Joshua Tree & Palm Springs

Our California Dreamin' adventures included a most wonderful exploration of Joshua Tree, where clambered around on the rocks, hiked some trails, and photographed desert plants.  We learned that the Joshua Tree (really a cactus, not a tree) only blooms after a frost and only branches after a bloom.  We were fortunate to see the one Joshua Tree in the park that was known to be in bloom.

We also discovered the amazing Cholla Cactus "garden" which is so thick with these plants that it's a challenge to wander around them.

And, of course, the rocks were a highlight.  Too bad we didn't bring any climbing gear.

Our friends Foster & Tracy recently acquired a place in "old" Palm Springs,  a beautiful architecturally designed house surrounded by lovely, private gardens and complete with a swimming pool plus a private tennis court. 

Many house designs here were inspired by the European Bauhaus movement and include Desert Modernism, Art Moderne and Spanish Eclectic.  George Alexander built many of these homes designed by Richard Neutra, Donald Wexler, Lloyd-Wright, and others.  Most houses were built for Hollywood movie stars, particularly in the 1950s. The well-known Kaufman House is just around the corner.  (as is the honeymoon home of Elvis Presley, Bob Hope's house etc etc etc)

Kaufman House

We wined and dined in luxury, starting each day with freshly squeezed orange juice from the tree near the kitchen, and a swim in the pool.  We even practiced hitting tennis balls, our first time to hold tennis rackets in over 30 years! 

 We also enjoyed some hiking, biking & exploring around the area. No, we didn't actually go golfing...

 Thanks Foster & Tracy,  for a truly wonderful visit!