Joshua Tree National Park

I noticed that the Joshua Tree National Park was just north of Palm Springs so a visit was in order. I ended up spending three nights. The days were nice with the temperature in the low 60's. The nights were cold.

One of the days I decided to ride the motorcycle through and around the park. This cactus garden was about half way through the park. What an interesting plant. They called them "Jumping Cactus" because they stick to you with the slightest touch.

These plants are rather large, standing 3 to 4 feet tall.

The rest of the trip was pretty eventful.

While on I-10 continuing around the park, I ran out of gas just one mile from where I was going to stop to get some. The last few times I've rode the motorcycle it has been really windy and that did a number on the gas mileage. I can usually go 200 miles before needing to fill up. This time I was just over 150. After walking for a ways a guy gave me a ride to and from the gas station. I topped off his tank while filling my new $15, one gallon, gas can. After that adventure, I then road onto Palm Springs. Interesting place. I tried to get back onto the freeway there, but the access road was closed. So I went west several miles to the next on ramp. That access road was closed too. So back to Palm Springs I go to the access east of Palm Springs. AND that one was closed too. Three access roads all in a row, closed. I finally got onto the freeway at the next eastern access. Then it starts to rain! And the wind is blowing a good 20 miles per hour on my nose, it's getting cold and dark. So, Dean and Dennis, I'm glad you like Palm Springs. I know it must be better than my experience today.

The next day I went on this hike through the desert and climbed up Ryan's Mountain. Pictures don't show it, but this place is really windy. When I got to the top of the mountain I thought I had wandered up into the jet stream. The wind almost blew me off the top. It was hard to stand up. Worse was hiking back down the hill into the wind. For much of the way I staggered, like I was drunk, as the wind gusted up the hillside. I was working just as hard hiking down hill as I had going up!

That night though was another one of those great desert sunsets. Those rediculous looking plants are Joshua Trees.

And this is a picture of Ryan's Mountain. It's a long time exposure well after sunset. The trail goes up the left side in this picture.