Trail Riders On A Hot Desert Day

The weather forecasters were right on with their prediction for hotter weather this week as we were up in the high 80F’s Wednesday with more to come as the week goes on.  When it gets this hot here in the desert, it doesn’t lead to much in the way of strenuous activity that’s for sure.

These trail riders were only a few hundred yards from a luxurious golf course

Even though Paulette’s quilting crew had their big show on Tuesday that didn’t stop them at all from going ahead with their regularly scheduled quilting day.  A few commenter’s asked how Paulette was able to finish 7 quilts while she’s been here.  She can because every spare minute is spent sewing it seems.  In the evening, if I’m watching TV that’s about all I’m doing.  Not Paulette though, she’s a confirmed multitasker!

I looked but I couldn’t see JB or Brenda on any of these horses

It was so hot in the morning that I’d pretty much ruled out playing golf in the afternoon.  It was approaching 80F by 11am, so while Paulette was off in a nice A/C’d room, I thought I’d take Molly and Rylie for a ride in our truck with the A/C on full blast.

From rocky, sandy, dusty desert to a lush, green golf course

For no particular reason, I headed into downtown Palm Springs but drove right through downtown and headed out towards Indian Canyons.  There are a lot of hiking trails out that way but most don’t allow dogs, and besides, it was too darned hot to be trekking across the desert anyway.

This is the wide pathway we walked along yesterday

As I turned onto Murray Canyon Rd., I ran smack into the Indian Canyon Golf and Country Club.  This is one of the older, and nicer, golf courses in Palm Springs.  As I drove past the clubhouse on Murray Canyon Rd., I saw a raised trail that ran parallel to the golf course and there were a few folks walking dogs along it.  I decided to brave the heat and give the muttzo’s some exercise.

Indian Canyon Golf and Country Club

I ended up parking the truck right next to a Ranch and stables.  How strange to see a horse ranch so close to downtown Palm Springs.  We headed up to the trail and right away I could see over a dozen horses and riders coming back to the ranch from a trail ride.  I couldn’t help but think how hot and thirsty those horses must have been – not to mention the riders!

It always amazes me to see how quickly a rocky, dusty, sandy desert can turn into lush, green grass and Palm Trees – just another of the over 150 golf courses in the Palm Springs area.  I only saw about 3 or 4 holes of the 2 courses at Indian Canyon but it was enough to know that this is one beautifully manicured course. 

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the horses are resting up

We hiked along the elevated path for about an hour before heading back to the truck and then the Sands.  After that it was a quick trip to the swimming pool to cool off and then back to our site to find a spot outside in the shade to read a bit and siesta a bit for the rest of the afternoon.  Life is tough!

Have a great Thursday, and thanks again for visiting!