Sunday, Jan 18th: Getting There

No pics today - this was just our travel day.  Up EARLY and flew thru Pheonix directly to Palm Springs. After picking up the car we made a brief stop at the visitor's center.  The building is an old converted gas station known for it's unusual architecture.  It's claim to fame is it's roof which is a soaring angled projection making it look like something out of the Jetson era.  I had hoped to capture a picture but could not find a good angle, maybe I'll have an opportunity later in the week.

From there it was a short drive to a recommended burger joint and a grocery store to pick up supplies for the next few days.  Then on to the resort where our villa was waiting and we arrived in time to catch the end of the Seahawks/Green Bay Championship game.

We plan to relax and enjoy the Patriots Game and a simple dinner in our villa followed by a good night's rest.  The touring starts tomorrow.

First impression:  Flying in we passed over a whole lot of nothing, all very brown and desolate and looking.  There's a whole lot of desert out there.  The towns are like a series of connected oasis that have obviously been cultivated to appear lush and green.  Alll the structures are low, mostly one story and a lot of flat roofs.  There is definitely a California feel, but more isolated somehow.  Very subdued with the structures blending into the surrounding landscape of desert sand.  The  whole area is a very flat valley surrounded by mountains.  Weather when we arrived was a very pleasant 70 or so degrees - not too hot, not too cold.  We expect cool mornngs, warm afternoons, and cool evenings and dry all week.