May 4, 2010 to Indio, CA

Palm trees. We are definitely in a different part of the country. It was 51 degrees when we started out. A little brisk, but we would end the day at 99.7 degrees. Thank heaven for air conditioners. It was another beautiful day and minimal wind. Even the diesel gods were looking on us kindly. $3.04. Off we go back out into the desert. We travelled down I8 to the Butterfield cutoff to hwy 85, which brings us out on the west side of Phoenix. If you have ever travelled through Phoenix on I10, you will do anything to not travel it again.

Here is the riddle for today... what is it? (answer later).

After travelling through Quartzite, we knew we were approaching California. OK quick inventory of what fruit we had aboard. All they were interested in were, oranges and firewood. They were also giving us the once over but we didn't have to pull over to be inspected. Yeah!!

There you have it, we are in California. Still some desert but more and more palm trees and other wonderful vegetation. We drove to Jefferson St in Indio to the Indian Wells RV Park. Another Passport America park. We have stayed here several times as it is well maintained and clean. They even pick up your garbage and recycle if you put it by the end of your driveway in the morning. Wish we could have stayed longer as we love this area. Besides it isn't too far to Mark's place. We also had some drop in visitors, Ron and Rose Helmick from the Montana Owner's Club. We met them at the Spring Rally. It was neat that they took the time to look us up. We will try to spend a little longer next time and hope they are in the same area too.

This is a century plant blooming near the entrance to the park. The blossoms weren't open yet, but that stem had to be 25 to 30 ft tall. When the stalk first starts out of the plant, it looks like a huge asparagus stalk. Century plants bloom only once and then they die. It is quite a display.

Answer to the riddle: We followed a truck that was filled with green chop. Bits of it were flying off and one piece of grass wrapped around the antenna. It stayed there for quite awhile.