The traffic was light as we headed out on US 10. In the middle of the Mojave Desert, Rob decided that he needed a bathroom break. We pulled off at the next rest stop, only to discover that it was closed. Not good. We continued to drive, and drive, and drive. Finally, one stop prior to our scheduled destination, we found an exit with a gas station and food, AND a General Patton Museum!
This was too good to be true since Rob was formerly stationed with General Patton's Third Army. So, Rob has his bathroom break, we fill up the car, and eat lunch in a cute coffee house next to the museum. We then dash into the museum just as a thunder shower begins. It turns out that Chiriaco Summit was General Patton's training camp for soldiers going to fight in WWII. The museum showed an informative video about General Patton and the training camp, as well as being filled with Army artifacts.
Back in the car, we headed to our intended destination, the Joshua Tree National Park.
We stopped at the visitor's center to purchase our Senior Lifetime pass, then began our two hour drive through the park. We saw NO wildlife, but the rocks and Joshua trees were amazing. It almost felt as if we were on a different planet. A Joshua Tree isn't really a tree, but rather a species of yucca. The rock piles were formed underground about 250 million years ago ago as a result of volcanic activity due to the North American tectonic plate riding over the Pacific Plate,
After leaving the park, it was time to go to Palm Springs to overnight at the Best Western. Just prior to entering Palm Springs, we saw an abundance of windmills. In fact, more windmills than we've ever seen! Note to self - research those windmills!
We enjoyed one of the best meals EVER at Spencer's. The calamari was by far, the very best we've ever had, followed by truffle French fries which a description can't do them justice. I had amazing scallops and Rob's coconut shrimp were beyond delicious. We finished our meal with carrot cake that was heavenly. The ambiance in this restaurant was incredible. It was an open ceiling with trees within the seating area. The large glass windows showcased the mountain that was in the background. All in all, we felt that it was a dining experience that we'll always remember.
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