LIFE’S PRESSING QUESTIONS, ON THE TRAIL AND AT HOME – INDIO, CA

We just returned from a hike and a couple errands to find that two more rigs had pulled into the Indio Elks Lodge parking (read our review here) while we were away.  Of the 54 spaces available, 9 were inhabited when we left, and we had open spaces on both sides of us.  When we returned, 10 of 54 spaces were inhabited – and we had new neighbors in the site on each side of us.  The question:  why do people park right next door when there are dozens of empty sites to chose from???

Today’s walk was along a well used trail adjacent to one of the fancy neighborhoods of La Quinta (not the most fancy – walking isn’t allowed in those neighborhoods!).  Many folks were out walking their dogs, large and small.  Signs of this popular activity were evident at regular intervals along the trail.  The question: why do people who actually bother to pick up their dog’s poop in a plastic bag then leave that bag on the side of the trail??? 

When I am puzzling over such minor questions, you can tell life is going well indeed – no big worries to ponder.  :)

Yes, all is right in our world.  We had an uneventful drive from Jojoba Hills to the Indio Elks Lodge yesterday: 131.3 miles, 2:53 hours of driving, 45.4 mph moving average speed, 61 mph max speed (stats compliments of the new GPS). 

We took what looks, on a map, like a very roundabout route: Hwy 79 east to S2, southeast to Hwy 78, east to the Salton Sea and Hwy 86, then north to Indio.  More than one alternate route would cut down the mileage, but these mountains! 

Unless you opt for the longest, least visually appealing route (the interstates), all routes have this in common: narrow, winding, two lane roads.  The shortest routes add the excitement of steep grades over mountain passes – no, thanks.

We were in place at the Indio Elks by 1:30 pm, leaving time for a walk before we headed to dinner at Fisherman’s Market and Grill.  We were introduced to their sweet, succulent fried shrimp and catfish during our very first month of fulltime travel by a friend who lived in Palm Desert at the time – and we have returned every time we’ve been anywhere near here.   We even brought home a take-home menu so we could plan tonight’s dinner in the comfort of our own home.  :)  Really, their catfish is THAT GOOD! 

Tomorrow we’re heading east to Quartzsite.  Shouldn’t be too much action there yet this winter – the big RV show doesn’t start until the middle of next month.  We need a new propane space heater, so plan to pick it up there, overnight in the desert, then head on to Phoenix, new territory for us.  Who knows what we will find along the trails there??