Joshua Tree National Park

We stop at Joshua Tree National Park on our way out of Palm Springs.

We camp at BLM Land just outside the Park entrance.

The landscape is filled with amazing rock formations

and of course the Joshua Trees - which are really tree sized Yucca plants.

They can reach up to 40 feet tall. 

At times you feel like you are walking through a Dr. Seuss Book and expect to drive by Whoville and some Who's along the way

Or maybe the Grinch?

Rock climbing is popular in the Park and you can't see it in this picture but there is a tight rope wire between the 2 mountains.

I took this video of a guy crossing over.  You got to have guts!

The view from Keys view lookout.  Unfortunately there is smog but you can just make out the San Andreas Fault line. 

We didn't get to do any hikes in the Park as it has become very dog unfriendly so we opted to take the driving tours and stopped at the overlooks and picnic areas where Tucson was allowed to go.

With all the driving we needed to go find gas and headed down the Box Canyon Road to Salton Sea.

On the way back we encountered an RV stuck in the sand so we stopped to help.

Once we got them free we continued on and pulled over to do a hike with Tucson. 

We weren't sure where it went to but it had some nice views. 

A view of the Salton Sea in the distance.  We ran into a couple of women hiking and the trail lead to some cave but we didn't bring much water and turned back after about an hour.

Tomorrow we head to Quartzsite for a night and then press onward to New Mexico.

Till Later,

Meanwhile, we keep on Trek'n

Melissa, Gary & Tucson

Palm Springs, CA

Leave Lake Havasu City and head towards Palm Springs for a free 3 night stay at Desert Pools RV Resort (less 1 hour of our lives we will never get back- sales pitch)

Gets a bit windy in this part of the country so there is a huge wind farm.

We arrive at the Desert Pools Resort in Desert Hot Springs

Our site is nice enough, but we find out the 2nd day that it is bordered by Oleander shrubs which Tucson was playing in and chewing on  sticks on the site.  We find out after he develops a cough that it is highly toxic.  I of course panic and we take him to the vet.  Vet thinks it is just a respiratory thing and we vow to keep him clear of Oleander in the future! 

After boon docking in the Desert for a few weeks it is wonderful to sit and soak in the Mineral Hot springs Tubs.  They ranged from 98 degrees to 104 degrees.

That made the 88 degree mineral springs Pool feel refreshing in the evening. 

We ran into our friends Gloria and Rich - who we met last winter in LaFeria Texas.

We even got to get together with my friend from High School, Shelley and her husband Rick.  Had a nice dinner out in Palm Springs. 

Enjoyed ourselves but now it's time to head to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico to do some work at a Hot Springs there!

Till Later!

Meanwhile, we keep on Trek'n

Melissa, Gary & Tucson



Great Western Winterblast Fireworks Show

Friday night the Fireworks begin - looks like we are close enough to view but far enough away so that they obviously don't disturb Tucson!

We had found some wood and set up a campfire to watch the fireworks by

But a large Motorhome pulls in late and parks across from us blocking our view.  We can still see the high ones though.

Hey it was a Blast!

But Tucson was unimpressed!

Till Later!

Meanwhile, we keep on Trek'n

Melissa, Gary and Tucson

Lake Havasu City - Hike a Day - Crack in the Mountain

Staying at BLM Land just south of the City and 2 miles from Sarah Park where the Fireworks are to be shot off from.  We didn't want to be too close with the Puppy's first time.

There was a trail head entrance in the back of Sarah Park so we decided to investigate.

We follow the Yellow trail markers.

the route starts to narrow. . .

and find the Crack in the Mountain! 

You can't make me go down there! 

Gary gives Tucson a lift. 

Finally back to wide open spaces! 

Another 1.5 miles and we see water in the distance

A cove on the Colorado River. 

The BLM actually has water access camp sites in various coves along the river. 

Time for the return trip - oops which way do we go? 

Don't worry Mom - I'll show you the way!

Looking forward to several more hikes in the area!



Till Later!

Meanwhile, we keep on Trek'n

Melissa, Gary & Tucson