Palm Springs | Enchanted Seashells by Princess Rosebud

There are amazing all-season hikes to the top of Mount San Jacinto near Palm Springs high above Coachella Valley.

San Jacinto Peak is 10,834 ft. and was known to Cahuilla Indians as I a kitch (or Aya Kaich), meaning “smooth cliffs”.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway hike is the less strenuous option. My son and his friend climbed all the way up and it’s not easy, but taking the tram (which is SUPER SUPER scary) is a perfect way to enjoy what John Muir referred to as “The view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth!”

We see beauty all around.

I especially love the contrast of these stark white branches against the blue sky.

Monday, April 14…7:00 a.m.

Coffee, check. Dressed in cute hiking outfit, check.

Ready to take on the day with Chanel and sturdy but stylish hiking boots when my prudent tugboat man decided to re-investigate the source of the squeaks under the hood.

He walked over to O’Reilly Auto Parts, conveniently located next door to this five-star establishment, chatted up the problem with the auto experts, and determined that the sounds are associated with the possibility that a bearing could freeze up and shred all the pulleys and belts and we’d be really in a pickle. (See, I do listen to him ~~some of the time~~ uh, hardly any of the time.)

Ever the prepared captain, he brought tools with which to perform the delicate repair which means I have an hour to sit in the hotel room and enjoy this fine view.

Stuff like this — abrupt changes in plans — don’t really bother me when I’m on vacation; I’ll read for a bit, write a bonus post, and re-pack my gear.

What are you guys doing today?

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I forgot to include this photos from yesterday’s drive around Palm Springs and Coachella.

There’s still a bit of snow on Mt. San Jacinto.