Joshua Tree National Park

Last month, we had a wonderful break from our "norm" when my parents drove down from Oregon to spend their Spring Break with us in sunny So Cal!  The visit was certainly too short, but we managed to create lasting memories while they were in town.

After their two-day drive south, we didn't hesitate to hit the road first thing the next morning. We piled into our minivan and drove about an hour and half, to explore Joshua Tree National Park, which was a first for all of us.

Joshua Tree National Park is characterized by rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes.  Named
for the region's twisted, bristled Joshua Trees, the park straddles the cactus-dotted Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert, which is higher and cooler.  The day was spent climbing in, out and over giant boulders, walking along trails to viewpoints of wildflowers, cactus, and the famous, Joshua Trees.  It was an amazing treat for us all, and really quite fun to not have any idea what to expect.  

Such pretty blue sky; definitely not in LA anymore!

Geoffrey found his perch for lunch, only to realize a few moments after this picture, that he would be much too hot in that spot.

We named a few of the boulders we came across.  This one was deemed, "elephant trunk."  Can you see it?

Much better in the shade!

Grandpa, Maddie and Geoffrey couldn't wait to start exploring, while the rest of us finished eating lunch. 

This child was determined to go whichever way Grandpa went.  Not always the easiest way, either.

There were a few blooms remaining on some of the Joshua Trees, and we were told they would not last for more than a week from this time.

A Joshua Tree, which is what Dr. Seuss modeled his "lorax tree" after.

It was a treat to spot tiny wildflowers popping out of the desert ground. 

A common view of the "trails." (what trail?)

The view...more boulders!  It was actually a really cool sight. 

Blue beauty. 

We just loved spying the life and color among the rocks.

These two.

Grandpa and Geoffrey, conquering the boulders, both with their hands on Grandpa's knee. 

It is a common sight to see Brant in nature, arm outstretched, with one, or both of our kids, following his gaze.  What a gift!

Just the cutest!  These two Oregonians were basking in the sunshine all day long.

My tribe.

We officially deemed this, "tulip rock."  No question.

Quick stop in the shade, calls for a photo with my little one.  Despite the warm temperatures and missing his nap time, this kid was a trooper and loved everything about this adventure!

It was fascinating to see how different every boulder turned out to be; each was unique.

Can you see a face on this one?

I mean, its just resting like that! 

Grandma, enjoying the shade with the kids, which didn't last for long, because they were so excited to keep exploring!

Between hikes, we would drive to different areas of this expansive park.  We drove down to the valley, where the Mojave desert stops and the Colorado desert begins, and explored the cactus garden.  Our kids were the least impressed, but a lot of that certainly had to do with the fact that the temperature spiked a good 10 degrees from our previous location!

The one redeeming quality of the cactus garden, was the bridge!

So fantastic to share this new destination with my parents!

Cacti for days.

We didn't stay terribly long. 

I just love this.

Our next destination was to Skull Rock, which is at the entrance to an enormous mound of boulders, which we barely discovered, although we spent a good 30 minutes attempting!

His inner-child was coming out to play!

Brant, scampering all over the boulders.

Happy man.

Possibly, an even happier man!  Brant was loving all the boulder climbing.

Why, yes.  Yes I did!

I swear my leg was much higher than the picture seems to show.  But to my credit, the surface of the rocks was rough, and my husband was taking a bit of a long time snapping the photo.  No, really!

Peek-a-boo!

Starting to slow down.

Maddie found this particular Joshua Tree, and insisted.  So we did!

So much variety in vegetation!

Keys View, which overlooks the Coachella Valley.  Absolutely stunning!

On a crazy clear day, you can see way south to Mexico.  Not this time.

My parents.  And, if you look to the left, Brant has an outstretched arm, and Geoffrey's gaze is following.  So many beautiful things in this picture.

Showing Grandpa the same things his daddy showed him!

We do life together really, really well.

On our way out of the park, we made one final stop because our kids (and their father), just needed a little bit more.

He asked for this picture.  Doesn't it look like he's saving Maddie from the crushing boulder??  Yeah, I didn't believe it, either.  She sure did, though!

Final climbs.

Reflection.

Grandpa and Geoffrey.

We finally got the boy down, only for him to scamper up another boulder where daddy was.  Monkey see, monkey do!

Maddie and Grandma! 

And because I was behind the camera most of the day, I thought one final selfie to conclude our amazing adventure was a nice touch. ;)

I am so grateful for cameras and the ability to capture memories from adventures such as these.  Our kids have already asked several times, "When can we go back?"  Joshua Tree National Park; I highly recommend it!!