Tales from the DesertThis book describes a series of events occurring in the desert, often humorous, sometimes chaotic and even life-threatening, experienced by a boy and the man he became. The book also is well larded with science, lore and techniques for survival in the beautiful and often harsh desert environment. Growing up in Palm Springs a half-century ago, I was surrounded by celebrities. As a member of my high school tennis team in 1956, we were allowed to play at the world famous Racquet Club if we agreed to complete a foursome with guests when asked by the tennis professional. One day Marilyn Monroe needed a partner and I was chosen. On my first serve I hit my partner in the buttocks. Some say the ball goes where you were looking. |
Contents
9 | |
11 | |
Critters | 14 |
Heat | 18 |
Carolyn Greens Snake | 21 |
The Battle of Tahquitz Creek | 24 |
Companion for Coffee | 26 |
Soprano Soloist with Harp Accompaniment | 28 |
Uranium Frenzy | 44 |
Finding Water | 48 |
Gold Panic | 52 |
Mixed Doubles | 55 |
Famous Last Words | 58 |
Wildflowers | 61 |
Dip | 64 |
Newlyweds in a Pup Tent | 65 |
Nighttime Pandemonium | 29 |
Sand | 31 |
Dig Here | 33 |
Quicksand | 34 |
Flash Flood | 36 |
Whitewater River | 37 |
Fish Fry | 39 |
Sand Storm | 41 |
The Charro | 66 |
King of the Mountain | 69 |
Sunstroke | 73 |
Nearer To God | 76 |
Acknowledgements | 79 |
Autobiography | 81 |
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Common terms and phrases
appear approach areas attached become began body boys buildings California canyon carried catch cause Charro climbed close Coachella Valley Colorado continued cool covered coyote Creek deep deposit desert drill drive dune dust face falls father feeling feet fish flash flood floor flow followed foot formed front gold grains granite ground hand head heat heavy Highway hole jeep keep leaves look morning mountain move night Palm Springs pass play pool quicksand rain Ralph rapidly rattlesnake result river road rock rockets sand sand dunes School short side similar sinking skin sleeping snake soon star steep storm stream summer surface sweating took trail trees trout uranium veins walk wall wide wind