Homewood Suites by Hilton - Palm Desert

Desert Landscape Basics

by atufft

The desert vocabulary may be unfamiliar to some. An "arroyo" is a normally dry place that can become a flashflood hazard. If you are hiking along an place the looks like a dry riverbed, and it starts to rain, consider hiking to higher ground. The desert around Palm Desert is unique in its flora. In early spring, there are some very beautiful flowers for a short while. I'm particularly fond of the Palo Verde tree and century plant. There are a variety of other bushes growing in the desert as this region isn't quite as dry as Death Valley, parts of the Arabian Peninsula or Sahara. However, the Choachella Valley Desert is drier than the deserts of Arizona and Northern Mexico, and so doesn't naturally have the stovepipe cacti. Yucca and Joshua trees are also common in this desert. Palms, including the date palm were imported to the valley and thrives very well when irrigated. The source of water for the golf courses and landscaping around town is a huge aquafer deep below the surface of the desert floor. Much more can be learned at the Palm Desert Visitor's Center and other places.

Living Desert Zoo

by atufft

Having seen wildlife happy and active in their native habitats many times, I'm less interested in visiting zoos these days. Moreover, I lived in San Diego for eight years and visited the world's largest zoo and wildlife parks several times. Even so, I know that a lot of older folks such as my parents, and families with children probably will never have a better opportunity to see the world's creatures than at a zoo. The Living Desert Living Zoo is actually quite an impressive wildlife park with a native like setting for animals from the desert. The park is divided up into African and American zones, and also has a petting coral, and a butterfly garden among other attractions. Given it's relatively large size there's a shuttle service, a likely necessary transport in the heat of summer. This zoo is well endowed by wealthy residents of Palm Desert, and so it is not only has excellent facilities for care of endangered species but contributes to the protection of habitat and wildlife in desert regions worldwide. There's a wide range of animal adoptions available and members have a number of extra benefits besides lower admission. General admission is $11.95 during Fall through Spring, and $8.75 during Summer. Senior and Military personnel are slightly lower. Admission for Children ages 3-12 in season is $7.50 and in summer $4.75. Children under 3 are admitted free of charge. Hours during Sept 1 to June 15 are 9 to 5 daily, except Christmas day when the park is closed. From June 16 to August 30, hours are 8am to 1:30.

“The Animals go Golfing”

by Yaqui

This whole boulevard is art and that is not all of it. You will find it all over Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, and Palms Springs. It is amazing and I had wished I had much more time to seek it all out. I wish more communities would indulge in this public display of artistry.

This sculpture is by Mark Bulwinkle

“Demoiselle & Timeless Joy”

by Yaqui

This whole boulevard is art and that is not all of it. You will find it all over Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, and Palms Springs. It is amazing and I had wished I had much more time to seek it all out. I wish more communities would indulge in this public display of artistry.

This sculpture is by LT Mustardseed. What was unique this day I caught a picture of a bug on bug (volkswagen). So I called it a Bug on a Bug.

Hot Air Balloon Adventure

by 2romance2love

""feel the sky""

If ever you do want to feel the sky like a bird, would you find yourself in a hot air balloon? Yes.

""It's all up in the air from here"."

Hot Air Ballooning...hmmm, do I have life insurance for this activity? Lets see if the pilot can sell me a parachute just in case. My mom wouldn't approve of this adventure but hey I don't live at home anymore, Yeah!

"Can you handle the "hot air"."

winds are picking up as you can see the sun is coming up and we should have taken off 10 minutes ago. When the sun starts warming then the winds get kicking and it is difficult to take off smoothly.