Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree State Park was beyond all expectations, and photos don’t really do it justice. Light in the desert is so fickle . . . what appears a perfect shot turns out flat-looking or too contrasty.  Early morning, late afternoon always best.  Vast tumbling piles of red-gold granite rocks, deep blue sky and green tufted Joshua Trees in every direction.  Incredible shapes and illusions, impossibly balanced slabs or spheres . . . an absolute rock climbers dream.  And there were dozens of them.  But what were they carrying?  Looked like . . . .  foam mattresses?  Apparently, when one is learning to climb, these ‘foamies’ are laid on the ground to lessen any minor falls.  A chilling thought when looking at the intensely rough granite surface . . . skin would be shredded in an instant.

A stop at the Teddy Bear Cholla (pronounced ‘choya’) cactus garden . . .  creamy white fuzzy clumps which only seem to grow at an altitude between 1000 and 3000ft. It’s strange to see such a huge area covered with just one type of plant.  Despite warning signs, people still insisted on taking their dogs along the trails.  Those long spines are brutal .  . .  we spent an hour removing them with tweezers from the soles of our hiking boots.  What chance would dog feet have.

Couldn’t understand why everywhere was so busy on a Monday, until a passerby remarked that it was President’s Day.  Pioneertown – an old cowboy movie set started by Roy Rogers and Gene Autry was also packed so took some photos and left.  There were some prickly characters wearing sunglasses!

Oh oh . . . text from Craig to say Wind increasing over next two days . .  with the possibility of snow! Well, we are at 3,000 feet.  Checked all the weather apps to find the least windy route . . . and planned for an early start tomorrow.