View From the Top

While my Mom and her husband George were here visiting, we decided to do something we have yet to do in the almost 5 years we have lived here - take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. We really wanted to make a trip up the mountain in late winter, when snow would still be on the ground, especially seeing how the kids loved Big Bear and sledding so much. But we never made it. However with temps reaching 110 in Palm Springs Saturday, it seemed like a perfect retreat as once you reach the top of the 2 1/2 mile journey on the largest rotating tram, you are greeted with temperatures a whooping 35 degrees cooler!!!! And yes you heard me correctly - the largest tram (fitting 65 people at capacity) rotates as it ascends and descends the mountain. While this may seem like a wondrous invention, allowing everyone panoramic views of the mountains and the valley below, it can be quite daunting to say the least. We were also joined by my brother Tony and his family, as well as my Aunt Clara. Here is our only group shot. Please don't mind the cheesy super imposed image behind us. Overall, not a bad picture for a group of eleven that included 4 kids.

And here is a selection of pictures from our trip up and down the tram. Once you arrive at the top, there are various locations to view the valley below but there is also miles and miles of beautiful trails winding through pristine wilderness and huge forests. It really is gorgeous. I don't know that I managed to capture the true beauty of it, but the kids had a great time running around and I definitely want to make a trip back up there in late fall or winter when there is snow on the ground. I bet it is down right breathtaking.

Jadyn and Daddy on the ride up:
View of the tram coming up the mountain:
View from the tram on the way up:
View from the top (unfortunately kind of a hazy day):
Our attempt at a family photo. Don't just love Jake's pouty face?:

The kids running down a trail in the forest:
Daddy take the kids over to the ranger station:
Jadyn with Mommy:
Jake and Daddy exploring the rocks:
And Jadyn checking out the greenery:
All smiles on the way down: