On Saturday we were able to spend the day with Barry.  Seeing how we had already done the "neat stuff" like Joshua Tree and the Tram, all that was left was a drive out to Indio for a date shake and a visit to the Salton Sea.

Not knowing what to expect, it ended up being a very fun day.  We stopped for breakfast in Indio and continued going east, discovering the joys of artichokes, headless muffler men, derelict night clubs and finally a state park.  On the way back we did the proper tourist thing -- we stopped at an oasis for a date shake.

A little east of Indio we came across an artichoke field. Artichokes are a winter crop because it so cool.

Did he just pick that?

Or was it just laying on the ground... it seemed to inspire wonder... like a lotus or something else just as holy. We are in awe.

We seem to found eternal happiness in the holy thistle...

... until we come across this headless giant. Now we know are just this side of Nirvana!

"I only regret I have but one head to lose for my muffler"

Now cough.

Gregg has really stuck his foot in it this time.

Why not? It is their store.

A few more miles down the road, we see the Salton Sea in the distance, but this impressive sight is between the highway and the shore.

It appears to be an abandoned art deco building.

It is all boarded up.

It must have been some swinging night club back in the 50's & 60's.

It was called "Aces & Spades". So far out into the middle of nowhere. I can't imagine who would need to "get away" from Palm Springs 50 years ago.

Gregg and Barry investigated the place. We all wondered what happened to the place...

The beach for the place was very freaky. The beach is made up of several feet deep of sun-bleached shells... maybe small snails, shrimp or some type of barnacle.

Winds have been blowing the shells into dunes for 40+ years. See how they have buried the slide and this submarine playground toy.

The water is very yucky looking. Barry didn't want to drink it, now matter how thirsty he was.

What?! A marina?

Heading back to Palm Springs, we stop at the Oasis Date Garden outside of Indio to enjoy a date shake.

Almost back to Palm Springs, we stop at Sear to try on a shoe phone. (Was that a size 86 or 99?)

Back at the Desert Bear Resort.