Behind Dog Park

 Yes, a strange name for a post. But just behind (to the south) of the dog park of this high desert town is the border for Joshua Tree National Park. The area gets few visitors (certainly no tourists). It has an impressive diversity of desert plants. If you are a geologist or just like to admire rocks, you are in for a treat.

A pretty bunching cactus under a gorgeous sky.

 

 Close up of same cactus species, I think. It's common in this area, although relatively rare throughout the rest of the park.

A big, healthy red barrel cactus.

 

Cholla are common in the area.

 

I'm out walking with my cousin's daughter today. They are visiting from the Chicago area. I say walking because the plan is to walk up the wash for maybe 1/2 mile at most. As it turned out, our walk turned into a hike!

Before long, we came across this marker. It means we are entering Joshua Tree National Park. It seems odd having a designated wilderness area here. In theory, I could bring a tent and camp overnight! Turning around to face the other direction (photo below), you see the town of 29 Palms. I'm used to wilderness areas being out in the middle of nowhere, which is definitely not the case here!

 

Beautiful skies!

 

We came across a large area of beautiful spotted boulders. Of course, "spotted boulders" is not the proper geologic term. I believe the proper term is "alkali feldspar megacrysts", also know as "potassium feldspar megacrysts." I think I'll stick with spotted boulders!

 

This boulder is both spotted and striped! I'm sure a geologist could tell us more.

 

 

As you can tell from the photos, we make a spontaneous decision to hike a ways up the rocky mountainside. Look really closely and you can barely see Karrin (in orange) making her way up.

 

Steep & rocky.

 

Beautiful views was the payoff for the climb up the mountain. But I was happy when we made it back to flat land. I was wearing crummy shoes with slick tread, carrying no water, and my cell phone was just about dead. All novice errors that could get you into trouble, but like I said, we didn't plan for a hike, just a short walk. Famous last words.

 

Hiking back to the car, we passed this large structure under construction. It appears they are framing in what will become the basement (in CA, we call it a wine cellar😊). The property line goes right up to the national park. It should be a gorgeous property, but it makes me a little sad. Soon this area will be full of expensive properties, fenced off with no trespassing signs posted, and just a few privileged homeowners will have access to these hills. My days of hiking this area are numbered.

 

Thanks for stopping by!!

Linking with Skywatch Friday.