Visiting Palm Springs, and making it your destination, is the perfect place to take several memorable day trips. Have you ever thought about going to Catalina Island, but winched at the thought of driving through the Los Angeles traffic in the early morning to catch the Catalina Express there? Here’s a way to make it painless and so enjoyable. Gadabout Day Tours (Sad, but happy for the owner of Gadabout in Palm Springs for she decided to retire at 92 years old. So the bus tour to Catalina is no longer available. However, if you drive, there is a parking lot right next to the Catalina Express so you can park your car.) Here are the specifics: No matter where you live in Coachella Valley, there is a spot for you to assemble. In my case, I live in Palm Springs; it was Stater Brothers grocery store parking lot—literally five minutes away. Very near the assigned time of 6:30 a.m. the bus arrived. It was so modern; there are outlets at each seat to charge your phones. The lighting inside the coach at night is beautiful. The bus was immaculately clean, stain free with garbage bags at each seat. The armrest next to windows didn’t go up, on this particular bus so, it made it awkward to rest against the window on the ride home, but that towel you brought along for the beach can be excellent padding to help. Once you settle in for the two-hour ride to Long Beach, you are offered water and granola bars. The driver was superb and enabled us to get to the Catalina Express Ferry in plenty of time. You are dropped off right in front of the ferry terminal, handed your ferry ride ticket. Then you go outside to stand in the queue for boarding. Catalina Express It is cooler in Long Beach and on the island, so make sure you have a sweater or jacket with you for the trip back. This trip, the sun was beating down already at 9:00 a.m. so having a hat and suntan lotion certainly makes standing in the line to board more enjoyable. There are numerous options for places to sit on this ferry. You can choose which level you would like to occupy and whether or not you want to be in an open-air location or enclosed. I suggest you select a seat on the starboard (right) side of the boat, so you see the island of Catalina as you approach the Avalon Harbor. Keep your camera handy, for leaving Long Beach harbor has some colorful sites. You can also pay extra to sit in the Commodore Lounge for an additional fee. Seats are more luxurious, and as of this writing, come with a complimentary cocktail and cabin attendant service. Animals are allowed if they are in an airline-style carrier or on a leased and muzzled for the one-hour trip. Avalon Harbor The Catalina Express docks on the very edge of the town. Very comfortable walking shoes are a must. At this point, you are on your own. Your tour leader tells you that you have until 7:00 p.m. to explore on your own. You smile, for it seems like a long time, but truthfully, it is precisely the right about of time to get the sense of this magnificent place on your first visit. This trip was on Thursday. There just enough people to feel the excitement, maneuver through the many shops. Made a mental note, do NOT to make this trip on the weekend. The weekday crowd was perfect. Trip Home Reverse the transportation order for your trip back to Palm Springs. Happy to report, the bus returned home at the assigned time of approximately 11:15 p.m. My first experience with this tour company and, it was a superb trip in every imaginable way. You will need to check Gadabout Tours for their tour schedule to Catalina Island. Two more blogs about how to make the most of your visit there to an island with 4,000 a population will be written and published by me soon. Kathy Condon is a freelance travel writer and blogger. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 http://www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com

Does your trip to Visit Palm Springs include you being here on the first Sunday of the month? If so, there is a unique opportunity for you to attend an event in the Palm Springs Cultural Center’s parking lot. On this day, the Palm Springs Vintage Market showcases over 100 vendors who bring their collections and special finds to share and sell. As you may know, Palm Springs is a haven for Modernism aficionados. Interior decorators come to find treasures for their clients' homes. For their task often is to furnish iconic architectural homes with authentic items from the era. However, you do not have to be a decorator. This event provides an opportunity for you to get up on a Sunday morning, buy your coffee and carry it through a plethora of aisles, and, perhaps, bring back memories of your childhood. Better yet, take your children with you and explain to them how certain items were part of your life. Categories of items: Jewelry This is a ring recently purchased from a woman who had a booth to sell her mother's jewelry. You can expect to find costume jewelry, antique jewelry, Indian jewelry, and beautiful jewelry newly created by our outstanding local artists. Moments in Palm Springs History There are booths with old Hollywood photos. Occasionally you can even find a piece from one of the old historic hotels or restaurants. Furniture Looking for a unique chair or bar stools? More than likely, you can find them here. The chairs in the picture are just one example of one's recently at the market. There are numerous side chairs, coffee tables, and even full dining sets. Vinyl Records and Books If the vendor doesn’t have what you are looking for, ask, and give them the challenge to do the hunt with you. After all, often, these vendors have spent a lifetime pursuing their passion. They are the experts. Pottery and Glassware Whew, what do you need? Cocktail shakers, decorative glass for your bookshelf, planters, and salt and pepper shakers make this place a collector's dream. Plants Want something unique to plant in your yard or, perhaps, add to your cacti collection? You will be very hard-pressed to walk away with nothing from here. Plus, the vendor often showcases some of her rare cacti for you to see. If this all sounds a bit daunting, never fear. The organizers have thought of that too. There is an area where you buy some baked goods, sit in lawn-type chairs, and listen to local musicians. Oh, there is also an ATM nearby if you want it. Many vendors take credit cards, but often cash carries with more bargaining power. By the way, bargaining is allowed. Kathy Condon is a freelance travel writer and blogger. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 http://www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com

Eighty-two miles from Palm Springs is a world where one sees evergreen trees instead of Palm Trees. Outdoor activities abound, and distant mountains reveal paths of winter ski runs. Before you head out, as always on any journey from Palm Springs, be sure you have a supply of water. Also, since Big Bear Lake is at an elevation of 6,752 feet, you will want to be sure you take a sweater and a jacket, for evenings can turn cold even in the spring and fall. Casual clothes are accepted everywhere, so no need to pack the evening dress or tux. When you decide to make the journey to this destination, you have three routes you can take. This particular journey brings you a full circle with entirely different environments. The Journey Begins Take Indian Canyon North until it dead ends at the foot of the distant mountain. Then turn right on Highway 62 toward Yucca Valley. Travel through the hills of Morongo Valley. If you have never seen Joshua trees, you will have the opportunity to see them on both sides of the road, for they grow between 2,000 to 6,000 feet. Keep going on Highway 62 to Old Women Springs Road (Highway 247), which is really in the middle of the town of Yucca. Turn left and go up through Flamingo Heights. You will go near the town of Landers. On your next visit, you might want to make a reservation to go to the Integratron for one of its famous sound baths. Also, on the same road is Gubler Orchids. Their tours of the greenhouses are educational and beautiful. About 20 miles from Flamingo Heights, you will descend into Johnson Valley. This area is now famous for the many off-roaders because of its dry lake beds, rolling hills, and sandy washes. Then you will see a sign to Big Bear or Highway 18. Be ready for lots of curves and slow traffic. Big Bear is a Sprawling Community When you look up, you’ll see the mountains with distinct ski runs in the distance. Quickly, you get the sense this area is equipped to handle skiers that descend on the area from Los Angeles, San Diego, and international countries in the winter. Ski rentals abound, and casual restaurants provide space for groups of people celebrating at the end of a ski day. In the summer months, there are boat rentals, hiking trails, beaches, and biking. During “normal” times, there are numerous summer festivals, such as Antique Wooden Boat Show, Comedy Festival and Oktoberfest. You will want to check the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce for specific dates. Places to Stay Bear Cave Apartments is a delightful find. It is newly remodeled with full kitchens. It would be the right place for a family for it has a spacious courtyard with barbecue facilities. There is plenty of room for children to run off their energy. Prefer a cabin on the lake? Surely it is possible to find one to fit the size you need and amenities that will make your Big Bear visit a comfortable and memorable one. Heading Back to Palm Springs Head east on Big Bear Boulevard. Turn right on Highway 38. Soon you will be winding your way down the mountain. Take time to turn off and see some of the vistas. The great thing about this highway is there are lots of turnouts so you can let traffic go by so you can come down at your own pace and enjoy the scenery. It comes all the way down to Highway 10. So all you have to do is turn East on Highway 10, and you will soon be back in Palm Springs. If you love the outdoors, you will not be disappointed you booked some time in this casual community, which is sure to meet the most discriminating expectations for a relaxing adventure among the pines. Kathy Condon is a freelance travel writer and blogger. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com

You are looking forward to getting out of rain and snow, so you book your reservation for a flight into our beautiful international airport. It is not often you can get off your airplane and immediately find yourself outside. Then an escalator takes you down on the path to retrieve your luggage. When you were packing, you pictured yourself sitting poolside sipping cocktails. Evening attire for dinner will most certainly be tropical so you dig deep for those summer clothes or your wardrobe from your last warm-weather retreat. Now the Reality As much as we would like to say, the weather will be a constant temperature, we cannot. What you must be figured into your travel needs is the fact we live in a desert. All those things you have read and heard about how cool or even cold the desert can get at night is true. Granted, we Palm Springs residents have become a bit wimps in terms of the cold weather. However, way too many people from other parts of the world and States come here wishing they had packed a warmer clothing for activities. Really? I Need Winter Clothes? One of our “must-see” attractions is the Palm Springs Ariel Tramway. Here you go to the 8, 500 foot above the Coachella Valley floor. In the winter, you will most likely experience snow and certainly much colder temperatures. Many a visitor has wished she had remembered to pack a warm coat, hat, and gloves. There are paths to hike. If there happens to be a fresh snowfall, you can plan on being part of a snowball fight. To enhance your experience, go up about 3:00 p.m. and hike some of the trails at the top. Have a bite to eat or a drink, and then wait until it gets dark. Your experience coming down will enable you to see Coachella Valley lights in its full glory. This year, Joshua Tree National Park experienced a usual amount of snow. So if you headed up there, you would have appreciated the above list for winter warmth. Daytime Wear To plan your wardrobe, think fall attire in most areas of the country. Layering is a great way to think of what you may need. Our temperatures can start out in the mid-50s, and by the end of the day; we are basking in mid-70s temperatures. Sunscreen and sunglasses remain a must for all your outings since even our winter sun can be intense. Do not assume the pool will be heated at the place you are staying. Rental homes and condos often do not heat their pools during the winter season. So make sure you ask. Then negotiate when you want the heat to be turned on for your arrival. Be prepared to pay $50 plus extra per day for toasty, heavenly water temperature. Evening attire Gentlemen, you are going to want to have long-sleeved shirts with you. Many a man has been glad he brought a down vest to wear over it when heading out to one of our restaurants. Some high-end restaurants require a sports jacket, so think of it as being another jacket for our lower night-time temperatures. Ladies, think about what you would wear if you were going to a restaurant with a very cold air conditioning system. A warm shawl will be extremely welcome as you step outside after a delectable dinner at one of amazing restaurants. Pack a couple of sweaters, just in case the sun doesn’t come out early enough for you to start your shopping excursions. Of course, if you have forgotten a piece of clothing you now feel be essential to make your visit even more special, shopkeepers will be more than willing to help you. Just saying, it is great fun sending photos of you basking in the sun while friends experience yet another snowstorm. You don’t have to fill guilty about doing it; you were the ones smart enough to plan and book your reservations so you can experience this winter paradise. Kathy Condon is a freelance travel writer and blogger. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News 760-902-3094 Kathy@kathycondon.net http://www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com

Rarely a day goes by that we Palm Spring residents are not asked, “How do you handle 100 plus degrees temperatures?” One is tempted to say flippantly, “Carefully.” However, we know it is a sincere question. Thus, we all have our way of answering it. Let me share my perspective and how I handle our rising temperatures. After perusing my Facebook posts, I discovered I am so appreciative that I rarely turn the air conditioner on before May 1. Our evenings are quite cool (sometimes in the high 50s), so with all the windows open, that cool air keeps my condo pleasant in the morning. About 10:00 a.m., I close the condo up because temperatures start to rise. May Temperatures Once May 1st comes along, temperatures gradually start to rise. I have learned to be comfortable in sundresses at 80 degrees in my home. The air conditioner does not usually turn on until about 2:00 p.m. From then on, it is day-by-day in May. Some days may rise to 100 degrees, and then other days, it can be in the low 90s. Our low humidity allows us to tolerate higher temperatures. June Temperatures All bets are off for June. However, residents reconciled to the fact the summer of all air-conditioning has begun. Think of it like your winters; you turn on your heater, we turn on the air conditioner. Our Routines If you want to do any walking or hiking, you get up early and get on your way. Many of us living in Palm Springs are early risers for the quiet; the beauty of our sunrises and desire to enjoy the outdoors is a great motivator. Sometimes we even catch the moon still up. If you have errands to run, such as getting groceries, you would be well advised to do that before 10:00 a.m. I have learned to be quite comfortable out-and-about until the temperatures reach 105 degrees. However, after that, your steering wheel may get so hot you need something to enable you to hold it in your hands. If we are going to park in the sun, we put in sunshades in our front window. With errands done and physical exercise taking care of the rest of the day can be devoted to office work, meetings, or just getting together with friends at one of our many air-conditioned coffee shops. Evenings are an excellent time for dining outside for the temperatures in the desert start going down. The outside patios are open on at least three sides and often have misters. If you are not dining out, now is the time we get caught up on the latest Netflix movies or read the books that we bought during our winter. A Need to Get Away I have stayed through the summer in Palm Springs two times. The first one was tough for the unrelenting heat and no outdoor events or college lectures. My extremely varied and active lifestyle took a hit. Thus, my happiness meter was at a low. The second time was during the pandemic. Interestingly, this time it was easier, for I knew no one in the world was out-and-about, and we were all in the same boat. I used the time wisely to develop a strong foundation for my travel writing. Now with restrictions easing up, I am making summer travel plans. I am not alone in saying that if one can get out at least a couple of weeks in summer, one’s attitude is uplifted. Frankly, I prefer the end of July or sometime in August. The Fall By September 1, evenings are cooling down, people have evening BBQs with their friends, and Palm Springs events start kicking in. Once again, people share conversations across their condo patios in the evenings, for their doors and windows are wide open. Outside dining is at its best. No Regrets I moved to Palm Springs from Vancouver, Washington. In Washington, I remember working at my desk in the winter, and the sun would come out. I knew I had to drop everything and go out, or I might not see the sun again for a few days. In Palm Springs, it is a rare day when the sun doesn’t come out. Thus, I find myself happier and healthier since I am allergic to mold. Nine months of the year, I am free to move about this incredible area to concerts, lectures, and welcome visitors from all over the world, and listen to their life’s stories. No place is perfect. However, I must say with mostly balmy days, palm trees, and very few bugs, I am one very happy woman living in Palm Springs, California. Kathy Condon is a freelance journalist and travel writer. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide. Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News. Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 www.PalmSpringInsiderGuide.com

When I visited San Francisco in the early 80s, I thought I was at the Presidio of San Francisco when I saw the Palace of the Arts and its park. I remembered it perched on the Bay’s edge and a beautiful sight. Recently, I was invited to stay a couple of days by the Presidio of San Francisco. With research, it became evident that I was wrong about the breath of the Presidio; it is 1500 acres filled with history, activities, and incredible photographic views. (Just for the record, I have taken a survey. I have discovered few people in Palm Springs even know it exists.) A Little Bit of Presidio of San Francisco History To be fair, when I was there in the 80s, it was still an Army military base, and access was not open to the public. A millennium woman I met on my journey told me that they often found their way into the base when they were teenagers. It was too tempting not to head to the beaches or the paths with scenic views overlooking San Francisco at night. The history of this area is intriguing. Including the fact, the very first wall built in California has recently been uncovered. It was part of the fort built by the Spaniards when they claimed the area for Spain in 1776. Currently, archaeologists on the property are watching over 30 historical sites on the 1500 acres. There is much that happened on this acreage, but let’s fast forward to 1994 when the Army turned the base over to the National Park Service. Some of the magnificent buildings peppered throughout the land were in desperate need of attention. The Repurposing of Buildings Began This writer was privileged to stay in the Inn at the Presidio. Just a few steps away from the parade ground, this historic Inn once was the quarters for bachelor officers in the Army. The two-room suite had a working fireplace, replicas of historical photos, and period furniture. The luxurious linens made it hard to leave the tranquil serenity of my room. It was the perfect location from which to explore the area, for there was a nearby free shuttle that transports people to outlying areas. However, one who likes walking will find it easy to navigate paths to the beach and many places of interest, such as the most perfect ever view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Next to the Inn, you will see the Chapel, a superb Spanish mission revival architecture example. Today, it is a venue for rent and in high demand for weddings. As you walk past the Chapel, you will see the Archaeology Lab, the Presidio Museum, home of the local Red Cross, and the Lodge at the Presidio, to name a few of the occupants of this scenic and historic location. Three Beaches Welcome the Public I know you have driven across the Golden State Bridge. You looked up at the grandeur of the structure and craned your neck to see if you could see Alcatraz in the distance. However, let’s assume you were leaving San Francisco. If you look down and to the right, you will see an expansive, beach pristine sand calling to you. What a wonderful place to swim, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and meet friends for a day of family fun. The two other beaches require a car or the use of the shuttle. However, they too offer magnificent views and beautiful sandy beaches. Letterman Quarters (Named after a former General at the Presidio) George Lucas has taken an interest in the Presidio, and his impact on this area is more than stunning. This section is now revitalized. Due to his investment of millions of dollars and his creative vision of the site is thriving. Office space abounds; he is housing a portion of his digital organization there. The grounds offer an inviting place to stop, relax and have a picnic with your family and friends. The abundance of trees and flowers will help the most stressed person find a reprieve from outside influences. If you love Wagyu beef or want to try it, you should head to Sessions at the Presidio. This expansive restaurant with enclosed patio dining overlooking the Letterman large greenway is the perfect place to have a lunch or an exceptional dinner. If you are fortunate fresh beignets will be served for dessert. The beef and most organic produce used in the chef’s creative menus come from George Lucas’s Skywalker Ranch about 20 miles north of the Presidio. The wines served are also from the Lucas ranch. At the manager’s urging, I had the Chardonnay and have to say it is by the far one of the best Chardonnay’s I have ever experienced. So Much to See and Do at the Presidio I trust I have aroused your curiosity about the Presidio. This treasure of a place is quietly waiting for people to discover it, literally steps away from the city. If you leave Palm Springs by air, it is a short plane ride to the San Francisco Airport. Once you are there, an Uber or Lyft is easy to find and will transport you the sixteen miles to a world you never expected. You will not need a car once you are there, for the free shuttle takes you to every place you may want to go. If you are a hiker, bring your hiking shoes, there are numerous trails for you to explore. Yes, this journey was an eye-opener to me, and there is no question I want to go back. There is still so much to explore. Kathy Condon is a freelance journalist and travel writer. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide. Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 www.PalmSpringInsiderGuide.com

Historically, Palm Springs was considered Hollywood’s playground because of its connections to celebrities like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Liberace. Today, it remains an enjoyable and relaxing getaway for those looking to soak in a sophisticated desert destination. Aside from the natural hot springs, sprawling golf courses, and fair weather, it’s home to picturesque landscapes that everyone can appreciate. Photo Credit: Kathy Condon Though the pandemic has forced Palm Springs to enforce social distancing measures, tourists are still welcome to come over and enjoy the local scenery. As such, we’ve compiled five scenic locations to photograph here for your next visit. The Cabazon Dinosaurs Mr. Rex and Dinny the Dinosaur, also known as the Cabazon Dinosaurs, are perhaps some of the most iconic roadside attractions you can see in California. Roughly 20 minutes west of Palm Springs, these quirky beasts were created by Claud Bell, a former amusement park sculptor back in the 1960s. These dinosaurs have since been featured in music videos and films such as Pee-wee's Big Adventure. Photo Credit: Tony Mataras Joshua Tree National Park So names for the population of Joshua trees, it is home to the Joshua Tree National Park is another must-visit for Palm Springs tourists. Here you will see gorgeous geological formations like the Arch Rock and the Skull Rock, on top of the desert flora and wildflowers in the area. What's more is that you can even go camping in designated locations and take photos of the night sky. Photo Credit: Kathy Condon INTERSTATE10 - WINDMILLS They're not just a pretty sight. The windmills you see along Interstate-10 are used to generate clean energy for the entire Coachella Valley. But while these turbines make for quite a view, the shifting sand dunes and the San Jacinto mountain range behind them make the landscape extra stunning. Photo Credit: Kathy Condon The Saguaro Hotel If you're looking for an Instagramable location in Palm Springs, look no further than the Saguaro Hotel. Swathed in vibrant pinks, yellows, and purples, the hotel is a treat for the eyes. Its color palette is the work of renowned architects Paul Aferiat and Peter Stamberg, who wanted to use hues that evoke the colors of desert wildflowers. The result is a wonderland of color with hundreds of gorgeous locations in which to shoot photos. Photo Credit: Saguaro Hotel Tahquitz Canyon Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to Agua Caliente tribe's Tahquitz Canyon, which is home to various types of desert flora and fauna. Here you can also see ancient irrigation systems and rock art. If you are visiting during the winter, you may see the 60-foot Tahquitz Falls in its full glory. This is on the Reservation, so be sure to check hours and there is an admission cost. Photo Credit: Agentz92505, Tahquitz Falls 1, CC BY-SA 3.0 What to bring • Plenty of drinking water – Depending on when you come to Palm Springs, the weather can get scorching. So if you’re planning to take pictures outdoors, don’t forget to bring more water than you think you’ll need to keep yourself rehydrated. • A good camera – Smartphones nowadays are equipped to take high-quality photos. But if you want to go the extra mile and get professional-grade pictures, you might want to bring along a camera. If you’re worried about carry something too heavy, Adorama’s selection of travel-friendly cameras shows that most contemporary models are lightweight, but still pack plenty of features for taking that perfect shot. For example, the Sony Alpha 7C is compact but holds a powerful 24.2 MP sensor to deliver beautiful image resolution. Similarly, the Fujifilm X-T30 is lightweight at just 13.5 ounces — while boasting a top-notch APS-C sensor for fast auto-focus and face detection while you take photos. • A breathable face mask – Though the public is allowed to go outside, precautions against COVID-19 must still be followed. With that said, included among Health.com's recommendations for face masks is the VTER Cotton Breathing Mask, which is extra soft and effectively blocks dust and dirt. This way, you stay comfortable while following health protocols. Guest Post By: Troy Oliver Murphy

For quite a while, I hesitated to write about my eight trips to Sani Dental in Los Algodones, Mexico. However, after repeated visits and saving thousands of dollars, it is time for me to share my experience. Q: How did you find out where to go in Mexico? I knew Los Algodones would be much easier to navigate than Tijuana. I posed the question on Facebook Palm Springs Neighborhood Group about which dentist it would recommend for dental work. Sani Dental came up numerous times. I explored their website. I discovered it was a big clinic; dentists were trained in reputable Universities, and many of them in the United States. Q: How do you get to Los Algodones? A: By car, the road trip is about 2.5 hours from Palm Springs. The road is very easy to navigate and hardly any traffic on the trips I have taken there. People from all over the world fly into Yuma, Arizona. The clinic will pick you up for about the 12-mile drive. Los Algodones operates on Arizona time and has no daylight savings time. Thus, be sure to check the time of your appointment against your time zone. Q: If you drive, what do you do with your car? A: On the United States side, there is a very secure parking lot. If you stay overnight, the cost is $10 a night. The walk across the border is very easy, though the pavement is a bit uneven in spots. Q: Where do you stay? A. You can stay on the US side at the Quechan Casino. Again, transportation will be provided. However, I prefer to stay at Cielito Lindo, located in the MediPlaza in downtown Los Algodones. It is a lovely clean hotel with a delightful staff. This hotel is connected to Sani Dental, so that you may get a free night depending on the amount of work done. However, it still only costs $70 a night, so worth all the hassle of border crossing numerous days. Q: You mentioned days. Why? A: If you have a crown done, you have to plan on being here for 2.5 days. Crowns are made on the premises so that you will go home with the job completed and with a two-year warranty on it. If you have a checkup and cleaning done, you can easily have that all done in one day. Thus, it possible to drive back to Palm Spring in one day. However, I have learned to plan for three just in case. Q: Are the rates for dental work that much cheaper to make the trip worth it? A: Absolutely. Check the prices on Sani Dental’s website. Those are the prices they charge. After a few visits to their clinic, they will negotiate a bit. Q: Do you feel safe there? A: After all of these visits, I have had absolutely no problem or seen any issue. Keep in mind this town is a Medical Tourism destination, so any inappropriate actions would undoubtedly cause harm to the town’s entire economy, for there are no other means for economic support except for the visitors who buy from the vendors. Q: I heard rumors pharmaceutical drugs are less expensive there? A: It is true. Be sure to bring your prescriptions with you. Check the border restrictions on that, but I buy Retin A, allergy drugs, and antibiotics there with no problem. Definitely less expensive. Q: Are eyeglasses really less expensive there? A: Absolutely. I got a designer frame, which I later found online for $325. I paid $125 for my glasses, including new lenses. I had the lenses checked on my next visit to my regular eye doctor, and the lenses were perfect. You can bring your prescription, and they will make lenses according to your specifications. I recently got progressive sunglass lenses with anti-glare put into a frame I already had for a cost of $90. Q: How is the food? A: Since the pandemic started, restaurants have had to cut back their menus. You might not find your favorite Mexican food on menus, but there are restaurants serving visitors, AND yes, you can get a margarita at any time. Q. What is the border crossing like today? A. Because of the pandemic, the border closes at 2:00 p.m. When you are ready to go, be sure to check the guidelines for crossing and the hours. Lines are getting longer to get across the border so be sure to factor in extra time to get through immigration at the border. My experience is that the dental work is superb. The dentists are well trained, and Sani Dental is part of the American Dental Association. Kathy Condon is a freelance journalist and travel writer. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide. Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 www.PalmSpringInsiderGuide.com

Visiting Palm Springs can be a daunting experience if you decide to do more than golf or sit around the pool sipping tropical cocktails. This area, formally called Coachella Valley, is 45 miles long. See how it is structured in my previous blog Plan your Visit to Palm Springs. On this morning of my birthday, I felt a strong desire to share the developing chapter of my life with you. The saga of my travel writing career began one-and-one-half years ago. The Beginning When my friends come to visit, I take them on My Kathy Condon Tour. After doing it a few times, I realized how appreciative they were that I showed them an entirely different Palm Springs than they had expected. After eight years of living here, I am still uncovering things to do here or in our surrounding area. The mountains looming over the city provide a scenic backdrop to many grand estates built in the early 50 and 60s. These estates remain out-of-sight for many visitors; yet prove to be of great interest to my visitors. Massive Washingtonian and California palm trees stand tall on the landscaped lawns designed with natural boulders, rocks, and native fauna. Nearer downtown, small boutique hotels line the streets. Each displays its personality by unusual exteriors, signs, and hedges, which assure privacy for your getaway. These small hotels are so unique we have a Candlelight Walk through them one night in December. In Downtown Palm Springs, you will see some global brand shops such as H&M and Starbucks. However, most stores are small businesses privately owned and operated by people who live here year-round. Do you want to find unusual items? Look no further. Educating People on the Area I believe you are starting to sense a trend. Yes, I love and appreciate this community. I cannot help myself from sharing my discoveries with you. There was a strong pull to write down what I was discovering. A first-time trip to Joshua Tree National Park with my daughter left us ill-prepared to make that journey. While it ended up fine, I was not about to let others experience our same fate, so I wrote Prepare for a Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park from Palm Springs. Development of the Palm Springs Insider Guide So with no previous experience, I set out to build my website. Thankfully, WIX was easy to maneuver. The ability to change and add to my website at any time I choose was a benefit that dangled in front of me to kept pushing me onward. Today, the site www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com has become one of the go-to-sites for visitors and even residents, for there are many insider tips. I include the tips about things I wish I had known about an area, attraction, or restaurant. The Next Step Joining a group called the Great Escape Publishing launched me to a new level of what is referred to as travel writing. Travel writing consists of going to a destination, capturing its essence, and sharing information to entice others to come and experience the location for themselves. Before I knew it, I had been accepted into some of the premier travel writing groups, TravMedia, including their virtual IMM conference. I passed the test to become a full-fledged member of the International Travel Writers and Photographers Association (ITWPA). The Future I am feeling fortunate with the pandemic moving behind us because I have had vaccine shots; I look forward to this summer. As Palm Springs residents know, time away from the harsh summer heat is good for the soul. So far, if the State of California continues to open up, I am heading to Yosemite, Concord, Mammoth, and Monterey on road trips to learn about the respective areas under the leadership of their various Visitors Bureaus. If plans keep falling into place, I will be heading to Loreto, Mexico, to explore and write about their historic mission, culture, and arts. Do not worry; I will not abandon the Palm Springs Insider Guide. I cannot even begin to imagine all the new attractions, stores, and restaurants I will have the chance to share with you. We all look forward to being fully open and welcoming all visitors, including ones from around the world. Kathy Condon is a freelance journalist and travel writer. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 http://www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com

When you fly or drive into Palm Springs from the West, you cannot miss the sudden, dramatic appearance of hundreds of windmills. To be exact, 2200 at this writing. Few people know that it is possible to take a tour of this windmill farm. In fact, it is a delightful family activity. Standing at the bottom of a windmill and looking up is a thrill for even the most skeptical participant. Background The formation of the windmill farm, as it is now called, origin began in 1984. The location was chosen for it is consistently the windiest place in the United States. Winds regularly are clocked at 30 mph, for air current is trapped and funneled between the two mountain ranges. With the oil crisis in the 1980s came the need to increase the development of energy; thus, this area received international attention and became a focus for rapid design and development of more efficient windmills.   Today, constant research is done by four companies, including one from Spain. Public Access With changing times, the Windmill Tour Company pivoted. Previously, a bus trip through the area was accompanied by a volunteer narrator for the tour. Now, one can take a vehicle with up to eight people and drive through the farm with a video or audio narration. Upon arrival, you are handed a sanitized iPad in a plastic bag.  Then you drive through the designated path, which is marked, and look for the blue barrel with a number that matches the narrative on the video. At each stop, there is room to park so that you can get out and take as many pictures as you want. Highlights of the Tour For the engineers, there is a display of the original turbines with detailed descriptions of the design. We learned that the original open-tower design proved noisy and caused the demise of many birds. Thus, it was back to the drawing board for redesign, especially the blades. Today, the fiberglass blades can be 144 feet long, almost the width of a football field. One of the stops allows you to get right up to the windmill with a column that extends 300 feet into the air. The majesty of this engineering feat is difficult to comprehend. Helpful Hints: Make reservations on their website. There are no restrooms available. Make sure you take plenty of water and a hat, for there is no shade on this tour. Finally, when you sign up for the tour, be sure to copy the directions. It is handicap accessible. This approximately 1.5-hour tour is truly a magnificent experience. You learn, take in the fresh desert air, and your appreciation of windmill power will increase tenfold. Palm Springs Windmill Tours www.windmilltours.com 62950 20th Avenue Palm Springs, CA 92262 800-531-5834 Kathy Condon is a freelance travel writer and blogger. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide. Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist by USA Book News     Kathy@kathycondon.net   760-902-3094  http://www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com

This guest blog was written by Julia Peschel about three years ago, yet it is timeless. Unfortunately, I have lost track of her and would be delighted to be in touch with her again. However, this blog remains relevant, and I honor her by posting her blog in its entity exactly as she has written it. This place is stunning and remains one of my favorite places to take visitors. It is about 65 miles from Palm Springs. A four-wheel drive is recommended, or a car that rides high, for some of the ruts can be deep. Note there are not many people so a great place to go during the Pandemic. On the way to Giant Rock you ail see Joshua Trees. A Trip Through Time and Space By Julia Peschel The soft, warm light glimmered from behind the mountains as we drove down a bumpy desert road at dusk. There were no other beings in sight, and it felt like we were truly in the middle of nowhere, discovering something uninhabited and magical for the first time. We turned around a bend that revealed a flat, open terrain of white-colored sand. There it stood. Basking in the twilight and towering over its miniature mates was the legendary Giant Rock. Giant Rock is located in Landers, CA — near the Integratron and approximately 30 minutes from the town of Yucca Valley. This attraction stands seven stories high and s claimed to be the largest freestanding boulder in the world. To truly appreciate the legend and lore of Giant Rock, one must see it in the flesh. According to locals, Giant Rock and its grounds were held sacred by Native Americans for hundreds to thousands of years prior to colonization. The story has it that Shamans would go there to draw spiritual strength and energies from the rock. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that the spot gained buzz from the modern community. A squatter by the name of Frank Critzer settled into a one-room cave dwelling that he dug directly underneath Giant Rock. He even built a runway for small planes at the location. Critzer lived under the rock for years and was known to point a shotgun at those who neared his subterranean home. His stay ended during a police raid in 1942 when Critzer perished in what was argued to be a self-detonated dynamite explosion. The strangeness didn’t end with Critzer. Critzer’s friend, the constructor of the Integratron and self-proclaimed extraterrestrial connoisseur — George Van Tassel — took over Giant Rock from there. Van Tassel believed he had been transported from Giant Rock to a spaceship where aliens inspired him to build a “rejuvenation and time travel machine.” Thus, the Integratron was born. For over 20 years, Van Tassel held UFO conventions at Giant Rock to raise money for his invention. Thousands of people would journey to the desert to hear from UFO researchers and even grab a bite to eat at the restaurant he built in the shadow of the granite behemoth. Unfortunately, Van Tassel died before completing the inner workings of the Integratron. Today, it is an attraction where visitors can receive sound baths and take part in meditation groups. Knowing the vast, unusual history behind this place, I looked around and couldn’t help but let my imagination run wild. I stood where so many others had stood before me — tribes and Shamans, hippies and suburbanites bonding over space-faring beings, rock climbers who are much braver than me. And of course, I thought about Critzer and Van Tassel, whose admiration for this rock was so deep they dedicated their lives to it. The entire landscape was silent except for the wind gushing throughout the boulders. I thought that an alien might pop out to greet me after all. We shouted just to hear our voices echo. I took my shoes off and twirled around in the cool sand. I examined the rock face up close and took in the many shades of tans and browns that speckled across its surface. A feeling rushed over me that was dreamlike, and I knew those crazy, eccentric old men were right — this place was special. Today, Giant Rock is used recreationally for climbing, camping, and even hosting events such as the intimate Gran Roca Music Festival. I recommend visiting during the golden hours — in the early morning or just before dusk to catch the sunset over the mountains. Bring essentials such as plenty of water, be aware that you likely won’t have cell phone reception and prepare for the dusty rollercoaster of a road it takes to get there. If you’re exploring the Joshua Tree area and planning a visit to the Integratron, be sure to put this peculiar spot on your list. Kathy Condon is a freelance travel writer and blogger. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 http://www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com

One of our special places, about 45 miles from Palm Springs, is the charming, well-preserved attraction of Pioneertown, California. In the future, I will write a blog about the present-day Pioneertown, which welcomes you if you wear a mask and practice social distancing. It is an excellent place for families. Please check times, special events with dates on their website www.Pioneertown.com If you are planning a trip to this unique attraction, now or in the future, this video will provide you with a delightful, brief history of this place, where even Paul McCartney performed. There are numerous videos, however, The Legend video narrative makes it those photos come to life. Kathy Condon is a freelance travel writer and blogger. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News. Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 http://www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com