Palm Springs Desert Oasis – January 2017

Nagel has a tour to the “desert oasis” Palm Springs
Coach two-thirds full – currency exchange rate stings?
Many events along the way helped mold the holiday
Innisfail has the Training Centre, where police dogs play

Lethbridge has the high, long, trestle, sometimes with a train
Duty free shopping, Border crossing, and on our way again
The first overnight stop was at Holiday Inn, in Great Falls
A Welcome Reception was held for travel weary guys and dolls

Crossed and re-crossed the long Missouri river the second day
Saw the rock shaped like an elephant somewhere along the way
Butte offered Our Lady of the Rockies, atop the Divide, so high
Monida Pass was in good winter driving condition, some patches dry

After Idaho Falls, driving was rough, due to the wet, sticky snow
Crossed Snake river Canyon, where Evel Knievel put on his show
Overnighted at Cactus Pete’s, in the border town, called Jackpot
At Wells, came a time change zone, a long, extra hour, we got

To help pass the time, we played an entertaining horse racing game
Snowball, Marylou, Rusty, Midnight, Streak, were the horses’ name
We had a break in the interesting, historic Hotel Nevada in Ely
Sometime, thereafter, the sunshine came, and no snow to see

We passed hills that looked like they were made a sand
We saw Joshua Trees, Yucca, Cholla, native plants of the land
Overnighted in Las Vegas, Nevada’s famous gambling spot
Where food, gaming, entertainment and fun can be bought

We visited Ethel M. Chocolate Factory, tasted their ware
Saw Century Plant, Ocotillo, Cow’s Tongue cacti there
Along the way we saw the Fantail and Petticoat Palm Tree
Saw solar farms where power went into the grid for a fee

We travelled Historic US Route 66, with its washes and dips
Lunched at Twentynine Palms, some had fish and chips
Arrived at our pre-determined destination – Palm Springs
City tour guide showed us wind farms, among other things

Visited Shield’s Date garden to buy dates, and have a tasty date shake
Strolled Villagefest, where people were selling unique things they make
Rode the world’s largest rotating TRAMCAR, up the mountain – NO stopping
Went to Cabazon, had an adventure with the wind, for some shopping

Took in the week-end Flea Market – rows of stalls – looking for a bargain
Went on a wagon ride into the desert, toasted marshmallows, had FUN
Visited the Desert Museum and Zoo – rode the shuttle twice around
Some watched Wildlife Wonders Show, others the camel ride found

Two days of leisure – Tour Guide and Driver had days free
Our visit to Palm Springs is over, time there Superb! All agree
Tour overnighted in Las Vegas, at the Golden Nugget Hotel
Where we once again enjoyed Freemont Street – done so well

We travelled through the rugged Virgin river gorge
Northward, homeward, the tour continued to forge
There was snow on the mountains that forever tower
Overnighted at Comfort Suites, in Ogden, had Happy Hour

Had a Winter Wonderland journey, all next day
Holiday Inn, Great Falls, was the overnight stay
Last night together at the Farewell Dinner
Nagel, once again, has put together a WINNER!

We wave good-bye to new friends and old
Sadly, the tour is over – end of story told

Composed by Vickie Murphy from Airdrie, AB

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