To celebrate both my boys Birthdays, given they are 3 years and 2 days apart, I decided to take them on a trip and due to the fact that it had been raining so much we sought out warmth. I had stopped in Palm Springs for dinner on a trip, I knew they had to have a resort with a pool and water slide, so I looked it up and find a reasonable priced resort. Saturday morning came and we were off. The drive was beautiful, and my boys actually talked to each other and enjoyed the scenery. The drive is over 2 hours if you are coming from the San Fernando Valley and leave early morning. I highly recommend it. Our first stop was the Coachella Valley Preserve which is completely free. The weather was perfect, sunny, clear and a temp of 75 degrees. Ideal for middle of nowhere Adventures😅.
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Coachella Valley Preserve
Thousand Palms, California
The parking lot was closed, however there is plenty of space to park along the side of the road right outside the Nature preserve. The place was not busy at all, so we were able to park right across from the entrance. We grabbed are water, snacks, sun block and headed in. We took hats and the sun can get a bit hot especially out there, so definitely bring a hat. I use Sun Bum the ingredients are the cleanest compared out there, it looks and feels great plus it smells wonderful. My boys wear this and because we are outdoors a lot I keep this stuff in my bag, my car so I always have protection from the sun. If you are planning a trip soon and need sunscreen, click the link and your set for your next outdoor adventure.
There are plenty of paths to walk on and signs posted warning not to go off the path, there are wildlife there and for safety be aware of your steps. There were so many lizards darting across the path I had to slow down to make sure I didn't step on one. If reptiles scare you this is not the place for you, but if you are trying to get over that fear then this would be a place to visit lol.
Despite the lizards and warnings all over this place is truly magnificent, it was as if we stepped into another world. The trees were so tall and something else to experience it in the desert. There are bathrooms available and tables so if you wanted to sit and enjoy the serene outdoors, you can enjoy some food and relax.
This path leads to stairs and into a wooded ramp over what I was hoping to see, sadly the entire area was flooded, and trees and brush were blocking the area so we couldn't see the palms oasis. There were a few trails closed and we were not able to experience them, however the place is truly a wonder and treasure. By boys and I loved the experience.
The drive to our hotel was so peaceful and the sky and mountains to attracting, the weather was optimal for window down kind of drive. My boys mesmerized took their own photos, although the photos do not do the place justice unless you are there. It took us about 45 mins to get to palm Springs where we were staying, and the best part is the hotel allowed early check in and access to the pool no charge.
We stayed at the Palm Canyon Resort, which was towards off the busy downtown area, but only about an 8 min drive to restaurants. Check in was easy and they do require a $200 deposit and a resort fee at check in so prepared for that. The room we selected had everything we needed a kitchen with all the things you need to cook should you choose to, balcony, pull out bed, and Queen bed. I knew they had a refrigerator, so I bought food because I have boys and they can eat. I found the resort perfect for families and the best part was the pool for the kids and myself. The pools are heated and there are two slides as well as several Jacuzzi's. There is a bar and cafe so if you wanted to order food and drinks after purchasing, they will bring it to you, no worries. I have included a link below to check out and book your next getaway. You are sure to enjoy your stay at Plam Canyon Resort, especially with kids. I would book here again.
After driving into the Downtown area for food and some birthday cake, we stopped at a local trail and enjoyed the view. The night sky is just breathtaking, perfect for some poetic inspiration and must have photography.
My wish for you
Take me where the earth will heal me
Where I can feel the night air on my skin
And breathe in the trees
It seems like the more I crave the earth
The more life seems to take me away
I wish to walk barefoot on the cold grass more than ever
How can I make life see that I need this
I feel it in my bones and in my soul, I know that is the place I need to be It calls to me
Leaves a desire to be there where the earth and the universe fills me with everlasting love There is this power in just being there outside in silence Watching the night Sky
I sit and wonder how the world is not in awe of it all
Whi can they not see that the earth is our medicine
It is what we seek
Not fame nor fortune
Or love for unloving strangers and broken people who love us but are selfish What we seek is to be one with life
This is where you will find love, feel free and peace
This place is meant for all to see and cost nothing but the
desire to seek it out
This is where all healing begins for all mankind
Here is where all will find the peace they need
Many hearts our filled with war and the mind flooded with aggression
Take me home where this humble state of being can be found
Without giving away a part of me as payment like society
requires doing daily in life
Take me where the early morning sunrise is
And where the sound of water meets crickets with the sweet
melody of birds Chirping
The cold air fills my lungs
It gives me life
Fills me with joy for the journey ahead
May life fill you up every morning and continue to fill you Through the night
May it give you endless peace and love, it is all you will ever need Pray often and always
If you have this, you have everything already. You will have everything you need always if you have this.
Life will find you, but you must first seek peace and you will be given it in return with an unlimited love that can never be taken away.
This is my wish for you.
Love Amber Marie
The next morning, we went downtown bright and early, walked around to discover the beautiful, clean streets busy with people walking around so joyously. They have many art pieces throughout downtown Plam Springs that both I and the boys enjoyed. All you need is love 😍
This piece was one of my favorites, the best part is as you look at it from any angle it appears to be see through, but it is not, thought it was a great piece so creative so a must to photograph. The best part about art is like words can be used to change our thought process. Both so powerful and unique but very much inspiring.
Another inspiring and gentle reminder for all to see as we walked through the street of Downtown Plam Springs. Spread positivity. After roaming the area my boys wanted to go back and soak up the pool and slide before we drove back. So, we headed back to our resort, changed and headed to the pool. The resort allows you to stay at the pool even after checking out time and will provide you with a key card to stay should you choose, that was a surprising benefit to the resort especially when you have kids who can swim all day if you let them, plus there are waterslides. Need I say more. Convinced I was not like all the other parents, I made my way to the water slide, and it was a lot of fun even for parents. We lounged about and enjoyed the beautiful weather poolside.
There was so much traffic on the way home, so we stopped to look at the giant T-rex in a dashing suit. Its located right off the freeway can't miss it. Not to mention the beautiful mountain and sky in the background. Great for a pit stop and if you have kids to use the restroom at the gas station across the parking lot.
Love is all around you. Meant to inspire. Take the time to slow down and appreciate the great outdoors, you never know what is there waiting to be discovered and may be exactly what you need. A gentle reminder to choose love, it never fails you.