hope Springs eternal

When I booked my vacation to Palm Springs back in November, I wanted to go to someplace warm. to relax by the pool by day, to mix-and-mingle by night, and to visit an interesting place, one in which I heard is held in some regard as a nice place to visit. It was not my first choice, but a place I wanted to visit anyway. Up to the days before my departure was I hopeful for a relaxing vacation. The weather, while not as bad as it had been back home, is not what I booked when I booked this trip. Below average temps. Rain at times every day. Today, it rained hard. This is more Seattle than SoCal. It may have also contributed to the chest cold I appeared to have acquired. [along with the show tunes singing.] I know that the Coachella Valley needs its rain, and that this is rainy season, and that it is still much somewhat warmer than at home. Still, last weekend as much warmer than this.

To see all the sights of PS, I would have needed to rent a car. I elected not to do so, even though I thought about it more than once. Where I am staying is 1.2 miles south of downtown. Not a terrible walk, in my opinion. Between that and the two two-hour walks I took, Friday and Saturday, my feet are suffering. This meant I was less apt to do anything as the weekend progressed. Since today was the rainy day, this meant I was all but stuck. Yet, I still cannot see renting a car for indiscriminate driving. If I wanted to drive, I would be spending my vacations at home. Also, I would not rent a car simply to go to the bars. Drinking and driving on vacation is a no-no, as much as it is at home.

What is worse is taking that was from the resort to and through downtown. Palm Springs is, more than expected, a tourist town. Fewer tourists mean more vacant shop windows downtown. This also means more vacant shop windows away from downtown. There are still plenty of shops. PS is hurting, more than other areas, it seems.

Now, before you think I am having a miserable time while here, I am not. Except for the chest cold and achy feet, I am having a rather good time. Not as good as if the weather were more cooperative. One takes ones chances. Still, overall, I have had an enjoyable time while here.

The place where I am staying is a small, compact, men only, clothing optional resort without the reputation of some other resorts in PS. This means I could take that option without feeling like a sleaze. The pools are heated to accommodate. Two hot tubs and a steam room. The rooms are comfortable. Free Wi-Fi. Free on-property grown grapefruit and lemons, which are now in-season, with the trees busting with fruit. Cocktail social Fridays and Saturdays. It compares well with the Elysium in Fort Lauderdale, where I stayed twice. And I met all sorts of nice people, from entertainment, the sciences, and charitable foundation.

The places where I spent my evenings were downtown. The restaurants were varied, and all good. There bars were varied, each having their own appeal. The people seemed nice enough. [Several, too 'nice'. And, No, I was not looking for sex any night.] I should have referred to my Google Map when scouting places. I missed one by walking up the street to downtown. I would have gone to the more distant one on the map had I been in the mood. The one thing that surprised me about the places I did go is that they tended to be more crowded for happy hour than later at night.

Also, you have the mountains. No soft, rolling hill type mountains. Rough, jaggedy type mountains that fight against the advancing weather. [They lost this weekend.] You see them in almost every direction. They are an absolute sight to see. Who needs to see the homes of the rich and famous when you have the mountains.

Overall, I have enjoyed my stay. I would come back. Just, not in February.