There’s a certain spring in the air come fall in the desert. It’s as though the Coachella Valley breathes a collective sigh of relief that the dog days of summer have finally barked elsewhere.
The lift in spirits is palpable as we again venture out of doors. Energy rebounds and haggard looks are replaced by the calm demeanors that desert-dwellers are known for.
Day time heat peaks in the ‘90s and evenings cool enough to sit outside for an extended period of time or a chilled martini. Warm breezes infuse the air with the magic that is Palm Springs.
For those who don’t live in the desert, it may be difficult to imagine what it’s like to live in 110+ degrees for 75 days straight (one of them breaking a new record – 124!), but for those who are “locals,” we know the drill.
Beginning sometime in June and continuing through September, you’re lucky if you can have windows open during the day. You readjust your schedule, knowing if you’re going to walk your pooch, jog or do a power stroll, it will have to be before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. Outdoor gardening or maintenance follows a similar pattern.
The most interesting month out here is July. Palm Springs becomes a ghost town and the streets resemble a Twilight Zone episode. I can see a 1950’s William Shatner uttering: But where have all the people gone? Should you venture out to get your mail during daylight, it is guaranteed you will not spot another living soul as far as the eye can see. That said, it is one of my most favorite months as it is like having the whole town to yourself.
One of my newer neighbors dropped by the other day to ask a question. We ended up discussing the heat as this was her first, full summer out here after moving from, get this, Alaska.
She explained that she was having a really difficult time. She didn’t understand why she was always tired, irritable and fatigued. I explained to her that EVERYONE feels that way this time of the year. I could register the look of relief on her face as she saw that someone understood and appreciated what she was experiencing.
I went on to tell her, that if she had any travel plans the best time of the year to make them was July or August, as during that time, even the heartiest of desert dweller needs a break from the torrential heat.
I myself, felt little to no energy to pick up the pen. My afternoon naps became prolonged, sweaty siestas – even with the air on.
But alas, it’s time to put all this behind us.
The other morning I rode my bike and it was a chilly 63. Today, will be a high of 90, which is just perfect. I realize within a month or two, I will have long forgotten how July was the hottest month ever on this planet, and I will soon be saying to myself, I wish it would warm up a bit.
And, with that, I end this as Poolside from PS.
Manuel Padilla Jr. 