For quite a while, I hesitated to write about my eight trips to Sani Dental in Los Algodones, Mexico. However, after repeated visits and saving thousands of dollars, it is time for me to share my experience. Q: How did you find out where to go in Mexico? I knew Los Algodones would be much easier to navigate than Tijuana. I posed the question on Facebook Palm Springs Neighborhood Group about which dentist it would recommend for dental work. Sani Dental came up numerous times. I explored their website. I discovered it was a big clinic; dentists were trained in reputable Universities, and many of them in the United States. Q: How do you get to Los Algodones? A: By car, the road trip is about 2.5 hours from Palm Springs. The road is very easy to navigate and hardly any traffic on the trips I have taken there. People from all over the world fly into Yuma, Arizona. The clinic will pick you up for about the 12-mile drive. Los Algodones operates on Arizona time and has no daylight savings time. Thus, be sure to check the time of your appointment against your time zone. Q: If you drive, what do you do with your car? A: On the United States side, there is a very secure parking lot. If you stay overnight, the cost is $10 a night. The walk across the border is very easy, though the pavement is a bit uneven in spots. Q: Where do you stay? A. You can stay on the US side at the Quechan Casino. Again, transportation will be provided. However, I prefer to stay at Cielito Lindo, located in the MediPlaza in downtown Los Algodones. It is a lovely clean hotel with a delightful staff. This hotel is connected to Sani Dental, so that you may get a free night depending on the amount of work done. However, it still only costs $70 a night, so worth all the hassle of border crossing numerous days. Q: You mentioned days. Why? A: If you have a crown done, you have to plan on being here for 2.5 days. Crowns are made on the premises so that you will go home with the job completed and with a two-year warranty on it. If you have a checkup and cleaning done, you can easily have that all done in one day. Thus, it possible to drive back to Palm Spring in one day. However, I have learned to plan for three just in case. Q: Are the rates for dental work that much cheaper to make the trip worth it? A: Absolutely. Check the prices on Sani Dental’s website. Those are the prices they charge. After a few visits to their clinic, they will negotiate a bit. Q: Do you feel safe there? A: After all of these visits, I have had absolutely no problem or seen any issue. Keep in mind this town is a Medical Tourism destination, so any inappropriate actions would undoubtedly cause harm to the town’s entire economy, for there are no other means for economic support except for the visitors who buy from the vendors. Q: I heard rumors pharmaceutical drugs are less expensive there? A: It is true. Be sure to bring your prescriptions with you. Check the border restrictions on that, but I buy Retin A, allergy drugs, and antibiotics there with no problem. Definitely less expensive. Q: Are eyeglasses really less expensive there? A: Absolutely. I got a designer frame, which I later found online for $325. I paid $125 for my glasses, including new lenses. I had the lenses checked on my next visit to my regular eye doctor, and the lenses were perfect. You can bring your prescription, and they will make lenses according to your specifications. I recently got progressive sunglass lenses with anti-glare put into a frame I already had for a cost of $90. Q: How is the food? A: Since the pandemic started, restaurants have had to cut back their menus. You might not find your favorite Mexican food on menus, but there are restaurants serving visitors, AND yes, you can get a margarita at any time. Q. What is the border crossing like today? A. Because of the pandemic, the border closes at 2:00 p.m. When you are ready to go, be sure to check the guidelines for crossing and the hours. Lines are getting longer to get across the border so be sure to factor in extra time to get through immigration at the border. My experience is that the dental work is superb. The dentists are well trained, and Sani Dental is part of the American Dental Association. Kathy Condon is a freelance journalist and travel writer. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide. Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 www.PalmSpringInsiderGuide.com

Visiting Palm Springs can be a daunting experience if you decide to do more than golf or sit around the pool sipping tropical cocktails. This area, formally called Coachella Valley, is 45 miles long. See how it is structured in my previous blog Plan your Visit to Palm Springs. On this morning of my birthday, I felt a strong desire to share the developing chapter of my life with you. The saga of my travel writing career began one-and-one-half years ago. The Beginning When my friends come to visit, I take them on My Kathy Condon Tour. After doing it a few times, I realized how appreciative they were that I showed them an entirely different Palm Springs than they had expected. After eight years of living here, I am still uncovering things to do here or in our surrounding area. The mountains looming over the city provide a scenic backdrop to many grand estates built in the early 50 and 60s. These estates remain out-of-sight for many visitors; yet prove to be of great interest to my visitors. Massive Washingtonian and California palm trees stand tall on the landscaped lawns designed with natural boulders, rocks, and native fauna. Nearer downtown, small boutique hotels line the streets. Each displays its personality by unusual exteriors, signs, and hedges, which assure privacy for your getaway. These small hotels are so unique we have a Candlelight Walk through them one night in December. In Downtown Palm Springs, you will see some global brand shops such as H&M and Starbucks. However, most stores are small businesses privately owned and operated by people who live here year-round. Do you want to find unusual items? Look no further. Educating People on the Area I believe you are starting to sense a trend. Yes, I love and appreciate this community. I cannot help myself from sharing my discoveries with you. There was a strong pull to write down what I was discovering. A first-time trip to Joshua Tree National Park with my daughter left us ill-prepared to make that journey. While it ended up fine, I was not about to let others experience our same fate, so I wrote Prepare for a Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park from Palm Springs. Development of the Palm Springs Insider Guide So with no previous experience, I set out to build my website. Thankfully, WIX was easy to maneuver. The ability to change and add to my website at any time I choose was a benefit that dangled in front of me to kept pushing me onward. Today, the site www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com has become one of the go-to-sites for visitors and even residents, for there are many insider tips. I include the tips about things I wish I had known about an area, attraction, or restaurant. The Next Step Joining a group called the Great Escape Publishing launched me to a new level of what is referred to as travel writing. Travel writing consists of going to a destination, capturing its essence, and sharing information to entice others to come and experience the location for themselves. Before I knew it, I had been accepted into some of the premier travel writing groups, TravMedia, including their virtual IMM conference. I passed the test to become a full-fledged member of the International Travel Writers and Photographers Association (ITWPA). The Future I am feeling fortunate with the pandemic moving behind us because I have had vaccine shots; I look forward to this summer. As Palm Springs residents know, time away from the harsh summer heat is good for the soul. So far, if the State of California continues to open up, I am heading to Yosemite, Concord, Mammoth, and Monterey on road trips to learn about the respective areas under the leadership of their various Visitors Bureaus. If plans keep falling into place, I will be heading to Loreto, Mexico, to explore and write about their historic mission, culture, and arts. Do not worry; I will not abandon the Palm Springs Insider Guide. I cannot even begin to imagine all the new attractions, stores, and restaurants I will have the chance to share with you. We all look forward to being fully open and welcoming all visitors, including ones from around the world. Kathy Condon is a freelance journalist and travel writer. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 http://www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com

When you fly or drive into Palm Springs from the West, you cannot miss the sudden, dramatic appearance of hundreds of windmills. To be exact, 2200 at this writing. Few people know that it is possible to take a tour of this windmill farm. In fact, it is a delightful family activity. Standing at the bottom of a windmill and looking up is a thrill for even the most skeptical participant. Background The formation of the windmill farm, as it is now called, origin began in 1984. The location was chosen for it is consistently the windiest place in the United States. Winds regularly are clocked at 30 mph, for air current is trapped and funneled between the two mountain ranges. With the oil crisis in the 1980s came the need to increase the development of energy; thus, this area received international attention and became a focus for rapid design and development of more efficient windmills.   Today, constant research is done by four companies, including one from Spain. Public Access With changing times, the Windmill Tour Company pivoted. Previously, a bus trip through the area was accompanied by a volunteer narrator for the tour. Now, one can take a vehicle with up to eight people and drive through the farm with a video or audio narration. Upon arrival, you are handed a sanitized iPad in a plastic bag.  Then you drive through the designated path, which is marked, and look for the blue barrel with a number that matches the narrative on the video. At each stop, there is room to park so that you can get out and take as many pictures as you want. Highlights of the Tour For the engineers, there is a display of the original turbines with detailed descriptions of the design. We learned that the original open-tower design proved noisy and caused the demise of many birds. Thus, it was back to the drawing board for redesign, especially the blades. Today, the fiberglass blades can be 144 feet long, almost the width of a football field. One of the stops allows you to get right up to the windmill with a column that extends 300 feet into the air. The majesty of this engineering feat is difficult to comprehend. Helpful Hints: Make reservations on their website. There are no restrooms available. Make sure you take plenty of water and a hat, for there is no shade on this tour. Finally, when you sign up for the tour, be sure to copy the directions. It is handicap accessible. This approximately 1.5-hour tour is truly a magnificent experience. You learn, take in the fresh desert air, and your appreciation of windmill power will increase tenfold. Palm Springs Windmill Tours www.windmilltours.com 62950 20th Avenue Palm Springs, CA 92262 800-531-5834 Kathy Condon is a freelance travel writer and blogger. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide. Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist by USA Book News     Kathy@kathycondon.net   760-902-3094  http://www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com

This guest blog was written by Julia Peschel about three years ago, yet it is timeless. Unfortunately, I have lost track of her and would be delighted to be in touch with her again. However, this blog remains relevant, and I honor her by posting her blog in its entity exactly as she has written it. This place is stunning and remains one of my favorite places to take visitors. It is about 65 miles from Palm Springs. A four-wheel drive is recommended, or a car that rides high, for some of the ruts can be deep. Note there are not many people so a great place to go during the Pandemic. On the way to Giant Rock you ail see Joshua Trees. A Trip Through Time and Space By Julia Peschel The soft, warm light glimmered from behind the mountains as we drove down a bumpy desert road at dusk. There were no other beings in sight, and it felt like we were truly in the middle of nowhere, discovering something uninhabited and magical for the first time. We turned around a bend that revealed a flat, open terrain of white-colored sand. There it stood. Basking in the twilight and towering over its miniature mates was the legendary Giant Rock. Giant Rock is located in Landers, CA — near the Integratron and approximately 30 minutes from the town of Yucca Valley. This attraction stands seven stories high and s claimed to be the largest freestanding boulder in the world. To truly appreciate the legend and lore of Giant Rock, one must see it in the flesh. According to locals, Giant Rock and its grounds were held sacred by Native Americans for hundreds to thousands of years prior to colonization. The story has it that Shamans would go there to draw spiritual strength and energies from the rock. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that the spot gained buzz from the modern community. A squatter by the name of Frank Critzer settled into a one-room cave dwelling that he dug directly underneath Giant Rock. He even built a runway for small planes at the location. Critzer lived under the rock for years and was known to point a shotgun at those who neared his subterranean home. His stay ended during a police raid in 1942 when Critzer perished in what was argued to be a self-detonated dynamite explosion. The strangeness didn’t end with Critzer. Critzer’s friend, the constructor of the Integratron and self-proclaimed extraterrestrial connoisseur — George Van Tassel — took over Giant Rock from there. Van Tassel believed he had been transported from Giant Rock to a spaceship where aliens inspired him to build a “rejuvenation and time travel machine.” Thus, the Integratron was born. For over 20 years, Van Tassel held UFO conventions at Giant Rock to raise money for his invention. Thousands of people would journey to the desert to hear from UFO researchers and even grab a bite to eat at the restaurant he built in the shadow of the granite behemoth. Unfortunately, Van Tassel died before completing the inner workings of the Integratron. Today, it is an attraction where visitors can receive sound baths and take part in meditation groups. Knowing the vast, unusual history behind this place, I looked around and couldn’t help but let my imagination run wild. I stood where so many others had stood before me — tribes and Shamans, hippies and suburbanites bonding over space-faring beings, rock climbers who are much braver than me. And of course, I thought about Critzer and Van Tassel, whose admiration for this rock was so deep they dedicated their lives to it. The entire landscape was silent except for the wind gushing throughout the boulders. I thought that an alien might pop out to greet me after all. We shouted just to hear our voices echo. I took my shoes off and twirled around in the cool sand. I examined the rock face up close and took in the many shades of tans and browns that speckled across its surface. A feeling rushed over me that was dreamlike, and I knew those crazy, eccentric old men were right — this place was special. Today, Giant Rock is used recreationally for climbing, camping, and even hosting events such as the intimate Gran Roca Music Festival. I recommend visiting during the golden hours — in the early morning or just before dusk to catch the sunset over the mountains. Bring essentials such as plenty of water, be aware that you likely won’t have cell phone reception and prepare for the dusty rollercoaster of a road it takes to get there. If you’re exploring the Joshua Tree area and planning a visit to the Integratron, be sure to put this peculiar spot on your list. Kathy Condon is a freelance travel writer and blogger. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 http://www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com

One of our special places, about 45 miles from Palm Springs, is the charming, well-preserved attraction of Pioneertown, California. In the future, I will write a blog about the present-day Pioneertown, which welcomes you if you wear a mask and practice social distancing. It is an excellent place for families. Please check times, special events with dates on their website www.Pioneertown.com If you are planning a trip to this unique attraction, now or in the future, this video will provide you with a delightful, brief history of this place, where even Paul McCartney performed. There are numerous videos, however, The Legend video narrative makes it those photos come to life. Kathy Condon is a freelance travel writer and blogger. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News. Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 http://www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com

Are you wondering what you can expect? Here is a view of what to expect in our community as of today, July 30, 2020. Please understand conditions can change. You will be greeted by flashing, temporary signs stating masks are necessary. A little farther downtown Palm Springs Drive you will see the banner stretched across the street again reminded you masks are mandatory. AND our community is VERY serious about this regulation. Shopping Our retail stores are open. As one would assume, this period tested our retailers to the max to become innovative. You will see lots of plexiglass, and signs in the window warning you masks are required. Some stores are more bare than usual and understandable since many of them are struggling to pay their rent. New inventory is not in their budgets, which have shrunk for customers who are few during the weekdays. However, you will still find fun, useful items you need or to remind you of your visit to our quaint community. Shopkeepers will welcome you and willing to share their knowledge of their many products and the great attributes of our community. Dining Outside dining is available. Many of our restaurants have been able to adapt their patios, lawns, and parking lots to delightful places to enjoy time with your friend and families. If you have been to our community and have developed an appreciation for a particular restaurant that has only indoor dining, it is closed to diners. However, it behooves you to check those restaurant websites or give them a call. They may offer curbside pickup. Museums are Closed We are looking forward to the time when we can see exhibits. You might want to sign up for Palm Springs Art Museum newsletter, which offers some peeks in the collection through videos. The Palm Springs Air Museum is closed. However, recently they honored our essential workers with a flyover across the entire Coachella Valley. Hotels and Rental homes They are open, with strict regulations. Large groups can be sure they will not be looked upon kindly by local citizens. While wanting to welcome you, we trust you will honor the community in which we live. Hiking Trails Our trails are open and request you honor social distancing and wear your mask when you are in the vicinity of others. However, it is extremely hot now, so your hiking needs to be scheduled in the morning. Be sure to carry more water than you think you will need. Morning and Evening Walks in our Neighborhoods We all require exercise. A great way to explore our community is to walk through our neighborhoods. Each one of them is different from unexpected landscaping, unusual gates with both western and modernism architecture. Sculptures show up in unexpected places in this community. Don’t forget to look down and see our stars dedicated to movie stars who once graced our area and leaders who made this community a place we all love to call home. We welcome you and appreciate your patience as we adjust and look forward to the day where we can welcome you to our many events and special places. Kathy Condon is a freelance travel writer and blogger. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 http://www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com

One of the most asked questions: I have a half day available. What would you do with the time? One-Half Day Trip to High Desert from Palm Springs There continues to be controversy about whether the area 40 miles from Palm Springs should be called the high desert. Recently, the community has embraced the phrase Joshua Tree Gateway Communities for describing this 100 mile stretch on Highway 62. In any case, let me share with you my adventure, just yesterday, I highly recommend. You will need your own car. This particular journey is NOT taking you into Joshua Tree National Park. We Are Off My traveling companion picked me up at my home in Palm Springs at 10:00 a.m. We headed straight North on Indian Canyon Drive. It dead-ends at Hwy 62. Turn right, and you are on the way. As you head up the winding mountain, the passenger should keep an eye open for Big Horn Sheep grazing on the floor of the canyon. Joshua Trees are found at elevations of 2,000 to 6,000 feet, so you will start seeing them as you go up the mountain. I’m writing this at the end of March and they are beginning to blossom. If you have never seen a Joshua tree, even when they are not blooming, it is worth the trip to see these magnificent trees. If you want to get up close and personal with a Joshua tree, without going to the National Park, as you come over the mountain into Yucca Valley, you will see places to pull over and get a closer look. Once you take you Joshua tree photos, get back on Hwy 62, head east until you get to Old Women Springs Road. Turn left, and you are on then on the way to the Gublers Orchid Farm. It is 15 miles from the town of Yucca Valley in Landers. As a visitor, you will find it interesting to see the change in the landscape. Gubler Orchids Greenhouses in Landers Yes, there is an amazing orchid farm in the desert that grows and ships orchids to Lowes and Ralphs in Southern California. Frankly, people don’t know about this place. I guess that is why I might even call this The Palm Spring Insider Guide Secret places. When you see the sign for Landers, turn right. Go straight until you see the well-marked sign to turn left to the orchid farm. It’s down about a mile on the left. There is plenty of easy parking. Don’t be alarm when no one in the parking lot. People just don’t know about this place. It is just before the Integratron if you have been there for their sound baths. By the way, wear closed-toed shoes. Without them you can view the gorgeous showroom, but you will not be allowed into the greenhouses, so you would miss the tour. When we arrive, this particular day, there was a sign on the door, We’re open; but please call this number, and we will greet you at the door shortly. We called, and they graciously opened the door. We looked around the showroom and then we were off on our terrific 20 to 25-minute tour. We purchased a couple award-winning orchids in the showroom. There is a large selection of sizes and varieties available. I could go on and on about the tour, but I don’t want to spoil it for you. Let’s just say, no matter how many times I go there or who I take, we walk away thinking I’m so glad we did make an effort to come here. Joshua tree Saloon Bar and Grill Stop for Lunch Retrace your steps; go back down the mountain to Hwy 62. Once there, turn left and head to the town of Joshua Tree. Travel about six miles and you’ll see the town at the foot of the hill. Keep your eye open as you travel through the town. The Saloon is at the far end on the right. There is plenty of parking. This is the place where the serious hikers stop, and people wanting a feeling of the Old West without going to Pioneer town. I have a different motive; however, for I’m determined to have my friend experience deep-fried dill pickles. As suspected, he agreed they were tasty, real dill pickles and a new, fun experience. Lots of items on the menu so the most discriminating eater, can find something here. Time to head back to Palm Springs. Our entire trip was 4.5 hours. So plenty of time to relax around the pool, then get ready for Happy Hour or dinner. If you choose to spend more time in the Joshua Tree area and have an RV, you might want to check out this link about camping in Joshua Tree National Park https://www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/rv-camping-in-joshua-tree-national-park/ Kathy Condon is a travel writer and blogger. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guider Her book, It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News . Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 http://www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com

While much of the world believe it is very expensive to live in Palm Springs, locals know their budgets are smaller once you get your housing situation figured out. We have a plethora of activities, many of which are admission free. Here is a list of newsletters you might want to sign up for in advance of your arrival. Palm Springs Art Museum The museum has free admission from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m on Thursday nights. When you sign up for its newsletter, you will be able to review a list of lectures and other events. The newsletter is a wealth of information for art aficionados. Palm Springs Library This library is a source of a number of interesting activities. For example, the library is a participant in the development of Palm Springs Speaks: A series where national figures share their opinions and expertise. Rancho Mirage Library This newsletter is an eclectic source of lectures and activities. Their lectures include authors from various genres, movie series, concerts and educational programs in conjunction with the Observatory. Sunnylands Behind the Pink Wall Activities on this 200-acre estate given to the City of Rancho Mirage abound. With a mandate by the Annenbergs to provide educational opportunities, the Board stays true to the mission. There are far too many regular events to mention. Thus, when you sign up for the newsletter, you will see events and activities ranging from yoga to movies on the great lawn in the evening to specialized tours of the grounds and the house. University of California Riverside Palm Desert Campus We are fortunate to have this campus in Coachella Valley. Lectures are frequent during the academic year. Authors and scientists present in an intimate venue, where one can easily ask questions. These presentations are becoming more and more popular; thus, you will want to make reservations in advance if you want to attend. The resources above provide you, the visitor, a wealth of information to enhance your visit. If you are visiting our community, more than a couple of days, you can learn while meeting many local people who are engaging and willing to share more information with you. Kathy Condon is a freelance travel writer and blogger. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 http://www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com

The journey through Needles, California on, Highway 40, shouldn’t be just a stop for gas or food. There are interesting sites, beautiful views, and much to learn about United States history. It is an easy drive three-hour drive from Palm Springs, California. Once people learned, I was going to Needles, California for three-days they said things like: Have you ever been to Needles? Why in the world would you want to go to Needles? Frankly, a search for articles online about Needles were not any more encouraging. A believer in the fact there are always stories to uncover, the trip continued. The link below gives a prospective visitor an overview of the history and location of an awakening town of 5200 people. https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/blog/post/needles-california-located-on-route-66-embraces-its-heritage/ When you are planning your trip to Needles, California, you will not want to miss this information about places where to stay or things to see. https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/blog/post/plan-a-trip-to-needles-california/

Visits to Palm Springs often include the prerequisite visit to the Tramway, the Living Desert, Thursday nights Street Fairs, and the Street Fair of College of the Desert. One can read many articles written about them, and most certainly, they are interesting and informative stops for anyone coming to Coachella Valley. There are several newsletters and social media sites you can sign up in advance of your trip. By doing so, you are more likely to discover more special events and hidden opportunities to discover the “real” Palm Springs. Listed below is a partial list by category. Interested in Art? Palm Springs Art Museum If you sign up for the Palm Springs Art Museum’s newsletter, you might be able to catch the informative lectures or catch one of the Docent tours. International Film Festival Coming in January? Surely, you will want to get the list of movies that will be shown and get your tickets in advance. California Desert Arts Council Their newsletter covers new installations, lectures, and events happening in the Joshua Tree area. You might even find an opportunity to volunteer while you are visiting. Interested in History? Historical Societies No question, newsletters from the various cities Historical Societies will reveal some interesting factoids about the history throughout the Coachella Valley, and you will learn if there might be a special lecture scheduled during your visit. A particularly active one is the Palm Springs Historical Society, for most of the Valley’s development began in Palm Springs. Modernism Week Modernism Preview week happens at the end of October. However, 2020 dates are February 13-23, 2020. Sign up for their newsletter to get tickets and announcements of additional events. Overview of the Area Great Palm Springs Convention and Tourism Bureau This newsletter is always fun to get. Not only do they highlight major locations in the area, they often release videos that will serve as advertising for us throughout the world. Palm Springs Point of View This site does a great job of highlighting our valley through videos. The duo has made it their profession to show you and all of us places throughout the Valley. Oh yes, you can expect to smile while watching them. Palm Springs Insider Guide An unabashed plug, my own Palm Springs Insider Guide, continues to involve and include in-depth articles about places of interest you might not discover on your own. The tips, in italics, are meant to provide you information that will enhance your visit. The information listed above is not an exhaustive list. Yet, it is an excellent start for anyone planning to spend time in our community. Kathy Condon is a freelance travel writer and blogger. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 http://www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com

Many of us had the privilege of going to the Educational Center at Sunnylands on the 200 acres Annenberg Estate in Rancho Mirage. Behind the Pink Wall, we may have taken the garden tour and scored the scarce tickets for viewing the inside of the 2500 square feet house. It was the center of social scene in Coachella Valley when the Annenberg’s were alive. The house is now used as a meeting place for world leaders and a gathering place for think tanks on world issues and is self-supported through the Annenberg Foundation. Yet, up until now, the private golf course remained off-limits. Then there was the announcement, 200 total volunteers were needed over two days to help harvest the olives from the trees which line the private course. Access would be through a gate that would be opened only for us. Entering the Gate and Team Assignment We brought with us papers granting photo rights, and proof we were one of the privileged few to be registered. We arrived at the gate full of anticipation of what lies ahead for this unusual adventure. Our cars were parked along an idyllic pond covered with water lilies. We received our nametags and colored coded wristband to identify team placement. Then we were whisked off across the fairways on golf carts to our assigned team. Meanwhile, we appreciated the crisp desert morning air, the majestic view, and watched as the clouds danced on the distant mountains. The Annenberg’s planted 600 olive trees on the estate for their beauty. However, they were sprayed, so they did not produce olives. Realizing the spraying was detrimental to the trees in the long term, caretakers decided to let the trees bear fruit. So this year, with its abundance of olives, provided an opportunity for the estate to offer an educational experience. The Process A cherry picker is used to lift a person high into the tree. Once positioned, using a tool that has prongs on it is slipped in among the leaves. It literally shakes the olives off the trees into the waiting nets place strategically around the tree. Then with a blower, excess debris is blown off the olives. The volunteers found their spot on the ground next to a pile of olives. Then they proceed to pick off still attached stems and put the olives into five-gallon buckets. The pails of olives are then transported to a mobile olive pressing trailer. The oil goes into a stainless steel tank. Olives used are at all different levels of ripeness, so both green and ripe olives are treated equally. The pulp goes into giant tubs and looks like thick mud. Some of us took home some olive pulp and treated ourselves to a facial. Very cooling and refreshing. The Final Product The olive oil is taken to the Temecula Olive Oil Company, about 75 miles from Palm Springs. The olive oil will be bottled and receive a Sunnylands label. It is anticipated it will be for sale in the Sunnylands gift shop in November. Rest and Celebration Once our half-day adventure came to a close, we were invited to a delicious organic lunch, complete with bamboo utensils and cookies made with olive oil. We were delighted to be given a little cup to taste the olive oil from the olives we had just help harvest to taste. Once we were ready to leave, we were handed a great Sunnylands apron. We found our chariot, well golf carts, and were taken back to our cars. By now, the temperatures had risen. The gentle breeze was welcomed. During the ride back, we had still another opportunity to be witness to even more acreage of this vast estate. Next Year? It is anticipated volunteers will have the opportunity to have this terrific adventure next year. I would advise you to sign up for Sunnylands newsletter, Behind the Pink Wall. Then you will be the first to receive notification of not only this fabulous experience but many other experiences they offer through the course of the year. Kathy Condon is a Palm Springs freelance travel writer and blogger. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 http://www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com

Deciding whether or not you want to come to Palm Springs in October? Here three good reasons why it is a good idea to make reservations for your trip: 1. The weather, more than likely, will be terrific. 2. Modernism Fall Preview Week is October 17 – 20, 2019. 3. October is a month of renewal here. Restaurants have revamped their menus, and store owners open their doors with an array of new products. In truth, we consider it the beginning of the tourism season in our lovely communities. Check Palm Springs Life Magazine event schedule. You will see many of the activities throughout the Coachella Valley have no cost attached to them. Modernism Fall Preview Week If you haven’t heard, February 13 – 23, 2020, dates are set for Modernism Week. Yes, I know that is ten days, but who am I to quibble with a name, when it serves as a fabulous marketing tool for this outstanding event. Over 100,000 people from all over the world came to Coachella Valley last year. They came to learn, look, and receive inspiration from the many scholars, open houses, and tours which permeate throughout our communities. Last year, there were 320 events. So if you are not into large crowds, I highly suggest you hop over to the Modernism Week website and seek out tickets for a visit in October instead. This is a scaled-back version of Modernism Week. My suggestion would be to get tickets for the tour on the open-air, double-decker bus. The tour is usually about 2.5 hours and lead by extremely knowledgeable volunteers. You will receive a terrific overview of the residential and commercial buildings, in Palm Springs, which stand as a beacon for the architectural called “Modernism.” Note, I said, “Open Air.” So bring your sunscreen and a hat. If you are going early in the morning or late at night, you might want to bring a jacket. Reminder, a refillable water bottle is pretty much a “must-have” staple for any visit to Palm Springs. I’d like to say, you can make up your mind what you would like to see close up after the tour. Alas, the tickets for the popular places pretty much will be sold out for Preview Week. However, if you plan to come back in February, you still may have a chance to get tickets for even the most popular destinations and lectures. Oh, I forgot to mention, there are some opportunities to attend some great cocktail parties at some of the homes, which are typically not accessible to the public. Remember, we are a town where Old Hollywood came to play. You can and get a glimpse of the homes where they lived and played. So head over to the Modernism website, check the event list, and sign up for something that piques your interest. You will not be disappointed. Kathy Condon is a freelance travel writer and blogger. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 http://www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com