Desert Sun

Been spending a week in Palm Desert, the low desert of Southern California, and the average temperature has been around 109-110, with some days hitting 115 F. But I am liking it, though it gets a little oppressive. Last night at 10:00 pm it was 94 degrees. Brings back the days of my youth growing up in the dry hot arid landscape of no green and all rocks and dirt.

Went on a nice hike syesterday with Sister Ruth and Tarah, a 6 hour round trip hike to the summit of Mount San Jacinto, which hits just over 10,000 feet. Took the crazy rotating Palm Springs Sky Tram that climbs almost vertically up the side of the mountain and plops you down at 8000 feet. First time hiking at that altitude, and i liked it. Would love to try running at high atlitudes, because it really makes your lungs work hard. You have to rest more often and eat and drink more, and gradully adjust to the thinner air. Past 9000 your head gets a little loopy.

Here's an idea of what the view looks like from the top.