Joshua Tree National Park

Imagine almost a million acres of desert wilderness about a two hour drive from Los Angeles-- that would be Joshua Tree National Park. We drove through the park this morning, and made a few camera stops.  The high desert weather was a bit harsh, and we weren't prepared for any big hikes.

 This is the view from Key's Point (altitude 5,185) and from here on a clear day you can see all the way past the Salton Sea to Mexico with the San Adreas Fault far below on the valley floor. It was about 40 degrees at the summit and windy. After snapping a quick picture I was back in the car pronto.

Another stop a the sunny Cholla Cactus "garden" where you get a stern warning not to touch ANYTHING.

Not even the "pretty" flowers. Especially not the pretty flowers!

Or, you'll soon be doing some of this. Ouch!

We had a great day, but now it's time to relax in the swimming pool with a glass of wine.  The weather is 75 degrees of perfection. Oh yea, and did I mention we're also doing lots of this in Palm Springs?