Last week my good friend Kristi and her pal, Andrew, flew into sunny Arizona for a week of desert fun. So, what did we do as soon as I got out of work last Wednesday? Hopped in the car and left the state, heading to California to Joshua Tree National Park. It was a visit that we Arizonans weren't as thrilled about (we live in the desert... we want to see more desert?), but once we arrived and set up camp in Jumbo Rocks, we realized that it was the perfect place for a desert vacation.
Nicole, Kory, Kristi, Andrew, Sterling and I had a wonderful time cooking gourmet meals over the campfire and exploring the park. We hiked to the top of Ryan Mountain (at just a little over 5000 feet) and explored Barker Dam. Our favorite activity, however, was the many off-trail, rock-scrambling adventures where we cautiously or not so cautiously jumped from rock to rock.
A couple of Joshua Tree facts for those desert enthusiasts... Joshua Trees are pollinated by a single type of moth; they do not have rings like deciduous trees, but their trunk is almost spongy when wet and is full of fibers that soak up water to sustain it; Joshua Trees must have hot weather to grow, but don't grow branches unless the temperature drops below freezing; Joshua Trees look like Dr. Seuss designed them and are pretty awesome.
It was an incredible camping trip and the six of us meshed perfectly... whether we were hiking or scrambling or cooking or cleaning up or simply drinking beer around the fire. Just like camping should be.
After our trip, I quickly worked my 40 hours and packed for the next vacation! Sterling and I are currently in the Phoenix airport, waiting to hop on the plane and head to Europe! We might be sleep-deprived, but we're happy and eager for the trip to come. Andiamo!
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