Drawing classic car fans from near and far is the annual Desert Classic Concours, nine days of automotive activities, including track events at nearby Chuckwalla Raceway (this year's dates are 17-26 February).

Held concurrently is Modernism Week, a celebration of the architecture, art, and popular culture of the Thirties, Forties, Fifties, and Sixties when Palm Desert hosted Hollywood royalty. Organized tours, including one on a double-decker bus, let visitors see firsthand some of the best-preserved examples of mid-century architecture around. One such structure is the Elrod House, designed by John Lautner. The pool on this property--currently on the market for just under $14 million--played a part in the 1971 Bond adventure Diamonds Are Forever.

Of course, golf is a major attraction around here, too, with more than 100 courses. While many are private, members-only courses, others accept guests. It is certainly possible to play on some of the same championship-caliber courses as your favorite pros.

After an early nine holes of golf the following morning, we returned the favor by inviting the Kirks to a Sunday brunch featuring my world-famous Eggs Benedicto. In my Italian-inspired variation on this classic dish, I replace Canadian bacon with prosciutto, thickly sliced and sautéed, and Hollandaise with Alfredo sauce.

After three enjoyable days at Emerald Desert, it was time to leave. As we began the morning's drive south to Temecula Wine Country, Susan--who's never been RVing before--commented that she was pleasantly surprised at just how friendly everyone you meet seems to be. I, too, had noticed the genuine sense of community prevalent at such campgrounds on previous RV adventures of my own.

And, in the case of the Kirks, I believe we've struck a life-long friendship with our neighbors from north of the border. They've already extended an invitation to visit them in Kamloops and tour the Canadian Rockies. (Anyone at Apollo listening?)

I had also noticed at Emerald Desert that nine out of 10 of the RVers were towing a car. Without the convenience of the kind of on-site general store found in most campgrounds, a car is definitely helpful when staying at an RV park not within walking distance of a store. (Or at least a bike, according to one of the many helpful tips for first-time RVers in our recent Automotive Traveler feature.)

High-wind warnings that day meant our preferred route south of Palm Springs on CA-74 to CA-79 would not be a safe drive in an RV. So, we