Leader Dan French thinks the desert will be too wet on original date of March 5 & proposes a later Saturday in March. It still will depend on weather. He hopes to be at this meeting to discuss.

Camping trip -- Plans to leave early Saturday morning & drive to camp site. Participants will need to meet after club meeting to discuss carpooling, equipment, etc. We plan to camp Sat & Sun evenings. If anyone would like to go for just one night, let it be known too. We will probably camp at Lake Cahuilla or one of the Salton Sea sites. There are shower facilities at these places. Remember the good walking shoes, sunscreen, plenty of water, etc.

The following are some of our destinations. Information on each can be found on the Internet, each has a website.

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens: The Living Desert was established in 1070 and has grown to become one of the most successful zoological gardens in the country. Within it's 1,200 acres there are lush botanical gardens representing 10 different ecosystems -- from the Southwest & Mexico to East Africa & Madagascar. There are over 400 desert animals representing over 150 species. There are also wilderness hiking trail, Native American exhibits and special events/programs. When the weather is warm, it is best to visit the garden in the morning. Plan 3-4 hours for exploration. The gardens open at 0900. Admission fee is $10.95 for adults, $9.50 for seniors 62+.

The Moorten "Desertland" Botanical Garden is a compact showcase of desert trees and cacti. It is only about an acre in size, but every square inch is packed with desert specimens. It is truly a desert gem, well worth a visit. The map you receive upon entering indicates the different regions where the plants are native. The desert regions represented include; the Sonoran, Mojave, Arizona, California, Texas, Colorado, and Central Mexico. The map also has the following information about the history of the garden:

The Moorten family, all desert plant specialists, turned their residence estate into a living museum of desert lore. There is something of interest for everyone with glistening crystals, colorful rocks, ancient fossils, pioneer and gold-mine relics.

Long established in Palm Springs since 1938, this private arboretum was created to share with everyone the beauty and extraordinary varieties of desert plants from around the world-featuring desert trees and cacti from miniatures to giants. It is a classic collection of more than 3000 varieties of plants designed in concentrated habitats along a nature trail. Also, a special exhibition of quite rare plants called the world's first "Cactarium" (a word they coined in this profession).

The Moorten’s Mediterranean style home, called "Cactus Castle" is in the Palm Grove Oasis, often described as a haven of tranquility. The charm of old Palm Springs.

Indian Canyons: Palm Springs and the surrounding area has been described as a recreation oasis as early as the 1890s.

Tahquitz Canyon and three southern canyons are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Palm and Andreas Canyons have the most and second most palm trees in the world, with Murray Canyon listed as fourth. The canyons and associated resources are especially sacred to the Indians today and are historically important to scientists and nature lovers. Please enjoy the free gifts of equanimity and serenity that you may take with you. While in Palm Canyon, visit the Trading Post for hiking maps, refreshments, Indian art and artifacts, books, jewelry, pottery, baskets, weavings and conversational cultural lore. The canyons are open 0800-5:00 PM daily. Admission is $6.00 adults, $4.00 seniors 62+

(details to be announced)

(details to be decided)