The Two RV Gypsies: Full-Time RVers

and Karen Duquette's sister, Ilse Blahak
enjoyed Palm Springs Aerial Tram
Palm Springs, California

(page 1 of 3)
April 26, 2009

Before going up in the tram, food was a must, so a stop a Charlotte's was in order. When the two RV Gypsies and Karen Duquette's younger sister, Ilse Blahak, first walked into the restaurant, they were greeted by a very friendly and polite lady who showed them to their seats. But it seemed strange that they were the only customers in the restaurant. The decor was also strange - because it did not all match. The tables had a black tablecloth covered by a white tablecloth. The chairs were red and gold, but the chairs at each table were a different. There were also a few high-top round tables. The ceiling was painted like the sky. Drapes were gold with pale blue shears. The piano was red and blue.

After the food was ordered but had not yet arrived, a lady and child walked in, sat down, and immediately got food. The two RV Gypsies soon realized that she was with the band that had come in shortly after the two RV Gypsies arrived. Soon the band started playing although the two RV Gypsies and Karen Duquette's sister were the only customers. The band was quite enjoyable. As the band left, they turned to the two RV Gypsies said, "Thank you for listening to our practice session." Karen Duquette responded, "It was our pleasure".

The server then came and explained that she was also cooking the food and asked for patience because she wanted the food to be fresh and properly cooked. When the food came, all three meals were absolutely excellent, although it was a limited menu. The two RV Gypsies highly recommend this restaurant, however, it must be noted that there was a "restaurant for lease" sign outside of the restaurant. It would be a shame to see this place change.

Charlotte's Restaurant
Charlotte's Restaurant
Below: Scenery and the drive up to the Valley Station to catch the tram to the top of the mountain.
the view on the drive to the tram station
the view on the drive to the tram station
the view on the drive to the tram station
Below: Lee Duquette and Ilse Blahak walking up the steep parking lot to the Valley Station. Karen Duquette was already at the entrance.
Lee & Ilse walking up the steep parking lot
sign - elevation 2,643 feet
USA Flag & California State Flag
Below: Views from the Cascade Patio
the view from the Cacade Patio
a picnic table - not a great place to eat

Below: The cables and the very steep mountain - the actual length traveled by the tram is 12,708 feet and it took only 11 minutes.

the view from the Cacade Patio
the view from the Cacade Patio
Below: A Tram car coming down - each tram can hold 80 people (but the two RV Gypsies, and especially Ilse, would NOT want to be in it with that many people).
tram coming down
tram coming down
Each tram weighs 35,600 pounds, is 18 feet in diameter, and 8 feet high. The cabin floor slowly rotates twice per trip on ascent and descent. There are five cable towers. The first tower is the tallest at 227 feet.
view
small waterfall
Because the top of the mountain was so amazing, many photos were taken. In order to have the photos load quickly, they were divided into several pages.
next page Page 2 of 3 - GOING UP 12,708 FEET