I could probably create a month's worth of entries entirely based on Joshua Tree National Park. It was INCREDIBLE! From the moment we got there until we longingly left we were overcome in awe. I want to go back. Let's start at the beginning....

I was to start a new job the following Tuesday. (September 28, 2004) We had been out and about and thoroughly enjoying ourselves. The job that I was to take on would require all weekends. So we thought we would grab one last one at a place we hadn't been to before.

I thought of two places. The first and the one I leaned more toward was Providence Mountains in the Mojave Desert - north east of us. The other and closer was Joshua Tree. We had been to neither but decided on Joshua Tree due to the easier trip and shorter drive.

We packed a big lunch, loaded up full of water and headed out at the late hour of 10am. We arrived at about noon or just after. It was a really nice and interesting drive. The desert areas were fascinating. We first saw many wind mills - those wind farm kind. Then we passed a ton of Indian casinos. That sort of blew our minds.

We entered the park from the south at the Cottonwood entrance. Before even entering the park we were jaw dropped at the beauty. Unfortunately we didn't get any pictures of that part. But we soon had the opportunity to stop at a nature walk. It was called the "Bajada Nature Walk". I'll talk more about that tomorrow.

I just want to quickly highlight the day. We walked the Bajada. Then another short trail. We stopped at the Cottonwood station to pay our $10.00 fee. We drove through to the Cactus Garden, out to Twenty-nine Palms for gas, back in to Jumbo Rocks, Keys View, then out to home. It was about 5pm when we finally left. Knowing how much we missed we returned the following day to see Barker Dam, Queen Valley and the pinnacle of both days - the Geology Tour Road.

A teaser photo: