We traveled to one of California's prolific national parks, Joshua Tree. Yes, this morning I started out a Joshua Tree virgin, and this evening returned smiling and satisfied.
For those of you who have never traveled through California, this state never ceases to amaze me. The number of different ecosystems and unique geography seems endless, and sometimes I think it might be. Here the landscape seems so starkly lunar and martian, appearing barren and lifeless.
And yet here in this harsh, high desert environment spanning from mountain range to mountain range, is home to some amazing wildlife, including the Joshua Tree. Now don't let it's short stature fool you, just because it is vertically challenged doesn't mean it is without wisdom. Joshua trees can grow to be THOUSANDS of years old and have been growing to such old age in the park unmolested. Here you can see Ben and Andy posing with our first Joshua tree friend.
These trees have such rich character. Each one striking a different pose, varying their branches and their heights and their girth. They all look like they are trying to tell you a tale and be your friend.The day was intense. Of course we immediately climbed the first giant pile of rocks we came across.
And stood like immortals overlooking our domain.
And the landscape was so epic. With these boulder structures ranging in size and form. From "loosely" gathered piles to solid rocks that had been shaped by wind and water.
We walked the Ryan Mountain trail - a trail that only covers 1.5 miles horizontally, but climbs a 1,000 ft vertically simultaneously.
Yes Ben is shoeless. It's a thing he does. I will have to post more about our specific adventures tomorrow. But I will leave you with two photos summing up the end of the day.
Arch Rock. Me. No big deal. :)And the last picture, as the sun dipped below the mountains.
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