California Vacation - Part 8 of a Day-by-Day Diary

On Sunday at 8 a.m. we hiked the Tahquist Canyon with a tour guide. I really enjoyed the history lesson and the exercise. I know more about mesquite trees and desert vegetation than I ever intended. The heat was bearable at only 95 degrees. It surprises me that there is so much humidity in the desert. Then, I thought of the 100+ golf courses being wateredaily and it all made sense. Water hits dry, hot ground and asphalt; vapor is created.  Some days the air was so hazy, we could hardly see the mountains surrounding us.

Our next adventure was a ride to Idyllwild where we heard there were some great art places. We stopped at a roadside café near where Highway 74 connects with Highway 243. It looked like a hole in the wall place, but the food was great. They served fried sweet potatoes that were divine! And, not to be outdone by the vineyard in Temecula, they had a shelf of fancy olives for sale. We restrained from making a purchase.

When we got to Idyllwild, it was 5:30 on Sunday afternoon and everything was closing for the day. I did find a metaphysical shop still open that sold a refill for the incense burner that I bought in Florida two years ago, so that made it worth the drive for me. There were a lot of shops I would like to have visited in Idyllwild, but it would have to be another day.

Since he was driving in the dark, trying to keep the PT Cruiser between the painted lines, Randy wasn't able to see much of the scenery on our way back from Temecula last Wednesday. Here we were again on Highway 74 again and the sun was beginning to dip low on the western horizon. We took advantage of the opportunity and pulled over in an overlook parking space with a great view of Hemet in the valley below. We were at 5,000 feet elevation and the view was terrific. We sat for an hour watching the flaming ball streak the sky with orange, yellow and red light. The peaks of the mountains in the distance made a perfect backdrop for the city lights that were beginning to sparkle. Once the sun was completely at rest beyond the Pacific Ocean, we turned our attention to the lights above. The stars were becoming brighter and more visible. The Milkyway was streaking the black sky with a silver band of speckled light. We were in awe.

I hardly miss the Internet now.... just kidding!