We drove down to Kurt & Patty's Palm Springs house on Thursday, just in time for record heat (110 degrees) but at a time of year when the town was empty. Nate and Julie beat the dry heat by swimming the pool with the us; it was his second and more successful attempt, and her first. Our drive home was riddled with car problems, tormented tired riders, lots of traffic, and a mercifully relaxing stop at Casa de Fruita. But the vacation was overall enjoyable thanks to Kurt & Patty's hospitality and a weekend of food, drink, pool and nothing much else.