Spring in Los Angeles means many things. Open windows. Musky Jasmine blossoms. Rogue beach days. But for me, it always stirs a need deep in my soul to return to the desert. Lucky for us, we don't have to go far. Weekending in Palm Springs is the norm, but this year Spring offered a spiritual respite off the grid. For my friend Natalie's bday (you may remember her as
octo-girl), we ventured deep into Joshua Tree's boulder country for a sun-spiked, dusty boot brand of good ol' R&R. With tequila.
First, let's talk about this crazy house. Bless Natalie's
VRBO karma, because she scored with Boulder House, a throwback to kitschy Crayola Southwest pageantry at its best.
And Boulder House isn't deemed so for nothing. The master suite is tucked between some ancient big guys, who are quite the sight (and great huggers). Still, I couldn't have been happier with my adorable lil' cowboy twin room.
The morning view from my bed of sleeping boulders and acres of desert foliage grounded my soul. This is vacation.
A desert day started right, with
Stumptown Cold Brew stubbies to sip on in the morning sun while cast iron flapjacks sizzled on the wood-burning stove inside.
Dates, fruits and homemade corn nuts from a nearby farm graced the table at every meal.
The water was a wee bit cold for me, so I readied some poolside drinks while the polar bear club dared each other to commit the dip.
I whipped up a pitcher that was a riff on the
Sonoran Sunset, a cocktail inspired by my desert hometown Tucson. I replaced prickly pear syrup with earthy raw pomegranate juice, which justly compliments the secret ingredient - Spicy black peppercorn and serrano chili infused tequila.
Yucca Valley Sunset
1 1/2 oz black pepper/serrano-infused tequila
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz raw pomegranate juice
1/2 oz Cointreau
Shake, shake. Serve in a salt-rimmed glass.
Afternoon plans: Desert Gold, the photo shoot. What else?
Nightfall was illuminated only by birthday candles and flashlights hiking into the desert darkness. Fiery-bright stars, beer, and makeshift "piñata" action... Boulder naps, hot tubs and bats.
Thanks for the tip, fridge. (Yes, we visited
Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown on the drive out of Yucca Valley the following day - what feels like the
original Western saloon. Highly recommended.)
Until next time, Boulder House... Spring
does come every year.
