Blogs from Joshua Tree National Park, California, United States, North America - page 2

Photos from this day in Joshua Tree We arose early enough to get to the Pinto Basin when the light first appeared in the park. Our target was the Cholla Gardens to capture some backlit teddy bear plants. When we finally got to the parking lot there was a sign telling us the area was closed. We knew there was somewhere in the park where road repair was taking place and 30-minute delays were said to be expected. It was too early for road construction so Jakub noticed a ditch on the other side of the road that didn't have a No-Parking sign, and I was happy to see we were going to shoot first and answer questions later. These spiny cacti seem to shoot needles that stick to every part of your clothing, including boots, ... read more

Wednesday, May 09, 2012 I have not been writing in my journal. I have really not had the time. I thought this trip would have a lot of down time but Debi and I are up with the sun and eat dinner well after the sun goes down. We both just can not get enough of the magical places we are visiting. Well to up date: We left Yucca Valley early on Sunday after doing laundry and getting restocked. The campground was only 6 miles from where we were staying. We stayed at Black Rock Canyon campground. Our campsite was perfect, completely isolated and with views of the canyon and desert from every window and opening of the tent trailer. Yes, Joshua Trees National Park does have Joshua trees. They range from thick forests to isolated ... read more

We visited Jeff's parents at their Palm Desert home over Christmas in 2011, and we spent a day at Joshua Tree National Park driving through this rather large national park. Starting out at Cottonwood, we then went to the Cholla Cactus Garden, Jumbo Rocks, Keys View and Hidden Valley before existing into the Yucca Valley and heading back to Palm Desert via the Morongo Valley. I've labeled the photos to the best of my recollection. Enjoy!... read more

Ostersonntag gab es Besuch von saemtlichen Teilen von Chris Verwandtschaft, inklusive Hunde und Kindern. Mir wurde die Ehre zu Teil, Ostereier verstecken zu duerfen. Es gab kaltes Buffet und den ganzen Tag lang Trubel. Mit von der Partie war auch Tom, der schon in meiner Muencher Wohnung uebernachtet hat, als er in Deutschland war und seine Freundin Samira. Am Montag ging es mit dem naechsten Mietwagen zum Klettern in der Naehe von Malibu Beach, in den Santa Monica Mountains. Nach einigen eher mittelmaessigen Aufwaermtouren gelang mir eine 5.11a onsight. Dummerweise stuerzte ich beim dritten Versuch in einer wunderschoenen, 30 Meter langen 5.11d danach drei Zuege vor dem Anker. Nach einem Abendburrito bei Chipotle tranken wir noch bei Ryan, einem Kumpel von Chris eines seiner gruseligen, selbstgebrauten Bier. Nachdem Chris ein Telefoninterview mit einem potentiellen Arbeitgeber absolvi ... read more

Life is full of surprises. Some good, some bad. Joshua Tree National Park was a good surprise. We had planned to spend two or three nights, but ended up staying eight nights. There are two distinct areas, as the park includes both the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert. We spent half our time camped in each. The Mojave section of the park is where the Joshua Trees are located. They are strange and other worldly. They are fascinating to look at, as each one is different. I tried to imagine traveling in this area before roads, compasses, GPS and road signs. Giving directions would be different with needing to rely on distinctive rocks, mountains, plants, etc. In other climates a fun thing to do is to see objects in the shape of the clouds. Here ... read more