Joshua Tree National Park, California

by Madison and Luke

One of the main reasons we wanted to take Grandma and Grandpa to California was to see Joshua Tree National Park (just north of Palm Springs). None of us had been there, but we were all interested in visiting it. After the bust we had at the Salton Sea, we weren't sure if Joshua Tree would be worth it...it was an amazing National Park we'll definitely visit again. Thanks to Mommy and Daddy's idea of buying the National Park Pass when they visited the Petrified Forest in Northern Arizona on our move, we didn't have to pay for our park admission. Any park fee would have been worth it to see these beautiful sights.

Our first stop at Joshua Tree was at the Visitor's Center, where Madison found more cacti.

This is a Joshua Tree. Yes, there is such a thing, and it only grows naturally here in the Mohave Desert. It's a very odd looking thing, somewhat of a cross between a cactus and a palm tree, a.k.a., Madison's dream tree. Interestingly, they don't have rings on the interior, so there is no way to date Joshua Trees. We were told they don't sprout any limbs until at least 60 years of age. We also found out the Joshua Tree was named by the Mormans as they came across the desert, naming him for the prophet, Joshua.

The park was full of interesting terrain and plants, nothing like you would see in the East.

More Joshua Trees

It was hard to capture how beautiful the terrain was. Rugged mountains and desert plants were everywhere.

Then, randomly, these huge stone pillars would be located amongst a large flat area.

What are we wearing??? Jackets???? It was a refreshing 50 degrees in the park, and we loved every minute of the cool weather.

Minus Luke who was napping in the car

The driving tour around the park had great areas to pull off for pictures. Daddy and I got adventurous and went toward the hills.

Madison fell in love with the Joshua Tree and claimed it as "my favorite tree."

Grandpa and Grandma ventured out of the car for a picture too. We think they were a little worried about seeing snakes and other desert creatures (in their defense, there were signs saying, "Watch out for rattlesnakes").

It's a great place for rock climbers. The rocks were really cool.

Our amateur rock climbers

Success and without incident

It's not quite like climbing the sand dunes where you can almost roll down the hill. It was a little more challenging for this duo to get down.

Pretty daring to be near this brush pile when there's no telling what lives in it.

After looking around at the bottom of the mountain, we drove to the summit...awesome.

Very interesting and very different terrain

What lies below this is the San Andreas Fault. Luckily, there were no earthquakes while we were up there. In the far distance when it is less hazy/less smog, you can see Mexico. While Mexico is very close to us in Yuma, this would be a few hundred miles away from here at Joshua Tree.

Cool rock formations

Several picture attempts...this was the best. At least everyone is looking toward the camera and somewhat smiling.

Daddy's Girl

Ditto on this...several attempts, this was the best. The terrain and scenery are too beautiful to crop out of the picture.

You can judge the next two...what can we say?? Two WILD and CRAZY kids!

Okay, but Madison is in the middle of saying, "Princess," which is the only way we can sometimes get her to smile.

It's a good thing this isn't Stonehenge because after seeing these rocks all piled up, Madison knocked them over. If we ever go to England, we'll have to keep a close eye on her while visiting ancient rock formations.

Grandpa and his clone, "Lil Wayne" after a full day at Joshua Tree. These two have become bosom buddies as they rode in the back of the minivan together the whole trip, and well, let's face it, they look exactly alike.