Wed 11th: Desert Hot Springs

We travel 150 miles inland to our next destination, Desert Hot Springs. It is part of the Sonoran Desert and, with neighbouring Palm Springs, has seen much residential development since the Second World War due to its dry, pleasant winter climate. Summer’s another matter, when highs can reach over 50 centigrade (120F).

Our large campsite, Sky Valley Resort, caters mainly for resident and long-term campers but has a small number of touring pitches. This is our row, with our pitch behind the camera, looking towards the permanent chalets, with the desert mountains in the background.

Step just outside the camp perimeter and we’re straight in the desert. The whole area is criss-crossed by dirt tracks so it’s possible to walk indefinitely. This is a typical dramatic view of the sparse scrub and barren mountains. To complete the atmosphere, It really needs a lone, dusty cowboy with an Indian arrow through his hat to be galloping up from the middle distance. With Tonto at his side, of course.

But riders we had aplenty, cycle riders, coming past the camp entrance on the 100 mile Tour de Palm charity race on Valentine’s Day. Up to 10,000 entrants take part, starting from Palm Springs. These are just a few of the heroes coping with the inclines and 85 degree heat.

There is a good reason for the campsite being at this precise spot. It is directly on the San Andreas Fault which creates hot mineral water underground reservoirs that the site taps into. The water emerges at 140 degrees Fahrenheit and is cooled to 90 for the main pool and 104 for the jacuzzis. So whatever the weather, you can enjoy the water- and we did. You may, of course, wake to find that the campsite has cracked in two during the night, but everything has its price. The pools are located behind the landscaped gardens.

On one of our local desert walks we unexpectedly came across a local community centre. Unexpectedly, because we hadn’t noticed any community above a few widely scattered houses. Small community it may be, but with a friendly “welcome” sign. Immediately pulling the rug from under our feet, we spot the tree notice “NO TRESPASSING”, and then the one behind the cactus that reads “POSTED, NO TRESPASSING, KEEP OUT”. Maybe that’s why it’s a small community: you’re welcome as long as you don’t enter! 

Palm trees make good sunset silhouettes, so this photo makes a nice sign-off.