Palm Desert/Palm Springs/Las Vegas

Time was ticking ahead and it was clear we had to make time heading north to deal with Canadian income taxes and other matters.  We had really enjoyed Borrego Springs and knew we could return some day pick up where we left off.

Sheryl had acquired a coupon for a couple of free nights at a resort in Palm Desert provided we attended a sales pitch selling RV sites in an RV ownership network.  Another iteration of the ubiquitous “time share” theme – although the very rude salesman insisted their offering was different.  We couldn’t wait to get out of the presentation and will not do that again.

Shiny and clean following an afternoon of scrubbing out desert dust in Palm Desert

Shiny and clean following an afternoon of scrubbing out desert dust in Palm Desert

Palm Desert is very close to Palm Springs so, after we thoroughly cleaned the desert dust and dirt from inside and outside the truck and trailer, explored the area for an afternoon.  Palm Desert is a poor cousin but Palm Springs is clearly a playground for the wealthy.  Lush golf course, boutique shops and restaurants and everything generally priced higher than we had seen to date (although not as high as Canada).

Wind farm near Palm Desert - they were all spinning and my diesel was working pulling into the wind.....

Wind farm near Palm Desert – they were all spinning and my diesel was working pulling into the wind…..

We only stayed a couple of days so will have to return for more exploration but on leaving to head towards LA, we were in awe at the massive wind farms exploiting the very strong winds through that valley.  We had picked what we thought was a relatively low wind window to move on to Las Vegas but were still pushing 30 MPH winds.

Skirting LA, we see the smog it is so famous for

Skirting LA, we see the smog it is so famous for

We have never been to LA, other than to transfer planes at LAX, but were quite taken a back by the smog hanging over the valley as we passed through.  Not sure there is any attraction for us in LA.

Our brief stop in Vegas was our second of the trip and we did a little shopping and enjoyed some time with our friends Larry and Bev.  Centers like Vegas offer us a chance to shop larger store s for provisions or visit Camping World for RV upgrades to modifications

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