From the Ridiculous to the Sublime

Germans do love the Wild West.  Florian wanted to see Pioneertown.  Erected as a Hollywood set in the 40s, during the Golden Age of Westerns, it's the leading tourist attraction in Yucca Valley.

 This is the only photo op that required a treat from Florian's bottomless bag of tricks.

Local ranchers buy into the cowboy myth, too.

After getting out of town, we headed back to Palm Springs.   Florian had an early afternoon flight back to Chicago, where it was 26 degrees.

Mid-century modern homes are more my speed.  We bought a map at the tourist center and drove around a couple of neighborhoods where they're concentrated.  Great desert landscaping enhances their simple aesthetic.

 

This rattlesnake mosaic bordered one driveway.

Elvis Presley honeymooned here.

We had brunch at Sherman's Delicatessen which always seems to be mobbed.  Great, great food and pastries.

Arko sat quietly under our table.  He's super chill.  At the airport, a man who had seen him climb into his carrying case approached Florian with a look of incredulity:  "That's the best-behaved dog I've ever seen."