Part 1 - Snowbirds 2010 - 2011

This is my first attempt at a blog it should be a steep learning curve.  I guess not talking about the weather will severely limit my discussion and work against my topics. 

Lin and I have been coming to the desert and particularly Palm Springs area since January 2004.  We have really enjoyed this area for the warm, dry air and the dramatically different scenery.  I hope that this post will be interesting. 

This year we arrived on the 17th of November about a month earlier than we normally do.  This year we avoided any weather systems that make the drive down unpleasant.  We were into our shorts and T-shirts just after arriving in Red Bluff CA. 

We knew that with snow on Mount Arrowsmith we must leave soon and it was a day after this shot was taken we were on the road. 

November 11th seemed like a good day to travel but the waits at the US/Canada border were 3 hrs at Peace Arch and 90 min. at the Truck crossing.  Because we are a large RV we were through the truck crossing in 40 min.

As I mentioned above we had pleasant weather so our plan was to take 7  days and enjoy the trip as apposed to 4 days of hard driving and feeling very tired when you arrive.  What's the rush, there was no snow in any of the passes.

We arrived on Nov 17th in beautiful Coachella Valley and were greeted by warm winds and sunny skies.

Shadow Hills RV Resort is billed as a small family friendly park and it is certainly quieter than most resorts along I-10.  It is set back from the highway and the rail line just beside the road.

The views of the surrounding mountains and hills is great especially during sunrise and sunset.  The colours on the hills continually changes as the sun rises and sets.

We also appreciate the closeness to shopping and dining.  I was going to say nightlife instead of dining but when you get to a restaurant in time for Early Bird specials you have to get honest with yourself. 



Wide enough for a foot on each side of your shoulders



Another reason to keep coming back to the Valley is to take in all the great hikes.  The first hike on Nov. 23rd was off to the southeast of Indio, Ladders and Painted Canyon.  These canyons are located in the Mecca Hills.  You climb through very narrow slot canyons using ladders to get through the difficult stretches arriving at the top of the ridge to enjoy a view of the Salton Sea and surrounding mountains. 



One of the better ladders



Painted Canyon

The painted canyons have layers of rock and sediment that has been laid down horizontal and also you can see patterns of the earth being thrust in all directions.  Erosion of all the areas also adds it's own special touch.  As you see in the photo to the left the vegetation also thrives in this environment. 

The whole hike was about 5.4 miles and was rated easy/moderate.