Palm Desert/Springs California

Mariott's Shadow Ridge Time Share entrance is beautifully landscaped as it the whole resort here at Palm Desert/Desert Springs area. Have you considered a time share? There are multiple ways to vacation in one. First of course is to purchase a time share. Marriott's original system was to purchase a week, their current system is to purchase destination points which you then use to reserve your lodging. Sometimes you can reserve accomodations using your Marriott Rewards Points, while other times you can rent the accommodations either directly from Marriott or from an individual owner.
We enjoyed this beautiful morning sky from our balcony in Shadow Ridge Villages last fall. It was cool in the early morning and later in the day. But, beautiful the bulk of the day.

A view of the mountains, with the sun coming up again from the balcony. The sun was nice and warm in the morning. Great place to sip your coffee and enjoy the view.
Palm Trees, Mountains, and a beautiful golf course surround the whole resort.
As you walk about the resort the views are everywhere. Ponds in the golf course, mountains in the background....breath taking.
The villas are spacious, nicely decorated and very well maintained. The villas offer a full 2 bedroom arrangement, or can be divided into a full 1 bedroom condo with kitchen and living room, and or a 1 bedroom quest facility with bed, sleeper sofa, bathroom, and small kitchenette. The kitchenette has microwave, small fridge, table and chairs for 2. Here's a view of the master bedroom (which is what you get with the full 1 bedroom arrangement as well as the whole 2 bedroom villa.

All units vary a bit by location in terms of colors and floor plan. Here we had a fireplace in the living room. The door to the left of the fireplace goes out to the large balcony. A beautiful accommodation that can sleep up to 8 using the living room sleeper sofa, as well as the sleeper sofa on the quest side.

I've been to Palm Desert/Desert Springs in both the fall and the spring and both seasons are very nice.

Palm Springs California

It's a good idea to ask what the special drink of the day is when you head to a resort pool. This tasty Bloody Mary was served at the pool bar in Palm Desert's Marriott Shadow Ridge Resort. You can enjoy yourself, and take advantage of specials/sales without spending the big bucks!
Not perhaps a sunny hot day to lounge in the water..........look the view though folks. We did sit at the pool, we did have our swim suits on with sun screen. The sun did peak out here and there. People did enjoy the hot tubs and yes there is some snow on the mountains way off in distance. A cool day at the pool relaxing and reading and sipping a Bloody Mary, still bits the heck out of being indoors. When on vacation, don't let a bad weather day ruin your fun.

We learned after the fact that this fireplace could have been turned on for us, had we made a phone call. Note to self.....when you're on vacation and see a fireplace by the pool it is for more then appearance. Our friendly bartender told us we could have it turned on if we asked.
Palm Desert/Palm Springs may be known for golf and movie stars and sun; however.......there is more to do and see. Walk around in downtown Palm Springs and you'll fell like you've stepped back in time. Lots of fun tacky things to see. Now if this doesn't call out to you to stop and get a burger...........

Hamburger Mary's serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's a family place, casual with indoors and outdoor seating.
Even on a day when sleeveless is comfortable........it gets cool as the sun goes down and a fire feels good.
After a fun day exploring downtown historic Palm Springs, you can enjoy a fabulous sunset!

We've enjoyed multiple trips to this area, we've not yet seen it all and so we do plan to return. Put Palm Springs/Palm Desert on your vacation list.

Traveling Memories

I am reminded of travels here and there even when decorating my Christmas Tree. Yes, we're past Christmas and decorations have been put away. But, as I was un-decorating snapped a few photo's of some of my favorite ornaments. Some are newer then others. Some tell you about where we were when I picked them out, others maybe a bit more about me, my habits.......the things I like. A martini glass....I do love Martini's, sometimes I drink a Dirty Martini (thus the olives), other times a LemonDrop. I love making them too, so this ornament is most fitting. Purchased this past summer while vacationing in Park City, Utah. Lots of info about Park City Check it out if you're heading that direction or are looking for an idea of where to do.
Hilton Head Harbor Light House on the left and a fun Christmas Duck on a sailboat from Lake Erie (Ohio) on the right. Lots of posts for both Hilton Head and Ohio. Need information, want ideas of what to see, where to eat? Try these links to get started. There's plenty more, simply type in the words Ohio and or Hilton Head in the blog's search feature.
This is probably self explanatory here...The Fabulous Grand Canyon.
You might have to give this one some thought. P-Town, Provincetown, Mass. This trip was quite some time ago. To date, I've not added any posts from there.
Bison Bison...Colorado from a trip many years ago.
Zion National Park in Utah, what an awesome place.
A Dorey, from Connecticut. Another trip from long ago without representation yet here on the blog.

Doesn't this make you want to explore? So many places to go, so many suitcases to pack. Save yourself some time and do some virtual travel right here on Traveling Suitcase.

Packing Tip

This is a packing tip for my fellow crafters out there. Knitters and crocheters, loomers and sewers. I've often gotten questions regarding what one can carry on, what's the best way to pack crafts etc. Many people read while traveling (probably more by plane then car), many want to knit or crochet or do other crafts. What works? Knitting and crocheting small pieces work well. You don't want to infringe on seatmates space so stay away from larger items, or pack those in your suitcases.

People have asked about carrying on knitting needles. I've reviewed websites of several airlines and don't find them to be restrictive; though most people think they are. I often gotten questions while flying, as I am knitting. People seemed surprised you can do that. I've not had any trouble. I've flown domestically and internationally successfully with knitting. I do suggest you not have your very best needles...just in case they want them to be left behind and always pack a spare in your suitcase.

Carry your knitting/crocheting in a zip lock bag. If anyone questions what you have via the security check, it's easy for them to see it. Also, it keeps your yarn etc clean. You can tuck the edge of your zip lock bag in the seat pocket in front of you to have your yarn pull out easily to work. You can also nab it quickly, if you need to. Patterns? Leave your books at home, they take up space and their heavy. Type or write your pattern on index cards. I recently found these perfect sized coupon holder to file my in. It will keep you organized both at home and on the road.

Enjoy your travels and pack light, it makes things so much easier. Put your zip lock bag and coupon holder/file in a canvas bag under the seat in front of you. Light weight, easy, and you don't need to mess with those awful overheads. If you only need a card or two, you could easily put your card in the zip lock bag and leave your small file at home.

Get organized, both at home and in your travels.

Traveling on Foot

Traveling on foot can be adventure. This 4 legged creature travels everywhere on foot. AND if you're traveling on foot, through the woods...be careful you don't startle wild life. Startled wild life can be dangerous.
Actually, this creature and I weren't in each other's space at all. I was pouring a cup of coffee looking out the kitchen window at a friends house Christmas morning in Cleveland Ohio. Gates Mills to be exact. She has acreage and so seeing wild life is common place. I took the picture right through the window and so did a bit of computer work to diminish the flash that hit the window and....reduce the blur a bit caused by the distance and using the digital zoom.

Safety though is important when traveling. Particularly in winter. Cars provide protection and heat, and often people forget to pack with safety in mind. Do you have a pair of boots in the car when you travel in the winter? If not, you should. The weather may be beautiful when you start out, then turn cold, wet, snowy icy and cold. Should you have car trouble, or an accident you need to be safely and warmly able to get out of the car in conditions that may not be the safety and warmth of someone's garage. Do you have mittens, a heavy coat and hat? If not, you should for the same reason.

Enjoy your holiday travels and be take a little precaution...........pack for an emergency.