Today is the second of a two-part series on my visit to the Whitewater Preserve, just north of Palm Springs. My journey continues where it left off in yesterday's post: driving deeper into the preserve. I was in awe of the beauty of these lands, so carefully preserved for future generations of visitors. Despite being in the middle of the desert, there was abundant life, stemming from the Whitewater river from deep in the canyon. I paused along my journey to admire this view above. The multiple hues of green and yellow, with the nearby rock formations were set against the breathtaking snow-covered San Jacinto Mountains in the far distance. It was a feast for the eyes.What I didn't see...
above: This photo is for Bee...I didn't want to disappoint you, so I put this photo of a mountain lion! But I DIDN'T see this big kitty at the preserve! It's just to entertain you and provide some sizzle to the post ;-)
above: Road Runners are a common sight in our desert; I spotted several at the preserve. 
Can you imagine that this beautiful pond below used to be filled with smelly trout?
The Whitewater Preserve includes 291 acres of land that were formerly the Whitewater Trout Farm. Two non-profit organizations, the "Friends of the Desert Mountains" and the "Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy" purchased the former trout farm to establish the preserve. The original trout breeding ponds were cleaned and turned into lovely pools.
above: the park grounds are well cared for and blend perfectly into the surroundings.
above: this large pond is so clean and pristine, it's hard to believe it was once used to breed trout.
above: Prickly Pear cactus were abundant and numerous.
above: Prickly Pear cactus were abundant and numerous.
above: The wild brush and flowering weeds were like paint on a canvas, beautifully accenting the rolling desert hillside. It turned out to be the perfect weekend respite, I think even John was surprised at how much I enjoyed this journey into the wild. I'm just glad we never encountered any rattlesnakes. There are somethings I'd really rather just read about.
-Rick Rockhill
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