Palm Springs and Temecula (176-177)

After leaving Mesa, we met some family and friends in Palm Springs and nearby Temecula.

The cool and rainy weather followed us here, but I’d rather have that than unseasonable hot weather. Besides, it made for beautiful landscapes…here is San Jacinto Mountain in back of sand dunes filled with the purple flowers.

We visited downtown Palms Springs, enjoying an early dinner at Sherman’s Deli,

…and enjoyed the shops and sites, including this photo of Phil and Debbie with with Lucille Ball.

That evening, the street was closed for a street market that included a concert by the K-Tel All Stars. They were amazing and we stayed for the entire concert, grooving to familiar rock and pop from the seventies.

Back at the Shadow Hills RV Park, we visited, ate, and played cards with Mike and Sandy (Deb’s sis), and Phil and Debbie.

It was sometimes too cold outdoors, but there was a nice club room we had all to ourselves on most evenings. Here we are playing a game of Skyjo.

Here Lucy contemplates her next play.

Lucy didn’t know what to make of Phil and Debbie’s Maine Coons, but the large cats tended to stay out of her reach when we visited their RV. What beautiful cats.

While in the area, we took in a service at Calvary Chapel Indio,

Enjoyed a Handel’s ice cream sampler,

And, of course a date shake at Shields Date Farm.

We also took the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to the top of San Jacinto Mountain.

We didn’t plan ahead for this, so we put on several layers and hoped for the best.

Outside, we felt like this little guy.

But walking in the snow was fun and such a great contrast from the desert floor.

And we warmed up nicely afterwards while dining at the Peaks Restaurant.

When the clouds lifted, there was a breathtaking view from the top.

Our next stop was in Temecula with Phil and Debbie, who live about a half hour away.

We stayed at the Pechanga RV Resort, a beautiful and well-manicured park.

There are several bike trails next to the park which we enjoyed, but we also took the bikes to the San Luis Rey River Trail that runs for 9 miles close to highway 76 all the way to Oceanside. It’s a beautiful ride.

Phil and Debbie took us to the favorite breakfast place in Oceanside, The Cup, and we ate on the back patio.

Delicious coffee and breakfast sandwich!

We also visited the beach and the Top Gun House. There was lots of memorabilia inside, and these…

Fresh made High Pies. While fun to visit, the pies were just OK, but I’m still glad we visited.

It started to rain, so I really admired this group of Chamorro dancers powering through the wind and rain.

Because of the rain, we decided to leave, but visited this “objet d’art“, the Love Lock sculpture.

Couples from all over the world have added their locks here, many with inscriptions.

We enjoyed our rainy day visit to Oceanside.

On a much nicer day, we visited the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with Cindy, another good friend that lives nearby.

The park is enormous.

We enjoyed seeing the animals up close and personal.

Here these California Condors are stretching their wings as the sun comes out.

We were surprised it had been 14 years since our last visit! we will definitely be back again soon!

Before we left the area, Phil and Debbie invited us to their beautiful home. Phil is a master wood turner, and has made some really amazing art. Here is a link to his Facebook page, P&D Wooden Wonders…as it’s worth seeing for yourself!

Our two weeks flew by, but we are looking forward to our next destination…along the coast at the Rincon Parkway!

Al & Deb