A lone Joshua Tree in Joshua Tree National Park. Last week, after visiting with Cara, Ethan and Wyatt in Arizona, I stopped in the desert to look for rocks and take pictures. I love the Saguaro cactus, as they look like people and are so very strong. Birds nest in small holes and little spaces where the arms grow out from the trunk.
This one reminded me of a mother and child, holding tight to each other.
I stopped in Joshua Tree National Park to camp for one night before heading home. I did get my $10.00 Senior pass which allows me to get into the parks for free for the rest of my life and get 1/2 price on all campsites within the parks. One happy old person over here.
Joshua Tree is so incredibly beautiful. I had to change campsites once, as one other old person was certain I had camped next to him because I was over the moon for him. In truth, I never even saw him until I had set up camp, then he wouldn't leave me alone, so I quietly packed back up and drove away when he wasn't looking. Sometimes a girl's got to do what she has to do.
Gorgeous Cholla Cactus. Even though they are gorgeous, they are vicious and attach themselves to any part of your body that touches it. I got poked in the foot, then when I tried to pick it out of my foot, it got stuck in my finger, then when I tried to get it out with the other finger, I got poked again. When you get poked, the needles stay in your clothing or skin, and it hurts like you cant believe.
I walked all through the desert taking pictures, and enjoying the scenery. What a place! Huge boulders, amazing Joshua Trees, ocotillo, cholla cactus. So amazing.
This is the campsite I ended up at. No strange men, just lots of wide open spaces. I brought enough wood for a campfire but not any food for dinner. I did have tea with milk and some Fritos. A very nice couple from Canada came over and joined me at the fire. So interesting to talk with them.
I walked around behind my campsite and found the most interesting trails and scenery.
Just at sunset, Michael, the Canadian, climbed this rock directly opposite my campsite. I grabbed my camera and got a shot of him at the top.
On the week before, on my way home from Cara's, I stopped in Whitewater Preserve which is just outside of Joshua Tree. It is a beautiful preserve with a small year-round creek running through it. Endless trails, gorgeous scenery, and it is free to camp there! Still haven't camped there, but love to stop and walk through the trails.
Ice cold water runs down the wash.
On the day I stopped there, I had Cara's dog, Ollie, and together we walked through the trails and explored. Ollie loved it!
Snow capped mountains made the preserve even more beautiful. Thank you Lord for a wonderful day! May God bless and be with you and yours. Susan Little