I saw my first Joshua Tree when I was 17 years old. I have seen them here and there, from car windows, over the years since then. A couple weeks ago, I actually went to Joshua Tree National Park for the first time. I had a better camera this time.
While Pedro and I were visiting the Uncles in Palm Springs, they recommended we visit Joshua Tree National Park. We had originally planned to hike a couple of the trails, but it was unseasonably hot in southern California that weekend. Temperatures stayed above 100 (38 C) most of the time, reaching 105 (41 C) while we were in the park. We would stop the car, step out, look around, take some photos, then run for the Air Conditioning inside the vehicle.
Joshua trees are not technically trees. They are instead, very large succulents specially adapted to live in this environment. Like palm trees, when they shed their leaves, a structure is left behind that resembles a tree trunk.
Joshua trees do not have a wooden trunk with growth rings, but instead there is a spongy, fibrous core as you see in the photo above. Joshua trees have an exceptionally deep root system, to help grab whatever moisture they can find.
Speaking of bees. We had the very uncomfortable and startling discovery that the extreme shortage of moisture in this land makes the bees seek it out wherever they can find it. In our several hours in the park, we drank a lot of water for health reasons, but then needed to find a place to urinate. The pit toilets in the park are swarming with wasps! The bees are crawling on every surface and buzzing the air, all interested in whatever moisture deposits we were willing to contribute. Pedro and I both approached different toilet stops at one point or another, that resulted in a big NOPE! when we were not willing to take our chances. Instead we found rocks to hide behind and also the bathroom in the Visitor’s Center.
Joshua Tree National Park is up in the mountains, and we were able to stop at some impressive overlook spots. If you like desert scenery, this is some outstanding scenery.
Finally, as we neared the park exit, Uncle Jim said we had to stop at the Cholla Garden. I have seen those cacti before in trips through Arizona. These were an especially beautiful collection. No wonder they are called a garden.
Conscious Engagement 
Amazing trees Crystal. In nearly all of the rock photos I could see faces and people. it was strange. I agree about the toilets. There are some things in this world I am not going to present a bare bum to
Exactly about the bare bum! Uhhhh….no. ha ha. I love that you saw faces and people in the rocks. The rock formations were almost as wonderful as the trees the park is named for! Together, the landscapes of rocks and trees made this an exceptional place to visit.
I really like the photographs juxtaposing the smooth rocks and what I would call spiky thingies. Women are at such a disadvantage in those pit stops
Thank you for thinking of us, women, Derrick. You reminded me of a comment my Uncle Jim made while we were in the park. I started fussing in the back seat and tried to get more air on me from the air conditioning. “You ok back there?” he asked. “Oh I’m fine, just a hot flash. It’ll pass.” Jim exclaimed, “Women just can’t catch a break, can they?” It felt pretty validating, ha ha. He was like, with everything else going on, you also have to manage one more thing. Good thing we women were made strong to deal with all the indignities of life. :o)
Spiky things is a good description. They are fascinating and pretty, but not for touching. The Joshua Trees don’t have thorns like the cholla cactus, but they are hard and sharp. Having those smooth rock for a backdrop really highlights their contrast.
Those trees are otherworldly, Crystal. The whole landscape is incredible, but I particularly love those rocks. Wow. I would also have made a beeline for the shade like Pedro. A pity about the weather that prevented you from hiking in the area.
I am surprised to learn you have a low tolerance for heat, Jolandi, after all your work in the desert. How you must love exploration: to choose to continue to seek, even when you are in uncomfortable heat. I wish you the best in easing through the upcoming Portuguese summer.
The rocks are outstanding there! I love rocks anyway, but these are particularly good. With the crazy-looking trees, the landscape was just wonderful to me.
You know, when I lived in the UAE my tolerance for heat was great, especially as it improved over time, but since I moved to Portugal my tolerance for the cold has increased, and I now prefer winter (at least here) than summer. Perhaps it also has something to do with menopause. 😆
ha ha ha!! Menopause is so handy in winter! They forget to advertise that. :o)
They certainly do! 😅