After exploring some shops, we returned to hotel to find hotel's turndown service had left chocolates and robes on bed. A rainbow of colors played over water and mist as we opened an unscreened window to provide an unobstructed view of scene.

The next morning we discovered Niagara Falls area with help of Niagara Falls Scenic Tours. The tour operator's coaches offered a soft seat and a fast way to take in all Canadian side has to offer. George, our tour guide, filled ride with facts, figures and interesting stories, like one about boy who went over falls and lived to tell about it. We were accompanied by couples from England and States.

The tour took us to Mount Carmel Monastery and then a cruise on Maid of Mist. From May to late October, tourists don plastic ponchos and crowd onto four double-decker boats from both Canadian and American sides for a 30-minute cruise below American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls.

Along way, we saw visitors in much heavier rain gear navigating trails, bridges, stairs and platforms near base of Bridal Veil Falls. Accessible from American side, "The Cave of Winds" walk takes visitors on an elevator down a 175-foot shaft to bulwark of trails . From highest platform, Hurricane Deck, tour appeared to offer heart-stopping thrills as tourists hung on as water rushed around them.

Soon it was our turn for a close dose of Mother Nature's fury and water as captain steered boat close to cascade.

If Maid of Mist didn't get us wet enough, George sent us on a walk through damp tunnels and onto an observation deck at foot of Horseshoe Falls in something called "Journey Behind Falls." Despite a descent through thick stone, noise of falls is thunderous and vibration of water pounding rock is ever present.

After drying off, we were escorted a few miles downstream to an overlook above river's famous whirlpool and great gorge. We watched as adventurous tourists screamed over swirling water in jet-powered boats. The so-called Spanish Aero Car also moves people on a suspended cable car system above treacherous waters.

We took a diversion to a nearby floral clock and provincial park, before enjoying a ride back to falls for a delightful lunch in rotating restaurant at Skylon Tower. Along with a good meal, tower offers spectacular views and chance for camera buffs to get some

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Last fall (2003) saw completion of a $400,000 renovation that included new furnishings, wall treatments, bathroom updates and many additions. "It's basically a new look for new season," says Haber.

Sweeping views of Mt. San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains and surrounding desert landscape notwithstanding, The Ingleside Inn provides a tranquil spot to relax or explore Palm Springs. While town has morphed into a sophisticated tourist destination since Hollywood discovered it in 1930s, quaint charm of a "village" is still intact. Staying at Ingleside Inn is like staying at a friend's country estate.

The landscaping on two and a half acres of manicured grounds is old and lush in a way that you won't find in a new development. The main house (it's so comfortable, it's hard to think of as an inn) sits in a garden setting behind wrought-iron gates. The narrow front driveway often hosts a limousine, a Rolls, or a Bentley. Many of antiques that decorate thirty suites, mini suites, and villas came with property when Haber purchased it years ago.

We're staying in Lily Pons room, so named because diva came to visit for a weekend and stayed on for 13 years. This Louis XV room in pale gold has a king-size bed and French doors leading to a patio edging a semi-private grassy yard. As I settle in, I notice a faint, pleasant aroma of wood smoke from past fires on crisp desert evenings in wood-burning fireplace. Our bags are stored in two separate walk-in closets, where I imagine Lily Pons' party dresses lined up on hangers. An interesting (and practical) design touch is that in bathroom green towels are provided with a note that they can be used when removing makeup.

Leaving our room to explore nooks and crannies of grounds, I notice a woman reclining in a lawn swing, reading a book. Facing fountain in center of garden, she's epitome of relaxation.

The pool area is surrounded by lawn, and an outdoor ceramic bar provides self service ice tea and ice water all day. It all looks so unlike any hotel pool area I've ever visited that I feel like I'm really in host's back yard.

Haber isn't shy about admitting, "I don't like to travel." He sees questioning look on my face and adds, "I'm a creature of comfort. Give me a good book and let me lay by pool."

This leads to a book discussion. Haber says he reads only non-fiction, typically biographies. Over years, he says, "Palm Springs became literary capital of world." He names two major writers who live here: Herman Wouk and Sydney Sheldon.

The Inn's General Manager, Armida Pedrin, is an example of

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Carolyn Proctor, Jetsetters Magazine Editor – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

Carolyn Proctor, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com