Phoenix to Indio, Joshua Tree N.P., Afternoon of Tennis, March 8

  Today we drove from Phoenix to Indio along I-10. It was about 250 miles. It was a good day to travel - cool (low 70s) and sunny.
   We drove up the road to Joshua Tree National Park to see some of the wildflowers in bloom. We did not go into the park as we didn't have the time, but did get to see some of the desert in bloom.
   Then, we drove to Royal Palm Inn on Route 111 in Indio where we will be for 3 nights. It is just a motel on the side of the road, a bit dingy, but adequate.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree

    We decided to go to the Tennis Garden to pick up our tickets for next week even though we felt a bit weary. But, we are so glad that we went. It was a free day as it day two of the qualifiers. The weather was great (high 70s) and the atmosphere relaxed. It has changed a good deal since we first came here 12 years ago. There is an entirely new stadium which is quite amazing. (Stadium 2. The old Stadium 2 is now Stadium 3.) The parking has doubled in price as has almost everything, but we still really enjoy this tournament.

Indian Wells Tennis Garden

Indian Wells Tennis Garden

We saw three good matches. The first was in Stadium 3 and it pitted two Americans, 27 year old veteran, Tim Symczek versus 18 year old Michael Mmoh. (yes, that is the spelling). Smyczek won, but it went the distance and there were good rallies.

Michael Mmoh serving

     The second one pitted two veterans, Lourdes Domingues Lino and Kateryna Bondarenko, in Stadium 5. We watched Bondarenko at our first Indian Wells Tournament so it was good to see her win. (6-4, 6-0).

Kateryna Bondarenko

   Then, we went back to Stadium 3 and watched the top seed of the qualifiers, Anna-Lena Friedsam of Germany versus American Nicole Gibbs, definitely the underdog. We left when each had one a set as it was getting late and we were tired. But, we read that Gibbs pulled off the third set and won. It was also an excellent match with hard fought long rallies.

Nicole Gibbs

   Then, we went to Trader Joe's and got some salads for dinner.