After dealing with some unseasonably cool and foggy weather in Los Angeles ever since we got back from our last trip, we were eager to find the sun once again — even if that sun was going to be particularly intense and hot.
While we didn’t have to worry about flights for ourselves, we did have to slog through a bit of SoCal traffic all the way to Palm Springs. After four hours and a nearly forty degree temperature change, we arrived. We joined a few other lesser-known celebrity couples including SALT, everyone’s favorite senior travel couple and BRAN, the Texas-based couple that is just…so…bran.
We were all sharing a house on the south side of Palm Springs. While not in the mid century modern style that the area is known for, it provides ample space to spread out and most importantly has a pool to cool off in. With temperatures routinely cresting over 100 degrees every day, this detail was crucial.
With such oppressive heat, we had to plan our activities carefully. Keeping this in mind, we decided to go on a hike at nearby Andreas Canyon in the middle of the day. It is part of the Indian Canyons lands. We were heavily judged by the ranger working the gate for even showing up at this hour. Nevertheless, the hike was supposed to be fairly shaded and only a one mile loop.
Throughout the hike, morale seemed to be high with everyone taking in the sights of the palm oasis in this otherwise inhospitable environment. Unsurprisingly, there were not many other hikers on the trail. Time spent not outside was consumed with such indoor activities as shopping, bracelet-making, and some generalized wandering about the house.
As the sun goes down behind the mountains, the temperatures do become a bit more welcoming outdoors. Slowly, the inhabitants emerged from their caves and air conditioning to find some nice ambience from the fire pit, where s’mores were also consumed. Tomorrow yields another day of heat and perhaps more wandering, but the focal point is a star-gazing experience in nearby Joshua Tree National Park. Until then, I shall be hydrating.
passports & pepto bismol 