The Desert - Dinosaurs. Diners, and Temptations (and photos of cats - former kittens - just for fun)

 Soon it got dusk, 

a grapy dusk, 

a purple dusk over tangerine groves and long melon fields; 

the sun the color of pressed grapes, 

slashed with burgandy red, 

the fields the color of love and Spanish mysteries. 

~ Jack Kerouac, On the Road

We headed out to the desert with a goal of seeing things we had not seen before including to see the mountains and valleys from the aerial tram* in Palm Springs and visit Joshua Tree National Park** with short stops at the University of California Riverside*** and the Cabazon Dinosaurs,**** We moved fast and had fun, even has we searched almost in vain for Joshua Trees in the park. [Hint: Use the WEST entrance to the park. That is the area with the most "stuff" including the Joshua Trees. Also, note that there are loads of Joshua Trees along the highway from 29 Palms towards Riverside.]

Riverside  

The University of California Riverside is an agriculture school. It has citrus orchards. We toured the campus, picked a few kumquats, and wondered at the amazing plants on the campus. I can see we will need to be there during a spring.

We saw birds we knew (crows and sparrows) and some we didn't know. Almost everywhere we went we were treated with seagull "fly-overs."

Yes, we were watched as we wandered around.

I'm jealous of the succulent beds. I do grow some, but so many freeze.

More succulents.

Some blooming had begun.

I love these trees with "eyes" (and some with initials carved).

I understand hummingbirds visit these gardens in numbers during the spring.

A couple of iris were already blooming.

This jade plant was enormous and covered with blooms.

Blooming succulant.

I remember some kumquat trees at home - really just bushes. These were TREES and full of fruit.

I would be in big trouble swiping fruit and canning marmalade...maybe...nah...

See!

An old barn has been renovated and used for a cafe. Note the orange trees to the left.

DH and YC head towards the carillon******

The herb garden has a sign that politely asks forks not to pick.

It's a lovely building, the carillon. They only "play" it on Monday at noon.

Palm Springs

Just outside of Palm Springs is an aerial tramway. It is pretty spectacular. The temperature dropped 40 degrees from when we boarded the gondola and when we exited at the mountain station at 8516 feet. It was snowing on the mountain. Yes, the air was thin.

This tram is the only one I know where you revolve 360 degrees and everyone gets a view all-the-way-around.

The clouds were low and so our view somewhat restricted. 

The car would swing at each of the towers.

We climbed through fog.

And we exited into a snowy wooded area.

The mountain is granite and large boulders were scattered about - snow-covered and trimmed in icicles. These two were throwing snowballs.

The sun played hide-and-seek among the clouds.

Snow!

A man and boy had hauled a sled up on the tramway on our trip up. We recognized them sledding.

More boulders, snow, and icicles.

I love the texture of this wood against the snow.

This is the lower station for the tramway.

Our little car had issues with the climb.

One of the "magic" moments of the trip occurred on our way down the mountain on the tram. Our operator was playing rock standards as "background music" when  The Temptations singing "My Girl" came on. By the end of the ride, all aboard - people from all over the world, were singing along. In this day and time, it was a powerful moment...

I´ve got sunshine
On a cloudy day.
When it´s cold outside,
I´ve got the month of May.

Well, I guess you´ll say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl. (My girl, my girl)
Talkin´ ´bout my girl. (My girl)

~ Smokey Robinson and Ronald White

Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park****** is a lot of desert. It is actually parts of two deserts - the Mojave and the Colorado. It was starting to bloom as the winter had been wet and the weather was warming, but we were a little early for what I imagine is a spectacular sight. We examined some of the cactus and other "spiky" plants, including the Joshua Tree that gives the park its name. We saw few creatures - some birds, mostly ravens and crows, and a lone lizard.

Cactus skeleton

Cholla Cactus Garden

Is this the bloom or is something more coming?

I think this is Beavertail Cactus. Its bloom is a bright pink.

THE JOSHUA TREE! [Actually a type of yucca, not a tree.]

I cannot imagine this place in the heat of the summer.

Cool Cats - We are taking an irregularly scheduled cat break.

Slinky and Aengus...too cool for us. [This is an old photo by YC. I couldn't manage a photo of Slinky on this trip.]

Gus, the grandcat, is pretty gregarious. Slinky isn't sure what to make of us and is a bit shy of us.

Ghost cat.

Neighbor cat #1

Neighbor cat #2

DINOSAURS!

In the middle of the desert one can find some crazy attractions. We found the Cabazon Dinosaurs and stopped. You can take a strange tour of not-to-scale dinosaurs, buy stuff in the gift shop, flatten a penny (I love these), watch a video, dig in a sandpit for a rock (that entitles you to a prize from the gift shop) and CLIMB UP IN THE T-REX! Of course, we had to climb up and roar down at the kids below.
 

DH swears these are larger than the ones at Glen Rose, Texas. I am not so sure.

This shirt was the only thing in the gift shop I wanted, but I'm trying not to buy any more T-shirts.

This guy looks a little lumpy, but we climbed in anyway.

This is a smaller one along the tour.

There were some pretty things blooming on the "landscaped" hike.

Lavender in the desert?

We had hoped to end our trip with a short tour of the mid-century modern architecture in Palm Springs, but we were forced to leave that for another trip. We did see a couple of the recommended structures/areas on our way in,****** so we were not too disappointed.

NOTES:

* https://www.pstramway.com/

** https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm

*** http://www.ucr.edu/

**** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabazon_Dinosaurs

***** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carillon

******The Palm Springs Visitor Center (where one turns to head up to the tramway) is itself a gem of modern architecture. Designed by Albert Frey and Robson Chambers, it was a gas station for some 20 years before it was purchased and re-purposed by Palm Springs. We also noted a neighborhood of slightly-varying small "boxy" houses on the edge of the city as well as so many clearly 50s and 60s style buildings and homes. Palms Springs is making a huge effort to preserve this architectural legacy.

Final Note: I had been planning on acquiring a National Park pass for DH a few months ago, thinking it might encourage some road trips. I was glad to discover I could purchase one at Joshua Tree. The "Senior Pass" is 10 bucks - and allows access to the pass holder and his carload for free. It's a lifetime pass. What a deal! [You qualify for the senior pass at 62.]

Heading into the Storm

They called it Lucifer.

When did they start naming rainstorms?*

It was to be a category 5 Pacific Storm - the worst California had seen in decades. We were preparing to visit YC  and received a call from her. "It's going to rain all weekend!"

We wondered. Should we cancel? When would we have a chance to come out again?

We don't melt (although I am sure there are some who think I would). Extra rain-gear fit in the suitcases.

This part of California is so interesting. We would be starting in the desert along the coast (made lovely with irrigation) and heading inland to more desert. The inland empire.**

The storm did, indeed rage. But the worst was north and west of us. It caused flooding, mudslides, and at least five deaths. It left sinkholes and toppled trees in its wake. We experienced some rain and one broken umbrella.

Then we enjoyed cool weather and grand adventures....stay tuned.

We drove through a bit of rain. It seems that Californians, like Texans, have been in drought conditions so long that a little rain causes crazy driving.

We saw dark skies north of us. The weather was desperate in many places. We were lucky.

 

NOTES:

* I didn't make it up.

http://heavy.com/news/2017/02/california-weather-storm-lucifer-bombogenesis-update-flooding-today-latest-maps-predictions-photos-video/

http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/02/17/69159/socal-storm-s-rainfall-expected-to-be-most-in-year/

**https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inland_Empire

How Many Woodpeckers?

Zelda and I headed out for a walk in the middle of morning rush. I would so much rather walk before the rush, but I had tried to eke out just a little more sleep today.

It was not to be. Z stood outside the bedroom door whining at 6:45. She is a placid, quiet dog. When she vocalizes it usually means something. So I begrudgingly rose, dressed in whatever was to hand (dressing in the dark can create some interesting outfits) and headed off.

The sunrise was lovely - streaks of blue and pink among thin clouds. The waning gibbous moon peeked through the naked twigs of overhead trees. Morning birds were out. And we headed towards the park.*

Just outside of the park we heard some loud calls/screams coming from the woods. I've never hear anything quite like it. My thoughts went through the catalogue of experiences...what was it? I was fairly sure it was a bird or birds. I saw nothing through the brush and we continued into the park.

Zelda hasn't had a good run in a few days - not since she rolled in some horror and had a chilly shampoo in the yard. I've refused to let her off the leash anywhere but our yard since. Today I thought it worth the time and risk to take a run in the park. But we didn't make it to the field.

Tap-tap-tap

Darn...

Tap-tap-tap

It was another woodpecker.

This time the tapping sound echoed across the park... a drumbeat calling me back to the huge old pecan at the edge of the woods.

Zelda was not distracted by the sound and kept following the park-smells as I stood at the base of the tree, looking up. There it was - that small movement that gave the bird away. It appeared to be another Downy. But, strangely, before we left two more woodpeckers joined it on the pecan. It surprised me - three woodpeckers on one tree.

I'm not sure what the others were (WHEN, I ask, will I start carrying a set of binoculars?), but one did have more than a little red on its head. I've looked at the woodpecker rogues gallery on eBird** and believe the other two birds were likely male and female Red-bellied Woodpeckers.

We headed home, Zelda without a care in the world. Me, well I was planning tomorrow's walk.  It will include staking out the old pecan to see what birds may show up for breakfast.

Yes, there is a woodpecker in this old pecan....

NOTES:

*I have been lazy these days - not always walking all the way down to the park. But today I was determined to start regular LONG walks again.

**https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-bellied_Woodpecker/id?gclid=CjwKEAiAlZDFBRCKncm67qihiHwSJABtoNIgp-kYBSSIxBi8Nu1BOV6PLhi2zbrmVFKWlg8Sx4zdvRoC32rw_wcB

The Woodpecker

Tap-tap-tap.

Tap-tap-tap.

Tap-tap-tap.

I had wandered outside trying to understand the layout of the house. They were having an estate sale and I walked from room to room ending up in the garage. But I had already been in a garage - and this wasn't it. [The house was for sale too and I was curious about the whole property.]

I once thought closets were somehow magically "in the walls" so enchanted garages aren't too great a stretch of imagination for me. But no. These people had two large garages - the second likely used for boats or trailers or a shop.

Outside now and gazing at the acreage "out back," I took a calming breath and heard the steady tapping overhead.

Tap-tap-tap. Tap-tap-tap.

"A woodpecker or sapsucker, I guess," I thought. I gazed at the top of the trees nearby,  attempting to follow the sound. It was dizzying. I moved for a better view and to steady myself.

Tap-tap-tap.

The sun was now bright and I shielded my eyes. An older fellow came outside and said, "Woodpecker - it's up there somewhere."

Tap-tap-tap.

"There." A small swift movement of its head drew my attention. I showed the man where the bird was clinging high up in the oak tree.

[In days past I would probably have left it at that. Grateful to hear and see the bird, I would have acknowledged its message from birders now gone and headed home to finish my Saturday errands. But now I need to know or at least make an attempt to know - to identify the species. What if it was an unusual bird or a "usual" bird that wasn't supposed to be in this area at this time? I felt (and feel) an obligation to fellow birders to do my part.]

I memorized its markings. The familiar black and white striped plumage one sees on so many woodpeckers/sapsuckers, a large vertical streak of white on the back, and no red. I remarked how difficult it is for me to identify woodpeckers. The small differences (to me) mean a lot and so I usually rely on experts.  <Sigh> No experts here today. I was on my own.

I watched as the bird moved around the limb. I took a few awful cellphone photos. They would not be detailed, but perhaps would show enough to aid my later search.

Tap-tap-tap.

We have bird books - a number of them. But I almost always start with Google first. It is so easy to type in a description or a few words, "woodpecker, central Texas" or "woodpecker, white vertical stripe."  The resulting "suggestions" brought a probable identification - Downy Woodpecker, female.

"Of course," I thought, "This explains the lack of red."*

Then I went to Cornell** to review multiple photos of female Downys.

Yes, that was it!

My final step was to note the bird in two databases.*** Even though the little bird was not going to cause any excitement - no caravans of birders with field glasses rushing down the road - it adds to the overall knowledge and, hopefully, understanding of creatures and our evolving world - my two cents deposit for the day.

NOTES:

* Mom always commented on the showy male birds and dowdy females. The male Downy has a "thumbprint" sized blotch of read on the back of his head. The female has similar other markings, but no red. And, of course,  I second-guessed myself. Was I sure there was no red? Did I get that good a view? It is another reason I take bad photos. While some detail is lost, any red would have been there for me to see.

For photos see: http://birdsintheyard.com/black-and-white-birds.html

** What do you want to know? Take a look at All About Birds. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/

*** eBird (Cornell's database for birds) and iNaturalist (database for everything)

Now you can see why it was hard to find the bird. She was working so hard...tap.

The Bully

There he was this morning...the bully.

I don't know his heritage...he is small and feisty. His family allows him out with no supervision. And he is a mouthy little bugger.

We have always tried to avoid him in the past. I don't enjoy fights.

If he was simply protecting his yard, I wouldn't be a critic. But this guy wanders all around the block. He comes at you long before his property and follows you after...blustering.

Today he came barking at us and we noticed "the cone of shame." What was going on here?

As he ran at us with his cranky/raspy bark we noticed he was not steady on his....oh my goodness! He was unsteady on his three legs!

What happened?

He left rear leg was removed at the hip joint.

Apparently he thought he was tougher than a car and the car wasn't afraid of him.

We were not afraid before (he's all bark) and are not now.... While we have to deal with the dog, the real culprits here are the owners.

I kinda feel sorry for the bully.


(OK. I know you want a photo. I will repost when I get one.)

Last big walk before the cold - fog, wet dog, wet feet...

Quite a different look from the sunrise photo of a few days ago.

We had a number of foggy days last week. Zelda and I made it to the park a couple of times and we have called DH to join us a couple of times.

Fog starting to burn off as the sun comes up.

Zelda ignores the fog and dampness.

Zelda loves to race around the soccer fields and smell all the smells. She often catches a whiff of the herd and follows it to a deer trail at the edge of the brushy bit between the park and the fields we once walked (before all the "no trespassing" signs went up).

Don't you dare go down that trail!

 After Zelda made a few good "racing circles" I noticed DH arriving. He began to walk across the expanse of short grass. Z stopped, sat, and watched. She is not much of a guard or watch dog. She doesn't bark and wouldn't protect herself, much less me, from a threat. But she waited...and waited...and then recognized him.

Who is that man headed our way?

DH and Z

She's his dog. I thought she was going to be my companion, but she simply humors me. He is the one she wants to be near and listens to. He is the one she watches for.

Still, it is nice to have a walking partner even if I know she is really waiting for him to join us. As long as she minds and he brings coffee, I can live with it.

Don't distract me right now, lady.