Desert Hot Springs: Soaking in the Views

The Spring, Desert Hot Springs, CA.

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Set in the midst of a residential area in Desert Hot Springs, California, is The Spring, "A natural hot mineral spring resort and spa." An oasis with swaying palm trees, impressive views of the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains, The Spring boasts "some of the richest mineral water in the world." Part of "Miracle Hill," a hotbed for powerful, healing mineral waters, its aguas have been compared to the miracle waters of Lourdes, France. People flocked to The Spring in the 50s to take advantage of its waters' restorative properties. The property includes an indoor pool, outdoor jacuzzi, sauna, massage rooms, outdoor fire pit and a large swimming pool, around which are most of the boutique spa's rooms.

Grand Canyon: Living on the Rim

Mr D'z Route 66 diner, Kingman, AZ.

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The Grand Canyon is a 6-7 hour drive from Las Vegas. It’s a drive with an impressively expansive, flat, no-man's-land feeling landscape. There are long stretches of road with few rest areas, so bring provisions. We made a pit stop at the Hoover Dam, which straddles Arizona and Nevada.

Mountain Side Gear Rental: Camping Equipment Rentals Delivered to YOU

Mountain Side Gear Rental

I'm in the midst of planning a West Coast adventure trip. The fun will start at a close friend's wedding outside San Francisco and continue with a road/plane trip with another friend coming in from Barcelona, Spain, to explore the vineyards in Sonoma and cities like Las Vegas. The highlight: a camping adventure inside the Grand Canyon. One of the greatest obstacles though, until now, was figuring out how we would pull of our camping outing. We couldn't possibly smuggle all the necessary gear on the different planes we are taking to California from NYC and Barcelona respectively. And with airlines now charging for checked luggage, we needed a smart solution. I searched online for camping rental shops near the Grand Canyon and was about to give up, when I stumbled upon a forum, where a woman mentioned Mountain Side Gear Rental. 

What do they do? Rent camping and backpacking equipment, everything from tents to cooking sets.