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.
Category: Living
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.
Ghosts from Palm Springs’ past
While making random turns down streets that were new to me, discovered this scene of celebs who once had homes in Palm Springs. The developer of this building site had decided to have fun until construction begins. The mountains in the distance are topped with last night’s fresh snow while down in the valley it was warm enough to wear shorts while riding my bicycle.
A closeted place
On a walk through the neighborhood, one of Liberace’s former homes. My mother insisted he wasn’t gay. This home is not proof, it’s just consistent with his schtick. His schtick isn’t proof, either, but, yes, he was in the closet. Kinda sad for all of us.
Oops, closed Wednesdays
Cycled down to Moorten Botanical Garden. Of course, Wednesday is the one day of the week it’s closed. Continued our bike ride, then got haircuts and did the weekly laundry.
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.
With apologies to David Hockney
This is the only photo I took today, which reminds me, the “David Hockney: Perspective Should Be Reversed” exhibit we saw in Honolulu last year, is now in Palm Springs. We’ll be giving that a second look. The lounging pool in the photo is just below our rental.
Glimpsing celebrity homes through foliage
Our Sunday morning walk was anchored by homes that once belonged to Cary Grant, Bob Hope, and Steve McQueen. Here, we’re peering over a gate for a glimpse of Cary Grant’s former Palm Springs home.
Sausage Saturday sunset
Patio view from our rental. Today’s cooler, cloudier weather made for a more dramatic sunset. Third time renting this spot. And yes, it’s Sausage Saturday with sausage and cabbage for dinner, then a movie with a break for ice cream (actually frozen cashew milk). Yum.