Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Outdoor Wednesday / Indian Canyons (Palm Canyon), California

In the vicinity of Palm Springs, California the Agua Caliente Cahuilla Indians settled centuries ago.  They developed complex communities in the Palm, Murray, Andreas, Tahquitz and Chino Canyons.  With an abundant water supply , the plants, animals and Cahuilla Indians thrived.  Evidence of their lives in these canyons still remains today if you are willing to take the hiking trails to get back into Indian Country and see for yourself.  My husband and I enjoy these hiking adventures but, haven't covered even a fraction of the distance available for exploring on foot.

We have spent time in Palm, Murray and Andreas Canyons in the past, but, Palm Canyon was our destination this past Sunday.  This canyon is 15 miles long and is one of the areas of great beauty in North America and is considered the world's largest California Fan Palm Oasis.  Many of the trees have been singed with fire from lightning strikes during the monsoon seasons.  And, notice the fall colors in early January!


These photos were taken in Palm Canyon.  The winter weather was perfect for an outdoor hiking adventure.  In fact, winter is about the only season that is welcoming in this harsh desert landscape.

Click on photos to enlarge!

11 comments:

Gena said...

These pictures are truly amazing - such contrasts - palsm and ryness ... great textures and contrast!!! Happy OW

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Fascinating! Not only was the story of the Indians interesting, but the terrain in these pictures, with the palms is just so neat. Thank you for taking us along on this hike. I enjoyed it.

Happy Outdoor Wednesday to you...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Light and Voices said...

Happy Outdor Wednesday! I like your up close and personal images of palm trees.
Joyce M

Hootin Anni said...

Wow.....what a wonderful hike!! I love this share. It makes for a wonderful, perfect Wednesday morning.

COME ON OVER & SEE SOME c - SHELLS!

Ebie said...

Looks like a good terrain for hiking. Thanks for tagging along thru your photos. I have never seen so many wide and huge fan leaves!

Digital Flower Pictures said...

That looks and sounds really cool.

storyteller said...

Looking at your photos of Palm Canyon has me feeling nostalgic and thinking of my dad for this is one the last places we visited together before he passed in 1976. Thanks for sharing and for visiting my Outdoor/Midweek Blues at Happily Retired Gal. You might enjoy the 'winged creatures' I shared at Sacred Ruminations yesterday when time permits ;-)
Hugs and blessings,

Old Time Cindy said...

These trees are so cool! I love connecting with nature by hiking. This cold spell is keeping me indoors for now. Thanks for letting me hike with you...
Living it up at Lakewood,
Cindy

Lindy said...

Your post has shown me a new place to visit and hike once we return to our home in Arizona. These photos are amazing!

Thanks for this beautiful tour, and thanks for stopping by my blog, too. =)

Blondie's Journal said...

What a wonderful post, Carolyn. The pictures of the palms are just amazing!!

Happy Outdoor Wednesday! :-)

xoxo
Jane

Regina said...

Awesome captures, thank you for sharing.

Regards.

Regina