By Ann Davis
18 Sep, 2015
Community Types, Equestrian properties, Horseshows, Indio, Palm Springs Valley, Polo & HITS, Ranches, Ranches and Farm Land
equestrian properties for sale, Palm Springs valley, Ranches and Farm Land for Sale
A romantic evening on a Full Moon Trail Ride in Morongo Valley
Equestrian activities in the Palm Springs Valley are plentiful, so if you happen to be a horse person, rest assured there is no lack of exciting things to experience here in the desert. Whether it’s watching world class horse events held in the east valley – Indio, Coachella, Thermal area… or trail riding in the Palm Springs, High Desert area, your options are many.
SADDLE UP FOR A TRAIL RIDE
Trail riding is such a wonderful way to get intimate with the desert landscape. It’s meditative. You’re surrounded by nature as you wind your way on horseback through the ruggedly beautiful canyons of the local mountains with the sun on your back. Palm Springs is fortunate to be home to historic Smoke Tree Stables, tucked away off of the busy thoroughfare of Highway 111. There you will find group packages available for trail riding adventures into nearby Indian Canyons, where the Cahuilla Indians used to roam and native palm oases and streams grace the landscape. Picnic lunches or western cookouts can be included, whatever your fancy.
You can also hightail it up to the High Desert area of Morongo Valley for trail riding… it’s just a short 20 minute drive up Hwy. 62 from Palm Springs. The High Desert offers it’s own brand of magic, as it’s typically at least 10 degrees cooler up there (which is nice in the summer) and the scenic views of snow-capped Mount San Jacinto and Mount San Gorgonio absolutely take your breath away. You’ll think you’re in the Swiss Alps.
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LOOKING FOR A “STAYCATION” LOCATION?
Two Bunch Palms famous for its mineral water grotto.
Palm Springs Valley is such a jewel, as it is home to compelling locales like Two Bunch Palms resort. I’m always surprised how many full time desert residents I talk to have never made the short drive to Desert Hot Springs to partake of Two Bunch Palms’ unique offerings. Once there, you feel like you are in a place out of time. Two of the Resort’s most famous offerings are their artesian mineral waters, revered by people from all over the world, and its illustrious history involving the notorious gangster Al Capone.
Personally, I go to Two Bunch to “take the waters,” as many refer to the mineral lithium rich hot springs that naturally occur in the Palm Springs Valley from the ground underneath. The lithium has an amazingly soothing effect that’s hard to describe . . . it’s something you have to experience firsthand. Many people come to Two Bunch just to float in the grotto, equipped with a good book and a cold beverage, as you must keep yourself well hydrated while immersed in the hot water for any length of time. It’s easy to drift off into a dreamlike state and there’s a quiet hush around the waters, with a sign posted asking for silence to be observed, or at least quiet whispering. You will never sleep better or feel more relaxed than after a soak here.
WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO AFTER A SOAK AT TWO BUNCH?
Two Bunch Palms dates as far back as the 1930s when Al Capone and his gangster buddies hung out there, it was their desert hideaway. Once you’ve visited the Resort, nestled amid native palm and tamarisk trees, it’s easy to understand why they were drawn to this little oasis. Since that time, Two Bunch has also served as a hideaway for many of Hollywood’s celebrities and those seeking a relaxing respite away from the public eye. It was acquired by new owners in 2012 and has been updated and improved to attract an ever-growing number of guests. How about a walk through the labyrinth to calm and center your mind? Take a stroll in nature around the grounds and you’ll find the turtle and duck ponds, so soothing. There is a menu of amazing spa treatments, maybe a mud bath today? Yoga in the yoga dome and other fitness classes are available for those with energy to work off.
A light-filled and natural ambiance sets the tone at farm to table restaurant, Essense
FARM TO TABLE RESTAURANT AND THE COMFIEST OF ACCOMMODATIONS
As a guest at Two Bunch, you’ll want to eat healthily. . . that’s what their guests typically desire. And for most of us, eating is an adventure and an important part of any vacation. Two Bunch’s newly renovated restaurant, Essense, offers fresh organic dishes in a comfortable natural wood and stone environment. Sharing plates is encouraged and all part of the dining experience. And as for accommodations, the Resort offers 70 newly renovated rooms and suites scattered around the 77 acre property. Some of the rooms are conveniently situated close to the soaking grotto and restaurant/spa area and others provide a more private setting. All rooms are outfitted with energy efficient sustainable elements and fixtures . . . and the organic linens complete the ambiance.
BEFORE THE BUSY SEASON SETS IN . . . INDULGE
Two Bunch Palms resort is waiting for you to discover it! They offer Special Packages, so let yourself be enticed into a little trip to where you don’t know what time it is, and you don’t really care . . . AND it’s located conveniently right down the road from your Palm Springs Valley home. You’re worth it, and I assure you, you’ll be back again . . . the waters are addicting!
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It’s darned HOT
in the Palm Springs Valley this time of year . . . as the temperatures rise, hikers need to take extra precautions on the trail to avoid illness and injury.
And it happens every summer, as ill-prepared hikers head into the heat without a proper understanding of the effects of heat-related illnesses. These include dehydration, heat cramps, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat rash. Long-term health complications can result by ignoring these symptoms . . . and in some cases, it can even lead to death.
First of all, make sure that you know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses: Red, hot, dry skin; no sweating (sign of heat stroke); heavy sweating (sign of heat exhaustion); rapid, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; paleness; muscle cramps; fainting.
You must make preparations for preventing these symptoms, as it also helps to make the hike much more enjoyable and hikers will receive greater physical benefits from the exercise.
Hiking in the Palm Springs Valley offers a wide variety of scenic adventures. From the desert valley to the highland pines, there are hikes to suit every mood. When hiking in the heat, you must be sure to be prepared:
- Let someone know where you are going, what time you will be starting and approximately when you will complete your hike.
- Know the route ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the surroundings
- Use good judgment. Hike in the early morning hours or late evening
- Stay on the trail and do not cut switchbacks
- Hike with a friend or group as cell phone coverage may be spotty.
- Carry plenty of water (and food if the hike is long) and drink a lot before and often during the hike.
- Watch out for rattlesnakes.
- Take rests in the shade
- Cover up most of your skin – wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes
- Wear a sun block with at least 15 SPF – reapply every one to two hours
- Always wear a hat when you hike, preferably one with a brim or back flap
- Always wear sunglasses to avoid sunburn to your retina
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Two Bunch Palms Resort has been sold out of receivership to an investment group of Hollywood people. All of the new owners have been visitors to the Spa/Resort for many years and hopefully understand the uniqueness and sense of spirituality that presides over this magical place.
Two Bunch does need updating..
Any time a Facelift is considered, a doctor will always tell you that the original isn’t “lost, just different..and better.” Hopefully, that’s what will happen here. Two Bunch is a historical site, a draw to our Northern Valley and the mineral hot spas are unique and addictive. Healing waters, calming atmosphere, a touch of Hollywood thrown in, but entirely unique to Desert Hot Springs. Just one of the many venues unique to our Palm Springs Valley.
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