Busy in Voyageur Land.....

Jeanette, Trena and Diane were at Cardenas, a Mexican Market in Cathedral City....

....while Hector, Fred (a golfing friend from home), Al (former neighbour from home) and I headed for the links.

Phew....!  We have been busy here!  It may be time to slow things up a bit and focus on some R&R.  We'll see about that!  Well....that is likely not to happen!

The women really liked this Mexican shopping market.

And what's not to like?  It offers a variety of foods not seen in other markets.

A beautiful layout and great merchandising at Cardenas.

On the road again!  Jeanette, Trena and Diane did get around......a lot.....these past few days.  Is shopping in their genes?????

Late afternoon at our site....enjoying a wee dram. Lucky and Hector pose for this photo.....in matching jackets too.

 When we returned from golf, we all got together to throw a quick barbecue together and enjoy our fare in the great outdoors - hiding from the Santa Anna winds that have been relentless here in Desert Hot Springs. Speaking of winds, we've pretty much had enough of that endless blow that has covered the skies around here with polluted air from Los Angeles.  As I write this blog, early Saturday morning, the skies are clear without wind.  We sure hope that holds for the balance of today.

Although hot, the ferocious winds forced us into jackets in the early evening.

During the day (Thursday), we found ourselves at the Palm Desert Golf Course.  We had a Tee-time for early afternoon, courtesy of my nephew, Ted, who is the Maintenance Operations Consultant there.  Ted moved to Palm Desert, with his wife, Kelly, several months back, following a 12 year stint as the golf superintendent at the Northern Bear (Jack Nicklaus) Golf And Country Club in Edmonton, Alberta.

The arched entrance to the clubhouse at the Palm Desert Golf Course.

We had a half hour visit with Ted before our Tee-Off.  We learned that the course was purchased - in receivership - by a group of Vancouver, BC, Canada, businessmen and that Ted was approached to initially consult the group on opening the course.  Following months of flying back and forth, Ted was offered a contract to bring his expertise to reviving the playing field. 

Al (former neighbour and good family friend).....striking the ball.

Fred (long time golfing member of our mens golf league in the Vancouver, BC area) often spends the winters down here with his wife, Pat.

I attempt to hit the green with this iron.....

......while Hector hits a sweet chip to the green.

My nephew, Ted, is the youngest son of my brother, Bernie and wife, Rita.  They winter in Yuma, Arizona, and we featured them often during our one month recent visit there.

The course is in really good condition, considering that it lay dormant for a few years.

Golfers:   Hector, Al and Fred.

Friday saw Fred, Hector and I head out to Mountain View, Sun City Resort, in Palm Desert, to play 18 holes at the most beautiful San Gorgonio resort club.

This awesome setting is next to the practice putting green.  They do know how to build beautiful waterfalls in the desert.

The San Gorgonio course is stunning

 It was a beautiful day out on the links and we cherished the play and numerous views.  What's not to like about being on this beautiful surface?

Stunning!  Pure and simple!

Following the Friday round, we all gathered at our site, @ Calienté Springs and RV Resort, for a barbecued chicken dinner.  Jeanette and Diane went all out to put together a fantastic outdoor meal.

Nothing beats eating great food, in the company of good folks, while seated outdoors.

L-R    Pat, Jeanette, Trena, Diane, Hector, Fred and Lucky.

I handled the barbecue duties while the hungry prepared their plates.

 Our motorcycle swivel wheel once again severed a dual purpose as a table top.

Chico guards our RV entrance......just hoping that he may get a treat or two.

So....it was another busy day, wearing ourselves out on another lovely golf course, while enjoying the great company of friends.  Topping the day, surrounded by friends and enjoying a good meal, is about a good as it can get.

L-R    Lucky, Fred and Hector - engaged in some discussion.

Today (Saturday) calls for a long walk in the desert (for Jeanette, Diane, Hector and Chico) while I fire up the motorcycle for a ride with Lucky to some undetermined spot in the Palm Springs area.  

Back at our sites, this early afternoon, we'll freshen up before heading out to the Spotlight 29 Casino, in Coachella, for an early dinner, before retrieving our tickets to catch the performance by well known Canadian singer/songwriter, Gordon Lightfoot.  We look forward to that!

That just the way it's been around RVVoyageur land these past few days.

Thanks for dropping by.