early morning light~Bump & Grind Trail~Scenic Sunday 053109

This is the entrance to the city and also a starting point for the Bump & Grind trail in Palm Desert. Many "early birds" were already on the trail last weekend by 6:00 a.m. The Bump & Grind trail is just a dirt road chisled into the hill. Sometimes at night we see car lights going up it, but it isn't appropriate for cars. Scenic Sunday for May 31, 2009.

Jacarandas and blue sky~SkyWatch Friday, May 29, 2009

Out early one Sunday morning, I spotted these jacaranda trees still in bloom. Aren't they pretty? They LOVE the desert heat.

tractor!

After my training the other day, I took the back roads home. The Coachella Valley is California's second largest growing region and this farmer was out tilling this field. You can see the mountains near Palm Springs in the background. Thermal is about 50-60 miles down the valley from Palm Springs and about 20 miles north of the Salton Sea.

Below sea level

I had to attend a training yesterday instead of teaching, so off I went to the lower end of the valley. Usually lunch is provided at these trainings, but, due to budget cuts, we were on our own. Hmmm....not too many choices in Thermal! So, back to Coachella I drove and got a sandwich from Subway. On my way back to Thermal, I spotted this interesting sign! 62 feet BELOW sea level! Wow! The valley goes even further below sea level at the Salton Sea, which is 226 feet below sea level.

Bump and Grind Trail, Rancho Mirage, CA~That's My World 052609

Sunday morning I went out early with my camera. Driving by the "Bump and Grind" trail in Rancho Mirage, I saw several hikers on the trail by 6:00 a.m. I have never hiked this trail myself (my back is still healing from the horseback ride last August) and my legs are still giving me fits, so I looked at it from afar. The water district has now closed off parking and walking to the trail from one point, but people still use it.

Memorial Day

I wish all our veterans a Happy Memorial Day!

Yellow~Sunday Stills challenge for May 24, 2009

A couple of weekends ago, hubby and I drove down to our local community college, College of the Desert, and found these delightful little flowers in full bloom back by their agricultural center. Sunday Stills challenge, "yellow" for May 24, 2009. Have a great weekend!