The Interactive Guide To Paradise

The Interactive Index To Casa C & McD

SPECIAL NOTE: Casa C & McD is a patio home located within the guard gated community of "The Silver Sands Racquet Club" at fabled Palm Desert, California -- directly next door to the Desert Springs Marriot Resort*. Our expertly decorated home in a desert theme consists of two bedrooms (one king suite), two full baths, chef's kitchen, two car attached garage, wrap around garden patio yard with gas barbeque, cable TV, stereo, fireplace, phone, pool & spa, mountain views, great tennis with a tournamennt stadium, some rather famous neighbors -- and even citrus trees over the back patio which are ready for serving up morning breakfast. Our driveway ends at the 4th hole of the Desert Springs Marriot Resort* golf course. Another golf course -- one of the world's best -- is right across the street! Our home sleeps six and has every amenity. Enjoy both the desert & the mountains -- in a single visit! For retreat or rental -- you can't go wrong here. Take a moment to review the great Touring Guides * we have outlined for your visit -- below! Did we mention the casinos?

To make arrangements -- contact us by E-mail* Please supply your full details. If you are a professional associate of C & McD -- please do not hesitate to take make a special arrangement as soon as possible.

THIS IS A COMPLETE GUIDE TO YOUR DESERT TRIP -- Entries Marked With A "*" Are Hot Links To Features For You To Visit

TIP>> Take Some Time Before Your Trip To Visit These Features On The Inrernet To Plan -- You'll Be Glad You Did!

SPECIAL NOTE: Either Bring Your Lap Top or Print This Guide To Your Desert Adventure

1. Before You Leave Los Angeles for Casa C & McD

2. Getting To Casa C & McD - Driving Directions

3. Your're At Casa C & McD - House FUNdamentals

4. Details of Casa C & McD - In The Silver Sands Racquet Club Complex

5. Looking Around Casa C & McD - What's Oustside

6. Local Needs - Shopping & Necessities

7. Our Neighbors to The Silver Sands Racquet Club

8. The Casa C & McD Back Gate

9. Your Casa C & McD Touring Guide- The Palm Desert & Palm Springs Experience

10. Casa C & McD Dining

11. Departure From Casa C & McD -- the Checklist

1. Before You Leave Los Angeles for Casa C & McD

We hope you have a great time, but first is the task of getting there.

Before You Leave Los Angeles make sure that you have the following:

A.] The gate "ENTRY CARD", because you can't get in without it;

B.] The front door key;

C.] A bank check for US$50.00 to be left on the kitchen bar to pay for cleaning after your visit.

D.] Your cell phone is suggested, because our phone receives calls, but requires a credit card to call out, which can be expensive;

E.] Tell your friends that you will be at 760-340-5132; and

F.] If you want to fully enjoy the area -- bring some walking shoes -- bring also clothes for both warm & cold weather. Dining is the desert is most always casual, but there are some exceptions. Also think about binoculars & a couple of water bottles.

G.] Grab yourself some snacks & refreshments.

2. Getting To Casa C & McD - Driving Directions

Casa C & McD is located at The Silver Sands Racquet Club, in Palm Desert, California.

Palm Desert is just East of Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley, along U.S. Interstate 10.

Map -- you will be staying in the "white" streets to the left of the Desert Springs Marriot Resort*

Palm Desert*

Palm Desert Events Calendar*

From Los Angeles, you will drive 138 miles East. Start on the Santa Monica Freeway which is U.S. Interstate 10. Keep going, as this is the only highway you will take. You will see many truck stops after about 70 miles, near the intersection of U.S. Interstate 15, which goes to Las Vegas. You are now about half way to Casa C & McD. Stay on U.S. Interstate 10.

After 80 miles, pass cities such as Chino & Ontario, home of Ontario International Airport*.

After Banning, you will pass "Morongo Indian Casino*", on the left, and you're about to enter the great Mojave Desert.* Get gas if you need it! Also full casino gambling are here if you need it!

Ignore all turn off signs to Palm Springs. Stay on Interstate 10.

You will begin to see more exit signs for Palm Springs, and then -- for Palm Desert* -- your destination.

Pass the exit marked "Monterey." You are just about home -- take the next exit.

One exit past Monterey is "COOK" -- exit COOK.

Turn right at the end of the COOK off ramp -- proceed about 2 miles to "Country Club Drive". Turn right.

NOTE: At the corner of Cook & Counrty Club Drive is a shopping center with Ralph's Market* -- you may wish to pause here to buy whatever food you might need -- how about some bagels & jelly for the morning?

Proceed past the Desert Springs Marriot Resort* (on your left) about 1/4 mile to The Silver Sands Racquet Club, on your left. Turn in.

At the Guard House, get in the right lane. Use your "ENTRY CARD" to open the gate. Once inside, turn as far to the left as you possibly can -- this is VERDE WAY. Without the ENTRY CARD, the guard will not allow you to pass!

Go to (?? Classified) VERDE WAY. The homes are numbered from "1" (where you started") to (?? Classified) and above. Numbers are on the mailboxes at the curb.

Park in the driveway only. Homeowner rules do not allow on street parking. Enter the front house gate and use your key to open the house door.

NOW --- RELAX -- you're at Casa C & McD ! Go soak in the pool & spa !

3. Your're At Casa C & McD - House FUNdamentals

To the left of the living room T.V. is the air conditioning control. TURN IT ON RIGHT NOW! You may be glad you did -- if this is the summer season of desert heat!

Before unpacking, enter the garage and open the garage door, using the control inside -- raise the door. Bring in you car. Close the door. Homeowner rules do not allow the door to stand open.

On the left side of the kitchen bar, by the phone, is a portable unit for the garage door (and an extra "ENTRY CARD"). You will use this device when traveling about the town.

Next, open the freezer and pull down the arm on the ice maker to begin making ice. You may want some later! BE SURE TO PUT THE ARM BACK UP WHEN YOU LEAVE -- OR THE ICE MAKER MOTOR WILL BURN OUT!

Please enjoy all the fine Desert & African Design Efforts of Barbara McDaniel. Please honor Barbara's great efforts and leave everything as it was meant to be.

Our desert home has two bedrooms. There is a king size bed in the master suite and twin beds in the other. Thus, four sleep comfortably -- plus whoever you place on the couch!

Casa C & McD is fully equipped with everything you will need, including all linens and kitchen goods. The stove is both an oven and a microwave. There is a gas barbecue, but we don't ever know when the propane may run out. Be careful.

Behind the living room T.V. is the channel changer and cable line-up. PLEASE PUT THIS BACK WHEN YOU LEAVE. In the master bedroom is a small T.V. in the armoire, also with a remote.

About Desert T.V. -- the desert media venue is complicated because local ABC, CBS & NBC stations compete with Los Angeles stations. You may have to switch back and forth between the L.A. Palm Springs stations to get the shows you want, due to "black out" rules. RULE: If the same programs play on both the L.A. & Palm Springs stations -- the former will black out in favor of local Palm Springs stations. It's silly, but a way of life at Casa C & McD.

Facing the kitchen stove on your left, in the first drawer are tools you may want. In the third drawer are maps of the area. Use these maps to navigate the tours outlined below. PLEASE PUT THESE BACK WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED.

The washer & dryer are in the garage. The ironing board & iron are in the kitchen closet. The irrigation system is automatic. The gardner is lazy.

The Stereo: behind the first couch. It's a bit complicated, but keep trying. Keep on FM 103.1 -- unless you just love wild religious shows broadcasting from a single wide in the desert hills.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

McD's Cell Phone: 310-780-7720

4. Details of Casa C & McD - In The Silver Sands Racquet Club Complex

For Pool & Spa: exit the back patio gate of Casa C & McD and turn left (great fresh lemons on this tree). Go about 50 feet and you will see the pool & spa on your right. Enjoy! There are18 other pools in The Silver Sands Racquet Club complex. You may use any of the 18 pools you wish! Kick back and watch the mountains & thousands of stars at night!

Tennis: The Silver Sands Racquet Club Tennis Stadium & Courts are located on the side of the complex opposite to you. Consult posted notices for special events. This is a first class facility.

For Golf: Next door to The Silver Sands Racquet Club is The Desert Springs Marriot Resort*. Out the FRONT GATE, it the next thing to the right. Across the street is the Desert Willow Country Club* where we have owner golf privileges - but sadly, you don't. Both offer multiple courses & fine dining. Otherwise there are about 1,000 courses in the area. Consult the phone book in the pantry cabinet.

Complete Palm Springs Golf Guide* -- locations & tee times.

For You: Take a walk down the deserted streets. Inhale the mountains, see actual stars & howl at the desert moon. Quiet. Romantic.

5. Looking Around Casa C & McD - What's Oustside

Off the end of your driveway is one of the championship golf courses of the Desert Springs Marriot Resort*. Across Countryclub Drive at the FRONT GATE is the Desert Willow Country Club* -- a new & amazing desert course.

For Pool & Spa, exit the back garden gate of Casa C & McD and turn left. Go about 50 feet and you will see the pool & spa on your right. Enjoy! There are 18 other pools in The Silver Sands Racquet Club. Kick back and watch the mountains!

For great tennis, the The Silver Sands Racquet Club Tennis Stadium & Courts are located on the side of the complex opposite to you. Consult posted notices for special events.

Your next door neighbor at the corner is the famous entertainer Frankie Valle. Two houses in the other direction is actress Connie Stevens*.

Morning & evening walks along the many quiet streets of The Silver Sands Racquet Club can be a high point of your day. Watch for Roadrunner* birds, as they are considered a sign of good luck in the Southwest. The desert bats* come out at night -- thousands of them -- but they are quite harmless.

6. Local Needs - Shopping & Necessities

Before going to shop -- have your ENTRY CARD -- or you won't get back!

Shopping for what you might need is easy at Casa C & McD. Exit the FRONT GATE, turn right on Country Club Drive. Turn left at the first traffic signal -- the Ralph's Market* will be on your right, along with a drug store and other merchants.

For an alternate market, turn to the left on Country Club Drive and there will be a Albertson's Market (with a pharmacy)* in an even larger shopping center, on your left, in about a mile.

For hardware & larger needs, take Country Club Drive to the left to Monterey (where the Albertson's Market is located). Turn right on Monterey and in about 3 miles and you will find a Home Depot*, a COSTCO*, a 16 screen Edwards Movie Theater, an Int'l House of Pancakes* and more.

For department stores and a major mall (there are several in the area) go to Monterey at the Albertson's Market, but turn LEFT on Monterey. Proceed about 3 miles to Highway 111. On your right is a major mall -- complete with movie theaters & and ice skating rink!

Cruise Highway 111 LEFT to Indio -- or RIGHT to Palm Springs. There is major shopping & diniing toward Palm Springs You will see much of Highway 111, as it is the main road between Palm Springs, Palm Desert and all the desert cities -- all the desert cities are along Highway 111.

7. Our Neighbors At The Silver Sands Racquet Club

Next door to The Silver Sands Racquet Club is The Desert Springs Marriot Resort*. Out the FRONT GATE, it the next thing to the right.

Across the street is the Desert Willow Country Club* where we have owner golf privileges - but sadly, you don't. Go there to play golf -- a new & amazing desert course. Call for a tee time Desert Willow Country Club* Try lunch at the clubhouse where you will enjoy a stunning desert vista while watching roadrunners & coyotes chase across the course!

Complete Palm Springs Golf Guide* -- locations & tee times.

Both offer multiple courses & fine dining. The Desert Springs Marriot Resort* is not to be missed for it's huge atrium lobby and tour boats which sail into the lobby for cruising on the lakes -- stocked with huge fish. The Desert Springs Marriot Resort* has stores, nightclubs and lot's of fun. Costa's Nightclub - best in the valley.

The Desert Springs Marriot Resort*

Photo Tour

Ristoranté Tuscany -- robust Northern Italian dishes simply and creatively prepared (dinner)

LakeView -- fresh seasonal menu showcasing the region -- Californian cuisine (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

SeaGrille -- culinary adventures in fresh seafood in upscale urban settings (dinner)

Colibri Grille -- features traditional Mexican cuisine served indoors or on their relaxing tile terrace with outdoor fireplace (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Mikado -- go by boat for Teppan-yaki style cuisine plus the ultimate sushi bar (dinner)

The Wedge & The Sandtrap -- food & refreshments at the turns on both golf courses

Oasis Bar and Grille -- poolside beverages, innovative sandwiches & grilled specialties

Spa Bistro -- energizing culinary innovation featuring light and healthy creations, located in the Spa

Java Springs -- serving espresso, lattes & biscotti, indoor or on the patio

Costas -- Marriot Desert Spring's high-energy dance club

Atrium Lounge -- relaxing spots for cocktails & conversation . A great place to hang out after a wlk or before dinner.

The Stuffed Olive -- deli sandwiches, fresh salads, & scpecialty gourmet items

We often walk to The Desert Springs Marriot Resort* for a drink and just to hang out at the pool where attendants come by to cool you with sprays of water at the pool. At your own risk, there are those who jump our fence at night, down right at the end -- where Verde Lane bends to the right, and walk over the greens to the hotel -- at your own risk. We reccommend that you use the FRONT GATE and just tak a great walk East to the The Desert Springs Marriot Resort*

Complete Palm Springs Golf Guide* -- locations & tee times.

8. The Casa C & McD Back Gate

You will use this gate for ease on several tours around town. Proceed down VERDE WAY, opposite from the Front Gate. The BACK GATE is on your left -- but it closes at 9 PM.

9.Your Personal Casa C & McD Touring Guide - The Palm Desert Experience

While you may elect to spend the entire visit at the pool & spa, there is no way that this little guide could possibly tell you about all the wonderful attractions in the area. We'll try a few.

The El Paseo* -- This is the "Rodeo Drive" of the desert. Galleries, stores and diverse dining. Stop in at Tommy Bahamas!* This is a "don't miss" for your visit, and it's great for an evening stroll to window shop along the mile long offerings and outdoor art. Use the Back Gate. Exit gate and proceed to the public street, which is Portola. Turn left on Portola. Drive about 3 miles to Highway 111. Go one street more and you are on El Paseo. It stretches both left & right. Wear yor walking shoes! See it all!

Palm Springs* -- To "cruise the town" use the FRONT GATE. Turn left on Country Club Drive -- and keep on going. You will dead end at Highway 111. Turn right. You with drive through several towns, but the buildings are continuous. About 6 miles down, you will know when you are in Palm Springs -- because your street, Indian Canyon Drive becomes one way, just after Ramon Road. You will pass the Palm Springs Spa & Casino* -- go in and gamble, knowing that you money goes to the local Indians, or their Italian relatives in New Jersey.

Cruise all the way through town to Vista Chino Drive, turn left & go to Palm Canyon -- turn left and you'll be on historic Palm Canyon Drive* which will take you back eastbound through the best part of town -- the part you are required to see.

On your way back, look for Frank Sinatra Drive. Turn right and go up the mountain to the Ritz Carlton Resort*. Great lights on drive up & view at night.

On the way back east on Highway 111 (to the right), remember to turn left at Monterey -- or you won't get home. Just before Monterey, on your left is the best Mexican food in the valley at Las Casuelous Nuevos. Pick the patio -- it's like a vacation in itself!

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway*-- This is the world's longest with a 2.5 mile rise from the canyon floor to pine covered slops of Mt. San Jaciento & snow! DO NOT MISS! NO EXCUSES! The brand new cars rotate 360 degrees so that a full view is seen three times. Hiking, camping, dining at the lodge -- even mule rides. Don't miss this! As in the last direction, keep going on Indian Canyon Drive, turn right on Highway 111 and watch for the signs on your left. See your map. See directions for driving to Mt. San Jaciento -- below.

Oasis Water Park* -- Here are all the slides & thrills of a huge water park -- or just float on the river. Take front gate, turn left. Take Country Club to Highway 111. Turn right on Highway 111. Go to Palm Springs. Turn right on Ramon Road. Go to Gene Autry Trail, turn left. Oasis Water Park will be on the right.

The Casino Circuit -- You already saw Morongo Indian Casino* on the way into town, but it's too far back. You also saw the Palm Springs Spa & Casino* on the Palm Springs tour, above. But by far the biggest & most visited cluster is East of you at Indio, CA. It's a very short drive. Exit the FRONT GATE. Turn right. Go the second light, which is COOK, and turn left. Retrace your trail to Interstate 10. Enter Interstate 10, East to Indio. About 5 miles up the road, you will see all the casino signs. There are three major casinos on the left side of the freeway, with entreatment, slots and all the table action. One of these -- Stage 2 -- has recently been taken over by Donald Trump. These are Indian owned establishments. There is lot's of fun in a perfectly safe environment. There will be 5,000 people with you and lots of security in these neon palaces. With some significant exceptions, the look of many of these people suggests their primary residences are equipped with wheels.

Palm Springs Air Museum* -- This is a truly excellent presentation! A beautiful facility with may fully operational aircraft, including a B-17 you can tour! Lots of real war birds, with guides who flew them! Use directions to the Oasis Water Park, and proceed further on Gene Autry Trail. On your left.

Palm Desert Event Calendar

Nature & Exploring In The Desert & Mountains -- Perhaps the very best adventures you will experience at Casa C & McD are those which just feature the desert itself.

The Living Desert* -- This is truly worth a visit, with hundreds of animals, incredible gardens, miles of trails and an entire mountain dedicated to watching a heard of rare big horn sheep. There are lots of exhibits, animals, habitats & exhibits. Animal shows. A tram. A true amusement park -- without the hype! There has been an effor to understnd the desert geology -- including a look-out post at which you will come to understand California Earthquakes and actually see the infamous San Andreas Fault. A giant bundle of society money was put toward making this a true show place which will let you understand & see the desert. DO NOT MISS. NO EXCUCES. www.livingdesert.org Use the BACK GATE. Turn left on PORTOLA -- and keep going. Cross Highway 111, and keep going. Your will reach The Living Desert on PORTOLA.

Thousand Palms Oasis* -- Now your getting warmer. This is a true oasis on the other side of the valley, without mountain streams. An ancient shift in the earth caused a rift deep in the earth -- now water bubbles up to the desert surface. There is a huge palm grove. Hike all day, or just take a short walk from the parking lot to the original Indian Trading Post. See fish which have just evolved from nowhere. Visit America's only true oasis. Take the Front Gate, turning right. Go to COOK, turn left back to Interstate 10. Go to the next exit which is Washington Street. Go left, or North on Washington. Go. Go. Several miles after civilization you will hit Thousand Palms Canyon Drive. Look with care. There is only one sign on your right. Turn right. About 2 miles up Thousand Palms Canyon Drive, you will see signs (small ones) on the left for the Thousand Palms Oasis. This is a California State Park, but not staffed. Follow the posted signs. Very safe area. We hike here all the time.

The Indian Canyons* -- Now you're hot. These true canyons of the Agua Caliente tribe have been used for a thousand years. Breath taking scenes. Hike all day, or just take some simple trails through wonder & all year mountain streams. Pay US$6.00 at the gate and then take the road to the right. WOW! Those rocks & Indian mortars at the first stop are to behold. When finished, go back to the left, where there is an Indian Store and entrance to historic Palm Canyon. Proving that any culture can exhibit true crap with help from China, there are a very few good buys at the Indian Store, if you look closely. After "shopping," descend into the incredible Palm Canyon. You will not be sorry. To get there, take the Front Gate. Turn left on Country Club Drive. Go to Highway 111 and turn right for Palm Springs. Just before Palm Springs, you will see the Octillo Lodge (once owned by Gene Aurty, now a dump) on the left. When Highway 111 bends to the right, you will see signs to "The Indian Canyons" and "South Palm Canyon Drive" on your left. Turn left and proceed for 3 miles. Do not miss this -- we hike here all the time.

As you near "The Indian Canyons," note homes to the left, in the distance. These are all worth over US$1.5 million, but many are not "owned." Some of these million dollar homes are on land, leased from the Indians for 90 years, or less.

Touring The High Mountains -- Palms To Pines -- You've already noticed that Casa C & McD is surrounded by mountains. To the South (closest) the highest peak is Mt. San Jaciento at 8,500 ft. Now let's go visit there on the Barbara & McD "Palms To Pines Run!" In 40 minutes you will be at a historic California mountain village of Idyllwild* in a true Alpine climate, at 7,500 ft. -- touring the mountain town of Idlewild, Ca. Use the FRONT GATE. Turn left on Country Club Drive -- to Monterey (where the Albertson's Market is located). Turn left on Monterey and in about 3 miles and you will reach Highway 111 -- keep going-- cross Highway 111. Monterey becomes Highway 74 -- keep going. Highway 74 heads South toward the mountains (in the general direction of San Diego) & through the very high rent district of Palm Desert where the smaller "Villas" start at US$1.4M. As you start uphill, begin to see the hard, rocky formations and relaize that you are in Big Horn Sheep country! Keep your eyes peeled for the next 15 minutes until you reach the summit -- you may see these wonderful animals! At the summit, you will have crossed over from the desert valley to a level of 200 ft. Now keep climbing toward the meadows region of isolated ranches and fairly large horse & cattle operations -- until arriving at Hemet Lake* in about 30 minutes from Highway 111. From here it's about 15 minutes to the tall pine "MILE HIGH" mountain community of Idyllwild* where antique shops, galleries, cafes & mountain hiking await. Explore & enjoy a day in the mountains -- deep snow in winter! This is a major commerce.road which the Dept. of Transportation always keeps open. Don't leave too late, as the mountain road will ice over in Winter.

Idyllwild Calender*

Idyllwild Weather Today*

Idyllwild Dining*

Joshua Tree National Park* -- Yes, we even have a true U.S. National Park for you -- known to rock climbers all over the world -- but it is a bit of a haul. Two deserts, two large ecosystems whose characteristics are determined primarily by elevation, come together at Joshua Tree National Park. Below 3,000 feet, the Colorado Desert encompasses the eastern part of the park and features natural gardens of creosote bush, ocotillo, and cholla cactus. The higher, moister, and slightly cooler Mojave Desert.* is the special habitat of the Joshua tree. In addition to Joshua tree forests, the western part of the park also includes some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California's deserts. Five fan palm oases also dot the park, indicating those few areas where water occurs naturally and wildlife abounds. You can approach it from the west via Interstate 10 and Hwy 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway). The north entrances to the park are located at Joshua Tree Village* and the city of Twentynine Palms*. The south entrance at Cottonwood Spring, which lies 25 miles east of Indio*, can be approached from the east or west, also via Interstate 10. Either way, use the FRONT GATE, turn right on Country Club Drive to Cook. Turn left on Cook and return to Interstate 10 -- go either East or West depending on which entrace to Joshua Tree National Park you wish to take.

Links To Other Points of Interest

Complete Guide To Palm Desert*

Complete Guide To Palm Spings*

Complete Palm Springs Golf Guide* -- locations & tee times.

Palm Springs Activities*

Palm Springs Ballon Tours*

Palm Springs Dining*

Palm Springs Canyons Jeep Tours*

Palm Springs Desert Museum*

Palm Springs Points of Interest*

10. Casa C & McD Dining -- lots to choose from

Palm Springs Dining*

The Desert Springs Marriot Resort* - your next door neighbor

Ristoranté Tuscany -- robust Northern Italian dishes simply and creatively prepared (dinner)

LakeView -- fresh seasonal menu showcasing the region -- Californian cuisine (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

SeaGrille -- culinary adventures in fresh seafood in upscale urban settings (dinner)

Colibri Grille -- features traditional Mexican cuisine served indoors or on their relaxing tile terrace with outdoor fireplace (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Mikado -- go by boat forTeppan-yaki style cuisine plus the ultimate sushi bar (dinner)

The Wedge & The Sandtrap -- food and refreshments at the turns on both golf courses

Oasis Bar & Grille -- poolside beverages, innovative sandwiches & grilled specialties

Spa Bistro -- energizing culinary innovation featuring light and healthy creations, located in the Spa

Java Springs -- serving espresso, lattes & biscotti, indoor or on the patio

Costas -- Desert Spring's high-energy dance club -- THE desert dance club!

Atrium Lounge -- relaxing spots for cocktails & conversation . A great place to hang out after a wlk or before dinner.

The Stuffed Olive -- deli sandwiches, fresh salads, & scpecialty gourmet items

The Elephant Bar* -- we love this place - - use the BACK GATE. Turn left on Portola -- proceed to Highway 111 - turn left - rstaurant is on your right.

Las Casuelous Nuevos -- no web site, but our favorite. It will be yours too! Use the FRONT GATE. Turn left on Country Club Drive. Proceed about 3 miles to Highway 111 -- turn right. On your right in about 100 yards is the best Mexican food in the valley at Las Casuelous Nuevos. Pick the patio -- it's like a vacation in itself! This is truly a great place for fine Mexican dining -- established years ago.

Morton's of Chicago* - THE steakhouse. Exit the FRONT GATE -- turn right on Country Club Drive -- proceed about 100 yards -- it's on your left.

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse* -Use the Back Gate. Exit gate and proceed to the public street, which is Portola. Turn left on Portola. Drive about 3 miles to Highway 111. Restaurant is on your left on near side of intersection.

Tommy Bahamas!* - Use the Back Gate. Exit gate and proceed to the public street, which is Portola. Turn left on Portola. Drive about 3 miles to Highway 111. Go one street more and you are on The El Paseo* -- home of Tommy Bahamas!* Bring your walking shoes and tour this "Rodeo Drive" of the desert. Galleries, stores and diverse dining abound.

 11. Departure From Casa C & McD -- the Checklist

Barbara, Byron & McD hope you had a good time at Casa C & McD, but there are now a few IMPORTANT DUTIES to discharge. PLEASE help us preserve the house.

 Before You Leave:

1. Open the freezer and flip the ice maker arm UP -- we don't want to burn out the motor;

2. Unplug the coffee maker & toaster;

3. Close all blinds -- the desert will fade our furniture!;

4. Use positive pressure to check the lock on all sliding doors & windows. Make sure the wooden dowls are in place for the sliders. This is VERY IMPORTANT!;

5. Turn OFF the air conditioning system;

6. Return the maps to the third drawer, on the right of the stove;

7. Return the T.V. remote & channel guide to behind the T.V.;

8. Run the garbage disposal;

9. (again) UNPLUG THE COFFEEMAKER!;

10. Return the garage door remote and extra ENTRY CARD to the place by the phone;

11. Close the back gate tightly;

12. Make sure that all trash is in a plastic bag at the curb;

13. Leave a blank check for US$50.00 to pay the cleaning crew for the mess you made;

14. Lock the front door;

15. Remove your car from the garage, close the garage door & lock the door which leads to the house; and

16. Check the sliding glass doors from the outside. Thanks -- the house should now be secured. We have had some past problems with "friends" using the house in this context.

 Thanks for helping to keep our home in safe & clean condition!

We hope you had a great time at -- Casa C & McD

Many thanks,

Barbara, McD & Byron -- C & McD