Joshua Tree National Park - Consulting Day 7

My cousin and her friend had most of the day to spend at the park today, so we drove through, making some stops.  In the early evening we had pizza and salad dinner at Pie for the People, which was divine.  They headed home, and I went back to my house for some sleep before another busy day.

Hiking out to Barker Dam.

Barker Dam.

Arch Rock.

Cousins photo at arch rock.

At the end of the arch rock trail.

Lizard, not sure which kind.

Cholla Cactus Garden.

A cool discovery.  I've always loved the sacred datura, but never looked under the leaves to see these cool, spiky seed pods.

Joshua Tree National Park - Consulting Day 6

The day started with a hike up the High View Trail in Black Rock with ranger Alison and a pretty cool kid named Arden Hayes (and his mom and sister) who is looking for ways kids can help make the world better.  He's developing a project called Roosevelt Kids to inform other kids on things they can do to help the environment.  www.rooseveltkids.org

Amidst all the meetings and planning sessions this week, I did get a little time for hikes on my own.  This evening, my cousin and her friend were able to join me from L.A.  They set up camp in Blackrock, near my house, and we drove into the park for sunset at Skull Rock.  

Juniper berries along my morning hike.

Along the high view trail.

San Gorgonio Peak.

A nice example of gneiss.

Hiking with Arden and family.

San Gorgonio Peak and the San Bernardino Mountains.

Joshua Trees with San Gorgonio.

Blooming Parry's Nolina.

A jackrabbit was hanging out around my house this evening, and he let me take some photos.

Skull Rock.

Jumbo Rocks area.

Last light on Jumbo Rocks.

Sunset.