Lock and Load

It was the 23rd hour and we were looking to get out of downtown for the 3-day, 4th of July weekend with our friends, Emilio & Dina. Typically, the beach would sound great, but because the entire south land, their visiting friends, and relatives usually have the same idea, we decided against it. We then considered Palm Springs, but bailed that after we found we could spend the price of 3 nights accommodations on a ticket to Europe (and that was for just one couple). Finally, we thought of the perfect getaway...29 Palms! OK, it may be a little hot, but as long as there's a pool, were golden. We got lucky, and our #1 choice inn had one bungalow left that would fit all four of us. We packed the car, and headed out to the high desert, arriving Thursday night just in time for dinner by the pool. The day of the 4th, the 7-Up thermometer hit 110 degrees. We spent the entire day poolside, drinking mojitos and playing backgammon in the shade. We met a gnarly local dude named Steve...total bro. He seemed stoked as long as he had a brew in one hand and a Marlboro in the other (we him dubbed "Loud Steve", for reasons you can imagine). Anyhow, Loud Steve gave us the local hook-up, and told us about the dry lake bed next to the marine base, where you could watch the fireworks without getting patted down by the 'Gestapo'. So we packed it up and headed out...on a long dirt road...the Prius was alone in a sea of 4x4s. . When the show ended we heard the father of the family parked in front of us yell "Lock and load! Everyone in the truck!" It was like being on the moon with rednecks. After the pyrotechnics spectacular we drove to a biker bar in the middle of nowhere called Pappy & Harriet's to see the band Graham Rabbit. They are the kings of the high desert music scene and the place was packed. A fun band with psychedelic visuals and surreal backup dancers. The next day was spent investigating the desert thrift stores, of which there are quite a few. If your into air-conditioning and old army jackets, this is the place to be. Wifey found a Brooks bicycle saddle, an American Indian turquoise ring, and a ceramic Spanish umbrella stand. Dina bought a taxidermy grouse. Stoked.