We
DID IT--we rode the Palm Spring's Aerial Tram. I have avoided this local attraction like the plague--something to do with my (ir?)rational fear of a gondola wire snapping (or stalling), leading to imminent
death by drop, or a
prolonged claustophobic nightmare, respectively. But just last week, our valley experienced a sudden drop in temperatures, followed by a storm front that dumped fresh powder on our surrounding mountains. All sense of caution flew from my subconscious and I impulsively purchased five tram tickets for an early Sunday-morning snow adventure. I even corralled our close friend Kelly and her son, Jake, to take part in our newly-hatched plan. The panic attacks began Saturday evening when I realized that the high was predicted to be in the 40's, and we were taking an infant into the snowbound wilderness long before the warmest part of the day. The hits kept coming when we turned the clocks forward by an hour, a la Daylight Savings
nonsense (initiated during World Wars I & II to save fuel and electricity...It would behoove our current government to apply this year's meagre savings towards our national debt!). Pardon my tirade. My anxiety rose in direct proportion to the boys' enthusiasm (the best antidote for the chicken-hearted), so I bravely rose in the still-dark morning hours to ready the troops, who sprang from their beds at 6:15 with nary a grumpy remark. Long story, short; my worries were wasted energy (Aren't they always?) because we had
thetimeofourlives! These boys will make an adventure-traveler of me yet. Today, the tram--tomorrow,
camping. And I don't really mean
tomorrow. Come to think of it, camping might really be a stretch. The thought of ferocious wildlife, alone, is enough to keep this
citylubber behind locked doors any night of week. Let's just revel in this baby step for the time being.
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The Valley Station, Elevation 2643 Feet...8:00 a.m.
(At the foot of the tram--We intended to be ON the 8 a.m. tram, but the "spring forward" business really kicked us in the pants.)
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| One Sledder, Ready to Go! |
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| One Papa, loaded with "EVERYTHINGIMAGINABLE" that a young family might need in the SNOW. |
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And So We Ascend Via Tram
( a look of amused trepidation) |
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View From the Top Of the World...or the Palm Spring's Tram
(elevation 8516 feet) |
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| Why is it that James' first sledding runs are always backwards? |
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Fearless This Time 'Round
(It just occurred to me that these boots must be twice the size of his feet.) |
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Jake--Sleddin' With Pizazz
(James wants to be just like Jake. It's cute to see Big Brother look UP to someone for a change.) |
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| Papa & Joshy |
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Mama & Marshmallow Baby
(I feel better about myself in black and white. Now to devise a filter that have the same effect in real life...) |
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| Ecstatic Sammy Sliding with Papa |
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| A Tousled Heap |
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HAPPY Kelly Bird & Daniel
(It was SO nice to have a friend AND extra set of hands on hand.) |
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| The Brothers Three |
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The Brothers Three CRASH and BURN
(Don't worry, Grandmas--they were at a crawl by the time of impact, and frankly, aimed for the tree. BOYS.) |
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| Giddyup! |
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| Snow Snack |
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| Joshua, James, Papa |
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| Joshua, SAMMY, Papa |
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Towering Pines
(By they way--Nice picture, Jake!) |
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| This is James' new "camera-ready" look. We're still a waaaaays off candid, but at least he has ditched the sneer. |
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| The Best Way To Travel |
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| Kelly & Jake |
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| Push, Please! |
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Hitching a Ride
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| Request Noted |
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| Feeding The Wildlife |
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| Here We All Are! |
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| Getting Ready to Descend |
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AWE-SOME
(and a little terrifying) |
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Sunning Lizard
(The temperature difference at the valley station is shocking, really!) |
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| Mt. San Jacinto |
Just yesterday, we experienced a 4.7 shaker. It seems my safe little world is unravelling by the minute!
Happy Adventure Traveling,
The FEARLESS Haven6
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