Water in the Desert

There are places that people just shouldn't go.  If you need special equipment to hang out, or have to struggle, just to get there, you might want to think twice about putting your home there.  I mean, really, to be in the ocean, you need scuba equipment and a boat, and if you want to stay there for a month, you need a way to replenish your supplies.

For humans to live there, the desert needs water.  That's it.  Tons and tons of water. Fortunately there is an aquifer under Palm Springs.  Wells and pumps pull water to the surface to build the oasis.  Unfortunately, not all of the water comes from the natural aquifer.  Much of it comes from Lake Mead in Nevada, pulled off the Colorado River. 

Before the dam was built, there was a smaller dam break that sent water to what is now the Salton Sea.  Water was there, and people came.  Now, driving around this accidental lake, you see the tail end of that cycle, boom to bust.  Abandoned lots and businesses.  People who love the desert still live there, but not much in the way of water skiing or fishing going on.

Then there is the date farming.  Dates are delicious and hard to grow.  We saw a movie at Shields Date Farm showing the hand work necessary to cultivate each date.  They need the dry desert air, but they also need the roots to be flooded for them to grow fat and sweet.  Every week, the orchard is flooded from water coming off Lake Mead or pumped from Northern California.  The valley produces most of the American grown dates.  Important, but difficult to sustain.  Water issues are complex when you consider people making a living, economic issues, the health of the environment.  But you know, the dates taste good.  YUMMM, and we had a Date Shake.  Probably the sweetest milkshake I've ever had.  Dad, Emily and I split one, and didn't finish it.

Off to the La Quinta Art Show.  No water issues here.  Just art.  Beautiful art.  I don't think I've ever been to such a large art show that had so many true pieces of art.  There wasn't a craft booth in the bunch.  Of course that meant very high price points, but it was good to see pieces being purchased.  I love to see artists getting paid for their work.

Back to my Dad's house and for a ride on the golf cart.  I would love one of those things.  They don't go fast.  They don't go far, but they get you around.  Definitely beats walking.

Another nice dinner with Dad and Nancy.  Great to sit around and talk.  Dad and Nancy and Emily have all been to such exotic places.  China, Russia, Switzerland.  I loved hearing the stories.

Now to set the alarm for 1:30 am to begin the Vegas leg of the trip.