Trio in Palm Springs

Trio is a trendy spot in Palm Springs where many of the locals enjoy classic American food. I had an opportunity to try a sample of different dishes off my friend's plates! Lol pretty good for the most part. I'm not too sure what the most popular thing was on the menu, but I enjoyed my half chicken with garlic mashed potatoes. Garlic mash is definitely a must try!

707 North Palm Canyon Drive

Palm Springs, CA 92262

http://www.triopalmsprings.com

The Crew

Deer Springs Trail To Suicide Rock

Deer Springs Trail located in Mount San Jacinto State Park, was actually recommended to us after realizing we would not be able to hike San Jacinto Peak because of all the snow still present. The area was named after the legendary luminous spirit-demon of the Soboba Indian Tribe. Suicide Rock is well known for having over three hundred rock climbing routes as well. We were not sure what we were getting ourselves into. Ultimately, this hike turned out to be a pretty cool trail. The trail was easy to locate after speaking to a park ranger. It is required to obtain a Wilderness Permit to hike any of the trails in Idyllwild Pine Cove/Mount San Jacinto Wilderness. The beginning of the trail was a gradual incline which wasn't too bad; however, as I got toward the top, it was a bit harder to catch my breath but still doable. There was no snow at the start  of the trail but turned out to be quite some bit as we climbed higher up. As we hiked along, the Deer Springs Trail offered many great views of the surrounding mountains. I was fairly impressed. As we went along, it did feel a little bit longer to complete compared to other hikes I've done. Even I felt Mt. Baldy was faster than this! Anyway, it got to a point in the trail where there was so much snow that I had to bust out with my crampons and my two other friends had to use their microspikes. Good that we were prepared for the snow. It is still doable without crampons or microspikes but even with mine I still managed to slip. Top of suicide rock are views of Strawberry Valley, much of Idyllwild, and Tahquitz Peak. This trail starts at 5,600 feet ascending to 7,300 feet. It also leads to San  Jacinto Peak.

Hike Breakdown:

Level: Moderate

Distance: 7 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet

Parking: Adventure or Day Pass required except in designated free parking areas.

Directions: Take the 243 from Banning or Mountain Center. The parking area is marked with a sign that says Deer Springs Trail Parking. It is right across from Idyllwild Nature Center. Lat:33.77074 Lon:-116.69752

A couple that hikes together, stays together! Vivi & Sonia

Seriously at the edge. One step off you're dead! It's ok Sonia (lol)!

Photo Makers (If you don't remember this pose, you're too young)

Breathtaking Views of Tahquitz Peak

The Original Mama D's Italian Kitchen in Newport Beach

My favorite Italian restaurant! A must try and you will not be disappointed! There are two locations - Manhattan Beach and Newport Beach. Usually on a busy night, they will offer samples of calamari and garlic bread while you are waiting. The service is phenomenal every time I go. The servers will make a point to remember your name. It's busy every weekend but worth it every time. One flaw would be their parking situation. You have the option to do street parking or valet. I would choose valet! The Mama D's pink sauce is a definite must try also!!! You can try "make" your own dish by choosing the kind of pasta you want and veggies or meat to mix in whatever sauce you choose. Haven't had a bad combo so far. The calamari as well as garlic bread tastes dee-lish but don't get full off of that...make room for your entree. Big pasta portions that two people can share. Shout to my friend Merrick for taking me here awhile ago!

3012 Newport Blvd.
Newport Beach, CA 92663
http://www.mamadsnewport.com/

Garlic Bread with Olive Oil & Garlic Sauce

Stuffed Mushrooms

Caprese Salad

Dane's Dish with Mama D's Pink Sauce

Spaghetti Marinara with Meatball

Crescent Bay Point Park

Scenic views at Crescent Bay Point Park located off Pacific Coast Highway. My friend Dee showed me this beautiful place hidden in a residential neighborhood. One of the best places to see the Sunset. Parking is on residential street and you're a few steps away from a gorgeous view. You can see seals hanging around one of the rocks nearby. Also a great place to take someone on a first date.

Salton Sea

Salton Sea was re-established in 1905 when flooding of the Colorado River hit canal gates and shaped the Imperial Valley rushing into the salton trough. By the time it was controlled, the 130 mile shoreline was created. One of the world's largest inland seas and lowest spots on earth at -227 below sea level with high levels of salt, the Salton Sea basin has limited the number of types of fish that can be found there, and most fish currently caught are Tilapia. The Salton Sea State Recreation allows day use, boat launch, and camping. Day use parking is $5, boat launching $3, and camping $20.

This isn't sand but years and years of dead barnacles and bones of dead fish.