California // 12-14 November
Palm Springs was our first stop in California! We really enjoyed the last blast of summer weather and the relaxed vibe. It was true to reputation with sunny weather and towering palm trees. Also there were heaps of wind turbines due to the winds passing through the mountains from the coast to the desert. I don’t think I could handle the heat in summer but I’d love to spend a few winter months here.
Aerial tramway…. The tram is a circular rotating gondola which takes you up an incredibly steep ascent approx. 8,500 feet. At the top there are viewing platforms, a restaurant, cafe and bar, and access to walking trails in Mount San Jacinto State Park. The tram ride was crazy how far and fast you ascend, and the view from the top is breathtaking. At the top is like being in a completely different world as it’s an alpine pine forest and significantly cooler than down in Palm Springs. It was around 30deg in Palm Springs and about 15deg at the top.
Mount San Jacinto State Park… Short hike in the forest among the biggest pine cones we’ve ever seen!
Downtown … The iconic Marilyn Monroe statue and Walk of Stars.
Wind turbines…
