Location: Joshua Tree National Park, CA
We spent three glorious days in Arroyo Grande with a Russell-Nelson-Duni family gathering. Molly was able to join us, which made the weekend all the better. The highlight, of course, was playing with our 3 great-nephews who are 4, 2 and 5 months old. Luke, Sam and Zach kept us entertained, in-stitches and well occupied. My favorite activity with them was playing superheroes while jumping on the trampoline. We toured the Arroyo Grande Strawberry Festival and enjoyed the "Something Ridiculous" Jugglers, the belly dancers and lots of people watching. Molly convinced me to buy a coin sash and I practiced my best untrained belly dancing moves walking around the streets of AG. The great thing about being on vacation is that you leave all your inhibitions at home. Ned and I got the best send-off EVER! As we were leaving this morning the entire crew came out to the driveway and serenaded us in four part harmony with "Happy Trails To You." Eric - the baritone was particularly robust! It was much appreciated gang and I'm sure we will be hearing your voices and keeping that image with us for many states. (p.s. Molly, thanks for the cutest shoes ever!! Wasn't quite sure how I was going to fit in the SEVENTH pair of shoes for the 6 week trip, but don't worry I managed.)
After a long drive along the coast and through LA we arrived in Palm Springs. Neither of us had a memory of being there so we decided to play tourist and ride our bikes around the main drag of town and check out all the movie star homes. The downtown was buzzing, but the residential area of all the mid century homes was pretty chill. We particularly enjoyed the several sculptures of Marilyn Monroe. What a hoot. After an hour or so of peddling we had a picnic in the park then headed for Joshua Tree National Park. We toured the visitor's center and took a drive through the main area of the park admiring all the blooming Joshua Trees. An interesting fact we learned was that when a Joshua Tree blooms it creates a new branch. If you see a Joshua Tree straight up, with no branches, it has never bloomed. We're camped at Indian Cove campground snuggled against a crop of rocks. For our 9th Anniversary we gave each other a new awning for Winnie. It's kinda fun sitting out of the sun, under the awning, drinking a cold glass of Viognier waiting for the chicken to cook on the barbie.
I'd call this a pretty good first day on the road. We are looking forward to the desert night and what it will bring. It should be gorgeous with the near full moon.
