Peaks, Palms and Picnics

About the Book

    When Linda Pyle's mother first suggested that they write a book about day trips and picnicking in the desert,Linda resisted. Searing heat, flat endless terrain and dry sand washes came to mind. Though she and her husband had extensively hiked the high country, the desert wilderness seemed mysterious and impenetrable. Her parents didn't even own a pair of hiking shoes. Still,four months later they put the desert to the test. Following the Boo Hoff trail in the Santa Rosa Mountains,they let the story of the Coachella Valley unfold to them. The resulting new book Peaks, Palms and Picnics puts readers on the path to adventure as they discover:

Remote back roads, historic city streets and ancient Indian trails

    After researching and writing the book, Linda now says, "Maybe deep memories of generations surviving numbing cold winters eventually drove us to seek out the sun-swept desert." Now living in San Clemente,CA, her family roots are in Minnesota. Digging into the history of the Coachella Valley unearthed for them some real heroes, heroines,pioneers, outlaws and renegades who they found as fascinating as the Hollywood movie stars who glamorized the Desert.Pyle says, "Whether seventeen or seventy, unexpected surprises and delights wait for those who venture into the real desert."

TOP 10 REASONS TRAVELERS TO PALM SPRINGS AND THE COACHELLA VALLEY SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!      

1.You don't play golf (all the time.)

2. You think a Fish Trap is an underwater sand trap.

3. You think the Village Green is for putting practice.

4. You don't know where to find a wayward Bighorn named Rosie or a smiling mountain lion nameed Reno.

5. Your idea of adventure is a 15 minute stroll on the sidewalk (and you don't own a pair of hiking shoes)

6. You think just anyone can be buried in Palm Springs.

7. You think the West's last great manhunt took place in Arizona.

8. Your idea of adventure is a 15 mile trek up a mountain (and you own several pairs of hiking shoes)

9. You've never tasted a date shake.

10.You don't know your creosote bush from an ocotillo.    

About the Author

Linda McMillin Pyle, a graduate of the University of Minnesota, has published articles, photographs and recipes on desert plants. She and her husband Scott have been hiking Southern California mountains and deserts since 1984. Her parents, John and Evelyn McMillin, joined them on the Coachella Valley trails. All reside in San Clemente, California.