Dec 2014 – Apr 2015

California Here We Come

A 93-day adventure by Betty Read more

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Trip start
December 30, 2014
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Day 1
Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 8:30 AM
🌙 -26 °C
Altitude: 245 m
Canada St. James 49.899754, -97.13749449°53’59” N 97°8’15” W
Winnipeg, Manitoba
December 30, 2014 in Canada ⋅ 🌙 -26 °C
This trip had been months in the making but at the last minute had to be modified because John was needed at home by his Mum. Linda offered to replace him as my driving companion. On December 30th at 8:30 am we left -20 temperatures and began our long road trip with excitement and a touch of trepidation.Read more
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Day 1
Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 6:00 PM
🌙 -19 °C
Altitude: 367 m
United States Grandview Park 42.5207, -96.41052242°31’15” N 96°24’38” W
Sioux City, Iowa
December 30, 2014 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 -19 °C
We arrived at the Stoney Creek Inn at 6:30 pm. We experienced sunny skies, cold temperatures, and good road conditions. Unfortunately, I carried John's cold germs with me.....cough, sniffle, sneeze :( But that didn't stop us from going to the Hard Rock Casino across the street for dinner and a little gambling.Read more
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Day 2
Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 6:00 PM
🌫 -8 °C
Altitude: 1,782 m
United States Inverness Reservoir 39.567091, -104.86793139°34’2” N 104°52’5” W
Denver, Colorado
December 31, 2014 in the United States ⋅ 🌫 -8 °C
Another blessed day of good road conditions with more sunny skies and -20 temperatures. Will we ever be able to rid ourselves of the winter jackets, gloves and long underwear? I now have laryngitis but I'm still trying to keep up the non-stop chatter during the 10 l/2 hour drive. Linda drove for 2 hours today, giving me a much needed break.

We arrived at the Homewood Suites in south Denver at 6 pm MST. We were happy to learn of the hour gained as we were able to take advantage of the free dinner and wine provided by the hotel until 7 pm. When we checked in there was a sign on the counter advising of a $250 fine for smoking marijuana in your room. Welcome to Colorado!

We enjoyed our New Year's Eve party a little early because the elder couldn't stay awake past 10 pm. The champagne & party favours were a gift from Alyssa and Josh :)Read more
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Day 3
Thursday, January 1, 2015
☀️ -2 °C
Altitude: 2,179 m
United States La Loma 35.621582, -105.91918935°37’18” N 105°55’9” W
Santa Fe, New Mexico
January 1, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ -2 °C
There was a weather advisory for our route so we delayed our departure until 10 am. Shortly outside of Denver we encountered a snow squall that lasted about 15 minutes. Then it was smooth sailing all the way to Santa Fe. We arrived at 4 pm with no hotel reservation and had to find a MacDonald's so that we could use the free internet to reserve a room on Priceline. We finally pulled into the Marriott Courtyard at 5 pm. It was a relatively easy day. Now it was time for some delicious New Mexico cuisine. The restaurant, Tortilla Flats, was recommended by the Hispanic front desk clerk. I was so anxious to eat the chicken enchiladas with Christmas sauce (red & green chili sauce) that I forgot to take a food photo. Sorry AS2....I know you will be disappointed :PRead more
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Day 4
Friday, January 2, 2015 at 9:00 AM
☀️ -6 °C
Altitude: 2,210 m
United States Talaya Hill Reservoir (historical)35.675147, -105.91918935°40’31” N 105°55’9” W
Santa Fe
January 2, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ -6 °C
We had the day to explore Santa Fe, one of my favourite US cities. We went to St. Francis Cathedral, built in 1886, that has a statue of the first North American Indian woman to be declared a saint. The white interior of the church was influenced by a French-born Archbishop, unlike the adobe structures common in Santa Fe. We also went to Loretto Chapel, which contains a mysterious spiral staircase built without nails, dowels, or any visible support. Of course we had to stop at the Palace of the Governors where the Native Americans display and sell their artwork and jewellery. I showed restraint and bought just one turquoise inlay pendant crafted by a woman from Santa Domingo Pueblo.Read more
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Day 4
Friday, January 2, 2015 at 12:00 PM
⛅ 0 °C
Altitude: 2,133 m
United States Water Well 44 35.684002, -105.94313635°41’2” N 105°56’35” W
Santa Fe
January 2, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 0 °C
Our last stop was at the New Mexico State Capital, which the locals call the Roundhouse, because the exterior and interior walls are curved. They welcome visitors to enjoy their large collection of local art spread over 3 floors, as well as the government chambers. It was all very colourful and interesting.Read more
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Day 4
Friday, January 2, 2015 at 6:00 PM
☁️ 3 °C
Altitude: 1,569 m
United States Los Angeles Water Well 35.173808, -106.58935535°10’26” N 106°35’22” W
Albuquerque
January 2, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C
Albuquerque is only an hour south of Santa Fe so we decided to spend the night here in order to reduce the driving time tomorrow. We stayed at a Holiday Inn Express which was located on an urban reserve, although they don't call them that in New Mexico. The hotel and several local businesses are owned and managed by a group of pueblos.

We ate at one of their restaurants too....Pueblo Harvest Cafe. Again the food was different and delicious. We shared a Tewa Taco, voted "Best in the City". It's an Indian frybread the size of a medium pizza with all the traditional taco toppings. We also shared chili relleno, which was breaded with blue taco chips instead of the traditional egg. Eat your heart out, JS, as I know this is your favourite dish! Oops....no food photos again! The restaurant was located in the Indian Cultural Centre, with colourful native art.Read more
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Day 5
Saturday, January 3, 2015
☀️ 8 °C
Altitude: 474 m
United States Old Verde Canal 33.647083, -111.90819733°38’49” N 111°54’30” W
Scottsdale, Arizona
January 3, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C
After 5 days and 3400 km we finally arrived in Scottsdale. Rejoice!! Our home for the next week would be the Sheraton Desert Oasis Resort in the Windsong community of Scottsdale. Surprisingly, it was a much easier drive than I had expected, mostly due to the good driving conditions we encountered en route. The cost of gas was very reasonable, from $1.89 to $2.39 per gallon. The resort is compact but our condo was beautiful and spacious.Read more
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Day 6
Sunday, January 4, 2015
☀️ 12 °C
Altitude: 379 m
United States Scottsdale Trailer Corral 33.49355, -111.92467633°29’37” N 111°55’29” W
Old Town Scottsdale
January 4, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C
It was a warm, sunny day, about 20 degrees, so we drove to Old Town Scottsdale to experience the Old West. We visited the Old Adobe Mission, built in 1933, and explored some of the shops. Linda made friends with a local cowboy; whereas, I stuck to my Native roots.

Afterwards, we drove several miles looking for a self car wash to rid the Manitoba grime from our vehicle. Most car washes here were called "auto spas" and were very expensive. We stuck out like a sore thumb amongst all the shiny new BMWs, Corvettes, and Lexuses.Read more
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Day 7
Monday, January 5, 2015
☀️ 18 °C
Altitude: 381 m
United States Papago Park 33.457724, -111.94900633°27’28” N 111°56’56” W
Phoenix
January 5, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
Another sunny, 23 degree day. We drove about l/2 an hour SW to get to one of my favourite Scottsdale parks.....Papago Park. We did a short hike up to the Hole-in-the-Rock where you can see the city of Phoenix through this natural erosion in the red rock. We also hiked up a small hill that overlooks the city and the zoo. Then it was time for a picnic!Read more
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Day 8
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 581 m
United States Dove Valley Ranch 33.822016, -112.017133°49’19” N 112°1’2” W
Cave Creek Regional Park
January 6, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Our GPS took us down a gravel road in the desert but eventually we were able to find our way to this amazing park just north of Phoenix. The lady at the Visitor Centre recommended the Overton Trail, a "moderately" difficult loop trail that was 5 km long. She advised that it would take us about 2 hours. We chuckled, thinking that we would conquer this trail much quicker than that. Well, 2 hours later, as the sun was setting behind the mountains, we made it safely back to our car! We hadn't factored in how much climbing there would be....385 feet in the first 2 km. We also didn't anticipate how many breaks we would have to take to catch our breath , the heat of the desert sun, and the almost total lack of humidity.Read more
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Day 8
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 581 m
United States Dove Valley Ranch 33.822016, -112.017133°49’19” N 112°1’2” W
Cave Creek Regional Park
January 6, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
This hike is a shared-use trail. We met a group from a nearby stable who were on a trail ride and I thought how AS1 would have loved this! We were also overtaken by a couple who appeared to be in their late 70's, so we hung our heads in shame! It was a great hike and a beautiful sunset. The sunset photo is untouched....it was really that brilliant orange!

Not surprisingly, we still had enough energy to stop at a Ross store on our way home to do an hour of shopping. This was the first time we did any serious shopping, other than for groceries. JS will be shocked!Read more
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Day 9
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: 473 m
United States Old Verde Canal 33.647006, -111.90815233°38’49” N 111°54’29” W
Scottsdale
January 7, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
It was a record-breaking day of 26 degrees with plenty of sunshine. We thought we would take advantage of this by sitting at the pool. That lasted about 10 minutes and then we got bored. So we decided to walk to the nearest grocery store 3 km north of us. The sidewalk quickly vanished so we had to walk along a sandy road adjacent to the main road. There were no homes in this area, just undeveloped desert land. Although there was a busy thoroughfare 50 feet from us, Nervous Nellie didn't enjoy the walk as she was fearful that a homeless person living in the desert would jump out and grab us. Seriously!Read more
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Day 10
Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 10:00 AM
☀️ 9 °C
Altitude: 1,317 m
United States Bear Wallow Canyon 34.869519, -111.7606134°52’10” N 111°45’38” W
Sedona
January 8, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C
Another clear, sunny, warm day.....perfect for a day trip to Sedona, 185 km and about 2+ hours north of our condo. I will never tire of the beauty of this location. First we stopped at The Chapel of the Holy Cross, which is built into the red rock cliffs. We only had time for one good hike so I chose Devils Bridge, a favourite hike from our last trip to Sedona in 2013. Although the trail was "officially" closed, we spoke to several hikers who said it was doable if we were careful. From a trailhead elevation of 4,600 feet, there is a mere 400 foot climb in altitude during this moderately difficult 3 km trek. The first part is used by jeep tours and because of the recent 12" snowfall the road was muddy in areas with pools of water to avoid.Read more
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Day 10
Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 12:00 PM
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: 1,293 m
United States Bear Wallow Canyon 34.867905, -111.75842334°52’4” N 111°45’30” W
Sedona
January 8, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
As we began to climb the actual trail we came across large areas of snow, ice and mud. It was tricky but we made it to the top! We were breathless....more so from the views than the exertion.
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Day 10
Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 4:00 PM
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 1,367 m
United States Damfino Canyon 34.870158, -111.7488134°52’13” N 111°44’56” W
Sedona
January 8, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
We chose not to climb atop the Devils Bridge as it was too icy, too scary, and too challenging. The view from the bottom was good enough for us. On the way back down the trail we came across an off-road vehicle that would have been fun to rent! Back at the trail head we enjoyed a picnic with an amazing view. We discovered another trail nearby and went a short distance before deciding it was time to head back to Phoenix as the sun was quickly setting. The winding, mountainous I-10 was not a highway I wanted to drive in the dark! It was a long, tiring day but the awesomeness was well worth the effort :)Read more
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Day 11
Friday, January 9, 2015
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 851 m
United States Reata Pass 33.765425, -111.83301133°45’56” N 111°49’59” W
Scottsdale
January 9, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Pinnacle Peak Park was a quick, 20 minute drive from our condo. The historical area is also known as Reata Pass, an old stagecoach stop. The 5 km round trip hike climbs 320 feet to the Grandview Lookout where we had a pleasant picnic lunch. It was very scenic and gave us a good workout. Afterwards we had enough energy for a short visit to a shopping mall and got some great deals at Macy's.Read more
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Day 12
Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 2:00 PM
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 6 m
United States Wasteway Number Three 33.729515, -116.16934833°43’46” N 116°10’10” W
Indio, California
January 10, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
Today was moving day. We travelled from Scottsdale, AZ and finally made it to California! We stopped for a picnic lunch at a windy and dusty road side rest in the middle of the desert. After our 4 hour drive and 435 km, we arrived at our new home, the Worldmark Indio Resort, which is 25 miles east of Palm Springs. We had restocked our food and wine supply. The exterior of the resort looked impressive but when we entered our condo it was such a disappointment as it had a dusty/dirty odour and was definitely showing wear and tear. I requested a change of unit but none was available. After much complaining, over the next three days we had our carpets and sofa cleaned, a chair replaced, our toilet fixed, and a foam mattress pad applied to our very firm mattress. This made a huge improvement overall.Read more
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Day 12
Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 4:00 PM
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 240 m
United States Indio 33.715202, -116.20239333°42’55” N 116°12’9” W
Indio
January 10, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
On the positive side, our balcony overlooked a small man-made "lake" and the pools and grounds were very nicely landscaped.
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Day 14
Monday, January 12, 2015
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 551 m
United States Cabazon 33.916791, -116.78719833°55’0” N 116°47’14” W
Cabazon
January 12, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
Yesterday was our first cloudy, drizzly day. We explored the resort and signed up for Bingo but it was cancelled due to lack of participation. There were only 3 of us there so we thought the odds of winning would be pretty good! It turned out to be a good day for binge TV watching.

Todays destination was the Desert Hills Premium Outlet Mall in Cabazon, a 45 minute drive from our condo. We drove by the largest wind farm I have ever seen. There are 3,218 units in the San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm, one of 3 major wind farms in California. In comparison, there were only 180 outlet stores but most of them were expensive designer shops so very little money passed hands.Read more
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Day 15
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 159 m
United States Tachevah Canyon 33.83584, -116.55305233°50’9” N 116°33’11” W
Palm Springs
January 13, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
It was time to explore Palm Springs, a distance of 40 km west or 30 minutes on the I-10. We weren't overly impressed with the desert village atmosphere. Maybe we were expecting too much of the town where old Hollywood stars, such as Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope, had holiday homes.

We decided to do a hike as our map showed a trail head right by the Art Museum. It was a rocky, steep climb that Linda felt apprehensive about so she chose to explore the shops along Palm Canyon Drive, while I forged ahead. I later learned that the Skyline Trail has the greatest elevation gain of any trail in the US....10,600 feet from the desert to the summit. It has also had several deaths from heat exhaustion, mostly during the Spring and Summer when the temperature climbs into the high 40s. I only climbed for 45 minutes so I could get a good view of Palm Springs and then returned to meet Linda at the car.Read more
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Day 16
Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at 10:00 AM
☀️ 18 °C
Altitude: 71 m
United States Thousand Palms 33.820018, -116.39028933°49’12” N 116°23’25” W
Thousand Palms
January 14, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
Today's hike was less than l/2 hour from home. It was called the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve in the Coachella Valley Preserve System. Water from the springs along the San Andreas earthquake fault feed the California fan palm, which creates the desert oasis. It felt odd to be walking along a fault line but we were reassured that it only moves 2-3 cm per year! We got a real workout hiking 5 km on the sandy McCallum trail to the Thousand Palms Oasis. The Preserve was designed to protect a threatened reptile, the fringe-toed lizard, but we only saw the garden variety lizard.Read more
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Day 16
Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at 12:00 PM
☀️ 20 °C
Altitude: 71 m
United States Thousand Palms 33.820018, -116.39028933°49’12” N 116°23’25” W
Thousand Palms
January 14, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
The California fan palm is the only indigenous palm in California. It can grow to 45 feet and live up to 200 years. The dead leaves hang vertically and form a skirt around the trunk.

The Visitor Centre, operated by knowledgeable docents, was built in 1935.Read more
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Day 17
Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 10:00 AM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 408 m
United States White Water 33.925015, -116.63834833°55’30” N 116°38’18” W
White Water
January 15, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
The Whitewater Preserve was recommended to us by the docent at Thousand Palms and we were so thankful that he pointed us in this direction. This was one of our favourite hikes. The clerk at the Visitor Centre advised us that there was a herd of wild cattle in the area so we might encounter "cowboys" that they had hired to round up the cattle. We also saw signs warning of big horn sheep, bear and deer. We saw no cowboys or wildlife, just animal droppings and hoof marks.

We decided on the Canyon View Loop Hike, a 6 km hike with a 500 foot elevation gain and spectacular views of White Water Canyon. The trail was narrow with a steep drop-off.Read more
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Day 17
Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 12:00 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 408 m
United States White Water 33.925015, -116.63834833°55’30” N 116°38’18” W
White Water
January 15, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
We only met one person on the trail, a local man who was out for a walk. How nice to have part of the Pacific Crest Trail in your backyard.

A goofy selfie.....no wonder people always ask if we are twins!Read more
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