From natural to supernatural

Today’s activities took us from interesting and beautiful natural sites to one that could be a flashback to an old horror flick. It was another good day in the neighborhood!

We began by spending several pleasant hours roaming through Joshua Tree National Park, starting below 3,000 ft. elevation with wildflower landscapes and ending at 5,000 ft. with panoramic mountain scenes.

Our tour through the park was approximately 50 miles, including the Keys View where there were awesome views of San Jacinto Mountain with snow sprinkled at the 10,000 ft summit and the sweeping valleys below.

Along our route we paused at the Cholla Cactus Garden to walk among the 100s of Teddy Bears who will give you quite a prickly bear hug as you pass by if you aren’t careful.

The brown on these plants is the dead part of the cacti. But they continue to grow new stems that will eventually fall off and grow to be new plants. Sometimes these new stems attach to desert animals who carry them, unknowingly, far away, starting a new cholla colony.

One answer we were seeking in the park today was: What exactly is a Joshua Tree? These unusual trees, thriving in the higher elevation of the Mojave Desert, are actually a giant member of the lily family related to the Yucca plant, but not the same at all . Many Joshua Trees grow large white and green flowering bulbs in the spring, which they rely on the yucca moth to pollinate. In certain areas of the park the numbers of trees stretched out on the horizon look like orchards. The legend of the Joshua Tree is that the Mormons named it for the bible's Joshua. They saw the outstretched limbs as a symbol encouraging and guiding them west. The image these uniquely-shaped trees brought to my mind was a little different than that. A lot of them remind me of the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, with his arms and legs dangling at weird angles and the straw protruding at the ends of his limbs. Do you see it?

The spectacular natural scenery was in abundance everywhere on our long ride through the park. Which brings me to our encounter afterward when we stopped for lunch. I’ll let you decide, but this creature looked somewhat supernatural to us. Right?!!

Beauty in Joshua Tree National Park

Recently our travels took us west to Joshua Tree National Park in southeastern California, a place we haven't yet had the opportunity to experience. Just outside the park we located a nice scenic area of BLM land with room for us to settle in for a few days of exploring.

Next to this area is an obviously man-made hill or mound running as far as we can see on the edge of the park . We soon learned that underneath is the Colorado River Aqueduct, one of the primary sources of drinking water in southern California. This aqueduct is some 240 miles long, starting at the Lake Havasu dam in western Arizona. The good ole Colorado sure nourishes many of us.

Soon after we arrived we took our first ride in the park and were thrilled to find that we were just in time for the annual parade of wildflowers.

Everywhere you look there are carpets of varying shades of yellows and purples stretching all the way to the mountains.

Within Joshua Tree there is an area of natural springs named Cottonwood Spring, where the palm trees and cottonwoods are flourishing. It was interesting to see the remnants of the arrastre used by gold prospectors in the 1800s. They used this circular grinder along with the water to pulverize ores and, hopefully, find gold in it. The springs were a cool oasis in the Colorado Desert for the miners, as well as ancient Indian tribes and early explorers.

Our day was topped off when as we were leaving the park we saw what looked like some sort of cat crossing the road. We drove slowing toward the area where he crossed and saw a bobcat meandering his way along next to the road just a few feet from us. He turned to glance at us several times but didn't seem to be concerned. He just swaggered slowly on his way.

Bringing Things Up-to-date

During the past few months we have had many good experiences along the road. Many of them couldn't be captured in photographs, but we do have some that tell a story that we would like to share. I've finally made myself take the time to bring these postings up to date.

Our 4wheeling in Yuma in November and our Quartzsite experiences in January are now recorded in the photos posted on our image page. If you want to take a look at those stories, click on the links under "More of Our Photos" in the right hand column of this blog. This takes you to our photo page. Hope you enjoy!

Of course there are many memories of great trails, but there are many other special times. Here's one -- an evening we had with friends at Silly Al's in Q. Gerry and Armando and other compatriots were sharing some laughs with us. Do you recognize the hat?????


On the last day of our latest rally at Black Canyon City, AZ, we went on a trail called Mica Mule, taking us through the scenic Soap Canyon and over fun rocky hills. Our leaders that day, Bob and Marilynn Parker, helped make it a pleasant run. They were also one of the host couples for the rally. We are grateful to these folks and all those who contributed to the rally. I didn't take photos on this particular run, but some friends sent us this one of us at lunch on the trail. There were many smiles that day, too.

Running the Trails in Black Canyon,AZ

Our planning for February this year included the FMCA 4wheelers rally in Black Canyon City, AZ. There was a little hesitation, not knowing exactly what the weather might be in the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains north of Phoenix. But the trails were calling. And as it turned out the week began with formidable storms and progressed to fantastic sunshine. We joined the group of 70 motorhomes, assembled in the parking lot behind the Rock Springs Café on the third day of the rally, just in time for the improving weather.

There was no lack of challenges and beautiful scenes provided by Mother Nature for this gathering. On our first trail, Peck Canyon, our group entered Prescott National Forest, climbing into the crisp white beauty of the snow in the pines.

At about 5000 feet we soaked in the impressive array of plateaus and snow-tipped mountains to the west and a voluminous Lake Pleasant to the south.

Later in the week we decided it would be fun to join the group making an exploratory run on Shamrock trail. Early on we encountered a high stream that flooded one of our trail participants. With some help from good wheelin friends he was pulled out and made it over successfully. These tested trail runners weren't about to give up. They walked through the water to find a good route across the swiftly flowing stream and we all continued on the day-long adventure.
This 4wheel rally gave us a slightly different view on our hobby since we had mostly been keeping to the dry desert runs. The trails began with saguaro cactus and mesquite bushes at low elevations and progressed to the agaves and pine trees at the top. Along the way there was a fair share of old mining towns and current day gold panners. We explored hills, valleys, creeks, maneuvered boulders and steep hills. The views were super and we even had some fun in the mud.

Also on the Shamrock trail we were lucky enough to view this fascinating crested Saguaro cactus. They are very rare - something like 1 in 65,000. It takes 75-100 years for an arm to grow on a Saguaro, so how old do you think this one might be?

We all know, people are a key ingredient in any of our experiences. This group of folks definitely add the seasonings that complete the recipe for a good time. There were lots of laughs and good reminiscing as we explored the countryside as well as back at camp at the trail's end. Take a look at our trail leaders Sherm and Jean as they relax at lunch in their fine millinery. After their super leadership for the day we renamed the trail "The Sherminator."

It was good to be with those who have shared 4wheeling times over the past year or so. Among them are good friends Rick and Jane. Here's Jerry and Rick sharing a few thoughts on the day's run next to a nice babbling stream.

So then we move on down the road and store another week of good times in the memories vault until we have another opportunity to add to the treasure chest.

From Q to Congress -

It's time to move along again. This interlude in Quartzsite was sprinkled with all types of encounters, with various people, places and things. My previous post went briefly into the characteristics of Q, so I won't go there. Suffice it to say, there are experiences in this piece of the southwest that aren't available elsewhere.

This has been our temporary home for about three weeks, situated on a piece of the desert with over 100 other rigs in what is called "Boomerville" -- We've had a great time with fellow RVers , sharing meals, advice on camping spots, solar and battery tips, happy hours, walks, fires, and on and on. . . . . . . . . During that time we also had a chance to participate in another FMCA 4Wheelers gathering. These folks are always fun, sharing their excitement and their expertise on the trails. Here's a peek at the Pumpkin Smasher trail. There are more photos and I promise to get them posted to the links at the right very soon.

On-the-road-again . . . . . A couple of days ago, we moved on up the highway from Quartzsite to Congress, Arizona, traveling approximately 100 miles northeast to the Escapees RV Park, North Ranch. It's a beautiful ride through mostly open desert and mountainous landscape, occasionally interrupted by tiny towns with names such as Hope, Wenden and Salome. These little communities seem to be populated mostly by the residents of the RV parks that are situated right along the highway. We're heading for a 4wheel rally north of Phoenix in a few days, but wanted to make a stop at North Ranch to see some special people. Here you can see the unique greeting we received from Jerry and Dee Thomas as we arrived to park on their lot. There is, of course, a story behind the signs. But we'll let you imagine your own version. It's been a nice visit with them, sharing our latest stories and the plans for the rest of the year. Thank you again, Dee and Jerry, for your wonderful hospitality and the good times.
Today was Superbowl Day and it's been raining here all day, but there's plenty of sunshine for Eli Manning and the NY Giants. Good job! If it couldn't be the Colts, then we are happy for the underdogs and, of course, Peyton's little brother.