Joshua Tree

We exited the south end of Death Valley and traversed the Mojave towards the fabled Joshua Tree. Honestly, I didn't know anything about the park, but love the album. I also am fond of the Seuessian looking yucca. Our favorite tree photo is actually this one that we took on the way into Death Valley.

With fresh supplies, and a stop to drop off the drycleaning in the weirdly militant town of 29 Palms, we made our way into the park and settled in to a nice camp spot. I know it is completely cliche', but I played a little U2 while setting up the tent. The next morning, our neighbors asked if they could join our hike that day. Although I was somewhat skeptical, it was nice to talk with Lincoln and Katie that day. Lincoln showed interest in Curt's gagets and gizmos. They also did not subscribe to our 'marching' pace, so it did give us a fresh perspective on the activity and an outlet for us to share some of our tales thus far. It made me somewhat reflective when I noticed the "middle finger" rock. Honestly, if it hadn't been for them, Susie would have been exhausted by our stories in LA.

Curt also befriened the local wildlife. The first night, he spotted a mouse boldly running across our picnic table. It sought protection in my empty plastic wine cup. Or so he thought. Curt flipped the wine glass on top of the mouse, and flung it off the table. The next evening, the mouse was digging around in the recycling...not the garbage. It seems that the two mice that inhabit our camp site like to booze and are not shy.Its funny. We've been in the cold, and the heat, but hadn't really noticed the wind...until the Santa Anas rolled in. They're exhausting. We decide to make a quick pilgrimage to Palm Springs to find somthing to wear to the big events in LA that are next on the agenda.

We hike up to Ryan's Peak and look backdown at camp before departure and make our way to Pasadena.

We've camped for 11 straight nights. Curt decides to use the remote and take a photo of the two of us.