Brad and I have hosted a Slow Travel GTG every October for the past three years. This year, we decided not to have one for two reasons: financial, and because of the 2010 Slow Travel Gathering in San Diego in March. Many of our far away ST friends will be flying out for the big San Diego event, so we didn't want to tempt anyone away from anyone coming to that!
Then east coast Slow Travel friends, Kim and Chris, took a weekend get-away to Palm Desert! Cause for a party in October. An easy pot luck evening was quickly planned for those close by.
The weekend started out with Shannon driving up from San Diego on Friday night. I thought she was at our front gate when she called, but instead, she was on HWY 74, about 25 minutes away with a flat tire. Brad and I jumped in the car, and he got to be a "boy hero" with her spare.
When we arrived, we were looking at each turnout for a little green bug, but we clearly saw Shannon waving from the hilltop (where she had to climb to get cell phone coverage). Three people had stopped to help her, but she waited for our arrival and a guaranteed safe tire changer!
At home, we quickly revived with some great chilled white wine that Shannon brought, and hosed off the dirt before joining Kim and Chris at their hotel for a drink. Then we went across the street to Acqua Pazza for their late happy hour appetizers and wine for our dinner.
Saturday afternoon, friends arrived for a pot luck spread that was amazing, as always.
(food photos tomorrow)
See what fun friends have on a sunny desert weekend:
Eden, Marcia, Jane and Sharon
Bill Chris and David relax with wine.
Barb and Mike love a party!
Nancy and Bill chatting with Jane.
Mike, Lou and Sharon share their September birthday. Who knew?
Shannon, Lou and Pete are happy guests.
Kim and Chris are the "guests of honor".
Marcia, Eden and Barb...lots of laughter going on!
(left to right) Kim, Marcia, Diana, Jane and Eden taking a break with cold water!
Big Smiles!
Jane and Palma prepping for dinner.
Everyone's favorite Wine Queen
Comments (8)
I bet y'all had a divine time!! I have never been to the desert before~
Posted by Deb R | October 27, 2009 5:18 AM
Posted on October 27, 2009 05:18
Yet another fabulous Palm desert party. Thanks Palma and Brad for arranging such a nice party for Kim and Chris. It was really fun!
Posted by Barb Cabot | October 27, 2009 6:48 AM
Posted on October 27, 2009 06:48
I am so envious! I know y'all had a great time.
Posted by sandi @ the whistlestop cafe | October 27, 2009 6:27 PM
Posted on October 27, 2009 18:27
Oh that looks so fun! What a great reception for Kim and Chris!
Posted by Chiocciola | October 27, 2009 6:29 PM
Posted on October 27, 2009 18:29
I had so much fun... as always when I attend a party at Palma and Brad's. Thank you to the amazing host and hostess! It was wonderful to see Kim and Chris.
Posted by Eden | October 27, 2009 7:05 PM
Posted on October 27, 2009 19:05
Wonderful photos, you must have had so much fun! (And love Shannon's car!)
Posted by sandrac | October 28, 2009 2:19 PM
Posted on October 28, 2009 14:19
Shannon has a cute car :) What a hero Brad was. Looks like it was a great party.
Posted by girasoli | October 28, 2009 9:55 PM
Posted on October 28, 2009 21:55
Ha... your photos make my flat tire experience look almost romantic. You guys are the best - seriously. Great party, and I meant what I said - your house is our piazza!
Posted by Shannon | October 29, 2009 9:03 PM
Posted on October 29, 2009 21:03