Mystery on the Tramway

	The only mystery was what kind of weather we were going to encounter at the top of the tram. But all of this is research for Mystery on the Tramway, so the ride was something we had to do. We got to Valley Station early so that I could take some pictures.
	Berlynn wasn't scared of riding the tram at all. She said "bring it on".
	We had a couple of minutes to wait, we were to meet Kevin and his parents - they showed up right on time - as the 3 o'clock tram left the station. The 3:30 tram was waiting patiently for us and we bought the tickets. Thanks to Rod and Diane, Kevin's parents, for getting us a discount!
	The gondola looks very innocent in the station waiting for us to board. The people getting off were kind of smiling - in fact almost happy. I wonder who was going to have white knuckles on this trip. The car holds eighty-five people but they limit it to about sixty. This trip up, there were about twenty. It also makes two rotations on the way up - no fighting for the good window seat here!
	After the doors closed, the tram slowly left the station and picked up speed as it swung away from the ground and rode up to the first tower.
	Between the second and third tower, the other tram car on its way down passed us. As the cars pass each other, you're exactly halfway up the mountain. Notice the size of the Valley Station in this picture and the one right above it!
	Mystery solved! It was in the low thirties and snowing at the top of the tram. We ventured out onto the viewing decks, but none of us felt like renting saucers and playing in the two feet of snow!
	Kevin stood on one of the viewing platforms looking out at the Coachella Valley down below. "Look, I can see our house from here!"
	After some libations at the top, we headed back down. The ride down seemed even more beautiful than the ride up. The scenery was great and the car, once again, was not crowded!
	Thanks to Rod and Diane and Kevin for joining us. It made the trip a lot of fun and it will certainly be something that we will do again!