The drive to Palm Springs was long.  By the time we got here we were both pretty tired but once again the beauty and wonder of our surroundings brought our energy back.  Like the signs for "South of the Border" on the way to Florida, we encountered numerous signs for Peggy Sue's Diner.  We approached the exit about the time we were both ready to eat so we decided to try it.  It seemed to be in the middle of the desert but there was a line to get in.  We walked through the gift shop which was loaded with memorabilia.  When we were seated a statue of Elvis was directly behind me.  We refrained from taking his picture.  Our sandwiches were loaded with fat we don't let ourselves eat any more. But we ate it here! We tested ourselves on the trivia quiz left on each table.  Brought back lots of memories but we suffered from the fatty food!

As we drove into Palm Springs, the scenery was gorgeous but the windmills just overwhelmed us.  There were hundreds all lined up on the sides of the highways and up the mountain sides.  Floss could not stop taking pictures.  She kept saying that the whole area looked like aliens had come in and created it.  The mountains are dirt and rock and nothing like we know from the northeast.  Floss has a contagious love of learning and seeing new things.  You cannot help but get excited about each new experience when you share it with her.

Many years ago the aliens came with their giant bulldozers and moved gigantic mounds of earth around.

They then made homes for themselves in wind mills.

They are everywhere.  

Everywhere!

I mean everywhere!

Think we didn't mean it?

At night they blink their little red lights to let their buddies know where to come and get them!

Our RV home for these two nights is among many retired people who are here for long periods of time.  I believe we are one of the few who are here only for a couple nights.  The RV across from us has a deck built off of it with a manmade pond.  It is amazing.  The pool is filled with hot mineral water and is an obvious attraction for everyone.  When we arrived we had just missed happy hour in the community center and there were parties going on everywhere.  We hooked up (the RV) and settled in with our glasses of wine.

Night in the campsite

This morning we headed over to the pool at nine.  The water was 92 degrees and so wonderful.  I wore my hat to avoid a sunburn because even then the sun was hot.  There was not a cloud in the sky and it was bluer than I can describe.  It was perfect way to start our day.  Floss talked to a woman who has a home in the mountains but comes here for three months to escape the cold.  One couple came to visit and have stayed for four years.  Seems to be quite the place for those enjoying retirement.

After our showers we drove to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.  Many residents had told us not to miss it.  The climb to the base of the Tram was very steep.  Again, I worried about the way the engine of the RV was roaring but we made it.  The ride on the Tram was long and straight up about 6,000 feet.  I stayed back from the windows but Floss was quite comfortable in front taking pictures.  The floor of the Tram rotated so everyone could see the views from every angle.  It was pretty amazing.  At the top it was 40 degrees colder and we were not prepared.  We had worn short sleeves and flip flops - we didn't do our homework!  We solved most of the problem by buying sweatshirts.

On our way up

Pretty in Pink

The views on top were beautiful and there were lots of trails to walk.  Not having the right shoes deterred us from going too far but we were able to take in the sights.  There were many international visitors here.  It was fun to see the families enjoying the views.  There were also many retired people who were hiking the trails.

God's Rays

Looking down on Palm Springs

We went upstairs to the bar and had a glass of wine.  We met a delightful man from Minnesota who we talked to for quite awhile.  Floss went out on the balcony to take pictures but I couldn't stand the wind and cold.  It was amazing what a difference in temperature.  We headed down by four.

Coming down from the Tram was a trip I hope not to repeat.  I had to down shift the RV to slow it down and I could tell the brakes were getting soft.  I did not share my fears with Floss (for which she was very grateful!!) but when we pulled into the Visitor Center at the bottom there was lots of smoke and burning rubber.  Floss was surprised and I was relieved we made it.  As we do this blog, I can still smell the burning rubber.  More wine, please!

A person at the Palm Springs Visitor Center recommended a great Thai place for dinner.  It was called Thai Smile.  We had a fabulous dinner.  The downtown part of Palm Springs was hopping.  Everyone was eating outside, walking around and hitting the Casino.  It was fun to see so much activity and people enjoying their Saturday night.  The Marilyn Monroe Statue is worth sharing!

What is that man looking at?

So, any guesses on who wrote the captions??  We are both tired and ready for a good night's sleep!