Our first full day in Palm Springs was sunny and cool. It was about 50 degrees as we headed for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for a ride to the top of Mount San Jacinto. The Park was not particularly busy and we found no lines waiting. We purchased our tickets and boarded the Tram for the 12 minute ride to the top.
Mount San Jacinto rises nearly 8500' above the desert floor. It was reported to be 30 degrees with snow on the ground. The Tram Car was warm as we began our ascent. This Swiss designed cable car slowly rotated counter clockwise as we went along, enabling 360 degree views from a single place inside the car. The views were awesome!
At the top, I took a little hike to check out the snow and get some mountain air. It felt good to be there.
We all decided to go to the nearby Joshua Tree National Park and check it out. They had been their already but were eager to go agin. Besides, Cathy needed her Passport stamped!
We checked in at the Park Ranger Station. I showed them my old timers Senior Pass and we entered the Park without having to pay. We picked up a couple of maps and info hand-outs before driving into the park.
The desert was beautiful. The many varieties of desert plants, cactus, Yucca's and, of course, the awesome, JOSHUA TREEs, were plentiful. We were amazed at the miles of rock and vegetation! We were intrigued by the plant life, surviving in spite of extremely harsh conditions. The lava flows and erosion created many scenic wonders. The very blue sky and setting sun provided wondrous views and rich colors. 
It was amazing how various varieties of plants only thrived within their assigned altitudes. God really knew what He was doing when he created this place!
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