Happy Returns

January 5, 2009

Day Five

A few weeks ago, I took a group of boys for a hike to the McCallum Grove at the 1000 Palms Oasis.  We hiked out to a little pond and oasis and then looped up over a hill and back to our trailhead.  We were enjoying the moment at the pond so much that I forgot to take any pictures.  I went back today to make up for it.

Here's a sign you probably won't see on any other hike in the desert.

A view of the pond at the McCallum Grove.  Some of the boys referred to this as a "Great big lake".

A palm reflecting in the pond.  Since the temperature was in the 50's I really was not too tempted to disobey the "No Swimming" sign.  On a hot summer day, that might not have been the case.

A family of palms overlooks the pond.

Light reflecting through palm fronds.

The 1000 Palms Oasis is a fascinating place with numerous hikes, none of which are very difficult.  It is a great place to take the whole family.  The area is part of the Coachella Valley Preserve, a 17,000 acre site permanently set aside to remain in its natural state.  

The oases are made possible by the San Andreas Fault which runs through the northern portion of the Coachella Valley.  Faulting allows groundwater to percolate to the surface and provide the constant water source that palms require.  Plant and animal life are abundant in the area and it's a wonderful stop for bird watchers.  I will be back again soon to do some of the other hikes the area offers.