For the past couple of months, we’ve been on the move, covering more than 1,400 miles. As much as we’ve loved our slow trek down the coast, the tiny home on wheels is now parked in the desert until the end of February.

Palm Springs is snowbird paradise and one of us is taking full advantage of the winter sunshine while the snow bunny has returned to the Pacific Northwest to do some skiing. Here’s a kind of day-in-the-life look at what Leslie’s been up to in the Coachella Valley.

Up really early: The sunrise often turns the clouds in the sky into wild shades of crimson and lavender against cobalt blue. Throw a few palm trees and that photo looks like a painting. Getting up at 6-ish is no big deal for me and the perfect time to plunge right into some morning chores. Yup, there’s nobody in the laundry room at that hour.

If it’s a Saturday, you better believe I’m going to hop on my ebike and ride to the excellent farmers market near the Palm Springs High School. There’s nothing quite like being in SoCal for citrus season and that vow to eat an apple a day switches up to an orange. Mmmm.

Star power: The first couple of weeks of January, the city embraces its role as home to Hollywood legends by rolling out the red carpets at the annual Palm Springs International Film Festival. It’s an incredible lineup of films destined to be nominated for Oscars as well as excellent work from independent filmmakers. So far, “The Whale” starring Pacific Northwest native Brendan Fraser is my favorite. After the screening, the actor appeared on stage for a question and answer. I know he felt the love coming from the appreciative audience. It was a truly memorable experience.

Let’s do lunch: After five years of visiting this city, I’m still looking for the restaurant, cafe or bakery that blows me away. A recent lunch at Azúcar gave me new hope that I might have found my happy place thanks to a pretty good pair of filet mignon tacos. The lovely poolside table added to the pleasure of sharing a meal with a friend who lives in Palm Springs and picked the place. Thanks, Tim!

Speaking of pools: Early afternoon is prime time at the Happy Traveler RV Park pool, a sweet spot with excellent views of the San Jacinto Mountains. There’s a charming, sometimes cranky cast of characters that regularly roost on the pool deck catching the warming rays, swimming laps, talking hockey. Lots of Canadians fly south for the winter and spend it here. Like clockwork, when the sun dips behind those mountains shortly after 3 p.m., the place immediately clears out except for those soaking in the hot tub.

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere: As soon as the sun sets, there’s the sound of happy chatter in the teeny courtyards in many of the campsites. Friends gather to sip wine and gossip and laugh. Walking through the park during happy hour reminds you that this is a community and that feels comforting.

Now what’s for dinner: Cooking for one isn’t nearly as fun as when there’s an appreciative diner sitting by my side. Still, it’s a new challenge and I’m game even if it means repurposing leftovers. Crack an egg into a simmering skillet of minestrone and – boom! Instant shakshuka.

Getting ready for visitors: While I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my solo time in the sunshine, there are moments of loneliness. Fortunately, there’s some relief on the calendar as a friend is scheduled to visit from San Diego. We’ve known each other since college days at Western and our longstanding relationship will be put to the test as she’s going to bunk with me in the 23-foot motorhome for a couple of nights. Sounds like the plot for a sitcom… or a murder mystery.

Have any Palm Springs suggestions? Please send them to goingmobile@spokesman.com and don’t forget to check out our Instagram.