Wednesday, March 16, 2005

So, I didn't update on Tuesday. I'm sorry. I fell asleep - tent life is not for me, I've decided.

I had a lovely time in Joshua Tree. I've driven past it numerous times, but I've never actually stopped before. My companions, Kevin and Ajeet, were fabulous. A post detailing the entire journey would take too long to write; I've got a thesis waiting for me! So, I'm just going to post pictures and descriptions.

On our first full day, we decided to venture to the 29 Palms visitor center. They had a miniature trail behind the building, so we looked at cacti. Did you realize over a million tourists visit Joshua Tree to see the blooms?

Joshua Trees appear to have little in common with real trees. We stopped to frolick, and I ran into this monster of a specimen. Ah, the beauty of decay and death... wait, this isn't an emo blog, I forgot. Anyway, it was huge and pretty and photographed nicely.

Ajeet and Kevin ran ahead like madmen. I'm the sane one of the bunch, so I strolled through the desert, basking in the peaceful environment. I found lots of fascinating examples of desert wildlife. The butterflies were numerous, thanks to the beautiful blooms of the flowers. This little guy stopped for me.

Rabbits were plentiful. But fast. However, this one paused long enough for me to take a snapshot.

Did you realize that kittens are indigenous to the desert? I didn't... but I found one!

Evidently there are many types of desert ecosystems. Joshua Tree encompasses two different deserts - the Mojave and the Colorado. Elevation determines the characteristics of the wildlife and rock formations. You see? Spring break can be educational.

These rocks are plentiful throughout the Southwest, especially along I-10. I've never stopped to take pictures, though. Evidently they have a very rough texture. Kevin and Ajeet decided to climb a formation and showed me their red, chapped hands as proof of this statement. I'm inclined to believe them.

On our way to the highest point in the park, I saw this sign and HAD to pull over. However, I soon realized that these "exhibit areas" are just fodder for suckers like me. I saw no horrors. Instead, there were a couple of caves, lots of Joshua Trees, and a bit of sand. What a sensation.

Because I'm a girlie-girl at heart, the idea that the Hall of Horrors would be a perfect place for a nature buff to get married dawned on me. We found a natural aisleway, a natural altar, picturesque scenery, a parking lot, and the perfect bathroom. Isn't she a beaut?

Ajeet surveys the landscape. Note the flowering Joshua Tree behind them - yes, they flower too!

We went to Keyes View, one of the highest points in the park. The winds were crazy - I thought I was going to get blown off the mountain. Kevin and Ajeet had the same problems. The old fogeys in their Chrysler Sebring convertibles couldn't even climb to the top of the path. Ah, the joys of being a spritely college student.

This is a coyote. This coyote came within 5 feet of my vehicle in order to beg for food. Ajeet wanted to feed it aged Tillamook cheese, but thankfully, Kevin discouraged that.

We went on a trip to gather kindling for our fire. One is not allowed to remove any branches from the National Park, so we drove outside of Joshua Tree to retrieve dead branches. I shall now document our antics with the kindling.

Kevin? Or monster?

Look! It's the Statue of Liberty in the desert!

Uh-oh. Is someone being attacked?

Finally, safe in the fire.

That's about all to relate.

"WRONG!" (In-joke alert.)

I almost forgot. Here's a picture of Kevin and his flower offering. He wishes you a safe journey on your way through the internet. (Actually, I made that up, but it sounds nice.)

P.S. Palm Springs is kinda cool. But they lack all-you-can-eat buffets. I tried to satisfy my hankering for unlimited fulfillment, but I was thwarted.