Faults and Falcon Wings

Saturday, March 1, 2025

Indian Wells, Calif.

We visited the Thousand Palm Oasis Preserve, tucked in the edge of the Little San Bernardino Mountains along the Sand Andreas Fault. The Fault is not, contrary to popular belief, a big crack in the desert. It is a 1200 Kilometer fault that extends through California, forming the tectonic boundary between the Pacific plate and the North American plate. It has been the cause of major earthquakes and is estimated to be ready for another gigantic earthquake at some point. The soils here are constantly moving and evolving, partially due to the fault. The Thousand Palms docent said the Los Angeles City Hall, built in 1928, is estimated to have moved eight feet since. We don’t feel in any immediate danger, but the rattlesnake warnings along the trail made me alert!

The palms are a distinctive native variety of palms, growing in an oasis due to the underground water source. They could live to 100 years old and are remarkable for the way the dead lower branches form long skirts on the palm trunks.

My first ride in a Falcon-wing Tesla! Really cool! I get the fascination with these cars and Tesla’s seismic disruption in the auto industry. Smooth, smart and fun Uber surprise!

World’s best flan! Scrumptious!