Hiked the trails of Indian Canyons, just south of Palm Springs: ridge trails, temperatures in the 80’s, flowering cacti, palm tree oases in canyons, expansive views of the snow-capped San Jacinto Mountains.
Tag: Desert Southwest (February-April 2022)
Consistent Vibe
The last day of Modernism Week in Palm Springs: visited five recently remodeled homes. This home retains some original 1957 features, including the fireplace. The homeowners have gone for a consistent mid-century vibe with furniture choices. Nice, but I prefer to mix it up a bit.
Palm Springs Getaway
Evening: community theater, “Palm Springs Getaway,” a “musical romp.” Afternoon: a lecture on desert modernism. Morning: walked to a visitor center, formerly a gas station. Architect Albert Frey was a character in the show, discussed in the lecture, and designed the gas station.
1955 Cree House
Walked through architect Albert Frey’s 1955 Cree House. The appliances are original and still working; the refrigerator is behind the three upper doors to the right of the range. The house is perfectly aligned to minimize the effects of the sun’s rays. It’s still privately owned.
High View Nature Loop Trail
One last hike in Joshua Tree National Park, High View Nature Loop Trail, before returning to Palm Springs.
Lost Horse Loop Trail
Hiked Lost Horse Loop Trail, Joshua Tree National Park.
Palm Oasis
We’re staying in a comfortable old one-star inn beside Joshua Tree National Park. Today we did a couple hikes. The turnaround for one was a mine that had been abandoned about 100 years ago. The other took us to this palm oasis, a striking sight after a dry, desert hike.
Palm Springs City Hall
Walked over to Budget to pick up their smallest, cheapest car I’d reserved weeks ago. Along the way, nosed around City Hall, designed by Albert Frey (a theme this week), completed 1952. Budget only had a Ford Mustang convertible for us, no up-charge, which we accepted grudgingly.
Albert Frey Lived Here
We’ve caught glimpses of this house as we looked down from mountain trails. Local star-architect, Albert Frey, designed this gorgeous 800 square foot home in 1964 and lived here for 30 years. Today, we got a chance to go inside. Our rental apartment was designed by Frey in 1946.
Honoring LGBTQ Veterans
Rode a city bus to Desert Memorial Park where, in 2019, California was the first state to dedicate a memorial to LGBTQ veterans. Until recently, the US military routinely discharged members for their sexual orientation.