“Where do you want to celebrate your 50th, honey?”
“I don't care, as long as it's warm, sunny, and easy to get to.”
That is how we ended up in Palm Springs for an extended birthday getaway.
“I don't care, as long as it's warm, sunny, and easy to get to.”
That is how we ended up in Palm Springs for an extended birthday getaway.
My prior experience last year during the peak of summer felt a lot like melting on the surface of the sun. It was a short business trip, and I couldn't imagine finding joy in a place like this. Well, timing is everything, and the weather was splendid. We leave this go around scanning the Zillow listings for a place all our own…
Our plan was to combine a couples retreat with a family and friends affair. Nicole and I ventured down early Friday morning for a day to explore the downtown and the joys of doing nothing by the pool.
We rented a perfect vacation home just outside of downtown. Over the years, the Palm Springs partying has become an issue, so we were under strict rules to avoid all amplified sound outside. Nicole was reiterated these regulations during a 40-minute mandatory discussion with the homeowner a week prior. Yup, a 40 minute pre-screen and enthusiastic orientation on every possible situation we might encounter. The home certainly fit the Palm Springs 60s vibe.
I think we were kept from the most open secret on the planet. Within hours of our visit, it became clear that this is a wonderfully queer place on the planet.
Nicole had put out an open call to anyone in the greater Western U.S. to join us if available. That afternoon, we were joined by Bryan & Marissa, and Nina & Steve for dinner at Johnny Costa’s. The food was meh, but the conversation was over-the-top hilarious. Who knew a conversation about Entenmann's donuts would be so memorable.
Throughout dinner, we monitored the little dots on Google Maps showing the whereabouts of our children. We get so much joy knowing that we have raised three humans who can navigate their own way to nearly anywhere on the planet. By the time dinner was done, our kids were waiting curbside at the PSP Airport.
Nicole's last trip to Joshua Tree National Park was 30 years ago and involved three college ladies freezing their butts off in a car because sleeping in a tent would be ridiculous. But misery often makes the best memories. (Assuming nobody is permanently damaged - physically and emotionally).
This time around, the weather was perfect, and there was no intent to sleep under the stars. (Maybe next time. We do like the idea of stargazing in a dark night location).
Without fail, we are blown away by the variety of beauty in California. Ssshhhhh, let's keep this state a secret. After a pleasant hike through Hidden Valley and an ascent to Keys View, we randomly stopped to commune with the Joshuas.
Have you ever asked a seriously stupid question and gotten a perfectly sarcastic response? Kudos to the Park Ranger… I asked him where we would find the most Joshua Trees in the park. Without hesitation, he circled the entire park. He was right, the park is aptly named.
We got back to the house with the Grindles already taking advantage of the pool. Chris showed up soon thereafter, and Rob & Dena rounded out the crew. Dinner was at The Thirsty Palms. Again, the food was meh, but the conversation didn't disappoint. So great to have so many great friends to celebrate with. Since we're all half-centenarians, the nighttime festivities were brief.
Our intent on Sunday was to ride the Tram to the top of San Jacinto peak. Yet after a slow start and casual breakfast, that plan gave way to a leisurely stroll down the main strip in search of a truckers hat for Zane, followed by a much appreciated afternoon hanging out by the pool and learning how to play Cribbage.
We reversed the flow, and followed our children's dots navigate the airports to get back home in time to get themselves to school on Monday. We're already several steps towards being empty nesters at this rate. Now we just have roommates who ask us to Zelle them money occasionally.
In typical Long Family fashion, we squeezed in one last hike through a palm grove on Monday morning before catching our flight home.
In typical Long Family fashion, we squeezed in one last hike through a palm grove on Monday morning before catching our flight home.
Other Random Thoughts…
We were slightly disappointed by the food, but that may be a function of proximity to the tourist strip. Further exploration is required.Turo is a great way to rent a car. We had a very nice Land Rover for four days for the same price as a standard car from a rental company. We've done it a dozen times, and never an issue.
Despite the fact that Palm Springs is an opulent mecca of water-hungry golf courses, palm trees, and private pools in the middle of a desert, I was pleased to find out that it is sustainably fed by a naturally filling aquifer and mostly powered by wind energy. So I only feel kinda sad that humankind is destroying this part of our planet.
This year represents a milestone on several fronts, so we plan to add a couple more entries as the year progresses. It's our 50th orbit around the sun, and our 25th spin as a married couple.
