Desert Hot Springs, CaliforniaJan 17, 2011
|
|
Upper Clubhouse, pond, palms, snow-capped mountains - Catalina Spa & RV Park
Pond at Upper Clubhouse - Catalina Spa & RV Park
View through our windshield - Catalina Spa & RV Park
After that “strenuous” week attending the Rose Parade and all of its activities, we decided we needed a rest. So we spent two weeks relaxing at Desert Hot Springs soaking in the naturally heated water of the spa pool, all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner, a nice relaxing massage, ice cream socials …
Our one big outing was to attend the Palm Springs Follies. Founded and still produced by Riff Markowitz, the Follies is celebrating its twentieth season this year. Performing at the Plaza Theatre, there have been more than 4000 shows in front of some three million people. Riff, now 72, is a seasoned director/producer having founded the first Canadian pay-TV network, the dramatic HBO series The Hitchhiker, and numerous other HBO and TV specials and game shows. As the master of ceremonies, he is somewhat irreverent as he pokes fun at everyone without regard to race, religion, creed, or sexual orientation.
The performers are a singing and dancing troop of seniors who have all had successful careers in show business and now, in “retirement,” are performing here at the Follies. The youngest person on stage is a youthful 56 and the oldest, celebrating his birthday the day we attended, is 82.
All together, this is a wonderful area for activities and scenic beauty. We will probably return in future years, but for now, we will move on to visit family in Tucson and eastward hopefully to witness the last launch of the last space shuttle in April.
