Not really sure why all our events always begin (or end) with fabulous food, but get a team of foodies together and that’s one of the biggest pluses.  This trip started with a stop at the Crazy Coyote, recommended by more than one of the Pink Bragade. Nothing to say other than we aren’t sure we will ever be able to drive by again.  The food was amazing, especially the homemade tortillas.

Despite a fleeting 15 minutes (or seconds) of fame at the Palm Springs Film Festival, the latest Pink Bragade adventure was the perfect blend of our traditional monthly walk and a culture club outing.

Lisa’s past experience at the Palm Springs International Film Festival called us all to give it a try.  Collectively we saw five films:  My Golden Days, Made in Bangkok, A Decent Man, Chronic and SPY – French, Swiss and Mexican films.  Lisa and her crowd, the Mancini Girls Kelly and Kim, were especially fortunate to have question and answer sessions with two directors and one of the starts. Linda, Paula and Carol also met up with the director of A Decent Man, a very intense and disturbing story of the consequences of decisions.

One of the real stars of the weekend was lodging – a contemporary ranch with a 60s feel which began the moment we walked in to hear a Frank Sinatra tune playing on the Sonos.

The house was at one time owned by Liberace – hence the piano shaped pool.  Very cool – very retro!

The Friday night gang met up with Lisa, Kim and Kelly at another quintessential mid-century Palm Springs icon – Shame on the Moon.  Sammy Davis Jr. or Dean Martin could have walked in at any minute to order one of their famous (and very tasty) Cosmopolitans.  Food was fabulous.

Saturday night’s fare at the Liberace Lounge was equally amazing all at the hands of the Pink Bragade’s wonder cooks. Carolyn served up some mighty cocktails as well.

Have a look at this amazing dinner spread – with dishes contributed by almost everyone.  We really do serve up a mighty feast when we put our minds to it.

 

And of course, one of the best things about any Pink Bragade event is the camaraderie and when we get down to sharing our favorite music and dance moves!

Oh – right we were also here to walk.  Well, we did that and it was a good hike, finishing up before it got to hot, we clocked in about 9 miles.  The destination was to the top of the peak just above Bob Hope’s famous home (which we think is still for sale – we could pool a cool million or so each and maybe have a shot at buying it.)  The story of the hike is best told by the photos.

After all that, we had to eat (naturally) so we made our way to Sherman’s Deli – a Palm Springs must.  Despite a grumpy host, we were seated without too much wait and only a few jokes about the “blonde” table.

And a final note to this VERY lengthy post…Heather and Wendy, on their explorations of Palm Springs, found a real gem in photographer Gary Dorothy who runs a shop in downtown. Heather netted three exquisite photos to adorn her walls and the rest of us got to enjoy some time taking in his breathtakingly beautiful work..so varied, so captivating and such a fascinating look at images that we so often take for granted.  If you are ever in Palm Springs…this is definitely worth your time…Gary Dorothy’s Imageville Gallery is at 128 La Plaza, Palm Springs  760.416.9825.