Back to the Desert - Palm Springs

As we found out on a Friday that the parts wouldn't be in until after the weekend, we made a quick decision to go to  Palm Springs. What the heck, we had never been there before. We didn't check the weather forecast, which we probably should have done. It was in the 100's all weekend. We made the best of it though, and it is an interesting place. It is well known for its mid-century modern architecture of the 1950's and 60s and the town has done its best to preserve many of the buildings and houses, especially those of famous celebs, such as Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope.
We enjoyed some good food as a number of restaurants on their outdoor patios. As dogs are not allowed to stay in the motel alone and it was obviously too hot for Savannah to stay in the car, we were fortunate that many of the restaurants with patios are dog friendly. Many of the restaurants had mist systems to help keep it cooler. We had great pastrami and corned beef sandwiches at Sherman's Deli and Bakery, ceviche and tequila prawns at the Blue Coyote Grill, waffles with coconut cream and mangos and corned beef hash at Cheeky's and steamed calms, white pizza with maui onion, gorgonzola and pears and angus beef meatloaf at Lulu's California Bistro. We also spend some time as Starbucks for morning coffee.

                                                        

Yum

Misters to keep heat at bay

Where's my taco

                                                                                   


We took some drives around the area. We stopped at the Visitor Center, which use to be a gas station.

                                                          
We drove up to the Aerial Tramway, but no pets allowed like they were in Canada. :(  Took a few pictures of the valley from there, including one of the San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm.

                                                                  

We drove around checking out the interesting architecture. The motel we stayed at, Caliente Tropics Resort is also an example of the 50's/60's architecture.

Caliente Tropics

Del Marcos Hotel by architect
William Cody 1947

One day we were at Starbucks across the street from where they were installing a giant Marilyn Monroe statue It is a traveling statue that was last in Chicago. It is Marilyn in her famous scene from the movie "Some Like it Hot"

                                                                              

                                                                         

Statue in Chicago before being shipped to PS

                                                                        


 It was a busy time on the weekend, especially at night when people were out enjoying the warm nights, all the restaurant and bars patio's full, some of which had bands playing music. Quite a scene.
Monday was much quieter. We found out that our motor home is fixed and we headed for Mira Loma on Tuesday morning to pick it up and we finally will start our northern journey to Alaska First start will be one of our favorite spots, Avila Beach in central California.