Day Trip to Idyllwild, CA

Last Thursday, the temperatures in the desert were projected to be in the low 90's and so we decided to take a trip up in the mountains to Idyllwild where the temperature was going to be high 60's to low 70's.

From the website: Idyllwild CA

"Idyllwild is nestled in the San Jacinto mountains. Set among tall pines, sweet smelling cedars and Legendary rocks. The town has kept its "small town" atmosphere. Locally owned shops and restaurants are all you will find here. Come and experience the peace and quiet of Idyllwild.

If you are ready to get away from the traffic jams, or the noisy city life, this is the town for you. Idyllwild has perfect day hikes for the quick weekend hike, as well as the high country for the longer "over night" hiking journeys. Idyllwild gives way to many exciting and diverse mountain trails that provide hikers majestic views and breath-taking scenery. Offering a variety of trails enables hikers and adventurers of different skills and ages to take the opportunity to enjoy.

Rock Climbing is another favorite past time in which to enjoy Idyllwild. With many boulders and the legendary Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks, Idyllwild attracts beginners as well as seasoned professionals." It took about an hour to get there, and we watched the temperature drop as we drove up into the mountains. The closer we got to Idyllwild, the most striking thing we saw was evergreens -- so different from the desert! And were they BIG. Look closely at tree above -- Bob is hugging that BIG tree!!! Fun fact alert: Idyylwild is about 5,300 feet above sea level -- a mile high city. We continued past the town of Idyllwild to one of the areas where there are hiking trails (at this point we were about 7,000 feet above sea level). Bob thought we would hike. I thought we'd shop and go out for lunch . . . especially since I was wearing sandals! After almost 30 years of marriage, you'd think we'd discuss this ahead of time!!! We went for a VERY SHORT hike -- because of the sandals and the fact that there was still snow on the ground and the creek was running pretty fast so we couldn't cross to the other side to continue on the hiking trail! We saw all sorts of BIG wooden carvings . . . they were so cool! These would be great gateposts for the cabin Up North!!! Continuing through the downtown area we were reminded of the Door County peninsula in Wisconsin -- lots of cute little shops and restaurants in old houses along the main road through town. More scarved wooden pieces - on the roof. The Rustic Theater was a real movie theater. They were showing the movie Shopaholic. It was the tiniest theater ever!!! We stopped for lunch . . . Bob had the salmon salad sandwich I had the curry lentil soup Their bathroom had a toilet with decals in the bowl. How do you keep them stuck on? We got the biggest kick out of this gazebo and "grass" area -- lovely. But, read the sign . . . It says "No Dogs. No Smoking On Grass" -- and it's astroturf!!! "The girls" loved this place -- ARF (Animal Rescue Friends) Hadn't seen a phone booth in ages -- Bob had to make a call. A good day was had by all . . . ready for the return drive.