November 21, 2012

Oasis Palms RV Park

Thermal, CA

 

We chose to come to this area because there were a couple of places we wanted to explore.  One of the places, Joshua Tree National Park, we visited the other day and today was the day we scheduled for the other, the Palm Springs Tram that would transport us to the San Jacinto State Park. 

When I researched the tram I discovered that they give a AAA discount, the first tram up was at 10AM and the temperature at the top of the tram station was 48 degrees.  We left at 8:30 and the 40 mile drive took us a little over one hour.  After turning in on One Tram Way, we traveled up what appeared to be an almost vertical road for three miles passing several signs warning to turn off air conditioners to avoid overheating.  When we arrived at the tram station we were relieved to see there were only a few cars in the parking lot.  We quickly changed into our hiking boots, grabbed our backpacks and winter coats and made our way into the visitor center where we purchased our tickets.  Our timing was perfect as we only had to wait 10 minutes for the first tram of the day. 

 

The tram, the largest in the world and the only one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, has a passenger capacity of 80.  Its interior is 18 feet in diameter and 8 feet high.  Because of the unique slow cabin rotation, twice per trip, all positions in the tram offer a spectacular view.  There are a total of five cable towers that gave my stomach a little twist because, as we passed them, the tramcar swayed. 

When we arrived at the mountain station, we went directly to the movie room and watched two short films.  One detailed the vision and eventual building of the Palm Springs Tram.  The other film listed the wildlife that make the San Jacinto State Park their home as well many recreational activities available including camping, hiking and skiing in the winter. 

 

After the film we made our way to the Desert View Terrace that features panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and to the Long Valley Deck providing an expansive glimpse of the beautiful Mt. San Jacinto State Park.  It was such a clear day that we were able to see the Salton Sea, 40 miles away. 

It was a little chilly on the Long Valley Deck so we donned our winter coats but as we started down the walkway leading to the beginning of the Desert Valley Trail we noticed the change in temperature.  We ended up rolling up our coats and stuffing them in our backpacks as we were quite comfortable in just a light long sleeve shirt.  Monte had wanted to bring along our trekking poles but I said I didn’t think we would need them as the hike we planned on taking was a “novice” trail.  The trail, that was only 1 and ½ miles but took us over rocks, up slopes and down slopes, had me wishing several times that I had my poles with me.

 

 

There are two places to eat at the mountain station, the Pines Café and Peaks Restaurant.  We did not eat at either place because we had brought along sandwiches from home.  We have saved a lot of money by bringing our own food with us when we go out on adventures enabling us to afford to do more things. 

The descent on the tram was just as thrilling as the ascent had been.  By the time we arrived back at our car the parking lot was full making us happy that we had arrived as early as we had. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We made it back home just at the sun was setting behind the mountains.   Monte went next door to, what I call “smooze” with the neighbors, while I got dinner started.  IT HAD BEEN ANOTHER AWESOME DAY!