Joshua Tree Natl. Park

This past Saturday we drove 108 miles one way across the desert to visit with friends Henry and Anne and to tour Joshua Tree Natl. Park with them. As we were approaching 29 Palms, CA we spotted our first snow capped mountain. Of course I had to stop and take a picture! Here it is.....



We had a great day even though it was a bit chilly and the wind was blowing. Dean was still trying to get over his cold, so he didn't get out of the car very much. Our first stop in the park was at one of the first Joshua Tree's we came to. It was a couple of miles into the park, as the Joshua Tree only grows above an altitude of 3000 feet. The next stop was at a rock pile. Henry and Anne climbed about a third of the way, I went a little less than that.

That's me at the tree and Henry and Anne on the rocks under the nose.......


Here I am



and a close up.....



There are several camping areas within the park. Of course they are dry camping, but it would be neat to stay there for a night or two. I can just imagine the quiet at night, not to mention how clear the stars would be with no artificial lights anywhere.

These pictures were taken at two of the camping areas. Rock climbing in this park is obviously a popular sport as we saw them everywhere there were rocks.

Interesting beading on the rocks caused by the rain, rock climbers - one on top and others waiting to go up......



This is what the park is about.....



More trees.......



We drove to Keys View which is the high point of the park with the elevation of 5185 feet. The views were spectacular and pictures just don't do them justice.

A little cutie at Keys View........



The Sulton Sea as seen from Keys View.....



Another view .........

and another.....

We left Henry and Anne's just before dusk and saw the most beautiful rising full moon as we drove back home through the desert. Yes, I did stop and take a picture but I guess it just wasn't meant to be as it turned out blurry. I was so disappointed when I saw it. I did get a nice sunset picture though...

Yesterday, Henry and Anne drove from 29 Palms to Big River (where we are) for the day. It was a beautiful day with clear skies, temps in the mid 70's and no wind. In the afternoon, Garry and Jenny and their friends, Ron and Betty, Henry & Anne and Dean and I had a great spaghetti dinner with salad and bread. Jenny cooked the spaghetti and it was really good. We all sat around and did the second thing that campers do best - talk! Of course the first thing is EAT - haha. I don't know where my head was as I didn't get any pictures, but I know that Garry and Anne both did, so maybe they will share with me.

We had a great weekend and today is going to be a down day, doing a little cleaning and relaxing. One day this week we will be visiting Lake Havasu City, home of the London Bridge so check back to see what we find......