Catch-all

Joshua Tree, CA #7

Here I am on my 7th posting about Joshua Tree. I'm feeling that there's still so much to write about, but I'm not wanting to exceed the patience of you, my dear friends, family and readers. Then I think, well, they have delete buttons. So, if you've had it with Joshua Tree, delete away!

Since my last posting from Joshua Tree, we've hiked to Barker Dam and Skull Rock; changed camps from Ryan Camp to Jumbo Rock Camp; and become scoff-laws by letting Benton run wild on a back road in a National Park. Additionally, we had a lovely visit with folks we met from Australia, touring America for two years, and then, finally, driving away, there were more stops of interest. So here I go....

The day started with a bike ride to Barker Dam for a short hike to see an early settler dam.

Securing our tandem to the fence before beginning our hike

From the line on the rocks you can see how high the water has been in past years

Livestock trough just below Barker Dam

Jumbo Rock Camp

Scoff-lawing with Benton

Skull Rock Trail we hiked twice, once, after we set up camp, late in the day, and then again in the morning. None of my photogtaphs of Skull Rock are suitable for sharing, but other rock formations along the trail definitely are.

Rock formations along Skull Rock Trail

See the hiker way up on the rock?

Oaks along the trail

Mr. Ed lost in a fog of  beauty

On our morning walk we met the most delightful couple from Australia, touring America and Canada. We have exchanged contact information and hope to stay in touch.

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Heather & Greg

Their not-so-small RV

Driving away from our camp at Joshua Tree, headed to Anza Borrego, there were still sights to be seen before we actually exited the park.

Although we leave reluctantly we feel blessed to have been able to spend so many days exploring and enjoying Joshua Tree. With each National Park I see, I add yet another "favorite" to my list. How does one compare Joshua Tree to Crater Lake, or Mt. Rainier to the Mojave Desert? As we visit more and more National Parks, my wonder will expand, no doubt exponentially.

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"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."

- John Muir

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