Saturday morning 9 of us took off on a short (3 mi. round trip) hike to Palm Canyon. The weather was perfect -- low 60s when we started out with no wind. We left early and beat the crowds.
It was a fairly flat path, and we had fun playing around while we walked.
We missed the wildflowers by about 3 weeks, but cacti and some bushes were in bloom. This one has "special" properties and is much-loved by those who enjoy smoking new & different things. Can't remember what it's called ...
The creek bed had water in it, and in several places we had to cross over.
Not a very good picture, but there's a small waterfall with a little pool below:
That's the creek behind me ...
Once we got to Palm Canyon we were met with lots of water & greenery -- very lush for a desert. And there were hummingbirds everywhere!
This gives you an idea of the Coachella Valley looking from the top of Palm Canyon. Very big -- and flat!
We were lucky to not run into any rattlesnakes, as their babies are coming out en masse right now. They don't have rattles, making them awfully dangerous. Lots of lizards, and even some big horn sheep on the sides of the hills. It was a great hike!
Laura
Can't think of the name of them either... 
