Sunnylands Center & Gardens

Ken isn't feeling well today so I went with our Canadian friends George and Dorothy for a visit to Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage.  Have never heard of this place before today but it certainly appears to be a very important place to many of our Presidents since Richard Nixon.  Walter and Leonore Annenberg built this 200 acre estate and historic home as a retreat, not only for themselves but for world leaders.  Many a US President visited here and did business while also enjoying some down time on the golf course.  It is said that the Reagan's attended about 18 New Year's Eve Parties here.  The Annenberg's established the Annenberg Foundation Trust to "address serious issues facing the nation and the world community." Lots of bipartisan meetings have taken place here over the years with a much less structured format than would occur in Washington.  President Obama was here about a year and a half ago when he met at Sunnylands with Chinese President Peng and some important things were discussed.  

Hard to tell, but these river rocks are covered in water that is recycling on both sides.  It is totally full of water.

This little hummingbird sat there for a long time while Dorothy and I took it's picture.  


Beautiful gardens and free to boot ! ! 


On the way back to Thousand Trails we decided to stop at the In N Out Burger joint...  Oh my, never have I seen it so busy.  There must have been 20 people working, shoulder to shoulder, behind the counter and maybe a hundred customers in the store.  Two buses had just stopped in after we ordered.  Next door is Carl's Jr and Del Taco.  They are empty and people are using their parking lots...  Sad for them.  We parked a block down the street and walked back. Couldn't park in the other stores lots..  Just couldn't. LOL........ Good burgers ! !