds itself out as A European-style Clothing Optional Mineral Water Spa, and it was just that. Living Waters is a converted motel owned and hosted by Judy and Jeff; a lovely couple going out of their way to make sure we had a lovely time - and we did!
Living Waters Spa
Living Waters Spa
Tahquitz Canyon
I know this sounds funny, and we REALLY enjoyed our visit in SD; however, we REALLY REALLY enjoy being alone just the two of us! After an early morning obligatory coffee, we spent the morning hiking in Tahquitz Canyon, home to a spectacular 60 foot waterfall (seasonal), rock art, ancient irrigation systems and artifacts, along with cultural and educational exhibits.
Tahquitz Canyon
Tahquitz Canyon is owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Legend has it that "Tahquitz was the first shaman created by Mukat, the creator of all things. Tahquitz had much power, and in the beginning he used his power for the good of all people. Tahquitz became the guardian spirit of all shamans and he gave them power to do good. But over time, Tahquitz began to use his power for selfish reasons. He began to use his power to harm the Cahuilla People. The people became angry and they banished Tahquitz to this canyon that now bears his name. He made his home high in the San Jacinto Mountains in a secret cave below the towering rock known today as Tahquitz Peak. It is said that his spirit still lives in this canyon. He can sometimes be seen as a large green fireball streaking across the night sky. The strange rumblings heard deep within the San Jacinto Mountains, the shaking of the ground, and the crashing of boulders are all attributed to Tahquitz as he stomps about the canyon." tahquitzcanyon.com
Tahquitz Canyon
As we were heading up the canyon, several hikers coming down the canyon told us that there was a red diamondback rattlesnake near the waterfall at the top of the canyon.
Tahquitz Canyon
Frankly, I am unreasonably scared of snakes. Yet, I moved very close to this little one because it was stretched out instead of being coiled; therefore it was not able to strike!
Tahquitz Canyon
The image of Jackie in front of the waterfall does not do justice to the serenity and beauty of the location.
Tahquitz Canyon
As full-time travelers we are every other day tourists: one day for the touristy things; one day for us to either lounge at the particular resort or spend several hours at lunch with a long and luscious meal, wine, and a good book.
Palm Springs Tram
Our next venture away from textile free facilities took us from the floor of the Coachella Valley aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway two and one-half miles (height 8500') aboard the world's largest rotating tramcars to near the top of San Jacinto Peak.
Palm Springs Tram
Yup, the cars rotate as you go up and down the mountain!
Palm Springs Tram
The Living Desert
Our last day we drove the area checking out the golf courses for our next visit, and we also visited The Living Desert - one of the most successful zoological parks in the country and offers visitors the most complete introduction to the natural desert.
The Living Desert
PS is known for its wind farms; driving out of PS you see the windmills all over the place. The wind farm on the San Gorgonio Mountain Pass in the San Bernadino Mountains contains more than 4000 separate windmills and provides enough electricity to power Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley.
Wind Farm
