Took the bike for a final spin while Dwight cycled to the pool for laps. Renting bikes is expensive–it would’ve been cheaper to buy bikes–so I posted a call for help on Reddit and received many helpful responses. One person offered to lend us his two Treks for a reasonable fee. After checking his previous posts and seeing his good karma rating, we agreed. The proceeds went to his wife’s nursing education fund.
Category: Move
Mastering the South Lykken Trail
Another hike on the South Lykken Trail. This will probably be our final foray into the mountains around Palm Springs this trip, with highs in the 90s forecast for the next few days. On the day we leave, the forecast high is 97° compared to a sunny 54° back home in Minneapolis.
Mastering the Araby, Berns, and Shannon trails
We retraced a loop we’d first walked a few days prior. Overnight high winds had stirred up fine particulate matter (we are in a desert), triggering an air quality alert and making the climbs a bit more challenging. Missing a city bus at the end, we summoned a Lyft to a hostelry where reviving beer and nachos awaited. A good day.
Mastering the North Lykken Trail
Hiked the North Lykken Trail yet again. Each time it seems a little easier. We convinced ourselves we’d climbed the height of two Empire State Buildings, but our devices assured us it was less than one.
Desert plants: a puncturing hazard
A thorn, presumably from a desert plant clipping lying on the road, punctured my inner tube. I found the tiny hole in the tire, but I’d forgotten to include tire levers in the kit I’d brought from home. So, I walked the bike over to a bike shop. I left with a new tube (installed) and these very red tire levers.
New trails, new views: on top of the world
Hopped on a city bus to a trailhead then hiked Araby, Berns, and Shannon trails for the first time. Gentle climbs with plenty switchbacks, great loop with stunning panoramic views of the valley and mountains. We packed plenty of water in our daypack, carried by Dwight when he took this photo.
The only clouds above Coachella Valley this morning
Cycled to ‘Unsui (Mirror)’ one of nine ‘Desert X’ temporary installations across the Coachella Valley. The clouds’ appearance shifted as I moved, thanks to small, pivoted mirrors. The support poles are also mirrored. ‘Unsui’ is Japanese for ‘clouds and water’ which describes Zen monks who’ve achieved enlightenment. At a more literal level, the art piece seems to depict rain: from this angle the clouds suggest a storm.
Sunday morning walk: street art and a public pool
Various street art pieces determined our Sunday morning walk route. Along the way, we stopped at the city swimming pool so Dwight could stick a hand in the water, finding it pleasantly warm. He’ll return another day to swim laps.
A glimpse of the future
A Jaguar EV, ordered via Lyft for $8, dropped us at the North Lykken trailhead. Tee shirt and shorts were perfect for the climb. In the distance, a wind farm powered homes and EVs. California’s progress is inspiring and will transcend the current administration in Washington: EV sales hit roughly 25% in both 2023 and 2024. California’s leadership, from pioneering unleaded gas to banning smoking in bars, continues.
Hiking the South Lykken Trail
Lyft to the trailhead, then hiked up the South Lykken Trail. Layers of rock, leaning at precarious angles, provided a striking contrast with the occasional view of the more orderly grid of Palm Springs, 1,000 feet below. After almost 3 hours, we descended toward Downtown and a beer and a shared sandwich at Blackbook.