Palm Springs Tram

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, World’s Largest Rotating Tramcar, gives a breathtaking journey up the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon. It takes a 10 minute ride at the Valley Station – elevation 2,643 ft. and ends at the Mountain Station – elevation 8,516 ft. The tram was completed in 1963 and in 2000 these new cars were built as an update.


Yes, we travelled this glass capsule that holds 80 people, and that revolves 360 degrees as it ascends and descends the 6000 foot mountain. Once at the top, there is a very large park, San Jacinto State Park. There was snow and ice at the top so the ice limited our hike and it was a blustery day. A beautiful restaurant that from a window seat, it allowed us to see I-10 below as ant-like vehicles travelled along it.
There is a bit of a jolt as the tram rides over these tower supports and it feels like you are floating at times.

It was quite beautiful in the State Park as we walked the trail but unfortunately the snow was hard packed to icy and we were afraid of falling. Lunch at the Chino restaurant was fabulous and we were ready for a hot bowl of soup and a tasty sandwich. A wonderful day!

Wind Farm Tour

Bill, Kendra and I took a tour of the huge wind farm in the Valley of Palm Springs; there are over 3000 turbines that grace this valley; the wind, and there is always a wind, sweeps up the canyon from Beaumont and the turbines turn out the electricity that is supposed to support homes in the Valley and into Los Angeles.

A lot of study , trial and error goes into erecting turbines; bat population flying into the lights on the turbines at night, the roosting birds, the water table and soil contamination from cleaning the hydraulics, maintenance, health issues from shadows and the intermittent light change as the turbine turns, not to mention the output of the newer versus the older structures. An amazing industry! Above, our guide is demonstrating how the wind forces the turbines to constantly turn, and the braking system when they want them to shut down, which is frequently done for maintenance and if the wind is too fierce. A very interesting and enlightening tour...information overload!

Ryan`s Return from Afghanistan/Early Christmas

Bill and I flew home to surprise Ryan upon his return from his last deployment to Afghanistan. We were so very glad to see him safely returned to Canadian soil. And we were not the only happy ones....
Ryan's fiance, Rea, was also there to greet and welcome him home. Although most of the military was on Christmas vacation, refreshments were served for the anxiously awaiting families and a five piece band entertained.
Kendra also flew in, to surprise her brother. Ryan tells us that several miles out, their plane was escorted to Edmonton International by F-18s, then their bus was escorted by three RCMP, who leap-frogged the highway to block off all exit ramps and on base, firefighters and their trucks blocked the intersections. Quite impressive!

WELCOME HOME, RYAN!