We made it into Palm Springs late afternoon after a long drive through the Mojave Desert.  Palm Springs is a pretty city with business and home entrances filled with an abundant display of colorful flowers.  It seemed like there was a lush golf course every few blocks and streets are named after movie stars and presidents.  Unfortunately there must be smog or some other air pollution because we both had sinus problems so bad that we were ready to depart after one day.

Up to Mount San Jacinto State Park to experience the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.  The Tram departs about every 10 minutes up the mountain from zone 1 of 3,500 feet to zone 5 of 10,834 feet, straight up the mountain with absolutely gorgeous views.  Once on top the mountain there are several trails to hike, we took the desert view trail.  The temperature was cold enough for a coat but not too cold, the air was fresh with the scent of pine.  Immediately we both felt better and our sinus problems were no longer.  We enjoyed the mountain so much we decided to find someplace in the mountains to spend the next couple to days.  Off we went to find one of the Mount San Jacinto State Parks that allowed RVs.  The only ones we found were located on the other side of mountain from Palm Springs.  We drove from Palm Springs up the steepest, narrowest mountain road toward Idyllwild I believe I have ever experienced and we have been on some thrilling mountain roads in Colorado, but this one beat them all in terms of scary – I was too scared to close my eyes and too scared to keep them open.  We finally made it to Thousand Trails RV Park about 8,000 feet elevation.  The park is very large with numerous trails, giant pines, the freshest air and perfectly cool temperatures.  We hiked 5 miles today and feel pleasantly exhausted.   It is so quiet here, only the whispering of the wind blowing through the trees and so scenic one cannot help but feel peacefully one with nature.