Palm Springs, CaliforniaMay 13, 2009
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Mother in Law finally made it!
| In an attempt to escape the blazing heat of Lake Havasu City we have pressed on further west towards the coast into California. We are resting in Palm Springs which is literally an oasis in the desert. The town was founded as a spa resort when Palm trees were discovered growing in an area fed by hot springs. Since then the town has become the winter destination of choice for many Americans wanting to escape the ravages of the harsh northern winters. (the snowbirds). It seems the west coast snowbirds from Washington and British Columbia migrate to southern California or Arizona while the east coast inhabitants of New York and Montreal flee to Florida, not many bother to make the big journey across the country as we have. The town sits wedged between mountains either side and its still pretty hot here on the valley floor. Daily temperatures still reach 100 degrees F/ 36C but at night it drops down to a comfy 70 degrees F/ 21C. At least we can sleep with the windows open and the aircon off. It must be glad of the rest! Another factor which makes the temperature more bearable is the ever present wind down here in the valley. It is one of the windiest places in Southern California and the windfarm which sits in the valley contains more than 3200 separate windmills. Another way to escape the heat here is to take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway which wisks 80 people at a time 6000 feet up the mountain where there are still traces of snow even today. The air is cool and clear and surprisingly there are over 50 miles of fairly easy trails a the top where you can walk around and spot the odd cougar and black bear! One good thing about being here now. As most sensible people have gone back north for the summer, the resort is about 95% empty. Its like having our own private pool and spa.! |
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