A visit to Indian Canyons and Palm Springs

Thursday, December 25, 2008


The sun shines into our bedroom on this Christmas morning.
I am actually able to open the window. What a treat.
Bella opens the rest of her presents and Santa did not forget the adults. I make Mexican omelettes for breakfast and meanwhile Ramiro sets up the new BBQ with Bella.
We take our time getting ready to explore the area and drive to Indian Canyons about 25 kilometers from the RV park. We pass along many gated communities, mostly retirement resorts. Amazing how in a desert area the grass can look so green. The lawns are well manicured and rocks have been put to good use.

We pay $ 10.00 for the car load to enter the park and drive into the Canyon area where we park the car and go for a hike. As we walk the trails we inhale the aroma of the various herbs while admiring the rocks, the trees and the surrounding area.
We decided to take the Andreas Canyon trail. The contrasting greens of the magnificent fan palms and more than 150 species of plants are within a half mile radius in this lush oasis. The scenic foot trail leads us through the canyon passing palms, unusual rock formations and the perennial Andreas Creek.
Centuries ago, ancestors of the Agua Caliente Cahuilla Indians settled here in the Palm Springs area. They developed complex communities and with the abundant water supply, plants and corn the Indians thrived. Today, the remains of the Cahuilla Indians still exist in the canyon in the form of rock art, housepits, foundations, trails and irrigation ditches.

We drive back through Palm Springs were many Canadians spent the winter months.
After stopping for lunch we return to the RV park. It shows that Bella has not been to bed on her regular time. She is trying to catch up on lost sleep in the car. As soon as we are home she is wide awake again and want to play a game with Oma.
and start preparations for the Christmas dinner which consists of mashed potatoes, turkey breast and roasted peppers from the BBQ, and cheese cake for dessert. The Mojitos and wine also tasted pretty good.
I was reminded by my brother Fred and his wife Annemieke, that last yer this same time we celebrated Christmas in Cuba. A totally different experience. We're thinking of you too guys and miss you.

It’s nice being settled in one place for a few days. We don't have to constant move tings around and can keep the pull out extended. We can also be more liberal with the water use as we are no hooked up to city water and sewer. We’re very comfortable and have one more full day here before we have to move on.

As the evening progresses, the wind picks up and deliver some very strong wind gusts. At least it's dry. We'll see what tomorrow brings.