Day 18 -

 Early morning walks are the only way to get in a good walk here as the temperature rises quickly once the sun is up. But at 7 am, it is still cool outside so I get out and do laps around the complex we are staying in. Three laps is more than a mile, and the scenery is very enjoyable. I haven't figured out how some of the vegetation is in full bloom when it us so very dry here, but the flowers are very vibrant. 

We are surrounded by mountains on almost all sides, and the resort we are staying in is very close to one of those ranges, Mt San Jacinto.  We are also just southwest of Joshua Tree National Park which we will visit on Tuesday.

After a leisurely morning we all piled into the Jeep and took a drive up into the mountains to a small town called Idyllwild. The drive up was very winding, climbing to about 6000 ft above sea level with incredible views. The town of Idyllwild was very busy with lots of folks wandering the streets, visiting the shops and restaurants and enjoying cooler temperatures. Up there it was about 75° -80° while down in Cathedral City and Palm Springs it was 103°. 

The drive down the mountain from Idyllwild was a much easier drive but still offered incredible views.

Once back at our "home" for the week, we enjoyed a cocktail and a fabulous dinner prepared by Joanne. 

It was another terrific day!