California Dreaming: Anticipating a Fresh Start in 2022

The theme for 2022 was a 'Return to a New Normal' at least that what we were hoping for in our first full winter in Palm Desert since 2020. We took separate flights to CA since Dave spent a week visiting family in Florida and I stayed a little longer in NH to spend time with family.

January

Before heading to California on January 16th, I stopped at the camp in Gardner for one final check. During December and January there were a number of small snow storms so the pond was blanketed in a layer of snow. Everything was looking good.

We decided that regardless of whether face masks were required on flights, we would continue wearing them for the foreseeable future. Our reasoning was why waste any time in CA being sick whether with COVID or a common cold.

Not sure if this plane, I spotted from the window, was closer than it should have been but it made a cool wake as it flew through the clouds.

A sight for sore eyes as I approached the airport - a snow-covered Mt San Jacinto.

We have our priorities. Buying mint plants to take advantage of the perfect winter growing conditions to satisfy our love for mojitos.

Everyday in the Coachella Valley is great and there is no better way to start the day than eating breakfast on the back patio to the sound of the babbling 'Mallard Creek'. Even cool morning temperatures in the low 50°F aren't enough to keep us from eating outside.

Having fantastic 'culinary' neighbors means receiving home-made lemon marmalade as a welcome back gift. Forget about statins! This year, I planned to relish fresh-picked pink grapefruit for breakfast occasionally. Dave, who doesn't take statins, enjoys a grapefruit nearly every morning until the supply is depleted by mid-March.

Every day starts off with a slew of text alerts from the Fam Chat group sharing their Wordle score.

On January 18th, we observed a hummingbird darting in and out of the Meyer lemon tree on the back patio. Once the bird finally calmed down, we saw it perched in a small nest, no larger than 2 inches in diameter. We learned that after laying two jellybean-sized eggs, the female stays on the eggs for the next few weeks to keep them warm and safe, departing only briefly each hour to feed.

My first task for the winter was to prepare and lead the Friends of the Desert Mountains (FODM) guided hike to Hidden Palms. Ada had convinced me last October to lead this hike and a few other hikes each week during the winter. I spent a lot of time scouting out the terrain and plants as well as researching the San Andrea Fault network that runs right through the trail. Here are a few photos from the hike.

Usually winter sunsets are not as impressive as fall sunsets but this day was an exception.

We quickly set out to explore, with our first major hike being Coyote Mountain in Anza Borrego State Park. It was wonderful to revisit the park after not having been there since 2019.

Jan 30th Hummingbird Update: We waited for the mother to leave the nest before using a ladder to peek inside. If you look closely, you can spot the tan-colored beak of one of the chicks. Hummingbird nests are constructed entirely by the female. She spends several hours a day over five to seven days gathering materials for the nest. Common nesting materials include bits of grass, leaves or flowers, fuzz, and plenty of spider webs. These materials are woven into a dense cup shape, with the edge slightly curved inward to prevent the eggs from tipping out in strong winds. The key to a successful hummingbird nest is the use of spider silk/webs, which bind the nest together and provide the elasticity needed to expand as the hatchlings grow.

February

Although it may appear that Dave and I do everything together, that's not true. Dave volunteers at the Palm Desert library, so every week he brings home a new stack of books he's borrowed. Additionally, he enjoys spending time at the pool more than I do.

I dedicate more time to volunteering with FODM. This year, I began leading hikes for 3rd graders from local public schools as part of the FODM educational program.

I also enjoy hiking and exploring new areas in the Coachella Valley on my own.

Feb 3rd hummingbird update: We observed the female feeding the chicks for the first time. She consumes a blend of nectar, small insects, and pollen, which she then regurgitates into their mouths.

Because some of our friends in the neighborhood are at high risk for COVID infection, we chose to host a happy hour party on our back patio twice a month. These people are the best.

Seated: Joanna & Wayne

Standing: Jim, Lyn, Charlotte, Ken, Dave & Steve

Joanna is such a bad influence. She introduced us to these two drink options.

While exploring the area surrounding Pushawalla Palms, Hidden Palms and Willis Palms, I discovered a stream that flows from the Thousand Palms Oasis.  It's a stunning location at any time of day, but particularly enchanting at dusk.

It came as no surprise to see many coyote tracks in the mud. They rely on the stream for water and as a hunting area. These desert streams draw in creatures of all sizes, and coyotes, being opportunistic hunters, are ready to consume whatever food or prey they can find.

The stream supports a lush green zone. These large brittlebush plants were in full bloom.

It's surprising that it took us 5 years to find this tranquil spot. It's now on our list of places to take visitors. Having this environment in the driest, hottest desert in North America is truly unique.

February means it's time to start picking Meyer lemons. It's a task that Dave has mastered.

Dave began juicing the lemons and making ice cubes to use them for cooking later in the winter after everyone had picked the trees bare.

Feb 13th Hummingbird Update: The two chicks have grown significantly. Now, it's clear why spider web material is the secret to the nest's construction. The nest has expanded a lot since we first noticed it.

A Valentine's Day tradition—San Jacinto Cake from Sherman's Deli and Bakery This is their amazing signature cake with layers of chocolate mousse, cheesecake, chocolate cake and chocolate frosting that we share.

By February, FODM experienced a banner year in terms of attendance and donations generated by the guided hike program. To commemorate this, Ada treated Nancy, John, Dave, and me to drinks and appetizers at the Woodhaven clubhouse.

February was the start of family visits. Time to put Sam and Justien's photo in the guest bedroom nightstand frame. It's a tradition that dates back to 2018.

We thought the Hidden Palms hike would be an excellent way to introduce them to the desert environment.

A wind storm over the weekend disrupted their plans, but we still managed to reach Joshua Tree National Park for some iconic photo stops.

They spent their last day on a walking tour of Palm Springs. We met up with them for lunch at the Inka Peruvian Cuisine restaurant.

Capturing sunset photos is more challenging than it seems, but Dave excels at framing these shots.

Feb 18th hummingbird update: It appears that only one chick remains in the nest, and he is taking up a significant amount of space.

In the fall of 2021, we bought new patio sliders and windows, but they weren't delivered and ready for installation until February. We decided to replace them because the seals on most of the windows and patio glass panels were compromised. We upgraded from the standard 3-panel sliders to 2-panel sliders. Although this option was pricier, the clear view of the backyard made it worthwhile.

I completed a hike along Garrett's Hill, which runs alongside the highway in Palm Springs. While the hiking area itself isn't particularly remarkable, I had heard about some incredible street art on various highway underpasses. The reports were accurate.

Last hummingbird update: After the photo on February 18th was taken, the final hummingbird left. One morning, we noticed what appeared to be an unusually awkward hummingbird flying around the tree. It landed on a branch, gathered itself, and swiftly flew away, never to return.

This month, we visited the Pioneer Mountains Preserve for the first time. We hiked the Indian Loop and Chaparrosa Peak trails, which had been devastated by wildfires in 2006. It was certainly an excellent chance to explore a new area.

March

As the weather gets warmer, we always remind visitors to be ready for hot days and cool nights during their stay. The primary cause of this temperature fluctuation is the extremely dry desert air. Air with high humidity takes more energy to heat, which also means it takes longer for that energy to dissipate and the area to cool down. On the other hand, the low humidity in the desert allows it to heat up quickly but also cool down rapidly. In other words, expect a 30°F difference between day and nighttime temperatures.

On March 5th, the Wildflower Festival, hosted by FODM, made its in-person comeback. This event is one of the organization’s key spring activities. As always, Dawn, Dave, and I managed the wine and beer tent. Initially, cool temperatures and wind caused some issues, but a dedicated team of volunteers successfully moved the event to a more sheltered spot in the Palm Desert Civic Park.

March means Mecca. One of our favorite hiking locations is the Mecca Wilderness. We've documented a number of hikes in Mecca and if you haven't checked them out, then maybe a few photos from our March hike will encourage you.

Visiting Mecca isn't complete without stopping at the Shields Date Garden for a date shake. If you haven't tried a Shields date shake, you're missing out on one of the finest treats in the entire Coachella Valley.

On March 10th, we experienced the season's first wind storm. Although it wasn't too severe, it did leave the typical debris on the patios. On the bright side, it resulted in a stunning orange sunset. Why? The dust particles carried high into the atmosphere dispersed the light spectrum. Blue light, which usually colors the sky, was scattered, allowing more yellow and orange light to shine through.

A hike on the North Lykken trail in Palm Springs was intended to focus on wildflowers, but we came upon a herd of Peninsula Bighorn Sheep grazing no more than 75 feet from the trail.

After living part-time in the Sonoran Desert, home to various rattlesnakes, it took over four years for me to have my first encounter with these creatures. On March 16th, while Dave was volunteering at the library, I decided to take a walk at dusk on the Willis Palms Oasis trail. After snapping these twilight photos, I continued along the path when I suddenly heard a loud rattling noise. There wasn't enough light to see the snake, but my training took over. I stopped and tried to pinpoint the snake's location. Meanwhile, the rattling sound diminished significantly. I thought it was coming from my right, so I cautiously moved forward, hoping not to step on or provoke the snake further. Fortunately, I made the right choice and after walking another 20 feet, I paused to calm myself before slowly heading back to the trailhead. My heart was pounding the entire time. According to Dave, the first lesson is that it's unwise to hike alone at night....I'll need to remember that one.

Since the pools are heated until the end of April, we took advantage of the 87°F pool water for nighttime swims.

March 23rd marked the end of happy hours on our back patio. Many of our Canadian friends start heading home in late March. We enjoyed a winter filled with laughter, amazing stories, and tasty appetizers from Trader Joe's.

It was a larger crowd than usual since it was more of a 'going away party' than a happy hour celebration. The fact that everyone was comfortable being in a crowd this size was refreshing.

On March 23rd, Paula and Scott arrived for their much anticipated visit. Dave was concerned that I'd pack their days with nonstop activities, and he suggested that I inquiry about their vacation preference. Their reply: a 5-day itinerary packed with hiking and exploring. I had no objections to that.

We began with lunch at the Desert Willows golf course and then escalated our activities. In the following days, we hiked in the Agua Caliente Reservation, Joshua Tree National Park, and the Mecca Wilderness; stayed at an outstanding Airbnb in the Mojave Desert; and explored unique locations around the Salton Sea. We enjoyed ourselves so much that it was simpler to share just a few photos here and write a separate blog detailing the week's adventures.

This was an OK year relative to wildflowers. It didn't compared to the 2019 super bloom but that's always going to be a tough act to follow. Here are a few photos we captured this spring.

The month concluded with a tour of Sunnylands, the former 200-acre Annenberg Estate, located in Rancho Mirage. Walter Annenberg was a billionaire publisher and philanthropist whose net worth at the time of his death in 2002 was $4 billion. He and his wife Leonore also served as diplomats under several US Presidents. They had a deep appreciation and love for the desert and in 1963 purchased the estate grounds. Construction on the Sunnylands estate began quickly thereafter and was completed in 1966. A. Quincy Jones designed this 25,000-square-foot midcentury modern house known for its pink roof. At one time, the house was the largest in Riverside County. The property now includes the main house, guest quarters, three guest cottages, a private 9-hole golf course, and 13 man-made lakes. We've visited the estate several times of the years but were never able to snag tickets for the grounds tour until now.

April

Palm Springs is a hub for mid-century modern architecture and design, making it enjoyable to spend an afternoon exploring the antique shops and the monthly Palm Springs Vintage Market. We may not need anything for the house, but that doesn't prevent us from purchasing an intriguing or unique item.

Guest #3 arrived in early April. As usual, Weston and Mackenzie were prepared for an action-packed visit with some relaxation mixed in. Here are a few photos from our adventures with them. They're always eager for a trip to Mecca, so Dave and I explored a hike through the grottos and caves of the Mecca Wilderness. We knew they would enjoy the challenge.

Our second hike took us to Pushawalla Palms.

Our third adventure took us on a 5-mile off-trail hike in Joshua Tree to Garrett's Arch. We had previously done this hike with Paula and Scott, but this time we were set on climbing up to the Arch. It is much steeper and more challenging to reach than the photos suggest.

As expected, Weston was the first to try the climb. After he succeeded, we all followed the route he had established. At the summit, the red X indicated the point we needed to reach on the descent. The safest method to navigate the steepest and most slippery section was to crab-walk down.

It was worth ever tense moment to reach Garrett's Arch.

It's wasn't all about hiking!

The last and final adventure was hiking Murray Canyon in Aqua Caliente Reservation.

The waterfall at the hike's end was flowing, which is what makes this hike unique in the spring. Another wonderful visit with these two adventurers.

April marks the onset of quiet times in the neighborhood. The last of the citrus has been picked and no one is out on the back patios. In our block facing Mallard Creek, only 3 of the 8 homes are still occupied; most of the snowbirds have returned home. We are one of the last to leave in May.

On April 11th, a severe wind storm struck us. How severe was it? The top photo shows the scene the day after the storm, with the Little San Bernardino Mountains across the Coachella Valley hardly visible. The bottom photo depicts the same view on a normal spring day.

Waiting patiently for the perfect photo isn't one of my strong suits, but I aimed to capture a hummingbird in midflight this year. One of the main challenges was ensuring the sun hit the flowering plants at the right angle while the birds were feeding at that exact moment. However, my limited patience was rewarded, and I managed to take these shots.

As our time in California was drawing to an end, we arranged a spontaneous 8-night trip to the Central California coastline. Despite our travels throughout the state, we had never explored Big Sur and the central coastline. Our itinerary featured one night in Morro Bay, three nights in Monterey, and four nights in Malibu.

Morro Bay

The highlight of a trip to Morro Bay was the waterfront shops and restaurants as well as Morro Rock State Beach. Morro Rock was formed about 23 million years ago from the plug of long-extinct volcano.

The weather was cool but the sunset was incredible.

Big Sur, Monterey and Watsonville

The drive from Morro Bay through the Big Sur was everything we had hoped it would be. Clear skies, cool temperatures and no traffic - who could ask for anything more.  Big Sur is the most famous scenic drive in California. It stretches 90 miles along the rugged coastline, from San Simeon to Monterey and Carmel. The winding, twisting shore-hugging route offers an incredible number of awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping, sometimes in the clouds 'we have to stop the car' views.

Monterey and Watsonville

It's not surprising that Monterey ranks as a premier travel spot. It offers a wide array of attractions, including wine, cuisine, history, nature, hiking, and beaches, among others. Even if aquariums aren't typically your interest, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is sure to impress you.

Spend a few hours hiking in Point Lobos State Reserve, and you'll agree with those who call it 'one of the greatest meetings of land and sea in the continental US'.

Malibu

What a perfect conclusion to our central coastline journey— a 4-night stay by the water in Malibu. We indulged in an Airbnb where the ocean was just beyond the deck, and at night, it was directly beneath the cottage. It's difficult to convey the soothing and tranquil sensation of waking up to this view each morning.

However, Malibu offers more than stunning beaches and coastlines; excellent hiking opportunities are available just a short 30-minute drive away. We discovered the breathtaking beauty of the coastal mountains while hiking the Sandstone Peak and Mishe Mokwa trail in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Following our coastal trip, we had just six days left in California. We arranged a farewell dinner with Myles and Lisa at Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill. It was a wonderful way to conclude our visit.

On the 25th, we embarked on one final hike at Hidden Palms. By the 26th, I began experiencing symptoms that seemed like a cold. However, by the 28th, it was clear it wasn't just a cold, as confirmed by the COVID test kit. I felt terrible, with a sore throat, cough, fever, and headache. I wore a mask at home since Dave was still testing negative, but that changed when he tested positive on the 30th. Interestingly, the 30th had been our planned departure day.

Looks like we'll be staying longer than we anticipated. Fortunately, both of us had mild cases that resolved in 5 -6 days.

May

By the 4th, I felt well enough to complete a simple hike to Bat Cave Buttes near the Salton Sea. Dave was still a few days behind in his recovery, so I went by myself.

By the 6th, Dave was eager to leave the house, so we drove to Joshua Tree and hiked the 3-mile round trip trail to the top of Ryan Mountain. We tested how well our lungs had recovered from COVID by tackling the 1,050-foot elevation gain to the summit. Although we were tired at the end, we were doing quite well.

This year, our latest desert dessert find was the lemon bars from Sherman's Deli and Bakery. They rival, if not surpass, the San Jacinto cake. To settle the debate on which is superior, we agreed to enjoy San Jacinto cake on Valentine's Day and save the lemon bars for when we're preparing to head back home.

We left Palm Springs airport on May 10th after spending 115 days there. Although we contracted COVID in April, our dream of 'returning to a new normal life in California' was realized. Creating memories day by day. We'll be back in September.

September

In just 130 days, we returned to California by flying from El Paso, Texas. We embarked on an 11-day journey through western Texas and New Mexico, and on the 17th, we flew directly to Palm Springs.

We jumped right back into the swing of things. We volunteered for the FODM Monument Night Adventures scheduled for the night we arrived.

The night was cool, which wasn't ideal for scorpion hunting, but the group Dave was with managed to find a few young scorpions, each less than 2 inches long, beneath some plants. Both children and some adults were given black lights that make these creatures glow. Naturally, the kids enjoyed the event, though most of the parents were a bit uneasy.

With September temperatures still lingering in the low 100s, we realized that to comfortably hike in September, we needed to head to higher elevations. Few locations in Southern California offer better conditions than Big Bear, situated at 6,720 feet above sea level, for cooler summer temperatures. The travel time from Palm Desert to Big Bear was approximately 2 hours (105 miles).

We chose one of the most popular hikes in the Big Bear Area, the 7.7 mile Gray's Peak Trail. It was a great day hike that packed amazing scenic views into just 1,200 feet of elevation gain.

In recent years, we've developed a deep appreciation for the lizards that inhabit this desert. While capturing photos of rattlesnakes can be thrilling and straightforward, obtaining a good shot of a lizard is considerably more challenging. These creatures not only blend seamlessly into their surroundings but are also highly sensitive to vibrations, often darting away before you can focus your camera. Here are some of the intriguing photos of these scaly-skinned reptiles that we've taken lately.

Chuckwalla

Desert Spiny Lizard

Desert Iguana

Zebra-tailed Lizard

Common side-blotched Lizard

2022 was the year of 'palm oasis hikes' which by the fall now included the 7-mile Lost Palms hike in Joshua Tree National Park.

October was our travel month. Early in the month, I traveled back to NH for a week to attend Meg's baby shower. Her due date is shortly after Christmas.

Nothing like a little excitement while I was gone. Dave witnessed our first ever haboob. Haboobs are giant walls of dust created from high winds rushing out of a collapsing thunderstorm. Cold air in front of the storm rushes down at an incredible rate, picking up massive amounts of dust and sand and blowing them into the air.

As the dust storm builds, it can completely block out the sun, making it nearly impossible to see just a few feet in front of you. Excuse the poor quality of this video taken by a neighbor when the haboob hit the neighborhood. Dave said that the sky went from blue to brown in a matter of minutes.

To show how dramatically conditions change as a haboob approaches, here is a tweet posted by the Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center and an image from The Desert Sun Newspaper Online, taken just north of Palm Springs looking south. The haboob was described as a 3000-foot-high wall of dust.

After returning to California, it was a quick turnaround before we left to visit Weston and Mackenzie in Washington.

We dedicated a few hours to exploring Tacoma before loading up the car for a two-day trip to Olympic National Park in western Washington. We enjoyed a beautiful day hiking in the Hoh Rainforest and spent the following day hiking to the summit of Mount Storm King.

As the wettest destination in the Lower 48, the Hoh Rain Forest receives an average of 12-14 feet of rainfall each year. With this generous supply of precipitation, combined with its mild temperate climate influenced by the Pacific Ocean, the Hoh Rain Forest has the perfect set of variables to create a thriving temperate rain forest ecosystem with an abundance of mossy green flora and fauna.

The Mt Storm King hike can best be described as 'adventurous,' though opinions may vary. With an elevation gain of 2100 feet over a 2-mile distance, it is considered a moderately strenuous hike. What truly makes it 'adventurous' is the final ascent, which requires using ropes to climb a steep, rocky crag covered in loose gravel to reach the summit.

After these hike, we had a well-deserved dinner in Port Angeles.

Prior to leaving Washington, we scheduled a hike in Mt Rainier National Park. Unfortunately, the kids had to return to work, so only the two of us went on the 6.4-mile Skyline Trail hike.

A key feature of our autumn visit is the Palm Springs Halloween Party. The bars are crowded, and there's a big outdoor concert along with a costume contest. This year, 'Fire & Ice' returned to Palm Springs. Although it was a repeat costume, it was still enjoyable.

November

On the 5th, I participated in a class titled 'Geology of Amboy Crater' hosted by the Desert Institute. Amboy Crater is an inactive cinder cone volcano that stands 250 feet above the desert floor and is located on a 27-square-mile lava field in the eastern Mojave Desert. The volcano originated in the Pleistocene era, approximately 80,000 years ago, and has been dormant for a long time, with the most recent lava flow occurring around 10,000 years ago.

The distance from the parking lot to the crater's base is 1.5 miles. We paused several times during the journey as the geologist explained different features of the volcano. I can't think of a better way to explore this area than with a geologist.

At the base, we began climbing on a loose basalt covered trail to the rim. Once on top we followed a trail that circled the 1,500-foot diameter rim.

Standing on the rim we had an excellent view of the expansive lava field that surrounds the volcano.

After exploring the rim, we ventured into the crater. The inside of the 250-foot high crater contains two lava lakes which long ago dried up and are now covered with light colored clay. A great day!

On the drive back to Palm Desert, I paused at a few abandoned homesteads and spotted a large, silver Hollywood-style sign in the distance. This sign was crafted in 2022 by artist Jack Pierson, known for salvaging and reimagining striking signage from rundown, deserted bars, motels, and other places. 

He describes this patch of the Mojave desert, locally nicknamed Wonder Valley, as 'a place known for those who drop off the edge of civilization', Long a haven for artists and other bohemian types, it has a powerful pull for anyone looking to get off the grid. The abandoned cabins aptly describe certain sections of the valley.

Our final major hike of the season took place on the Maynard Mine trail in the Aqua Caliente Reservation. This hike is fantastic at any time, but the approach of a storm makes the scenic views even more striking.

Although we might be late to join, we have finally purchased tickets for 'Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience' at Empire Polo Club in Indio. The majority of the experience consists of walking through various rooms where every surface is adorned with high-resolution moving projections of Van Gogh's artworks.

Opinions vary as to whether the exhibit is worth the price of admission C. Shaw Smith, art professor at Davidson College, expressed that the exhibit is more about presentation and spectacle than about the art itself. However, as a casual art admirer, we enjoyed 'Beyond Van Gogh' because of its unique combination of art, music, story telling, cinematography and immersive theater.

Van Gogh is considered one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. In just over a decade he created over 2100 artworks, including around 860 oil paintings, most of them in the last two years of his life. Yet only one of his paintings was known by name to have been sold during his lifetime. Van Gogh became famous after his suicide at age 37 following years of poverty and mental illness.

Vincent Van Gogh stated, 'I dream of painting and then I paint my dreams'. For a man tortured by psychotic episodes and bouts of depression, it may have deeper meanings than many of us can appreciate.

We attended the finals of the 2022 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships on November 9th at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. This venue also hosts the BNP Paribas Open, the largest combined men's and women's tennis tournament globally. Unfortunately, this was the last national pickleball championship to be held at the Tennis Garden, as the event will move to Texas starting in 2023.

On November 14th, we hosted a 'moustache party' at Joanna and Wayne's house. We had purchased these stick-on moustaches in Seattle a year prior and were waiting for the perfect occasion to use them. The time had finally come! Everyone enjoyed a good laugh, and it was the perfect way to conclude our fall stay with such wonderful people. Sadly, this was the last time we would see Wayne – he was an incredible and inspirational individual who left a significant mark on our community.

Front: Steve, Wayne and Joanna

Back: Lisa, Ken, Charlotte and Dave

We flew back home on November 16th, marking the official end of our 2022 stay in California. It truly was the 'Return to a New Normal' that we had anticipated at the start of the year. We didn't return empty-handed; we brought with us a bag of freshly picked lemons and limes from a few days prior to our departure.

We spent an incredible 175 days in California during 2022 but it was time to head home for the holidays and the pending birth of our first grandchild.. Lots to look forward to back in NH.