We did two things in February we have never done before: 1) stay in one place for more than two weeks, and 2) stay at an RV resort. OK, technically we did stay at an RV resort before (once), but never for this length of time. We essentially spent the month of February in Palm Springs at Outdoor Resort (technically in Cathedral City).

Palm Springs is freaking awesome, if you have never been. The weather in February is pristine; dry air, a high generally in the high 70’s and cool when the sun goes down. It is a perfect place to play golf if you are so inclined; I was.

And the city is cool (as in groovy, hip, whatever the term de jour).  Actually, the entire Coachella Valley is cool, which encompasses Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Indio and a few other enclaves, all surrounded by the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountain ranges.

And you know me – a complete slave to fashion, so there are all kinds of shopping to do! And I am not talking about a Cracker Barrel Country Store either. Karen found a great grocery store (Cardenas) where she found all kinds of interesting Mexican foods and spices. And the weekly farmer’s market In Palm Springs is always a highlight for fresh veggies and other stuff.

Some (many) of the homes are spectacular, in a modest, mid-century kind of way – with gorgeous views for many of them.

Who doesn’t love a county fair? You must be a communist! I went to the Riverside County Fair and Date Festival, primarily to watch the demolition derby. When I got there, the line was so long that I opted out of the derby, but did enjoy the fair. My idea of a good fair is when I can watch outrageous rides – and not be on them. This fair was great!

And Outdoor Resort is pretty nice, although like any place you need to choose what works for you. I am unclear of any possible significance, but the resort is lodged in between a new pot-growing farm and Forest Lawn. Might there be a message being delivered? Right to get high, left to die; always good to have options.

The grounds and campsites at Outdoor Resort are pristine, groomed by professional landscapers. There is an 18 hole (par 3) golf course, as well as an executive 9 hole course intertwined amongst the property. Which means if you slice or hook you may hit an RV. And if you like pickle ball, these people have taken pickle ball to a new art form. Golf I like, pickle ball, not so much.

In my humble opinion, the profile for people who come here are white, 55-75 years old, largely from the western Canadian provinces, Washington or Oregon, own large RV’s, and appear to be financially sound. If you were looking for a diverse community, this isn’t it. And quite frankly, the resort was the least dog-friendly place we have ever stayed. We will go back to Palm Springs for sure, but we may or may not stay here again.

We went to a polo match while in town (reported earlier), I had a ski weekend away in Steamboat (also reported earlier) while we were staying in Palm Springs, and we went to the Modernism Vintage Trailer Show (reported previously).

We hiked through the Coachellla Valley Preserve, which coincidentally lays on the San Andreas Fault. Thankfully no drama while we were there. But it is really interesting to find an oasis in this desert. Apparently fissures in the ground have allowed water to seep up, and hence this lush environment.

We also took a trip to the town of Idyllwild – through the San Bernadino National Forest on the Palms to Pines National Scenic Byway (Route 74). This is a great little road trip, beautiful views, and a cute little town (Idyllwild) to grab a lunch or snack. Prepare for some temperature and elevation change, and curvy roads.

Palm Springs and the entire area is for sure a place where you can easily spend time – and enjoy!