I just recently arrived in the Palm Springs area (KTRM) on a 1600 nm VFR trip from Winnipeg. Route was CYAV, KFAR, KEAR, KTCC, KSJN, KTRM. Trip was relatively uneventful other than getting on top of some overcast cloud layer for 40-50 miles approaching night. The FBOs were all good and the controllers were all great (used flight following for most of the trip). The best scenery was in New Mexico and Arizona - lots to see. I'll try and get some pics posted, although with my iPhone, they typically show up sideways and according to Jason, there is no fix on that.

The IO550 performed well. Climbing up to 12,500 feet was quite easy, and quick too. Was > 1000fpm the whole way up there.