Edge of the Mirage

Roughley Manor in 29 Palms

2012-01-09T10:47:00.000-08:00

Roughley Manor, a Bed and Breakfast Inn, is located on a property built by the Campbells, a pair of early homesteaders. This charming place is owned and operated by Gary & Jan Peters, and home to a family of Great Horned owls. A+ rating for ambiance, hospitality, and cuisine.

(November 2011)

Happy 2012

2012-01-01T06:49:00.000-08:00

(Noah Purifoy, exhibit in Joshua Tree, 2011)

Rock climbers-Joshua Tree National Park

2011-12-04T15:18:00.000-08:00

Perspective is everything...

(Ryan Mountain area, November, 2011)

Doors of Italy

2011-10-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

Traveling to Italy this summer, I became fascinated by the beautiful doors in Venice and Florence--baptistry doors and cathedral doors and doors to private homes. Door knockers and doorbells, too.

Italy = color

(Italy, June-July 2011)

London manners

2011-09-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

The Brits are so polite...

(London, July 2011)

Venice 2011

2011-08-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

It's hard to put into words how charming and beautiful Venice is... pictures say a lot more.

(July, 2011)

London 2011

2011-07-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

(July, 2011)

Eiffel Tower 2011

2011-07-17T06:32:00.000-07:00

from every perspective... amazing!

(June, 2011)

Joshua Tree National Park... memories

2011-06-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

Joshua Tree National Park-desert wildflowers

2011-05-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

(April, 2011)

April showers- May flowers

2011-05-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

our backyard garden...

(May, 2011)

Happy 75th Joshua Tree National Park

2011-04-19T15:47:00.000-07:00

Happy 75th Birthday to an amazing national park that amazes me each time I visit. Love from one of your biggest fans!

(Joshua Tree National Park, February 2011)

sights around 29 Palms and Joshua Tree National Park

2011-03-31T11:20:00.000-07:00

(December, 2010)

Joshua Tree National Park

2011-03-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

(March, 2011)

Live Oak area

Maui sunset

2011-02-02T09:23:00.000-08:00

sometimes words fall short...

(November, 2010)

view from Keys View-Joshua tree National Park

2011-01-24T11:13:00.000-08:00

On this clear day in December we could see the Coachella Valley, Indio, and the Salton Sea, all the way to Signal Mountain in Mexico, 100 miles away.

(December, 2010)

horses in Joshua Tree National Park

2011-01-13T11:56:00.001-08:00

There are plenty of riding trails in JTNP, but rarely do you see horses. We met this Orange County family who were camping in a horse-zoned site. I learned that Dad is part of the Anaheim police department mounted division. Happy Trails!

(Joshua Tree National Park, December 2010)

my dad, Herman Groves

2010-12-09T05:40:00.000-08:00

I'm remembering you, Dad, with love and gratitude. You showed me how to persevere through hardship and never give up. I love you!

Herman Groves (September 21,1927-December 5, 2010)

Maui ice sculpting competition

2010-11-30T12:38:00.000-08:00

The event took place at the indoor Lahaina Cannery Mall, the only ice-friendly spot in Hawaii! The entrants had one and a half hours to create their masterpieces.

and the winner... Tsuneo Sugiura of Japan:

(November 2010)

Maui sunset

2010-11-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

November, 2010

Southern California sunrise

2010-11-06T10:46:00.001-07:00

another gorgeous day...

(November 6, 2010)

Joshua Tree National Park Visitor's Center

2010-10-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

Joshua Tree National Park Visitor's Center, Twentynine Palms

(May, 2010)

a rose is a rose

2010-10-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

Found an interesting rose in my birthday bouquet... with seeds.

swans at the Boston Common

2010-09-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

While the temperature soared to 113 degrees in L.A. this week, and broke the city's official thermometer, my mind wanders back to the Boston Common...

Joshua Tree National Park sights

2010-09-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

So much beauty, a feast for the eyes...

(2010)

footprints in the sand--Twentynine Palms

2010-09-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

(September, 2010)

Ocotillo Patch--Joshua Tree National Park

2010-08-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

(May, 2010)

The Boston Common

2010-08-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

(August, 2010)

The Boston Common... the oldest park in America and one of the loveliest places on earth with its willows, flowers, and swan boats, propelled with a foot pedal by the driver. My favorite spot in the city.

Boston Public Library reading room

2010-08-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

We visited Boston on a recent trip east. Boston's a very cool city with an interesting mix of the old and new--colonial graveyards set between skyscrapers, old pubs and trendy restaurants, and the Freedom Trail that weaves its way through the center of town.

I loved the green lamps in this enormous, quiet room that looked like a good place to study.

orange sunset--Joshua Tree National Park and Twentynine Palms

2010-08-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

( 2009)

A view of the mountains that border Joshua Tree National Park from Twentynine Palms.

Part III: Interview with Curt Sauer--superintendent of Joshua Tree National Park

2010-07-26T11:23:00.001-07:00

Here's Part III of a 2008 interview with Curt Sauer, the superintendent of Joshua Tree National Park for the last seven years.

In Part I and Part II of this interview I talked with Curt about his background and his concerns regarding Joshua Tree National Park.

Allison: Curt, what do you take pride in at Joshua Tree National Park?

Curt: I'm proud of the overwhelming positive support for this park and its resources. In the five years that I've been here, I have yet to find someone who does not like the park. Folks may not like some of our use rules or the size of the campsites, et cetera, but no one dislikes the park and its programs. Old-timers still call it the Monument. That's an amazing statement for a superintendent to be able to make.

I'm proud of the people who work at this park. The employees care about this place. They strive to produce excellent results within the budget they are given. Many of them give extra hours to the park, its programs, and to the visiting public.

Allison: What else do you take pride in?

Curt: I'm proud of the accomplishments we've made to date concerning threats to the park from outside development. Eight thousand acres on the southwest boundary of the park,
known as Joshua Hills (mentioned in Part II of this interview) , were slated to become a city of 35,000 people. The land has been acquired by a host of partners and will be delegated as open space in perpetuity.

We are in the process of acquiring 639 acres east of Yucca Valley with private funds to prevent degradation of an area of Nolinas (a beautiful, flowering plant related to the agave) and to stop the potential development of this hillside. Because of this, Joshua Tree National Park is protected and the town of Yucca Valley will have a viewshed into the park sans development.

A basin-wide group called the Open Space Group is working to protect the treasures of the Morongo basin. Local towns, federal and state agencies, as well as local elected officials and water boards are all involved.

Thank you, Curt, for sharing your insights and concerns about Joshua Tree National Park! For anyone who hasn't visited the park, it's a wonderful place to spend a day, a weekend, or a week experiencing its beauty.

Part II: Interview with Curt Sauer--superintendent of Joshua Tree National Park

2010-07-19T11:01:00.001-07:00

Here's Part II of a 2008 interview with Curt Sauer, the superintendent of Joshua Tree National Park for the last seven years. Part III will follow.

In Part I of this interview I talked with Curt Sauer, veteran of the National Park Service and superintendent of Joshua Tree National Park. We talked about how he came to work at the park, what his job is like, and visitors' favorite sites. Check it out here if you missed it.

Allison: Curt, what are your concerns regarding Joshua Tree National Park?

Curt: I'm concerned that Joshua Tree National Park will become an island surrounded by human development and walled communities, with population growth specifically outside the north and south park boundaries, and the fact that plants and wildlife will not be able to migrate and move through those communities.

In the next 20 years, by some estimates 100,000 people are expected to move into the Morongo Basin. The arrival of a Home Depot in Yucca Valley last October and of a planned Super-Walmart this coming year predicts future growth. The cities of Yucca Valley and 29 Palms would also like to preserve those open spaces.

Allison: What other concerns do you have regarding the park?

Curt: In Paradise Valley, north of Interstate 10, in Pinkham Canyon, four miles from Joshua Tree National Park, plans have been proposed for a planned community of 30-40,000 people. Feral cats, domestic cats and dogs, and the lights at night would impact the park's insects and owls.

Ivanpah Valley Airport, being built in Ivanpah, Nevada, will be in operation by 2017. The Ivanpah Valley Airport will grow larger than McCarran Airport in Las Vegas. According to a state report, an additional eight million people will be moving into Southern California from Bakersfield south. They'll need to recreate somewhere.

Eventually, mountain lion, deer, and bobcat populations may not be able to readily move from the San Bernardino Mountains to the Little San Bernardino Mountains in the park, which will further isolate the park's populations.

A Los Angeles DWP Green Path has been proposed--a 200 foot tall, 500 kilowatt transmission line that will start east of Highway 62. To be gained in part by eminent domain, the line would run through Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and Pioneertown, and feed into Victorville. The term "green" is a misnomer. Only 20% of the energy would come from geothermal solar fields near the Salton Sea and Imperial Valley.

A proposed landfill near Eagle Mountain, adjacent to the park, would put garbage on pristine land. It's the cumulative effect of all these things that will impact Joshua Tree National Park.

Allison: Talk about The Centennial Act.

Curt: To prepare for the National Park Service's 100th Anniversary in 2016, Congress recently passed the Centennial Act, the first of 10 years of additional funding--with a $100 million base this year alone, over and above a cost-of-living increase--for the national parks. This will enable us at Joshua Tree National Park to double our volunteer staff and hire 29 seasonal employees from Centennial Act monies--14 interpreters, 11 rangers, and 4 maintenance workers.

The current administration, and Laura Bush, the Honorary Chair of the Junior Ranger Program, loves our national parks. Support of the national parks changes by personal interest, not by political party.

Allison: Tell us about renovations taking place in the park in the future.

Curt: We have used$17 million of Federal Highways Funds over the past 8 years to repair and replace 22 miles of roads along Route 12 and Keys View. By 2011 we'll start to work on the road to Cottonwood (the park's south entrance).

In Part III of this interview Curt will talk about the many things he takes pride in at Joshua Tree National Park.

Part I: Interview with Curt Sauer--superintendent of Joshua Tree National Park

2010-07-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

I'm re-blogging (is that a word?) this interview with Curt Sauer from 2008. Curt has now been the superintendent of Joshua Tree National Park for the last seven years. Parts II and III will follow.

Today's post begins a three-part interview with Curt Sauer, superintendent of Joshua Tree National Park. A veteran of the National Park Service, Curt has been at his current job for five years.

Allison: Curt, tell us about your background.

Curt: I've been with the National Park Service for 32 years--at Rocky Mountain National Park and then at the Grand Canyon as a backcountry ranger, dispatcher, and at the river unit for three years. I was transferred to Olympic National Park where I was the chief ranger for nine years. I enrolled in an executive development program to apply for superintendency, then applied for this job when it came up.

Allison: What was it like to work in the Cascade Mountains for all those years and then move to the desert?

Curt: I came to Joshua Tree National Park five years ago, during a drought. Before my family came down, on weekends I rented a car and drove into the park and went hiking. One day when I was hiking in the Pinto Y Arrastra, I sat down to rest and noticed a lizard eating a blade of grass. When I looked up at the hillside, I noticed the green there, too. It took my mind three weeks to look at the desert and see the green.

Allison: As superintendent of JTNP, what are your responsibilities?

Curt: To make sure that the park is taken care of, to see that the visitors enjoy themselves. It's like running a little town. We maintain the roads, dispose of waste in the campgrounds, and are in charge of maintenance and operations and of interpretive operation. We're in charge of law enforcement in the park--things like speeding, drugs, domestic disputes, and the poaching of reptiles. We manage natural and cultural resources, and administration for 90 employees.

Allison: What is a typical workday like?

Curt: There's no such thing as a typical workday in the National Park Service, which is why this is such a great job. As part of my job, I also attend meetings where I have the oportunity to talk to the public and work with the community and our partners.

Allison: What are the most frequently visited sites at the park?

Curt: I'd say the Wonderland of Rocks. The entrance is near the Wall Street Mill. Also, Barker Dam, the Hidden Valley nature trails, and the Cholla Garden. The park's best-kept secret is Keys Ranch, which offers tours. Most people visit the western side of the park. Wildflowers bloomed earlier this spring in Pinto Valley at the east end of the park, too.

Allison: How many visitors come to the park each year?

Curt: Each year Joshua Tree National Park sees 1.25 million visitors.

In Part II of this post Curt will share his concerns regarding Joshua Tree National Park. In Part III Curt will talk about what he takes pride in. Stay tuned!

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

(Steps of the Lincoln Memorial where the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous speech, Washington, D.C., July 2008)

It's all about freedom. Happy 4th of July!

Jumbo Rocks--Joshua Tree National Park

2010-06-23T10:47:00.001-07:00

(photos by Juliana, May 2010)

Jumbo Rocks, Joshua Tree National Park

bouldering--Joshua Tree National Park

2010-06-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

(May, 2010)

It's always a blast to scramble around the boulders at the park. Although they look round and friendly the tiny granite pebbles they are made of can bite your skin.

a walk in Twentynine Palms--Part II

2010-06-02T11:10:00.001-07:00

(May, 2010)

You never what you'll see taking a walk in the desert, one reason why I love it there!

a walk in Twentynine Palms--Part I

2010-05-27T10:49:00.001-07:00

A few weeks back we visited my mother-in-law, Helen, over Mother's Day. During my morning walk, here are some of the things I saw...

(legs ready to go)

(a branch that looked like a snake)

(desert dandelions)

(an anthill)

(the end of the road)

Twentynine Palms, May 2010

cholla garden--Joshua Tree National Park

2010-05-10T10:07:00.000-07:00

(May, 2010)

This is a surreal place... thousands of cholla cactus that grow on a plain in Joshua Tree National Park, like Alice in Wonderland falling into a desert rabbit hole.

Joshua Tree National Park wildflowers

2010-04-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

(Joshua Tree National Park)

Wildflower blossoms from past years--amazing!

message from Twentynine Palms

2010-04-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

(2009)

More photos of Keys Ranch--Joshua Tree National Park

2010-04-15T09:57:00.001-07:00

(Keys Ranch, 2009)

Juliana and me and the Joshua trees

2010-04-07T10:26:00.000-07:00

(29 Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, February 2009)

The clouds were amazing that day. William pointed out this cool cluster of Joshua trees against the horizon. The desert is new every day.

more Keys Ranch--Joshua Tree National Park

2010-03-26T14:04:00.000-07:00

(Keys Ranch, 2009)

Keys Ranch--Joshua Tree National Park

2010-03-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

(Keys Ranch, 2009)

Southern California sunrise

2010-03-05T11:14:00.000-08:00

(February, 2010)

another recent beauty...

random desert shot--29 Palms signs

2010-02-22T10:57:00.000-08:00

(29 Palms, February, 2010)

Confusing information...?

desert weather forecaster

2010-02-15T21:39:00.000-08:00

(29 Palms, 2008)

My in-laws have this handy system set up in their yard. Crude, but accurate!

Joshua Tree National Park--cottontail

2010-02-04T11:12:00.000-08:00

(Joshua Tree National Park, November 2009)

Cottontail bunny...

orange sunset: Twentynine Palms-Joshua Tree National Park

2010-01-14T10:53:00.000-08:00

(December 28, 2009)

Following a sunrise/sunset theme.... a view of the mountains that border Joshua Tree National Park from Twentynine Palms.

January 4th--amazing sunrise

2010-01-06T11:43:00.000-08:00

Since New Year's Day the clouds have been putting on a show. The view from our front yard as the sunrise reflects in a neighbor's window...

The view from our back patio..

(January 4th, 2010)

sunset from our patio--January 1, 2010

2010-01-02T12:11:00.001-08:00

(January 1, 2010)

The New Year brought us this gorgeous sunset from our back patio looking west toward Laguna Beach.

snow in Joshua Tree National Park--Christmas 2004

2009-12-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

(Joshua Tree National Park, December, 2004)

Every so often snow falls on the California high desert... another aspect of our beautiful wilderness!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Keys Ranch--Joshua Tree National Park

2009-12-14T11:05:00.000-08:00

(Keyes Ranch, Joshua Tree National Park, November 2009)

Bill Keys was an early resident of the California high desert. From the early to mid-1900's he and his family lived on Keys Ranch--a working cattle ranch--inside of what is now Joshua Tree National Park. The park offers guided tours of the ranch, now a historical site. On a recent tour I snapped these shots of some of the old artifacts.

twilight desert shadows

2009-12-01T10:21:00.000-08:00

The sun set around 4:36 p.m. as the light and shadows dwindled...

(Joshua Tree National Park Visitor's Center, Thanksgiving, 2009)

No swimming--Joshua Tree National Park

2009-11-20T15:48:00.000-08:00

(Barker Dam, November, 2010)

Believe it or not, at times the man-made dam, an old cattle watering hole, looks like a lake!

little rock climber... Joshua Tree National Park

2009-11-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

(Joshua Tree National Park, 2000)

Dr. Luckie--"Father of 29 Palms"

2009-10-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

(September, 2009, 29 Palms)

Dr. James Luckie is depicted in a 29 Palms mural. After World War I he practiced medicine in Pasadena and treated veterans injured by mustard gas poisoning. Dr, Luckie advised his patients to file homestead claims in the high desert community where the altitude and climate might heal their injured lungs. Many recovered there and stayed to raise families.

A former medical officer, Dr. Luckie would not accept payment for his services and was deeded forty acres of land by grateful resident Bill Campbell. Dr. Luckie deeded the land over to the local legion post. Today "Luckie Park" sits on the site as a tribute to this generous man.

Joshua Tree National Park ranger Laureen Lentz

2009-10-15T09:41:00.000-07:00

(Joshua Tree National Park Visitors Center, September, 2009)

Our friend Laureen Lentz is one of the Park's amazing natural resources! A 20 year Park employee, she fills the role of Volunteer Coordinator as well as Lead Park Guide. Laureen always has a smile on her face and shares interesting information and great stories, which makes our visits to Joshua Tree National Park sing!

desert love

2009-10-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

(Joshua Tree National Park, November, 2000)

A few weekends ago I went on a walk around my mother-in-law's neighborhood in 29 Palms. Why I love the desert hit me once again. I notice things here... a feather blowing across the road, an anthill rising from a crack in the pavement, the breeze on my face, the call of morning doves.

The world around me amplifies and fills me with the sights and sounds of nature... or the absence of noise and perfect calm. The stillness of the desert quiets my restless mind.

Keys View--Joshua Tree National Park

2009-10-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

(Keys View, Joshua Tree National Park--September, 2009)

While our family was visiting my mother-in-law Helen in 29 Palms last weekend, William and I went out to Joshua Tree National Park. I was recovering from a sprained ankle and did more hobbling than hiking, and shot a lot of photos.

The park was unusually hot--around 100 degrees-no escaping the heat wave in the city, with a blue, windless sky, and empty! You could drive for miles and not see a car. We drove up to Keys View, the highest point, with an awesome view of the Coachella Valley from Palm Springs (a fire was burning somewhere around there), Mount San Jacinto behind it, to the Salton Sea, Signal Mountain and Mexico south of that.

Not many people up there either except for a German couple taking photos of a friendly antelope ground squirrel (awwww... I took a few, too).

A beautiful weekend!

Joshua Tree National Park in autumn

2009-09-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

Joshua Tree National Park, November, 2008

The Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park--September field class schedule

2009-09-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

September Field Class Schedule:
To register for classes please go to www.joshuatree.org or click here.

Discover the Milky Way
Warm September nights are a perfect time to explore the summer Milky Way. David Chappell will lead participants on a tour of the stars, clusters, and nebulae that reside along the galactic plane in this field class.
Dates/Times: Saturday, September 19, 2 pm - 10 pm
Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center, 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA
Fee: $60 ($50 for JTNPA/PINE members)

Summer Annual Wildflower Wanderings
Did you know that wildflowers can be abundant each fall? Summer annuals will bloom in September with enough rainfall. Desert Naturalist, Darrell Shade will saturate your senses with these unique fall blossoms that occur in Joshua Tree National Park in this one-day field class.
Dates/Times: Sunday, September 20, 7 am - 1:30 pm
Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center, 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA
Fee: $60 ($50 for JTNPA/PINE members)

Insects and Other Arthropods of the Morongo Basin
(UCR optional credit - Entomology x405, 1.5 units)
Did you know that insects can survive in temperatures of over 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade with little to no water? Kurt Leuschner will explore the lives of the largest group of animals in the world through an in-depth study of insect anatomy, survival traits, habitats, and behaviors.
Dates/Times: Friday, September 25, 7 pm - 9 pm;
Saturday, September 26, 8:30 am - 2:30 pm and 6 pm - 9 pm
Sunday, September 27, 8 am - 12 pm
Meet at: Black Rock Visitor Center, 9800 Black Rock Canyon Rd., Yucca Valley, CA
Credit Fee: $210 ($200 for JTNPA/PINE members)
Non-Credit Fee: $135 ($125 JTNPA/PINE members)

Night Sky Photography
If you enjoy photography and are fascinated by the desert night sky, this hands-on course is for you! Dennis Mammana, sky photographer, will teach participants the secret of capturing the desert sky at sunset and dusk, creating time-lapse exposures, moonlight shots, and more.
Dates/Times: Saturday, September 26, 1 pm - 9 pm
Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center, 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA
Fee: $60 ($50 for JTNPA/PINE members)

Old School House Lecture Series, Twentynine Palms
Become a subscriber and save $10 on all ten lectures in the Series. Contact the Desert Institute or visit www.joshuatree.org for more information.

Tales of the Mojave Road - the Military
Dennis Casebier, Historian, Author, Executive Director Mojave Heritage & Cultural History Association
Join historian Dennis Casebier to hear the story of the military men and women who built and manned the forts on the Mojave Road as well as the challenges the soldiers faced to support western migration to the coast.
Location: Old School House Museum, 6760 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Date/Time: September 11, 7 pm
Fee: $5.00 at the door.

The Desert Institute Fall Field Class schedule

2009-09-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

Fall 2009 Field Class Schedule

The classes take place in Joshua Tree National Park and the surrounding area. The scenery is inspirational, the autumn weather beautiful and mild. To register click here.

September 19 - Discover the Milky Way
20 - Summer Annual Wildflower Wanderings - NEW!
25 - 27 - Insects & Other Arthropods of the Morongo Basin-NEW!
26 - Night Sky Photography

October 3 & 10 - Native American Style Pottery
4 - Desert Snakes: Fang, Rattle, and More
17 & 18 - Biological Soil Crusts of Joshua Tree National Park
18 - Bighorn Sheep of Joshua Tree National Park - NEW!
24 & 25 - Native American Basket Weaving
24 & 25 - Archaeology of Joshua Tree National Park
31 - Geology of Rattlesnake Canyon
31 & November 1 - Edible Plants of the Desert

November 1 - Native Californian Pigments & Paints

6 & 7 - Photographing the Joshua Tree Landscape
7 - Watercolor Painting in the Park
8 - Drawing the Desert with Pencil and Brush - NEW!
8 - Mystery of the Wonderland of Rocks
14 & 15 - Geology: Creation of the Joshua Tree Landscape
14 - Collage Monotypes in Joshua Tree National Park
20 & 21 - Basic Map & Compass
21 - Explore the Eagle Mountains
21 & 22 - Geology and Paleontology of the Pinto Basin
22 - Advanced Map & Compass

December 5 - Geology of the San Andreas Fault
5 - Basic Desert Survival
6 - Advanced Desert Survival - NEW!
6 - Journey to Cary’s Castle

Joshua Tree National Park--whale rock

2009-08-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

(Joshua Tree National Park, 2000)

The amazing rock formations in Joshua Tree National Park always inspire me, and conjure images of all sorts of things. This one reminded me of a breeching whale.

Mendes Ranch--horsebackriding in Maui

2009-08-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

(Maui, June 2009)

Maui flowers

2009-08-04T10:48:00.000-07:00

random Maui shot--flower with gecko

2009-07-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

(Maui 2009)

When I snapped this photo of a beautiful flower at Wailea Beach I didn't notice the gecko.

sunrise at Haleakala

2009-07-16T11:03:00.000-07:00

Haleakala ("House of the Sun") volcano, Maui, June 2009

We arose at 3:30 in the morning and drove for an hour and a half up the slope of the volcano, arriving at 5:15 a.m. At an elevation of 10,00 feet, the sky was already light. At 5:45 the sun rose over the clouds. A group of local Hawaiians chanted in the day as we stood in awe and watched. An amazing sight!

shadows on Haleakala

2009-07-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

(Haleakala volcano, Maui, June, 2009)

These photos were taken at 6:30 a.m. after viewing the sunrise. Shadows are long at 10,000 feet. The bottom photo was taken 15 minutes after the middle one. You can already see the difference.

Maui sunsets

2009-07-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

On occasion this blog veers away from the desert with photos of other beautiful places...

Maui, 2009

random desert shots

2009-06-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

(in and around 29 Palms and Wonder Valley, 2005-2009)

more desert critters

2009-06-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

sidewinder, chuckwalla
(Joshua Tree National Park, 2005)

coyote
(Death Valley National Park, April, 2005)

tarantula
(Joshua Tree National Park, December, 2004)

Between insects, animals, and cactus, you never know what kind of critters you'll meet in the desert! I always wear sturdy hiking boots.

29 Palms cactus garden

2009-06-03T11:15:00.001-07:00

(May, 2009)

Jazzy celebrates Memorial Day with a nap

2009-05-25T08:04:00.001-07:00

spring 2009 in Joshua Tree National Park

2009-05-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

(chia flower)

(cholla blooming)

(desert sculpture)

photos Joshua Tree National Park, April, 2009

cactus and me--Joshua Tree National Park

2009-05-07T16:55:00.001-07:00

(April, 2009)

more April wildflowers--Joshua Tree National Park

2009-04-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

(coyote melon)

(park ranger leading a nature walk)

(bladderpod)

(barrel cactus)

(woolly daisy)

(silver cholla)

More beautiful April wildfllowers in Joshua Tree National Park!

beavertail cactus in bloom--Joshua Tree National Park

2009-04-22T00:51:00.000-07:00

(JTNP near the 29 Palms entrance, April, 2009)

desert barrel cactus

2009-04-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

(Joshua Tree National Park, April, 2009)

Last week William and I went on a morning ranger-guided walk in Joshua Tree National Park. The topic was wildflowers, in bloom right now. The bloom was pretty as always. For a truly spectacular bloom the timing of rainfall and the dispersal of the seeds of the desert plants need to be in exactly the right balance.

Barrel cactus, of the genus ferocactus, which means "fierce or wild cactus," are shaped like barrels or cylinders. Barrels are among the largest cacti of the North American deserts and can grow to be 11 feet tall. Native Americans boiled and ate the cactus flowers and made tea from them, and used the spines for needles. Cactus candy is also made from the barrel's pulp.

(cactus mother and child?)

(Boyd Deep Canyon, Palm Desert, March, 2008)

More beautiful barrel cactus in Boyd Deep Canyon, a private preserve. Barrels like to grow on hillsides, and were plentiful here.

Walking in the desert, happening upon a burst of pink or red, yellow or purple always amazes me--a desert surprise. Tune in for more wildflowers!

spring flowers--Joshua Tree National Park

2009-04-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

(April, 2008)

random desert shots--Moreno Valley

2009-04-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

(December, 2008)

Driving back from the desert through Moreno Valley on the freeway... makes you kinda dizzy.

golden cholla--29 Palms

2009-03-25T10:58:00.000-07:00

(February, 2009)

I took this photo on an early morning walk in 29 Palms near the Indian Cove area of Joshua Tree National Park. Easy to see why the cactus is called golden.

Darold's memorial service in 29 Palms--February 28, 2009

2009-03-18T00:55:00.000-07:00

(portrait of Darold Johnson by his grand-daughter, Dana Armstrong, of Chicago)

My father-in-law, Darold Johnson's memorial service at Immanuel Prince of Peace Lutheran church in 29 Palms was beautiful and memorable. Darold served our country for 44 years--20 years in the Navy and 24 years in civil service, 17 of those at the Marine base in 29 Palms where he taught electronics.

A Navy color guard escort was part of the memorial service. A bugler played taps. Two soldiers unfurled and refolded the American flag. One of them presented the flag to my mother-in-law, Helen, and said, "Thank you for your husband's service on behalf of a grateful nation and the President of the United States." Tears of pride and joy followed. We gave Darold a fantastic send-off!

Darold Johnson--36 years in 29 Palms

2009-03-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

I can't say enough about my father-in-law Darold, whom we lost on February 20th. He was a fantastic husband, father, brother, uncle, grandpa, great-grandpa, great-great grandpa, a servant and a leader. We love you, Darold, and we miss you!

Celebrating the life of Darold Johnson

2009-03-04T10:28:00.000-08:00

(Christmas at the Johnson's, 29 Palms)

(Darold's 1930 Model A, Pioneer Days parade, 29 Palms, October 2007)

My father-in-law Darold Johnson passed away February 20, 2009. He lived in 29 Palms for 36 years and leaves a great legacy to all of us who knew and loved him.

For Darold

2009-02-21T13:27:00.001-08:00

(In memory of his beautiful spirit, February 20, 2009)

more desert clouds

2009-02-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park February classes

2009-02-04T11:24:00.000-08:00

Classes:

February 13 & 14, 2009 Basic Map & Compass

Twentynine Palms, CA – Do you want the confidence to explore the desert and not get lost? Outdoor guide, Karl VonHalle will teach participants how to navigate the desert landscape using a map and compass in this two-day hands-on field class in Joshua Tree National Park.

Date/Time: Friday, February 13, 6 pm – 8:30 pm

Saturday, February 14, 8 am – 4:30 pm

Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center

74485 National Park Dr., Twentynine Palms, CA

Fee: $75 ($65 for JTNPA and PINE members)

Instructor: Karl VonHalle, Outdoor Guide

February 14, 2009 Mining History of Joshua Tree National Park

Twentynine Palms, CA – Discover the captivating mining history and the unique geology that created the landscape of Joshua Tree National Park. Margaret Eggers, Ph.D. and editor of Mining History and Geology of Joshua Tree National Park, will explain the natural processes behind the unique Joshua Tree landscapes and discuss how gold ore was mined and refined in the area.

Date/Time: Saturday, February 14, 9 am – 5 pm

Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center, 74485 National Park Dr., Twentynine Palms, CA

Fee: $60 ($50 for JTNPA and PINE members)

Instructor: Margaret Eggers, Ph.D., Author, Editor of Mining History & Geology of JTNP

February 15, 2009 Advanced Map & Compass

Joshua Tree National Park, CA – Hone your route finding ability with this advanced map and compass field class. During this all-day desert adventure you will travel approximately 8 miles; prerequisite Map & Compass Basic Skills or prior map and compass abilities, call if you have any questions.

Date/Time: Sunday, February 15, 8:30 am – 5 pm

Meet at: Quail Springs Picnic Area, Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Fee: $60 ($50 for JTNPA and PINE members)

Instructor: Karl VonHalle, Outdoor Guide

February 15, 2009 Explore Ruby Lee Well

Twentynine Palms, CA – Discover a part of Joshua Tree National Park’s rich mining history in this all-day field class. Desert naturalist and outdoor guide Mark Wheeler will discuss the importance of interior Colorado Desert ecology, Hexie Mountain geology, wash ecosystems, and the cultural history of Ruby Lee Well and Mill during the twelve mile round trip walk to Ruby Lee Well.

Date/Time: Sunday, February 15, 8 am – afternoon

Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center,

74485 National Park Dr., Twentynine Palms, CA

Fee: $50 ($40 for JTNPA and PINE members)

Instructor: Mark Wheeler, M.S., Education Desert Naturalist, Outdoor Guide

February 20 & 21, 2009 Tracking in Joshua Tree National Park

Almost Full!

Twentynine Palms, CA – Investigate and learn about the natural world in this two day tracking field class. Jim Lowery, primitive skills teacher and author of The Trackers Field Guide, will explain how to read the signs and tracks that create natural stories on the desert landscape.

Date/Time: Friday, February 20, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Saturday, February 21, 8 am – 4 pm

Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center

74485 National Park Dr., Twentynine Palms, CA

Fee: $75 ($65 for JTNPA and PINE members)

Instructor: Jim Lowery, Primitive Skills Teacher, Author of The Trackers Field Guide

February 21 & 22, 2009 Geology & Paleontology of the Pinto Basin

Twentynine Palms, CA – Discover the prehistoric past of Joshua Tree National Park with paleontologists Kathleen Springer, Eric Scott, and Chris Sagebiel in this two-day field class.

Date/Time: Saturday, February 21, 6 pm – 8 pm

Sunday, February 22, 7 am – 8 pm

Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center, 74485 National Park Dr., Twentynine

Palms, CA

Fee: $75 ($65 for JTNPA and PINE members)

Instructor: Kathleen Springer, M.S., Eric Scott, M.S., and J. Chris Sagebiel M.S., Paleontologists

February 22, 2009 Advanced Wilderness Navigation

Twentynine Palms, CA – Learn how to explore the desert using advanced navigation techniques with Karl VonHalle, wilderness traveler and educator. Be prepared to spend a day covering up to six miles with moderate boulder scrambling. Prerequisite: Map & Compass Basic Skills or prior map and compass abilities. Call if you have any questions.

Date/Time: Sunday, February 22, 8 am – 5 pm

Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center, 74485 National Park Dr., Twentynine Palms, CA

Fee: $60 ($50 for JTNPA and PINE members)

Instructor: Karl VonHalle, Outdoor Guide

February 27 & 28, 2009 Photography: Nature to the Digital Studio

Joshua Tree, CA – Capture the beauty of Joshua Tree National Park through your camera lens and learn how to enhance your images in a digital studio. Artist and educator Spelman Evans Downer will teach participants to develop their personal photography styles against the backdrop of the Mojave Desert and how to manipulate images using Adobe Photoshop in this two-day field class.

Date/Time: Friday, February 27, 6 pm – 9 pm

Saturday, February 28, 7 am – 7 pm

Meet at: Copper Mountain College, 6162 Rotary Way, Joshua Tree, CA

Fee: $100 ($90 for JTNPA and PINE members)

Instructor: Spelman Evans Downer, M.A., Visual Artist, Professor, Copper Mountain College

Feb. 27 – March 1, 2009 Rocks & Minerals of Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree, CA – Bruce Bridenbecker, professor of physical science at Copper Mountain College, will explain the critical principles that shaped the rocks and minerals of this area into the blonde granite and pre-Cambrian gneiss which are iconic of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts during this combined three day lecture and field class.

Date/Time: Friday, February 27, 6 pm – 9 pm

Saturday, February 28, 8 am – 5 pm

Sunday, March 1, 8 am – 4 pm

Meet at: Copper Mountain College, 6162 Rotary Way, Joshua Tree

Noncredit Fee: $115 ($105 JTNPA/PINE members)

Credit Fee: $190 ($180 for JTNPA/PINE members)

Instructor: Bruce Bridenbecker, M.S., Geosciences, Assistant Professor, Copper Mountain College

Lectures:

February 5, 2009 Wonders of the Coachella Valley

Date/Time: Thursday, February 5, 2 pm

Location: Rancho Mirage Public Library,

71-100 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage

Fee: FREE, open to the public.

February 9, 2009 Changing Desert Landscape

Date/Time: Monday, February 9, 6:30 pm

Location: Palm Springs Public Library,

300 South Sunrise Way, Palm Springs

Fee: FREE, open to the public.

February 13, 2009 Speciation of Desert Lizards: What DNA Can Tell Us

Date/Time: Friday, February 13, 7 pm

Location: Old Schoolhouse Museum, 6760 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms

Fee: $5 at the door, open to the public.

February 20, 2009 Big Horn Sheep in Southern CA

Date/Time: Friday, February 20, 7 pm

Location: Black Rock Visitor Center,

9800 Black Rock Canyon, Yucca Valley

Fee: FREE, open to the public.

February 27, 2009 The Life of Jimmy Doolittle

Date/Time: Friday, February 27, 7 pm

Location: Portola Community Center

45-480 Portola Ave, Palm Desert

Fee: $5 at the door, open to the public.

For more information or to register please go here or call the Desert Institute at (760) 367-5535, or register by mail: 74485 National Park Dr., Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 (please make checks out to Desert Institute and indicate which classes you are registering for).

Winter--Joshua Tree National Park

2009-01-28T10:15:00.000-08:00

(JTNP Visitors Center, 29 Palms)

(JTNP in snow, December, 2004)

Joshua Tree National Park: beautiful all times of the year!

Happy 4th of July

2009-01-20T10:03:00.000-08:00

(Steps of the Lincoln Memorial where the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous speech, Washington, D.C., July 2008)

It's all about freedom. Happy 4th of July!

29 Palms and Joshua Tree National Park--November 2008

2009-01-14T09:53:00.000-08:00

(grounds of 29 Palms Historical Society)

(Catholic church near Joshua Tree National Park Visitors Center)

(29 Palms Oasis, Joshua Tree National Park)

photos: November 2008

I took these photos on Thanksgiving weekend 2008 in and around the 29 Palms entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. The city was named after the original cluster of palms at this old oasis, said to number 29.

Donna and Larry Charpied fight to protect Joshua Tree National Park

2009-01-07T11:42:00.000-08:00

Desert writer Deanne Stillman wrote a recent piece for Plenty magazine about Donna and Larry Charpied, who for the last twenty years have fought against the creation of a huge garbage dump at the edge of Joshua Tree National Park. Any day now the 9th Circuit Court in California is ruling about whether or not the dump will go forward. We pray that the court rules against it.

To read the article, follow this link.

(To read my two-part interview with Donna regarding her and Larry's fight against the dump, check out my blog posts of February 28 and March 3, 2008).

Happy 2009 from Joshua Tree National Park

2008-12-31T00:12:00.000-08:00

Beside my glove is a tiny foxtail cactus that will grow from a two-inch ball to look like a fluffy (but prickly) foxtail.

(Joshua Tree National Park, December 2008)

The week before Christmas, Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree National Park were blanketed in white by one of the biggest snowstorms ever. Not much snow was left when we visited the park a few days after Christmas, just drifts at the side of the road. The park also wasn't as full of visitors as usual because of the cold weather, about 45 degrees that day.

William and I drove to the end of Stirrup Tank Road near Wilson Canyon and hiked a few hundred feet up to the top of a huge rock formation with a clear view of the park. By the time we reached the top I took off my gloves and unzipped my jacket. The silence, huge blue sky, and the view were amazing. Pure heaven!

Hiking down a steep, rocky path can be more dangerous than going up. William and I reminded ourselves to put the toes of our boots down first and to avoid patches of loose gravel. I came across fresh scat from an animal that looked to be a large one, and I started thinking about mountain lions. For all the serenity the park provides, it's still a wilderness! We were out of cell phone range, and the only people for miles around.

We kept a lookout and made it safely down the trail to the car. In 20 years of visiting the park I've never seen a mountain lion but it's a good idea to be aware.

Take a trip out to our beautiful deserts and enjoy the clean air and beautiful views. The wild animals you'll likely encounter will be jackrabbits or roadrunners.

Happy New Year and have a fantastic 2009!

Merry Christmas 2008--more Joshua Tree National Park snow

2008-12-24T12:59:00.000-08:00

(Joshua Tree National Park, 2004)

(Jazzy, 2008)

We're going out to the park--hoping to see more snow this year!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Winter snow--Joshua Tree National Park

2008-12-16T11:10:00.000-08:00

(JTNP, December 2004)

It snows in the park every once in a while, not what
many people expect to see in the desert. It's beautiful while it lasts!

desert literature events

2008-12-10T11:37:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 13, 2008
1:30-4:30 PM
$48-$68

Class A302 Desert Literature - Stories and Lore of the Coachella Valley

Location:

Education Center, Living Desert University/Living Desert Reserve, Palm Desert

Instructor: Ruth Nolan, M.A., Assistant Professor of English at College of the Desert

Ever wonder how the Coachella Valley got its name? Interested in the stories of our valley's early pioneers, the celebrity influence on shaping our desert as we know it today, and the centuries-old legends and contemporary stories and memoirs of our local Native American inhabitants? This lecture and discussion will focus on the literature -- excerpts of fiction, poetry, essays, memoirs, tall tales, legends, and Native American stories and oral tellings - of our local and surrounding desert areas. The lecture will combine slide show, reading, lecture and discussion to give you a desert literary experience that will enhance your understanding and knowledge of our unique desert.

For more information or to register, click here.

and... for more desert literature...

Trapdoor Poetry
invites you to a poetry reading
Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008

6:00 p.m.
Featuring…..
Mike Cipra
Caryn Davidson
Joshua Tree Park Ranger-Poets

there will also be an open microphone

Palm Springs
Wine and Art Gallery
242 No. Palm Canyon Dr.,
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-325-9991
DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS

Thanks to Ruth Nolan & Steve Peterson,
Poetry Series Coordinators!
More information : runolan@aol.com

coolio license plate art--July 2008:Patriotic sights Part IV--the Smithsonian

2008-12-06T21:58:00.000-08:00

("Preamble" by Mike Wilkins, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C., July 2008)

In 1987 Durham artist Mike Wilkins created this art piece made from license plates to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution. I thought it was pretty cool. It reads:

"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

Patriotic sights--July 2008: Part III--the Smithsonian

2008-12-01T11:15:00.000-08:00

(Smithsonian Museum, Washington, D.C., July 2008)

So many beautiful sights...

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T08:29:00.000-08:00

(Washington Monument, Washington, D.C., July 2008)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!