Chains Required

We’re still hanging around the Palm Springs area. You certainly wouldn’t expect that we would have much of a chance to worry about needing chains to get to any place close to this area. However, we decided to take a little drive on Wednesday. We could see a little bit of snow on the mountains in the distance. Our adventure of the day was to check the snow out. After all, if other folks we know have to be in the snow we could do it too. We wanted to know how they felt and what they were going through. This was a sympathy trip. We could then return to the desert full of compassion for our northern family and friends . We are thrilled to death that they are there and we are here instead of the opposite. The pictures are to remind our southern friends what snow looks like.

The weather on the valley floor was gorgeous. The sky was blue and the wind was calm. It was a super nice day. Instead of hanging around and taking advantage of it, we were trading all of that in for the snow. It makes you wonder what we’re doing in the south during the winter if we want snow. Weren’t RVs invented to take retirees out of the north in the winter and give them a place to live in the warm climates of the south?

Our route took us on some pretty windy roads but with great views. Jerry was driving. Janice and I just sat in the back and told him where to go and when to stop. We did get him to stop once in a while so we could take a photo here and there. One viewpoint was in the middle of a big curve and we almost didn’t make it without getting hit from one car going north and the other one going south. That was a major stress point but we survived and so did their car!! Here’s a view of the valley below.

We even discovered a few RV parks along the way. This one is Lake Hemet. Three guys had just brought their boat in and were getting ready to find a hot cup of coffee. They had been out fishing since 7:00 that morning without any luck. Needless to say, they were very cold and disappointed with the day’s catch. They were so cold they were shaking. The lake was gorgeous. I bet that little place is packed during the summer when it’s pushing 110 degrees in the valley. There were a few folks around but the park still had plenty of empty sites.

Our next stop was at an elevation of about 6200 feet and only 53 miles from where our motorhomes were parked. We actually had started seeing the snow about 35 miles from the park but the climb was steep and fast. The temperature had dipped to 32 degrees and the higher we climbed, the more snow we saw.

We had decided to stop at the Thousand Trails park at Idyllwild. The lower part of the park was opened with a few people there. The top part of the park required chains on your vehicle since the roads were covered with snow and ice. Obviously, we were content in staying in the area where the roads had been cleared off. Actually, it didn’t matter to me much. It was Jerry’s car and he was driving.

Here’s Jerry looking for the park ranger. There may be snow all around but it didn’t bother him. He’s still wearing shorts. The rest of us were bundled up in the car. Well, I did get a chance to throw a snowball at Janice.

The snow covered RV is pretty to take a picture of but I sure wouldn’t want to staying in that 5th wheel with all that snow. With my luck the electricity would be down and we’d be out of propane. Another foot of snow is being forecast for Saturday.

There were lots of snow covered picnic tables but no one was having a picnic. We didn’t see too many people outside at all. I’m sure those that were there had their furnace running. They were inside and staying warm.

The snow is still in the mountains with more expected to come. We’re back on the valley floor with a gorgeous blue sky. That’s the way it should be. We don’t want it to snow where we are. When we want to see it we’ll go visit for a while. In the meantime, we’re sympathizing with those who don’t have the beautiful weather we currently do.