Lake Cahuilla, La Quinta, California
December 8-12, 2009
When we arrived in Palm Springs, we met with the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) office to get information on "dispersed camping" also known as "boondocking" which is primitive camping on areas of land dispersed throughout the state. We have heard that this type of camping is what camping is all about and that once you do it, you'll never want to go back to hookups and RV parks again. So off we went to test the theory.
Our Accommodations - Lake Cahuilla Campground
Until we got things figured out, the BLM office recommended a nice little area called Lake Cahuilla Campground located very close to the town of La Quinta. We met a really nice couple from British Columbia who were extremely helpful in providing tips and information on all kinds of things related to RV'ing. The Palm Springs area is a series of towns (Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indio, La Quinta) all within close range of each other and make up what is known as the Coachella Valley.
Shields Date Gardens
Shields Date Gardens is a store carrying a huge variety of dates and best of all, providing free samples! We also tried our very first date shake and surprisingly, it was good!
The Living Desert Zoo
The Living Desert is a zoo profiling a variety of desert plants and animals. We got to see some animals up close since there were no glass or bars, just an open pit between their grass and you.
Palm Springs BLM Camping, California
January 27-February 6, 2010
It was time to head back to Palm Springs. This time, we were touring with Deb's parents and ultimately continued onward together to other southern desert destinations.
Our Accommodations - Free BLM Camping Site South Entrance Joshua Tree Park
By far, we enjoy primitive camping the most.
Not only is the price right, but we always end up appreciating the area so much more.
By far, we enjoy primitive camping the most.
Not only is the price right, but we always end up appreciating the area so much more.
Palm Oasis Reserve in Palm Springs
We met up with Deb's parents and Aunt and Uncle for a short hike at Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve.
The preserve is situated right along the San Andres Fault line and we hiked "The McCallum Trail".
Salton Sea Recreation Area
We decided to grab lunch and have a picnic at the nearby Salton Sea Recreation Area. The Salton Sea is a huge lake located near Mecca, California (about 30 min. from Palm Springs).
The shoreline itself is made up of barnacles and shells all crushed down to make "sand".
Palm Springs, California - Jarrett Family Visit
March 7-14, 2010
We headed back to Palm Springs for a visit with the Jarrett family that included Doug's parents, brother and sister-in-law and our niece and nephew. We had a lovely time enjoying all sorts of activities together from lounging at the pool at the rented villa to exploring the funky trails of Joshua Tree National Park.
Joshua Tree National Park
About 45 minutes from Palm Springs, is Joshua Tree National Park. It is a unique and amazing park and its name comes from the "spiky" Joshua tree's that are throughout the area. We did a trail called Jumbo Rocks/Skull Rock which as the name suggests, is a trail leading through a cropping of gigantic rocks, one of which resembles a skull.
About 45 minutes from Palm Springs, is Joshua Tree National Park. It is a unique and amazing park and its name comes from the "spiky" Joshua tree's that are throughout the area. We did a trail called Jumbo Rocks/Skull Rock which as the name suggests, is a trail leading through a cropping of gigantic rocks, one of which resembles a skull.
Photo's from Jumbo Rocks Trail
Special Time with Sam and Audrey
We love the time we can spend with our niece's and nephews because before we know it, they'll be grown!