Joshua Tree National Park Oct '08

Hello everyone, I originally started this to share some of the geology of Joshua with Stacy Wise, but now it has become a potpourri of pictures, hopefully representing our camping trip here. The park is huge, over 750,000 acres and so much to do. We were busy most of our 6 days but just barely scratched the surface of places to visit and thing to do and see. Good news is that it certainly makes us anxious to return! We visited Oct 8 thru 14. It was 91 degrees when we arrived, but very dry and believe it or not comfortable. Half way thru our visit the weather changed dramatically and became windy and cold (38 degrees in the am, high of 68 to 75). Completely dry camping, but only $10/day, $5 with Golden age pass! We loved it immensely. Great beauty, isolation, incredible stars, unique like you can't believe, clean air, and so tremendously interesting. Quick note on RV camping. A big 5th wheel, over 28', has only a few places to go. Most sites in the park interior are designed for very small rigs or mostly tents. The book says you can get into Ryan CG, forget that, Jumbo Rocks can work, we loved and were comfortable in Belle (but only 18 sites, 10 for rigs over 30'). Do not arrive on the week end, all sites are first come first served. Our site was at 3900', most of the park is between 3 to 4500', high desert.

O.K., mostly pictures from here out. Here is our camp site at Belle CG

Me thinks maybe this one could make the NuWa owners front page (humble as I be, maybe, Gary, buddy?)

So now some end of the day photos right from our camp site.

This from our "front porch", the moon, the setting sun's golden hue and a Red Tailed hawk, how good does it get?!

We missed some of the famous, fabulous sunsets that folks see here, but these were pretty "acceptable".

One of the critters that hung around us was a Loggerhead Shrike. A desert bird, we saw a couple of these guys, but one in particular seemed to claim our spot. Truth be known it was definitely his spot. These guys are very territorial. We have those reflective sun shield windows that in the day time are almost perfect mirrors. Well this little devil saw his reflection in our windows, pure as day, and decided he had an invader in HIS territory. Yikes, this dude squawked, ranted, screamed and caused all sorts of ruckus. Then he started to attack this invader--- ouchy, almost broke our windows! And persistent, I don't think he quit until we left and pulled out, exiting the mystical intruder!

And that is my truck the little dude is sitting on, at least he respected that piece of our property!

Then speaking of critters, no respectable desert could be without a few lizards, Roxy's favorite quest (she didn't see this one - I called him "Lenny").

More adventures:

This is a real healthy live Oak in the middle of the desert.

I hope you can right click on this picture of an engraved sign post and select "open link" and then read the sign. It is about the "Desert Queen Mine". Quite a history, lots of mining history around here. Below is a pic of what is left of the mine, with tailings and closed off shaft in view.

Discovered this old indian house on my return hike from the mine. No idea on vintage or anything but sure thought it was cool. The entrance opening, front door I guess, is only about 3' tall; can't figure that out either.

This is "Queen Valley" road. We took a similar road to Desert Queen mine. Note that this is a two way road.

O.K. "Dikes" were a new thing to me. Again right click on the sign picture and select open link to read the sign. Short version, Dikes are more solid rocks embedded in the granite and erode at a much slower rate. These were seen on the trail to Arch Rock.

It was a little windy this day, hence hat holding.

Arch Rock (bet you already figured that out, huh?)

This place outside of a Rock climbers paradise (fun to watch those guys) is a geologist's paradise. There is an 18 mile, self guided, Geology Road tour you can drive, books at the visitor center, ranger tours, etc. Very wonderful place to visit. We will be back for sure.