Yes, yes, you are right…spring breaks are typically enjoyed on the coast, but this year Karen and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in the California desert; specifically, the largest Marine Base in the world, 29 Palms. Arriving at Palm Springs, Ca. courtesy of American Airlines, on Sunday Morning, 17 April, Karen and I were picked up at the airport by Staff Sergeant Adam Stanton and his lovely wife, Crystal. For the next 6 days we enjoyed a Southern California Spring Break that will not soon be forgotten!
It is hard to describe the topography and climate of the region. Twenty-Nine Palms is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and inhabited by Road-runners, Prairie Dogs, Tarantulas, and desert mice. The easiest way to describe the landscape is to imagine yourself on the Moon. The long range views go on forever. It is flat and just absolutely beautiful. The Base was established in 1951 as a remote training facility from Camp Pendelton. How can I say “isolated” and “remote” to the extreme degree?
Our Spring Break started in Palm Springs on Sunday with a delicious lunch at “Daily’s” restaurant. Once again, true to my low-carb diet, I enjoyed their version of the Cobb Salad. It is now #2, behind the Cobb Salad at Carrabbas. Palm Springs is a very clean and attractive city in the desert, populated by a combination of retirees and business owners. It was not unusual to see a variety of high-end sports cars and boutiques in the town with street names linked to various Hollywood stars such as Gene Autry, Bob Hope, Sinatra, etc. I could imagine endless warm days of soaking in the sun, playing golf and tennis, and sampling the various restaurants. I might finally get a real suntan!
Monday we travelled west to Cabazon Ca. for sightseeing and shopping. The weather was overcast and chilly. Needless to say, I was not dressed appropriately, and wondered what happened to the sunny warmth. Lunch was enjoyed at a local Chili’s restaurant. Another Cobb Salad; this time only average. On Tuesday we started a two-day mini-trip to San Diego, highlighted by a visit to the Zoo. After touring the parking lot for what seemed “forever”, we finally found a vacant spot. I really enjoyed the zoo, but noted that the NC Zoo in Asheboro is almost on par. That evening we toured the Gaslight District ending with a visit to the Yard House restaurant. Karen and Crystal enjoyed their homemade Macaroni and cheese entrée, and I had another Cobb Salad to keep the carbs away! Wednesday we took a sightseeing trip up the California Coast ending at Malibu. The highlight was a visit to the Santa Monica pier and a “Star-sighting” of last year’s American Idol winner, Lee Dewyze. In LA we stopped at an “In-N-Out Burger”. I had the Protein Burger…Essentially a double burger without bread (and of course no fries, although they looked delicious.) Wednesday evening Los Angeles hosted a visit from the Atlanta Braves and the New Orleans Hornets; therefore, we were stuck in LA traffic for nearly two hours as we travelled 15 miles!
One of the more enjoyable aspects of our visit was exercise walks around the Base. Close to Adam and Crystal’s residence was a golf course crafted right out of the desert. True to the spirit of the Marine Corp, the golf holes were decorated with vintage tanks, artillery pieces, and other assorted military hardware. I was consistently reminded of the honorable service our Military provides to this Country in some of the most inhospitable environments throughout the world. In the middle of an isolated desert this Marine Corp Base has thrived and serves to train most of the brave and valiant Marines who eventually deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan. I was totally humbled by the sacrifice that these men and women make to protect our Country. Semper Fi--Always Faithful!
Our flight back to NC was filled with a new level of respect for our Country…we had the privilege to see young Men and Women engaged in defending our freedom and Way of Life. I will forever be changed by this experience. I will be hesitant to grumble over little things that don’t go my way. I will be reluctant to complain about not having every comfort I want or feel I deserve. And I certainly will appreciate the freedoms and privileges enjoyed by being a citizen of the greatest Country on this planet. In spite of our flaws and petty squabbling, the USA continues to be the “land of the free and the home of the brave”. If the USMC can flourish in the desert for 60 years under adverse and challenging conditions, we can all do the same. Without their commitment and sacrifice, the “Palm Springs” of this world would not exsist.
Spring break in the Desert was a study in contrast of the opulence of Palm Springs and LA and the isolation of 29 Palms in the desert. One is about glorification of self and the other about self sacrifice. I wish all young people could experience what I did. It has a way of bringing focus to a life, a renewed sense of commitment and purpose. Thank You Staff Sergeant Adam Stanton, and Crystal, for your service.
