Another great day with Janet, folks from Saddle Mountain, great gardens....

Our Location: Joshua Tree National Park BLM, West entrance, California


An excellent sleep last night. Even after my nap late in the afternoon I was able to drop off to sleep very easily just shortly after 10 pm. I stirred once and when I looked at the time it was 6:15 am. Time to get up anyway. Out the door within a few minutes I caught a very nice sunrise this morning. I chatted with my sister Jan this morning for a bit, catching up on all the gossip. We'll be happy to see her again when we finally make it home to our summer location.

Sunrise this morning at Joshua Tree National Park....

Back inside for hot drinks and a quick light breakfast we loaded up the Dogsled with a change of clothes from heavier stuff to lighter stuff as it’s usually warmer in Indian Wells than it is out here in our little neighbourhood. That proved to be the case, in fact it was 10 Fahrenheit degrees warmer there when we arrived. We were sitting at 54F/ 12 C and they were resting comfortably at 64/17C at 10 am. They also had no wind compared to our very windy conditions.

It's up and starting work, it had a lot of work to do today here with the windy conditions....

As we were getting ready to head out Riley asked if I remembered Sonya and her son Josh along with dog Jack from Saddle Mountain, Arizona. Of course I did. She said she was pretty sure it was them in the Camper Van a few spots over. It’s been here for a number of days now. I didn’t think so, and we debated since I was certain it was a man and his dog, that’s all I’d seen around there, but she insisted it was them. She was certain she’d seen the lady outside. So with a closer look at the van I agreed it  very well could be and in fact I was convinced by that time. 

Riley and Aunt Janet at Sunnylands garden....

I was outside tossing a few things into the Dogsled, when I looked up sure enough it was Sonya outside doing a few things. I walked over and we chatted for a few minutes. Since we didn’t have a lot of time it was a short chat but we’ve made a few plans for tomorrow. Riley & I are looking forward to spending a bit of time with Sonya & Josh.

Beautiful infinity/reflecting pond, various cacti, and the famous president bench in the back right corner...

We climbed into the Dogsled heading off to see Janet again for the day. It was very windy but as we started to drop into the Coachella Valley the wind lessened greatly. In fact there was very little wind at all. We found our way once again, using different directions that we remembered from leaving last week, much less ‘city’ traffic. 

Beautiful gardens with multiple plantings of each variety, some mixed beds as well.

We arrived exactly at 10 am. How perfect was that timing? We sat inside enjoying our coffee while Riley opened her birthday gift. A very nice set of Walking Sticks with changeable feet for different terrain. We then discussed the rest of the day.

Mixed varieties of cacti in this garden....

We once again let Janet be the driver as she knew where to go and I was once again blessed with being able to gawk and stare around. We went to an amazing garden called Sunnylands. Long story short, the grounds are stunning with cacti gardens, green space, infinity ponds and a small art/museum center in a very large glass encased building. The various cacti were planted in waves, with some beds containing only one variety and other beds a mix of varieties but always more than a single plant of each kind. You’ll see by the pictures.

This little hummer and a bee on the same plant, but different buds...

From there we headed off for lunch at Tylers, a very famous burger joint in Palm Springs. It’s a very small place with a number of tables and the only inside seating is at the ‘bar’ area which is very small with only about 10 stools. Not fancy stools either, but inexpensive looking yellow four legged stools, no backs. A very small kitchen area no more than 15 X 6 open to viewing by anyone at the bar, plus about 20 tables outside. Very busy, you sign your name and wait for a table. The food was excellent and very well priced. We each had a burger, we shared cole slaw and fries, Riley & I had a strawberry milkshake as well, plus Janet surprised us with an Ice Cream Sunday complete with a candle for Riley’s birthday. It was a very nice lunch and we truly enjoyed it. Thanks very much Janet & Dennis. 

Moroccan cactus, aren't they cute?

From there we walked around the area known as Walk of Fame where famous folks have their own star on the sidewalk. Very cute little stores dotted the sidewalks, with some very southwestern flavour showing. Clay tile roof, adobe buildings, bougainvillea’s every where, in full bloom with their amazing red/pink flowers. Some places had covered sidewalks, cobble stone streets and cacti in various places. Palms of course lined the streets everywhere, well trimmed, with numerous flowers blooming everywhere you look. It was an amazing sight. We wandered around a small museum in the area, it showed the early times in Palm Springs, the many movie stars and big name entertainers that graced the area with their presence back in the day. Some faces included of course Bob Hope, Desi and Lucy, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, Dinah Shore, Rock Hudson, Elvis Presley, etc. Also were numerous pictures of presidents Eisenhower, Regan, Clinton, both Bushes, Kennedy, Obama, and probably a few I’ve forgotten. 

I love this knobby looking cactus..

From the little museum we moved to the little General Store where  the exhibits were collected by one single man. Many were still in original UNOPENED packages. Popcorn in the popcorn maker from 1950, pickles in a crock that were 80 years old, and so on. It was an interesting collection to say the least. The lady also had a small 9 week old dog. Very cute and cuddly.

Bougainvillea plants are in bloom everywhere we looked..

From there we headed back to the car, heading home we passed Bob Hope’s Palm Springs home way up on the hill. We also passed numerous sights that are too many mention. 

Bob Hope's Palm Springs house, high on the mountain.

Back at the house we enjoyed a few minutes chatting with Dennis and heard about his golf day. Always nice to chat with Dennis, he has some interesting stories to tell. The sun was down behind the huge rock wall behind them and it was time for us to head out. Hugs, and well wishes with tentative plans to perhaps see Janet in a couple of weeks when she’ll come visit us in the desert. I hope those plans work out, it’ll be such fun to be host next time. After picking some fresh grapefruit from their tree,  Riley & I headed for the Igloo at 4 pm.

Looking North in Palm Springs....

Looking south in Palm Springs....

We headed straight home arriving just about 4:30 pm. We unloaded the Dogsled and spent a bit of time doing a few little things. Grabbing the camera I once again headed outside to catch the sunset. It was a pretty nice one!! 

Riley and Aunt Janet picking fresh pink grapefruit just outside the front door...

Back inside to edit pictures, and write my post. It’s now shortly after 7 pm. We have had a fantastic day with Janet. Truly a wonderful lady, we love her dearly. Thanks for the birthday gift, wishes and lunch!!!!

Nine very fresh grapefruit...

It’s been a long day and we’re both going to sleep well tonight. Thanks for stopping by, I hope you’ve enjoyed your visit, feel free to leave a comment, always interesting to hear what you have to say. We hope where you are and whatever you’ve been doing that your day has been a good one as well.

The sun has finished working for another day.....

Until next time….. take care, be safe, 

The reds in the sky are stunning....

Deb