Greetings from the South

[Eagle]

I'm following the lead of Will Travel and also taking a short winter holiday.

I've found that a mid-winter sunshine break really improves my mood, so this year I'm doing a bit of exploring in Palm Desert and Yuma (places I've never been before). I'll be returning via Seattle (Edmonds) to attend a European Travel event next weekend at the headquarters of a well know American Travel Writer.

The weather has been great so far (but not too hot) and I had a full day of touring military Museums today (including a short Helicopter ride) and ended the day with a fine hot meal. Tomorrow I head for Yuma. The only "wasted" aspect of the trip is that I DON'T play Golf (there are LOTS of golf courses in the Palm Springs / Palm Desert areas)!

I'll try to check here every day or so. It's nice that some Hotels are providing a Computer in the Lobby and/or Wi-Fi these days!

Cheers!

[herrbert]

Well greetings back to you, from Madrid, which looks like Winter Wonderland. (it snowed, which is pretty rare, but it happens on the same day, two years in a row.)

[WillTravel]

Eagle, I`ve been to southern California and the desert, but never thought to visit military museums there. I`ll keep that in mind for next time. I`m glad you`re enjoying some sunshine.

[madamtrashheap]

Great to hear you got away for part of the Winter, Eagle. And that you are spending time visiting places you've not yet visited - don't worry about the non-golfing bit, it ruins a good walk anyway. Have a great break!

[Eagle]

herrbert,

Sorry to hear that you have to deal with snow (especially in Madrid). That's exactly what I'm trying to get away from! Even a short break in the sunshine helps my mood.

WillTravel,

Actually, I only found out about the Tank Museum when chatting with some other travellers when I was visiting relatives in Portland in November. Someone mentioned the Museum east of Indio so I did a bit of searching on the net. The Air Museum has been in Palm Springs for a while, but I like that sort of thing so decided to stop by and have a look. It's probably a bit smaller than the one in McMinnville, Oregon (where the Spruce Goose is located), but one unusual feature of the Palm Springs Museum is that most of the planes are in flying condition, and they do use them at Air Shows. The Air Museum is right beside the PS International Airport, and while I was there I got to watch some F-18's taking off (that's always exciting!).

MTH,

My sentiments exactly - golf ruins a good walk! It can also be very expensive with green fees, Club rentals, golf carts, Caddy fees, etc. I'm mainly here for the sunshine and to do a bit of exploring, so not really too concerned with playing Golf.

One of my friends is spending a couple of months in Yuma this winter (he also recently retired), so I'll be heading over to visit him this morning.

Cheers!

[herrbert]

If you have snow only one day in the year, it makes me happy and the city looks pretty. But I can imagine that if you have to look at it for 4 months, the fun goes away pretty quick.

[Eagle]

herrbert,

That's exactly why I like to get some sun in the winter! Week after week of gray skies and snow is miserable.

I'm in Seattle at the moment and unfortunately it's raining but that's preferable to snow.

[Eagle]

A quick update.....

Unfortunately, I'm back home again so back at work in a few days (how depressing!).

The European Travel event was a lot of fun and definitely the highlight of the whole trip for me! There were 50-80 European Guides there, many of whom I've travelled with in the past. I can hardly wait until the event next year!

Happy travels all!

[WillTravel]

Eagle, I read about that travel event, and it sounded like fun. Maybe I'll go next year.