Joshua Tree National Park

It was suggested that I go to Joshua Tree, since it is only about 3 hours away.  With gas prices how they are, I decided to combine my trip to Costco with some amazing hiking.  It was a bit chilly for my liking, so I'll definitely want to go back when it is warmer (and less desolate-everything was hibernating!)  Was able to warm up with some pho in the village, though, which helped!

 Apparently not the face of a drug runner...got through border patrol without difficulty.

Belly has been a bit off, so I decided to treat it to a little snack.

 I though this was the trail....apparently not.  The grand tradition of me not knowing where I'm going continues...

These dead-looking plants make a really low, hollow sound when the big stalks hit the trunks.  Pretty neat.

 The vastness is indescribable.  It felt like no one had ever seen this place before.  SUPER windy...had me very sure where my hands and feet were!  I was headed down a steep embankment with not much of anything on the other side!  No worries-my cell phone was on "track" and I had told 3 rangers exactly where I was going!

Joshua tree!

For some reason, this reminds me of a desert Christmas tree...dunno.

 For people who are directionally challenged, they have made sure to notate which trails are marked.  I stuck with those....

Sunshine in Joshua Trees

 Hard to capture just how huge these rocks are.  They are named "Jumbo Rocks" for a reason.

 I didn't get to claim the farthest distance traveled today!

My feet-firmly planted thanks to my hiking boots!

Home for a.....?

 Skull rock doesn't look like much up close (perhaps where Monet got the idea), but you can see it if you stand back!

This big guy (about 3" long!) wanted to come back with me and was hanging on for dear life, but I told him he wasn't allowed to cross the border into Arizona.  They won't even let an apple cross!

I went back into the park after dark to look at the stars.  Unfortunately, the moon was pretty bright and hid some, but I still got to see a few really great shooting stars.  Also, I got stopped by a large park ranger who said I should proceed down the road out of the park with caution..."there is something on the side of the road".  The something was an airplane!  Holey moley!  I wanted to take a picture, but he didn't look amused.  Pretty incredible.

Special thanks to the following people:
Reece, for suggesting this trip and pushing me to seek new horizons
My parents, for trusting that I'm not a complete fool on my own
Mike, for suggesting a few extras for my car (pocket knife, flashlight, etc) to make me safer
Michael, the park ranger I met, for suggesting a hike that I could do in a few hours that would show me some great sights in the park