San Diego to Indio, CA – 10/7/2016 – http://fulltimetimeshare.com/blog

October 7, 2017 (Friday)

Graduation day! Exciting! We got up early and were out the door by 8:00 AM. Way early for us. We went to a local McDonald’s and did our usual travel breakfast, then headed on to the base – which was close by. Once we got on base, there was quite the line of cars/people waiting to get in for the graduation. Before you can get in, however, they have to search your vehicle. We finally got to the area where you park and open all the doors, hood, and trunk and they tell you to go wait nearby. While there we got to visit with Paul (Michael’s brother), his wife, and two of their grand kids.

The vehicle search area. (Five lanes deep.)

Paul told the story of an incident from the previous day when they were there. While he was still talking, a young Marine come to the front of our car line and yelled (really loud) for the owner of the white Prius hybrid to come to their vehicle. I thought they must have found something bad in the car, or were upset by how much junk we had in the car, that we were going to be in trouble. Come to find out we were just listening to Paul talk and we didn’t hear them call to go back to our vehicles. We were so relieved we weren’t arrested. So funny. Marines are scary when they’re yelling.

After we found parking, we had to walk totally around the graduation parade field to the bleachers (but first a potty stop). The graduation class for nephew Jonathan was well marked and we were able to meet up with all the family there. So nice to see them. How proud they must be. The whole thing was like a well oiled machine and went smooth. Beautiful grounds and a beautiful spot for a graduation.

The bleachers from which we watched graduation. There is no walking across the parade grounds, you have to walk around.

From World War I, the English bulldog has been the mascot of the Marine Corp.

I am sure there has been lots of fun and games on these bars.

Found our beloved niece, Paula in the bleechers. — Found our beloved niece, Paula, in the bleachers.

Beloved nephew in law, Benjamin and beloved great niece, Emily. — Beloved nephew in law, Benjamin, and beloved great niece, Emily.

It is a huge parade ground and they marched much of it.

One of the company's during the ceremony. — One of the many companies during the ceremony.

The Marine Band. They were impressive in every way. Music and maneuvers and sharp looks.

Jon's company passing by in parade. — Jon’s company passing by in parade.

It started right on time and the Marine Corp band played. The ceremony lasted about an hour and a half. The most fun was when the main officer talked basically about how there are something like 519 recruits, average age 19, and how when they arrived they were children and they are being returned as men. He said they will now say yes sir, no sir; they will probably eat faster than they did; and that now they will wear their pants up at their waist with a belt like an adult! Funny.

We said our goodbyes to the graduate and all the family and left. Was fun seeing all the recent recruits with their families and friends. They all seemed very happy and glad to be done with the three months of training.

Sharpshooter badge and because he is already attached to a unit he gets to wear a unit commendation that was earned in the past.

Happy proud family, happy, proud Marine.

Lots of proud families taking their young men home.

Air Force, Marine, and a Navy guy just left.

We left and headed to Indio, California – only about 150 miles but it took awhile because we had to go up and over a major mountain pass. We also got stuck behind a very slow driver who refused to get over even though he had ten+ cars behind him. It’s at times like this that we are glad we don’t carry a gun. We would only shoot to wound, but still, not what we should be doing. We keep telling ourselves we’re retired and there is no rush – kinder and gentler. It’s hard!

There is a really interesting statue company/artist on top. We were just going too fast to get good pictures, but full stagecoach, many many horses. They seemed to be all action poises and very attractive.

Coming over the top, an interesting looking house.

Winding out of the mountains, must be spectacular at night. We were reminded of the drive from Virginia City, Nevada to Reno Nevada at night.

Finally hit the valley floor, came out in Rancho Mirage. We love the palm trees.

We got into Rancho Mirage and went to a Cheesecake Factory. This has to be, hands down, my favorite setting for a Cheesecake Factory. It’s in a mall with water all the way around it. Just absolutely beautiful. We were surprised it wasn’t busier but realized because you have to walk so far to it, that’s the reason. There is no parking near since it is set inside the mall and water area.

It is an impressive waterway that flows the length of the shopping mall.

We always enjoy the faux Egyptian interior.

My chicken and biscuits, very delicious, also the real reason we go to the place.

Edie's pasta which was okay. — Edie’s pasta which was okay.

We got to registration at our resort (Wyndham Indio) and were totally shocked at all the people. We were told there is a music festival happening for the first time called “Desert Trip,” and the likes of Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones, etc. are here. A once in a lifetime event. Kinda wished we had known and we might have been interested in going. We were also told, because of the event, we needed to wear arm bands the entire week or else they would think we didn’t belong on grounds.

We are now in our “home” for the week and it is beautiful. We’re on the 4^th floor in a newly renovated building. We have granite counter tops, beautiful tile, a huge patio that overlooks a river and a hot tub. Just beautiful. We’re looking forward to walking the rim trail (near the earthquake fault line we’ve been told) and exploring the area. We are also excited to see our friend, Bonnie, who is coming for a visit. The weather is fantastic and the area is beautiful. We are tired so decided to wait and get groceries in the morning.

The lobby and the infamous parking pass area.

We got checked in and resisted the very lovely and persuasive Josephine and are not attending a presentation.

We are in a one bedroom. It is a very comfortable bed.

Edie loves this kind of vanity mirror, I find it dark. Something about lighting the face.

In the desert, a very shallow tub, which is good.

The berm (rim) walk looks like an earthen dam in the near distance just beyond the golf course.

That was our day. Hope yours was great!