Hi guys, I've been on a ~10 day California trip + conference; did spend two days in LA (crazy traffic + smog + etc. - kinda hated it), then four days at a conference in Monterey (not too bad, although very windy and quite cloudy) and now two days in SF (liked it very much). The scenery outside the cities was great and I appreciate you guys' advice about driving the PCH - indeed it was a great experience... Now, I still have 3 days left before I fly out of LA. The girl I'm with and who's got some 'disease' wants me to go down to Palm Springs so we can relax for ~2-3 days in really hot weather. I was thinking instead of going east to Yosemite and driving through there, then down through the Sequoia park/etc. and getting back into LA. What do you guys think? How's Palm Springs? Any advice? Also for the drive through Yosemite area, are there decent hotels off the highways or are we stuck in the local motels? THANKS!!!
Oh btw, there was an amazing grey Enzo Ferrari on Rodeo Dr. last weekend, got a nice pic which I'll upload later!!!
Palm Springs is alright, but I wouldn't spend 3 days there. Go shopping on El Paseo (in Palm Desert), check out some good restaurants, play a round of golf, and go to Oasis (a water park). That would pretty much sum up the Palm Springs experience.
Mike pretty much summed up Palm Springs. It will probably be very hot. Some shopping and walking around type stuff. Best thing is to sit around by a pool and do nothing. I don't golf, but I guess there's nice golfing to be done over there. Not bad if you want to kick back and enjoy the heat. On the other hand, if you feel like being a bit adventurous, and you enjoy the outdoors and nature's majestic glory, then I'd say go Yosemite/Sequoia. Sounds like you've never been, in which case I'd say its a clear winner over Palm Springs. It's simply beatiful over there. Big rocks/cliffs, big trees, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, animals, you get the picture. There's obviously camping in the park if you're up for that, and there's a few hotels as well, but at this point they'll probably be booked and they can be a bit pricey. The campgrounds are usually full also. Make sure to call around. Pretty sure there are nice places to stay a few minutes outside the park. I'm sure it won't be too difficult finding a place though. Something will pop up I'm sure. Way different choices, just depends on what you're up for. Sucks you were stuck in traffic and smog, should've hit up the beach cities.
Drive up to Sonora tonight and join us on our ride to Yosemite tomorrow. There will be about 5-7 of us and we will have lunch at the Ahwahnee Lodge in the park. You can stay at the Best Western in Sonora (pretty decent for hooterville). If you have a car to worry about, you can park it in my garage and I'll take you to the hotel R/T. Send me an email. Pete
I'd go for Yosemite/Sequoia. Palm Springs will be stinking hot - five day forecast is 105, 105, 104, 101, 100. But it is a dry heat. Cheers Kevin
Springville, CA and Three Rivers, CA are both set for mid-90's all week Though some miles and highways (190/198 - don't let the closeness of numbers fool you) apart, both are "hamlets" nestled into lower Sierras on valley side of Sequoias - Three Rivers is on the "Mineral King" side above Lake Kaweah and Springville is above Lake Success - a closer run from SoCal if you're set on driving. If flying, Three Rivers is above Visalia which has a much, much, much, much better airport, (though still tiny) than the miniscule Porterville Muni which is good for, well, small craft & choppers (let alone drag races on the landing strip [heeheehee]). More bugs to splatter your windshield with, too.
I had a car wash/lube center in Palm Springs. Their are actually alot of things to do there but now it is hot but the evenings are nice. You can take the Aerial tramway, it takes you up to about 12,000 ft and has hiking. restaurants and a great view of Palm Springs. Sight seeing of some of the most unique and incredible houses in the County, Elvis's mansion, Cher's, Sinatra, Ex Pres Ford and many many other famous people have had homes there, its called the Mesa area right next to the Indian Canyon Springs. World Class dining The Desert Springs Marriott Resort, a man made lake/canal with boats. Night life on Palm Canyon Drive, many ex rock and roll guys come down and do improptu jam sessions, Eric Burdon of War lives their so does Vince Neil and few others etc,
Thanks for all the advice guys!!! Pete, thanks for the invite, sorry I could not honour it as I had to leave early in the morning for Yosemite in order to squeeze the Sequoia park the next day. These two places (Yosemite and Sequoia) are truly special, all of you living close by should be very honoured to have such beauty nearby!!! It was truly a blessing to drive through and see some of the things. Here's the picture of the Enzo from Rodeo Dr. Best!!! PS. The Atwhanee (sp?) hotel is indeed very beautiful...quite expensive to stay there imho (they quoted us a suite for $810/night!!!!) Image Unavailable, Please Login
They talked me into Yosemite, and even the straight thru drive west to east was awesome!!!!! I actually STOPPED to take some pics, and even the ones rolling were good! After you exit the park going east toward Mono Lake there's a cool gas station with a GOOD cafe, the "Whoa Nellie Deli" Speedy says: "Do that"
