Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park, California

     On our way back home from Baja, we spent a couple nights visiting with good friends who'd recently moved from Oregon to California. It was special to get to visit them in their new home, let the kids run wild, cook together, and catch up. Joshua Tree National Park was practically in their back yard, so she suggested we make a day trip of it. Having lived in California's high desert for four years when I was a teenager, I was pretty certain that it would take more than a few Joshua Trees to impress me, but I was happy to go and check it out. I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the area, its wild rock formations, the brilliant blue skies, and yes, even the Joshua Trees. (There's a nice, online, kids' storybook about a Joshua Tree here. We read it on our way up to the park and it helped me appreciate what I was seeing.)

    (This post is way out of order chronologically, but I wanted to try to keep things more current while we're in Panama. We are settled into a nice little apartment in a lovely mountain town, which we plan to use as a base for exploring during the rest of our time in the country. One of the kids has had a fever the last few days and another has been throwing up, so we're laying low at the moment. I'm enjoying having a kitchen again, and the kids are having fun exploring the garden and making friends with the resident sloth.) 

Amazing rock formations abound in the park. I know there's a scientific explanation for how they were formed, but even after reading it, I had to marvel that this could happen!

The kids gathered around a park ranger who shared his knowledge of local history as well as the flora and fauna of the area. Here he was showing the kids how rope could be made from plant fibers. We also got to sample the pine nuts that grow on the piñon trees. School in the desert!

This area was called The Hidden Valley, and was once used by cattle rustlers. It has it's own micro-climate and holds far more moisture than surrounding areas. As such, more vegetation grows here.
The day felt extremely cold to us, even though it was above freezing. We'd just spent six weeks in the warmth of the Mexican sun and needless to say, it was cold outside! It was also really windy, so felt even more so.

More rocks, piles and piles of them. I guess this is why it's famous for climbing!

The clouds cast shadows, making the landscape look even more dramatic. 
Here's an interesting little tidbit from Wikipedia:
"The name Joshua tree was given by a group of Mormon settlers who crossed the Mojave Desert in the mid-19th century. The tree's unique shape reminded them of a Biblical story in which Joshua reaches his hands up to the sky in prayer."

It was a wonderful day, not only because of the amazing scenery, but because we shared it with friends. You know who you are. Thanks again for having us. (See you in Yellowstone!) We love you!