The desert is getting hot. May be no surprise, since we're in June already, but the hot temps seem to hit fast and hard in the desert. Saturday's high was 104 degrees. Too hot to go out hiking during the day. So we drove into Joshua Tree National Park late Saturday for a picnic at the Live Oak Picnic Area. This spot has never been on my radar. I've driven by it many times, but this was my first actual visit. We were pleasantly surprised. Waiting to go late in the day, combined with the higher elevation, made for very comfortable picnic temperatures!
Shhh, don't tell anyone! The hot temps scare off the tourists. People forget that much of the Park is at higher elevation and cooler than the surrounding desert (the picnic area is at about 4200'). We'll just keep that little secret to ourselves! We had the Live Oak Picnic Area entirely to ourselves... not another hiker or car to be seen.
As you drive to the far west end of Live Oak Picnic Area, you will find the big oak tree that the area is named after (red arrow on the map). I'm used to seeing smaller scrub oak in the Park, but this big oak really stands out. We wasted no time hauling out camp table, chairs, and cooler.
As my wife and mother relaxed under the shade of the oak tree, my granddaughter was eager to explore.
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| My granddaughter and a "shadow selfie"! |
My favorite photo of the day... look at her go! Hey, wait for grandpa!!!
I'm thankful for my little photo muse granddaughter! She's fun, photogenic, and always adds a little more interest to my photos when we're out exploring.
The Live Oak "tank". Further down the wash is the Ivanpah tank. We didn't make it quite that far, so will save it for another time.
Back under the big oak, where a cool drink and a snack are waiting!
Saturday's sunset!!
What a surprise to find a flourishing oak tree in the desert and it certainly made for an ideal picnic spot!
ReplyDeleteHow your grand daughter is growing in 'leaps and bounds' for sure! Great photos!
What a perfect place for a picnic! My favorite pic is granddaughter and selfie shadow. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the clear, blue skies. I'm sure everyone had a good time, especially your granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful area and nice to have a shady spot in which to relax. Your granddaughter is a beauty! Thanks for linking up today!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place and photos. Aren't granddaughters wonderful?
ReplyDeleteyeah she looks like she's enjoying it, and who wouldn't? it's a beautiful place
ReplyDeleteYour granddaughter is adorable! This looks like a wonderful place. There is a town here in north Florida called Live Oak.
ReplyDeleteMy lips are sealed. Don't you just hate Mother's nightly, garish display? Sheesh. What a show off.
ReplyDeleteAmazing place. Thanks for sharing beautiful pics.
ReplyDeleteGreetings.
Gorgeous picnic spot. And your granddaughter...she is adorable! Great photos!
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures. That little granddaughter of yours is a cutie.
ReplyDeleteShe is a cutie!
ReplyDeleteYou found a good shade certainly and the weathered rocks seems out of place in a dessert but photogenic.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place, great shots!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pics and sunset. Your photos are always so clear and professional. It's very cool you know the best places to go, and it's nice others don't know about them too, lol. Lucky you to have a cool drink and chair under an oak tree.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place. And I love the memories you are making for your granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteAdorable granddaughter and lovely shot of the sunset.
ReplyDeleteYou live in paradise, I'm sure you know that.
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful atmosphere in all images.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting area, a perfect place, not only for a picnic !
ReplyDeleteHello, what a lovely tree. A beautiful spot for a picnic. Your granddaughter is photogenic, adorable photos. Love the sunset shots. Happy Friday, enjoy your day and weekend!
ReplyDeleteGreat pic's again. Love them.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful, warm, and clear. What a day for a picnic and for being young again. If you want to take pictures of your granddaughter playing in puddles, come here to upstate New York. It's raining - again!
ReplyDeleteKids make everything better
ReplyDeleteYour grand daughter is a real cutie ~ so darling and what a wonderful picnic area and gorgeous photography ~ ^_^
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenery!
ReplyDeleteLovely granddaughter!
Have a wonderful week-end!
I love the shot of your granddaughter in mid air! It looks to have been a fine evening-- one I'm sure she will remember. Your pictures are always superb.
ReplyDeleteI have actually been there, many years ago with my husband and our Dobermans. The male, big Red, took off after a coyote and we had to wait a long time before he came back. That's about all I remember. The worry.
ReplyDeleteHow amazing to see such a huge oak tree in the desert...and so beautiful. I love the photo of your granddaughter "flying."
ReplyDeleteReckon even the cooler bits would be too hot for me but a great set of photos.
ReplyDeleteYour pretty little granddaughter was having fun around there. Looks like it was worth the effort going for a picnic with that sunset
ReplyDeleteNice picnic and sunset
ReplyDeleteLooks like a beautiful, tranquil oasis! Your little granddaughter is precious, indeed. - K
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful shots in a stunning place, thank you for sharing them, dear friend ( your granddaughter is truly a gem who makes them even more precious!)
ReplyDeleteWishing you a lovely remainder of your week,
I'm sending hugs and more hugs to you
XOXO Daniela at ~ My little old world ~ (Dany)
That oak is certainly a survivor. It must have deep roots. Love the stark beauty, such a contrast to my present home in south Florida.
ReplyDeleteIncredible and wonderful place to have a cosy and perfect travel! Amazing views, stunning aspects! have a great day and week to you and family!
ReplyDeleteAnother great area to visit!
ReplyDeleteThese views are very interesting.
ReplyDeleteAnd your granddaughter looks very cute.
What a lovely secret spot! Desert temps really do vary with elevation..from our short stays I even know that. Your beautiful granddaughter is definitely a perfect photo muse!
ReplyDeleteI Still like that big oak!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Pete!
ReplyDeleteSeeing your granddaughter (who is very darn cute) running around in the rocks reminds me of two things. First, it reminds me of myself when I was a little kid running around in JT. Second, it reminds SO MUCH of when my granddaughter was younger and running around in JT, with the same look of total bliss that your granddaughter has.