OK, I think I have figured out how my upcoming trip is going to flow.
But first. I went to see a friend’s blues band do an open mic at a local tavern. I saw them a couple weeks ago and they were good, and fun. Last time, there was no keyboard player, but this time there was. I got to sit in for 3 songs! They play pretty basic blues so it was easy to play along, and everybody gets a solo in every song, so I got to do that too. Fun!!
But, on to the trip. I mentioned in my last post that I’m flying to Long Beach. I’ll be there about 8 days. Hoping to hit the Art Museum, maybe the Queen Mary, maybe a yoga class, or maybe just relax. I knew my next planned stop was going to be Tucson, and then I added Phoenix in, so then I decided to rent a car and drive.
So now, I am going to Palm Springs. I’ve never been there before, and it’s on the way. I booked my room already, at the Kimpton. It’s near the Art Museum there. My room has a balcony with mountain views!
I was looking at this other hotel – it has Moroccan and Meditteranean rooms with stone floors – way cool – but, I’m a Kimpton member so for this trip I decided to go with them. Check this other place out though – it is waaay cool looking: http://korakia.com/villas. Since I’m going to be there for a such a short time, I’m thinking I’ll probably want to go back sometime. Maybe I’ll stay at this place then!
So, after I get to Palm Springs I may do some sightseeing. Included in my list is the Joshua Tree, and the Salton Sea. There is a movie called ‘The Salton Sea’ with Val Kilmer among others. It is a great (but dark) movie.
But anyway, I found this YouTube video about it. It will give you a flavor for what it’s all about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa0HjYJELSE. And here is a quick blurb about its history: https://www.damninteresting.com/sordid-history-of-the-salton-sea/. I’m not planning on spending much time there. Maybe a quick look-see on the north edge.
Then, off to Phoenix to visit my friend Derek. This will enable me to get to Tucson quicker too, because, I did indeed book a stay at the Miraval Resort there.
https://www.miravalarizona.com/?_ga=2.241421954.1661284200.1530030736-561289664.1530030736
Yes, this place is over the top. But, it was just what I was looking for. I signed up for a few different sessions (that you have to reserve in advance) and there are several walk-in classes during the day. I got a room with a patio and an outdoor shower, and floor to ceiling windows. I’ll be there 3 nights. I’m excited! It will be hot there (over 100oF) but, it gets down to the 70’s at night from what I can tell. And it’s a dry heat, so, shouldn’t be too bad.
After Miraval, I’m headed to Santa Fe, NM to visit Brian and Stacey. I haven’t figured out which route I will take yet, or whether I’ll do a straight drive or break it into two days. I’m kind of leaning towards two days so I can sightsee, like going to the White Sands Museum http://www.wsmr-history.org/. It looks to be pretty cool. If I do that I will probably stay in Truth or Consequences. There are a lot of motels/hotels there with hot springs either outdoors or in your own room.
Anyway, after Santa Fe I’m going to fly home. I had thought about driving back to Phoenix, but the drive doesn’t excite me all that much.
I will try to post often and show you lots of photos!
Until then!
ps – I went to see a new movie that’s out: American Animals. I highly recommend it. It’s a story about 4 college guys that try to steal rare (and expensive) books from Transylvania University in Kentucky, and the movie includes actors, and the 4 real guys. Really well done. And an amazing story!