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The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

We have been in this area for several years now and we have always wanted to take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of Mount San Jacinto to the State park which resides on top.

We got our chance recently with four other friends from lower Michigan who we met at our park in Desert Hot Springs. We've known these folks (Terry and Diane Brown, Roy and Maryann Parent) for a few years since we've been coming here. Having been asked if we wanted to join them, we jumped at the chance.

We left the campground at 4 in the afternoon so that we could go up during daylight hours, and return after nightfall.

The trip started with an almost 2000 foot climb to the lower Tram Station in the car, and the last short hill and flight of stairs we climbed on foot. Needless to say, I was winded and sweaty by the time we got into the tram. The next 6000 feet would be traversed inside the cable car. The Tram itself is an interesting mechanical invention. It rotates rather uniquely. The outside walls of the car remain stationery while the floor rotates 360 degrees. The trip to the top takes between 10-15 minutes and each time you roll over a supporting tower you experience a short period of semi-weightlessness. It's an eerie feeling that repeats over each individual tower. The view of the Coachella Valley below is a magnificent portrait of metropolis and desert, spreading out as far as the eye can see. Upon reaching the Mountain Station we had traveled through the ecosystems of Sonoran Desert below to Alpine Village above. The sun was now behind the mountain and starting to turn the horizon red with a beautiful sunset.

We chose the "Ride N Dine" version of the expedition, with Sharon choosing the Prime Rib and me having the Baby Back Ribs. Both entree's were exceptional when you consider our party of 8 was served by one man in a cafe style serving line.

Before our return trip we visited the gift shop and watched the movie of the construction and completion of the Tramway in 1963, along with the updated addition of rotating cars 2 years ago.

Our trip down was more than spectacular with the twinkling lites of the many desert cities, contrasted by the stark blackness of the surrounding desert.

Living The "Good" Life

Last summer when we attended the Winnebago Rally in Forest City, Iowa, we won a stay at the Outdoor Resort of America Park of our choice. We chose the Brand New (opened in November) Motorcoach Country Club in Indio, California. Our 5 days would be spent in relative splendor in a site that would normally be rented for $49 a night.

As we entered the Park, the landscape was impeccable and the sites were amongst the palms and flowers, and the concrete pads (typically 110' X 40') and the roads are the only thing that aren't a deep shade of green. The sites are bound by their own individual palm tree which will eventually grow to their stately height. Our site borders the canal and contains our own dock.........no boat.....just a dock. But the setting is truly majestic, looking out over the water to the Million Dollar Motorhomes on the other side. While we don't like the analogy, we are truly the thorn among the roses. The canal, unfortunately, is unfinished and only runs the length of the present motorhome sites that are finished, Approximately 80 yards wide by 300 yards long.

After we settled into our site we sat down to read the literature about the park. If we wanted to buy a lot, it would cost us anywhere from $99,900.00 to $194,900.00 but of course that doesn't include the $5000 discount we would receive by being Family Motor Coach members. The site we now occupy would require a nice round sum of $149,900.00 and I think we shall pass on the acquisition.

Across the canal from us is the swimming pool and the laundry which is exquisitely designed and raised above the canal so that the view down the canal is unobstructed. The hot tub in the enclosure is deliciously hot but the pool is a tepid 80 or so degrees. There is also a telephone connection in the laundry room that one may check their e-mail for free.

All in all there are 136 sites completed as of this time. However, when an owner takes over his/her site they pretty much remodel them to their own specifications. Purchased sites are now undergoing renovations at the present time. I can only suggest that if any of our readers wish to take advantage of an opportunity to stay at Outdoor Resorts, choose a park that is near completion to enjoy all the amenities that they offer. They are spectacular!