Wednesday, Max and I decided to take a motorcycle ride. We wanted to go check out the Thousand Trails Resort at Idyllwild, elevation 6,000 feet.
The route we took was the scenic Palms to Pines Highway, which winds it’s way through the San Jacinto Mountains and the San Bernardino Forest.
Going through Palm Desert was not bad, traffic wise. There are lots of golf resorts and shopping area’s throughout the city. Once we got to the base of the mountain range the scenery changed instantly. The highway started to climb and the road got twisty. Perfect!
Here are a few shots as we climbed.
Palm Desert in the distance
Once we got to around 5000ft, the terrain changed from rugged rocks to a forest of pines. As we got closer to Idyllwild there were many horse ranches located in the high valleys. I probably should have stopped to take pictures but we were enjoying the ride and the scenery so much we just kept going.
Idyllwild is a small town full of artisans, shops and restaurants. This time of year there is usually several feet of snow on the ground. Luckily for us, it has been a dry winter so far. The temperature here was about 52 degrees.
We found the Thousand Trails Resort and checked in at the ranger station. There are about 235 sites in the campground, not too many that I think I could get into. It is very tight and narrow going through the park. Although it is a very beautiful park, I do not think I would want to try to navigate our rig through here.
We stopped and had lunch at the lodge. We ate outside on the deck looking at the tall pines and soaked up what sunshine was coming through the trees.
After lunch we headed towards Banning and I 10. The highway twisted and turned and the views were stunning. There is a scenic turnout called Indian Point where we took a break and enjoyed the views.
We twisted and turned our way to Banning where we picked up I-10 to head home. The views along I-10 are not quite as nice. It was a windy ride from here because someone turned on all the fans!
The loop was only around a 100 miles and we made it home in time to put some steaks on the grill.
After dinner we went to the pool to play water volleyball. There were about 12 people on each side of the net, and there were really no rules. It was very fun and more physical than I thought it would be. These folks get real competitive!
Thursday, we took the truck in for an oil change and fuel filter changes. Then we bought our weekly groceries. Since it was Thursday, a casino about 30 miles away was having some promotions for their Seafood Buffet. Nuff said!
The Casino was the Morongo Casino in Cabazon. With their winners club card you can get the buffet for $19.95. For joining the club you get a $10.00 discount as well. So Max and joined which is free and we got the buffet for $9.95 each. What a deal! It also was probably one of the best we have been to. After dinner, we had a lot of fun donating a little money back.
This weekend we are planning on staying around the park to enjoy some of the amenities here. I have a few new books for my kindle and the pool looks very inviting.
Enjoy Your Day!
7 comments:
Looks like a great ride! Won't be long now till we are on our way! Hope to see you guys in the near future.
Joan
Looks like you had a nice ride! We are looking forward to getting in some cool rides out West!
Looks like it was a great ride up to Idyllwild. Sitting by the pool reading my kindle would be nice about now. It's snowing here :)
Hey U 2,
Looks great! Know u r having a great x, don't know thats possible w/out us w/u.:)
we r enjoying our stop here @ the Ranch...I have been biking & following the trails in the desert. Dan is not able to enjoy it but hopefully soon he will b doing the same.
Big Hugs,
Judy & Dan
Looks like you and Max enjoyed riding the motorcycle with those panoramic views you’ve seen along the road. I’d love to have a quick ride in the rocky Palm Desert! I imagine it would be a pretty awesome adventure going there on my Harley. Though I think it would be better if I can have a few friends tag along as well!
Who wouldn’t enjoy such scenic views? That’s one of the things that I enjoy while on my motorcycle -- the journey itself where I don’t have any control of. Anyway, wherever your destination may be, don’t forget to invite your friends to tag along! Always have a safe trip!
It was just the two of you? Don’t you think it would be much better if you had some of your friends tag along? Anyway, there’s always a next time! I hope you and Max will share more tips. Keep in mind to always drive safely.
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