Desert Life in 29 Palms

After doing my first Things, Places and Events post, I have realized that these may need to be broken up a bit. So this post will focus on the Places we’ve been this week primarily – 29 Palms, California. This place did take a little bit of time to grow on me. It is well – in the middle of the desert. I now find desert life to be one of the most relaxing things. 

My in-laws live in 29 Palms so we typically go there a few times a year. My hubby and I have been going to the desert since I met him. (He has been going forever). When we first met we went to Gordon’s Well. Now, as life has transformed we find ourselves in 29 Palms instead.

When we first started visiting Mark’s parents and grandparents there wasn’t as much out there as there is today. Mark, his parents, their dog and I would all sleep in a one room cabin together. We really got to know each other well back then 🙂 Now, that they have added on, there are probably sleeping accommodations for over 15 people. They have really expanded their home. They added on a house, 4 sleep trailers and still have the cabin.

29 Palms has become such a fun place for us to visit. The best part for me though is that it’s relaxing. My mother-in-law helps out with my kiddo and gives me extra time to unwind. Or I drink a lot of champagne. Whichever comes first.

This past trip there were about 11 of us that went out for the weekend. Oh and 8 dogs. My kiddo and one of her best buddies played together so well all weekend. They explored in their little jeep, checked out grandpa’s mule, fed the horse, played with basketballs and played on the swing set. 

We also let them run circles in the the horse’s corral (without the horse in there).

Did I mention there is a bar? Not just any bar… the Dirty Dawg Saloon. This is by far the coolest Saloon I have ever seen. My father-in-law built the bar with friends and family and added so many unique features. They are always busy building something new and having fun with their creations. 

My kiddo loves Ellie the horse. We went down each morning and afternoon to give her a treat.

While the ladies were at the house watching the kiddos and relaxing in anyway possible, the guys went looking for gold. I’m not kidding. This is totally still a thing. My dad, cousin, hubby, father-in-law, brother-in-law and family friends went out in search of big giant rocks of gold. They came back with some sand and sifted it for a while. I think they found a few flakes. From what I gather, it was quite the journey. They typically just go off roading but this trip was all about the prospecting.

We all had a really great trip. It was shorter than normal but we will be back soon I’m sure. My in-laws also live part time in Big Bear so we may make it back there first.

Have you been to 29 Palms? What do you do for fun in the desert?