Coachella Valley Preserve

Thousand Palms, CA

The beginning of the trail was interesting

Hidden Palms Loop was calling our name today so Denis put on his new hiking shorts and hat and we tackled the 5-mile hiking trail.  They told us it was a moderate to difficult trail but forgot to mention boring.  We found the hidden palms which were lovely but after that it was all flat and varied between rocky, soft sand, dusty wash or access road.  The trail was difficult to follow and we were off-trail quite a bit.  Every once in a while we'd see a trail marker and make a mid-course correction.
Our handheld GPS helped keep us heading in the right direction.  We were very happy to see the parking lot.  

Heading toward those palms meant we were heading in the right direction

Went by a place that provides covered wagon tours

Flat Tailed Horn Lizard

FIVE GUYS BURGERS VS. IN-N-OUT BURGERS

We were tired, hungry and very dust and didn't relish the idea of making dinner.  Called Tony and Mieke and they met us at Five Guys Burgers and Fries.  None of us have eaten there before and we wanted to compare it to In-N-Out Burgers.  We all liked In-N-Out better.  We agreed that the burger was better, they use fresher ingredients, better presentation, had real milk shakes, better fries and burger.