I was given a packet of Thank Yous, one class of 5th graders gave the Forest Service after their Winter Trek adventure with me.  Precious and appreciative- I had to share a couple.

One of the most surprising phenomenon we discovered, upon moving to our neighborhood, was the history found, not only in the vintage cabins, but within the residents themselves.  Having dinner with Gene and Joanne was not only scrumptious but spellbinding as well. 

Gene's parents purchased their lot in Bijou Pines in 1932.  Driving up in their Durant Motors Star Car, they built a tent and would summer here most of their lives with their twins (Gene is on the right).  Gene is the keeper of the family's treasures and both of these boats, which sailed on Lake Tahoe, are on display in their beautiful mountain home (which is as much museum as house).  Gene and Joanne share it with three children and twelve grandchildren.

We are so fortunate to have such interesting and generous friends adding even more to the expansive answer list to the question, "Why Tahoe?"

I love the desert and when Steve told me he needed to meet up with his brother, Kevin, I joined in the fun.  It was a perfect day to head to the Coachella Valley.

While Steve and Kevin talked 'shop', I explored the local history.   Palm Desert's neighboring town, Palm Springs, was famous for  being Hollywood's playground, since the 1920s.  It was a place for celebrities to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of showbiz. The legendary "Two-Hour Rule" of Hollywood studios put it on the map as a perfect getaway. Actors under contract had to be available within two-hours from the studio just in case last minute film/photo shoots had to occur.

And while Palm Desert was right next door, the early maps labeled Palm Desert as a Sand Hole. In the 1930s a few homes were built and lots sold.  Edgar Bergen (of Charlie McCarthy fame), who had a ranch here, talked some brothers into developing the 1,600 acres used by General Patton's tank repair facility during the war (World War II brought General Patton to this Desert to train for African warfare).

No one, way back when, ever dreamed this would become a world-class destination resort. No one except Cliff Henderson and his brothers Randall, Phil and Carl, who along with their brother-in-law and investors, including Edgar Bergen, Leonard Firestone and Harold Lloyd, turned a sand hole into a sparkling jewel called Palm Desert.  Each time I return here, I learn a little bit more and become eager to return again.