Valley View

Driving away from the coast and up the hillside we head, looking for where we will spend the night.  Trying to help my sister find some money she left here last time she visited, our destination is Casino up in the hills. 

Also the promise of an “all you can eat” Lobster Buffet. In hindsight, this might not have been what I needed before having to spend 30 days in a bathing suit.   I mean really, who needs to eat that much?

We are fortunate to get a room on the top floor with amazing views.

This is what we woke up to, right outside our window.

We also relax by the pool.

Well, as it turned out, Eva did not find her money but I was able to find my next car!

California Dreaming

I know that the whole traffic thing is overdone, but really, I am a wreck after traveling on these CRAZY California freeways.  Once we see the ocean, it all seems worth it.

Traveling through the little beach town along Pacific Coast Highway, is truly  like entering  a different world; tattoo and surf shops and buses painted like we are back in 1960. Driving down the Palm lined boulevards where all you see a small peak of the beach at the far end of endless blocks of car lined streets in front of tiny little beach houses.  

Surf City, USA.

A Few Good Men

On 2/2/1972 a young boy arrived at the Marine Training Center in San Diego California, 

13 weeks later, a mature, disciplined well trained Marine walked forward and reverently accepted the Marine Corp insignia.

Today, 2/24/2014, Brad walked us across the grinder in front of the same building where he spent part of those thirteen weeks. 

We see young, babies in my eyes, men marching in step with the commands of the drill sergeant; moving in lines, constantly adjusting, to keep in exact formation. 

We are very surprised to have been allowed to ventured this far into the training facility.  I was a little worried that we had come all this way in vain, after the serious and tense young soldier who checked our ID and vehicle Identification, was unsure what to do with us.  Brad talked with the slightly older and more cordial soldier, who was called to figure out what to do with us; soon we were given clearance through the gate, on to the base.

 Maybe we were supposed to stay in the Museum and Gift Shop, but Brad’s stories and the sounds in the distance, drew us out onto the Parade Deck.  Watching the exactness of how they handled the rifles, the organized chaos of the “jabbering” prior to being called to attention.   The sounds many voices, all competing and over writing each other; yelling almost. Watching, Brad, as he watched. 

So glad we came.  What a great day.  Semper Fidelis!

Cross Walk

Despite the warnings of cooler weather, today is just beautiful; sunny and clear and warm.   Today, Diane is here; and all four of us head out on our walk.  Safety in numbers, I always say.  We walked along a lovely road, checking out the wonderfully manicured homes.  There was this adorable one that looked like a storybook cottage in the English countryside and a beautifully landscaped Spanish Hacienda.

Soon we connected up with a multi-purpose trail in Yorba Linda, it is so quiet and peaceful. I am not sure what I was expecting, but so close to LA, I  am just a little surprised to see these serene pathways.

Oh, and horses, in town;  a little surprised with that,too.

It is pretty funny, the random thoughts which go through my head, maybe more scary than funny, but as we were walking I was noticing the fancy electronic pedestrian crossing buttons they have at the semaphores.  One beeps happily and asks you ever so kindly to wait.  One tells you to watch for cars as you cross.  The one I especially liked was one the trail, placed at the appropriate height for those on horseback. 

Glorious Garden

This morning as we walk around this lovely community, I especially notice the singing birds and beautiful flowers.  It is winter here and many plants are not very full or in complete bloom, but to me, it is like walking through a home and gardens magazine.

Now remember that I have lived my whole life in ZONE 4 and recently moving to ZONE 3.  Flowers have a tough time in my world and the varieties which can survive are limited. Look, it is a bird of paradise just growing up next to the house. 

My sister has the most beautiful garden.  So many different types of succulents.

And mom’s favorite.

And these pretty one.

Oh yes these other ones. 

And I just love these.

The sun sets on another beautiful day in California.

Where the Wild Things are

My sister Eva and I love to walk, seriously, we walk a lot.  Last night we hiked up the hillside and down into a “nature” area to look at the redwoods.  We got a late start and dusk was not far away.  It was just beautiful.   We stopped briefly to laugh at a sign. 

Now, this pathway is completely surrounded by houses and not two miles away from her house. It was rugged and very undeveloped; and sure maybe a raccoon or snake, but mountain lion?    I felt as though there was little reason to be concerned.  On we walked and I did notice it getting dark, partly because it was so heavily wooded.   My ears became acutely aware of noises, scanning the surrounding brush as we walked.  I caught some movement but could not focus on it immediately.  As my brain processed the golden colored tail I saw two feet off the ground, my heart began to race.  We decided it would be a good idea to turn around and head back;  another sound and more movement.  We found ourselves walking faster and faster; laughing a little, that sort of nervous laugh you have when you are trying to dismiss a less than ideal situation.  Finally we arrive back at the entrance and up the canyon hill we climb.  About half way up, I turned to look behind.  There standing on the path right behind us was a small, lone, coyote.   Once we made eye contact he turned and walked back into the trees. 

So it probably was not a mountain lion stalking us but we laughed and still kept up our brisk pace as we walked home.  There is never a dull moment when hangin with my big sis.  

Sunny California

We arrived at my "big sister's" house early afternoon after we took a nice detour through Carbon Canyon.  This was quite a surprise, after exiting the Interstate.  The congestion disappeared and suddenly we are driving.

Sadly, our friends and family back home are being warned that Minnesota's roads remain too dangerous for driving after a winter storm blasted large portions of the state,

 some California roads continue to be too dangerous for driving.

Just kidding, we are loving the weather hear in Sunny California.

In Seach of the Jackalope

The Jackalope is a mythical animal of North American folklore described as a jackrabbit with antelope horns.  We went in search of this mythical creature at the Jackalope Ranch, an amazing dining establishment in Indio, California, which just so happens has a great happy hour.  Lucky, right? 

There is a main dining room, very elegant and outdoor dining.  We and most other happy hour folks opt for the patio.  This place is huge and busy.  This is the first time we have waited for a table on the whole trip.

The grounds around this restaurant are just unbelievable.  Tall palms, lush grassy expanses surrounded by beautiful gardens and amazing waterfalls.  

The margaritas, well, what can I say but, I loved them. The food on the happy hour menu was wonderful, all we could eat.

Inspite of what the shirt says, we both agree, Jackalope Ranch rocks!

Love's Enduring Power

We met so many nice people on our visit to Indian Wells, but none touched us quite like David and Karen.

It was just another night at Franks Place and we were upstairs, as usual, enjoying the music and watching the dancers.  We often wished on this trip that we had paid better attention during our dancing lessons.  For us, appreciation of the music from the forties and early fifties is easy; dancing to it, always elusive.

Suddenly, one couple stood out.  The reverence in which they held each other with their eyes, the tenderness of their touch; these two were in love.  Love is nothing new, but just watching these two made me pause.    Looking down on the dance floor below, I realized that Brad too was focused on the same couple.  We held hands as we watched silently for what felt like an eternity and finally Brad pulled away.  Next thing I noticed, he was stooped down, at their table; all smiling wildly.  Wonderful evening, beautiful people.

If ever I had a wish, none would be greater than this.  Please help me be that happy.

Brad and Dwight

We wrap up another amazing day with a stop at Franks Place; tonight with a four piece jazz ensemble.  Very nice, very relaxing.  

On the walls surrounding the the club, you can see pictures of the many performers who have been in this place; adds a sort of nostalgia to the whole night.  

In the morning, we head out of the resort for our after breakfast walk heading west.  The road we walk along is lined with palms and meticulously landscaped with flowers, trees loaded with grapefruit and blooming rose buses.  Brad tells me that is smell divine.

Born on the same day in October, Brad and Dwight  have a couple of things in common. Although Brad was not the 34th president and Dwight did not marry a sweet girl named Mary, they both enjoyed the same beautiful Palms Springs community of Indian Springs.  In addition to a mountain, a medical center and a main thoroughfare, there is a Walk of Honor in front of city hall named in the honor of Dwight David Eisenhower.   

Reading the plaques lining the way we learned a lot about Dwight, David.   He was one of seven sons of David and Ida Eisenhower, born October 14, 1890 in the little east Texas town of Denison. He grew up in Abilene, Kansas, where he absorbed the virtues of small town America that distinguished him the rest of his life; scrupulous honesty, self-reliance, determination, and hard work. He became a West Point scholar and athlete and went on to become a much decorated war hero.  After the war he continued his public service as a statesman, getting elected as the 34th President of the United States in 1953 when Brad was just one year old.  

It was just yesterday, Barach Obama, the 44th president, flew overhead in Air Force One on his way back to Washington.   Quite a week celebrating Presidents' Day.

Parked in Palm Springs

Alright, we arrived at 1 PM on Sunday and can not seem to want to leave.   This place is just lovely;  sunny, warm, very little wind.  Indian Wells is located at the base of Eisenhower Mountain, just south of Palm Springs.  The total population is less than 5000, with more than 55% over the age of 65.

Last night in the Lobby restaurant, Frank's Place, we sat at a table on the second floor and enjoyed a "Big Band" show featuring a 15 piece band with several very good singers. 

We watched as some very accomplished dancing couples danced to music from the Sinatra era. 

 After the show, we changed out of our date night attire and went down to the hot tub and visited with some very nice people from LA. 

We went for a short walk after breakfast and saw more green grass, palm trees and beautiful flowers everywhere.  Everyone we meet is friendly and happy.  Especially Helen in the gift shop.  She came here to work over 50 years ago as a young woman, fell in love and never went back Calgary.  Tomorrow she celebrates her 53 rd wedding anniversary with that special beau; Happy Anniversary.

We have the nicest view from our window; mountain view by day, full moon at night and the most beautiful sun rise through the palms as you open your eyes in the morning.

Another day by the pool and a burger tonight at Five Guys.  I can not tell you how nice the warm weather feels.  Just unbelievable.  Oh my, another place I could spend the winter.

I Love Lucy

Today’s journey takes us across the Mohave Desert.  Thinking that this might be a long day, I pulled out my book.   Well, we did not study our Spanish and I did not read my book.   The desert was beautiful.  We are surrounded by those beautiful black canyons which we have been enjoying for days; showing through a light cloud cover, displaying is pastel layers of gray.  

There are clumps of green, dotting the horizon and if you look closely you can see that the spring bloom is just ready to begin.  There is pink and purple and yellow; large white lilies; honestly, this is the more green along the road than we saw driving across Texas.

Coming into the Palm Springs area, you see and feel a change.  Guided by palm lined streets and surrounded by sculptured resorts and country clubs, the desert environment has turned to green; green grass like I have never seen.  This is just amazing.

Indian Wells, California actually is named for an old Cahuilla Indian water hole which was the major water source for the area tribes.  The well, built in 1850, fifteen years before gold was discovered in the Colorado River, was referred to as “Indian Well”. 

We have stayed at some great places thus far in this trip and this stop is no exception.  We are lucky enough to snatch three nights at the Indian Wells Resort, built by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in 1957.  This place features glitzy 1950s retro décor, pictures of the famous guests and founders and a rich Hollywood history.

  By day, we lounge around the pool; tonight we are treated to “Big Band” in the lobby bar.  Still cannot believe that this is what we do.  

To all of you dreaming of retirement; work hard, save your money, be patient, it is SO worth it. 

Needles, California

It is another beautiful morning Needles, California.  Starting out at 60, forecast for 85.

We are headed back into Arizona to Lake Havasu.  The drive is just beautiful along Arizona Highway 95.  We wind around the same beautiful black canyon peaks we saw yesterday; each layer of mountainside,  a different shade of grey.   

Lake Havasu is a reservoir formed by the Parker Dam, created to collect water for use by California.  The lake, at capacity, is almost 650,000 acres, with an average depth of 35 feet and 90 feet at it deepest point.   We see many boats; some very large. We are told this is winter here and the slow season.  With it being a warm, sunny, Saturday of a holiday weekend and hosting both a Pyrotechnics event and a 50’s rock and classic car show, we are surprised that it was not too busy.

We easily find parking by the London Bridge Park and walk along the lake.  It is very nice.  We talk with a few people and find that there are many Minnesota “folks” here.  We walk for a while and find a nice bench along the beach, to sit a rest a while.  This retirement stuff is not hard, really, it is not hard at all. 

This is a beautiful spot;  boats are beached along the river, all set up for a day on the beach;  a morning Tae Kwon Do class just breaking up; a boy scout troupe out for a hike.   I even see a Morneau jersey walk by- “Hey, Minnesota!” they say hey back and wave.   This is a place where I think I could spend the winter.

We are now 19 days in, visiting 10 states, traveling over 3000 miles; we are still loving the adventure.  I just can not believe that this is for real.