We pulled off I-10 for a short visit to Palm Desert, California, and were struck by all the lush greenness in the middle of nowhere. This manicured municipal lawn goes on and on, the result of generous, regular watering. Here water means wealth. A spectacular town square fountain boasts of limitless treasure pumped from underground into this rain-free climate. Nearby grows a civic date grove . . . you're invited to "enter date grove at your own risk." Do dates fall and do harm, a visitor wonders? The town itself is actually one big jail. All the residents are locked up and guarded in neat high-walled blocks known as gated communities, secured with electronic devices. Residents may be released on their own recognizance for visits into the outside world after swiping proper proof of authorization to do so through card-readers controlling the gates.The weather was perfect. Parks abound, as do sculptures and artwork. A big-hearted Birdie, always looking to make a new friend, got a stony response from this jaded park resident.
