Stubbe Springs Loop Trail...Whew!

Man, were we pooped when we got back from this one. 12 miles... count 'em. I know, we're p.....s. We met a couple in the Park who said 16 miles was their average. I took another sip of my Rioja and laid back in the sun... Next time! Anyway... this is an interesting hike. Over hill and dale, up and around, a nice overlook near Stubbe Springs, some Big Horns bones, (evidence of the Mountain Lion's efficiency), a surreal 'burn' area and then back to the car. 'What do you mean it's way over there!'.

In a Blue Mood

The other day, we hiked up Ryan Mt. which is one of the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park. From up there, you get a nice '360' of the whole Park. We took our time on the way up and had a nice little repast tucked down in some rocks, out of the wind. The light was kinda 'meh' so I worked the images to how the day felt.

Soft Light and Fluid Shapes

I got up early this morning and went out to these rock formations near Split Rock that I had seen in passing. So I took a little walk, clambered around and enjoyed the crisp, morning air. No matter where you go in the Park, there's always a surprise, something to be discovered. I like just moving slowly around and in-between the rocks, looking up, looking back at the changing light. Just being there, the quiet, the chipping sounds of the little birds, it's all magic. I pick an area and just explore for a couple of hours. Always a treat.

Covington Park and Big Morongo Canyon Preserve are Showing Their Golden Color

I went over to Covington Park the other morning and walked back through Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. The Fall colors are splendid right now, so go take a walk, relax, enjoy the birds and the wonderful color.

A Walk in a Wash Leads to Some Beautiful Fall Colors

We took a little walk down this wash in Hidden Valley on a warm afternoon and were delighted to discover some golden 'Fall' colors amongst the Acacia 'Cat's Claw' trees and bushes along the wash. It's our subtle nod to Autumn here in the hi-desert.

A Special Visit to the Joshua Tree Southern Railway Museum

We've always wanted to visit this special place.  We were invited by The Mojave Desert Land Trust in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of The Desert Protection Act and were able to take a tour and have lunch in one of the old railway cars on the property. It's a fascinating place to visit and ride the trains. If you'd like to visit, call Terry Watson at 760-366-8879 for an appointment to tour. Here's their website for more info: http://www.jtsrr.org

Fascinating Shapes at Hidden Valley

I like going to this one area by Hidden Valley in the early morning. The light continually changes throughout the year, revealing a rock or shape I hadn't noticed before. Joshua Trees walking in the landscape. One rock rising up looks like some sort of marine animal breaching, another looks like two Chuckwallas sunning themselves. Always something new to discover.

It's All in the Details

I went out for a little hike in the early morning and instead of focusing on the 'big picture', I looked down and around, more at the small things and the way the light played on them. There's always something fascinating to see when you take the time.

Recent Storms Create Amazing Cloud Displays in Joshua Tree National Park

The other day, I saw these tremendous clouds looming up behind the house and I thought, there must be some good shots to be had in the Park. So, off I went, taking pictures along the way. When I got to Ryan, I turned around because all the action seemed to be heading toward the West entrance. On the way home, I had to cross several rivers of water heading down Quail Springs Rd. Quite an adventure!

Amazing Cloud Displays Lately

We're all chanting 'More rain, more rain'! That's how it is in the desert, you either love it when it rains softly, or you hate it when it comes down in a tumult (because your driveway washes away or your Inn floods!). Either way, it's always an event and we wouldn't have it any other way. Here's a few cloud displays from early morning in the Park.

Fantastic Light in the Park

We were riding our bikes over by Cap Rock the other morning and I was able to get these two shots of the moon going down and an otherworldly view of rocks and Joshua Trees in the valley.

We Love Color and the Behr Paint People Noticed!

Click on the link below to see what they thought of our decorating scheme. We like to keep it 'fresh and lively' at Spin and Margies Desert Hideaway.  colorfullybehr.com

Another Beautiful Morning in Paradise

Getting up early and catching the light makes all the difference. This morning we had some more wonderful clouds due to recent rains. If this keeps up through the fall, we'll have a nice Spring.