Day 11

Today the sun was shining brilliantly when we got out of bed. What an incredible change in just 24 hours. Here, Liam is checking out "Palm pings". (Translation: Palm Springs)

The night before, we all enjoyed the hot tub but the evening was very cool and we got a fog bank happening over the hot water.

I think Liam enjoyed it more than anyone.

We hit the road early in the morning and ventured out to the Salton Sea. This below sea level salt water lake was formed many years ago when the diking project around Yuma Arizona failed and the Colorado River diverted itself into this depression in the valley and filled it in for a year or more. It is now 40 miles long and 10 wide even years after the breach in the dikes were repaired.

The entire surface of the beach is not sand, but barnacle shells. It is littered with literally millions of  dead fish like the one above. Apparently these fish thrive in the ideal conditions and over populate. There is a big die off every so often. The smell was not pleasant.

It is also a migrating bird reserve. Pelicans, herons, egrets, and seagulls proliferate here and there is no shortage of food for them.

These beautiful tree roosting egrets knew exactly what my camera range was and made sure they were just out of it.

The Pelicans here are the large variety. They are very shy. We hiked through the muddy desert for a mile to sneak up on these and even then did not get close.

When we got back home, the boys hit the pool and the adults lounged by the pool, book and/or camera in hand. It was warm enough for shorts and T-shirts today.

Nate, just into one of his famous 'Cannon Balls'.

Coming up for air.

We hit the Old Palm Springs street market again in the evening. After a long day and a short nap, Liam preferred the back pack.

Liam and his mom checking out "Hamburger Mary" in front of the famous burger and beer joint in downtown Palm Springs. We stuffed ourselves on the most awesome Kettle Corn I have ever tasted. After a cool and tiring evening, we found our parked cars and made our way home once again. I will sleep well tonight. No time for the hot tub tonight, I am afraid.