An easy day in the desert (Joshua Tree NP)

My wife took her very first trip to the desert backcountry today, and she really enjoyed what it was all about. We cannot leave the USA for another 6 to 8 months, so Southern CA will have to do for now.

My good friend Mike drove along, and here's how the day went...

Traveling along Berdoo Canyon Road, we visited the old California Conservation Corps camp.



There was broken glass and rusty nails everywhere you looked, so we pulled out of there, and on our way back to the road, we happened upon an informal Toyota group. I watched this V8 powered Land Cruiser spin its tires and get stuck near the top of this hill several times, and I thought a friendly competition would make our day a little interesting.






The Land Cruiser made it to the top, and their group laughed as I bottomed out on the ruts and barely managed to make it up 2/3rds the way each time. I gave it lots of throttle, front/rear lockers, and 2nd gear all the way to the top...and made it! This is Leidys' reaction to the victory on Berdoo Canyon Road for the Land Cruiser AND the Jeep Rubicon!

Leidys has never driven an automobile before, but next month will give it a go in Anza Borrego. She really enjoyed Berdoo Canyon Road and Geology Tour Road. Here are some pics..







An approaching series of storms immediately darkened the skies, but we kept having fun on the rocks...on foot. This is our friend Mike who I met at "Shipwrecks/Punta San Jacinto" (Baja California) back in 2000.



New signs have been posted throughout the park...Here is the new Geology Tour Road sign that is a bonus for park visitors looking for a little adventure on their way home.



Leidys never scaled rocks before, so we gave it a go at Skull Rock and in her new Timberland boots, she made it to the top without any difficulties.





After a full day hiking and 4 wheeling, we aired up near the Cottonwood Visitors Center and Jeeped back home in the rain. All in all a great day in the desert!



[Edited on 1-19-2010 by Ken Cooke]

Took this picture next to your campsite 3 years ago:

I'll keep both of you posted with Ocotillo Wells. We watched Anthony Bourdain "On the US/Mexico Border" yesterday and watched as Anthony walked into the bar in Nuevo Laredo just like in the scene from El Mariachi. We have that VHS tape, but our VHS machine is now eating tapes, so I cannot even fathom watching/wasting our copy of Bajo California here at home. El Mariachi is also a no-go. BUMMER!

Fishbuck asks - How is Leidys adjusting? Tomorrow will mark her 2nd month here in the USA, and she loves her new family and friends here so much, and our life together that she is very happy. Culturally, she understands that the foods and music are very different. She only listens to Salsa or Romanticas and only dances to Salsa or Pop en Español. We went dancing at a local bar here in Riverside, but she did not like Banda - but good thing Cmbias are also popular here, she's a Cumbia girl!

Thanks everyone for the warmth & positivity

We want very much to visit Baja and feel that Baja sun and swim in the Sea of Cortez. When you are not able to go, it makes you want to be there so much more.

Here are a few more photos from our wonderful trip to Joshua Tree NP.

Standing at the Whitewater, CA rest stop on I-10 -- Leidys is sporting her new backcountry clothing.


The rock formations of Squaw Tank along Geology Tour Road


The disclaimer leading beyond Geology Tour Road reads, "Caution! Road Not Maintained!" This seldom catches the attention of tourists driving in rental cars, but this tourist was intrigued and wanted a few photos regardless.

Hi all, hope this is not a hijack but we too were just at JTNP on Jan 10. I thought I would try my hand at posting some pics.

A natural arch....



3 clowns at skull rock...



Awesome scenery everywhere....



We didn't get to do the Geology road tour...kind of ironic...but I was out voted (stupid democratic process)

A belated Congrats, Ken and Leidys