WIND FARM PALM SPRINGS

Marching across the landscape like some strange tree stand windmills by the thousands, or, more technically correct, wind generators by the thousands.

Starkly outlined against the sky and hills, they have a beauty of their own.

The Altamont Pass, in Alameda County, has a similar installation. I believe it was the first such installation in the state. There windmills of many different types grace the steep hillsides of the pass, but you are unable to view them closely.

 Here they are quite close to the roads.

This generating plant can supply electricity for the whole Choachella Valley. And, it, too, has mills of at least three varieties. Some have two blades, some have three, and the supporting structure varies.

 The wind blows so hard here street crews have a constant job of removing sand that blows onto the roadway. The strength of the wind prevented me from opening the car door a couple of times, but, then I have a bum arm right now. At one point, I got the door open, stepped up onto the floor of the Bronco, the door blew against me and held me upright while I leaned against it to take a photo over the roof of the Bronco. Its easy to see why this wind farm was placed here. Yet, up the road, in the shelter of the San Jacinto's, the wind dissipates and the sun shines warmly and you know you are in Palm Springs once more.

We didn't wander too far from the motor home. Jim's cold is hanging on. He quit our power walk early and slept most of the day. A group of about twelve people walk a 3 mile course together at 8 a.m every day.

PALM SPRINGS ROADRUNNER

We drove into Palm Springs yesterday, a place I've never visited. Its located in the Choachella Valley where summertime temperatures can reach 120 degrees, but winters are friendly. The San Jacinto Mountains were beautifully painted with snow. Palm Springs has that bit of mystique, for me. Playland for the rich. Expensive. Reading the local papers entertainment guide, it doesn't lack for cultural events, art and, with the Indian Casinos, gambling and high class stage shows. We just missed Crystal Gale. Marty Robbins will arrive after we are gone. But, we didn't venture far from our Thousand Trails Park.

We walked the park and stopped by the Seabergs, snowbird friends from Washington State.  Jan was home but her husband was gone for the day. Their dog, Lacey, loves Jim and always remembers him.

On our way back to our rig, we spotted a roadrunner. I've seen them other places but they move like lightening, you can't get a decent picture of them. This one decided to pose.

It was momentary, but I managed a couple shots. Beautiful coloring. I was grateful to see one not flashing by in a streak.

We set up for two weeks and are looking forward to that warm weather Palm Springs promises. Especially welcome since Murphys' weather has been devilishly cold, snowy, and plagued by downed trees and power lines. Its nice to be in Palm Springs on an uneventful day.