Right about sundown we take the Miata for spin up into the mountains above Palm Springs.
We chase the setting sun as we wind our way up the mountain side.
A glance over the edge to the road and valley below!
Focused and
feeling the need for speed,
while Jolene smiles and hangs on!
The lights in the valley flicker on as we head back down the mountain side.
The quiet Front Street at Avila Beach -- The summer high season has passed but the locals are apparently not yet out of hibernation.
The pier(s) -- Reportedly, a favorite place for swimmers, who emulate Michale Phelps (with various degrees of success, no doubt) using the protected waters between the piers as their course.
Avila Grocery and Mercantile
A very quiet beach.
I stopped in at the Hula Hut on Front Street for a multicultural meal -- Asian salad followed by a dessert of milk chocolate fudge.
Then it was time to head "home" to Palm Springs. The sun was setting as we drove the 101 east from Santa Barbara.
A tranquil day!
We just spent a couple days exploring the Central Coast of California. "Home" base was The Cliffs in Shell Beach (just north of Pismo Beach).
After our evening arrival, we took a stroll along the bluffs overlooking the Pacific.
Along the way, we ran into my twin! (Fraternal, of course.) I'd noticed we were dressed alike, but decided not to comment. Her husband, however, also noticed and struck up a conversation. They are from Fresno and hope to retire to this part of the coast some day. (Sound's nice!)
Down below, surfers bobbed in the swell, waiting for the perfect wave and perhaps suppressing thoughts of sharks.
The view north toward Avila Beach...
... we waste time & pixels on numerous attempts to capture the sunset on, um, silicon.
Visitors are cautioned by this sign that Case says must have been made necessary by blondes and Californians.
One last snap shot as the light fades...
Jolene's Dad stops in for a visit on a business trip to Palm Springs, while mom holds down the fort at home.
We spent the afternoon in the outdoors garden and zoo known as The Living Desert.
One of the attractions was a miniature train exhibit with replicas of famous historical locations in the United States,
like the Grand Canyon.
The zoo animals included full grown and baby giraffes,
zebra
and many species of cats from diffrent regions of the world.
We capped off Saturday evening with frozen yogurt in downtown Palm Springs.
Jack likes the cool tile floors.
I like the pass through kitchen window to the outdoor patio table.
There are three bedrooms, and Case is happy one of the bedrooms is converted to an office!
The owners are happy to rent to us, as they recently remodeled the bathrooms and went over budget. They hope to balance the budget via vacation rentals over Palm Springs' winter high season.
We like the tranquil environment.
Case likes outdoor greenery,
and being only a mile from work,
A view to the mountains from the front windows.
This picture is for Dad who likes to track the temperature. This was taken at 8:30 AM.
We're very comfortable and will be staying here four days.
The front room. Case feels very at home here, it reminds him of some place in his childhood...maybe Thailand.
The view out the window to the pool. We took a swim last night after our run. A nice salt water pool that they keep set to 87 degrees. The water felt just right.
A completely private backyard.
We'd recommend staying here http://www.aplaceinthesunhotel.com. Their garden areas are well maintained and everything is sparkling clean and reasonably priced.
