DESERT SOUTHWEST

I was fortunate last month to guide in Joshua Tree, Death Valley and surrounding areas, while a snowstorm was ravaged my home town. When I returned the snow was already melting and temps were rising. You gotta love that kind of timing. If winter is chilling your days a little too much, then take a look at these desert landscapes for a warm up!


 JOSHUA TREE 

Cactus Wren nest in a Cholla. The wren was nearby as we could hear her loud, scratchy and scolding voice. It astounds that a soft-feathered creature could live in one of the world's most painful plants.

I just love this Barrel Cactus. These plants can vary in size and color, so to see one 3 feet tall and a vibrant red made it photo worthy.

No trip to Joshua Tree would be complete without a picture of one. This is along the Pine City trail. This trail is a bit of an enigma as a few old large pine trees still exist in the hot, arid climate. They remain from when the weather was much cooler.

This dead cholla gives the environs a creepy feel. Cholla are hollow inside, and that is noticeable once they perish. The wood is light but strong.

Don't you just want to rub your face up against this Teddy Bear (also known as Jumping) Cholla and have a snuggle? They are so deceptive. The close up of the Cholla's arm better depicts it spiky nature.

The dark parts of this Cholla have not been burned, they have simply died off. The rest of the plant will continue to grow and rejuvenate. 

Such lovely sunsets on this trip. This is the Heart of the park with the Hexie Mountains along the horizon. I love how these Teddy Bear needles capture the glow of the setting sun.

The hippie vibe is alive and well at the fantastic resort, 29 Palms. My clients get a big kick out of the quirky spirit this unique lodging provides.

The Sacred Datura/Moon Flower/Jimsomweed among many other names. This was spotted near the ghost town of Amboy on the side of the road. Take care when sniffing this flower as it is highly poisonous.

Walking amongst the lava flow the originated from the Amboy Crater. The crater last erupted 10,000 years ago. This lava flow sits along route 66 between Joshua Tree and the Mojave National Preserve,

Amboy, a modern ghost town. Well, somewhat modern. 

A great stopover on the way to Death Valley.

DEATH VALLEY

I just like this abandoned fire truck from Tecopa on the side of the road, so I had to snap a pic.

Another gorgeous sunset! Zabriskie Point provides stunning vistas. In the top pic you can see the lowest point in the western hemisphere: Badwater, 282 feet below sea level. Also in the top shot you can see the Panamint Range in the background with Golden Canyon in the foreground.

 Badwater Basin from atop Dante's View. The salt flats form once the Amargosa River seeps into the ground aquifer. This river only reappears after rare rainstorms. This is one of my favorite places in the world, and not just because this was used as the location for Star Wars planet Tatooine. Get you geek on and check out other Death Valley Star Wars' locations: https://www.panamintcity.com/exclusives/starwars.html

Early morning in Marble Canyon, a slot canyon.

Seemingly a rare sight in a desert landscape, but Ash Meadows Wildlife Preserve in Nevada is host to numerous Caribbean-like spring pools. The water is a part of the same underground system that feeds the Amargosa River. Sorry, Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins are nowhere to be found.