Sunday, November 29, 2015

Pine City A Land of Wonder

This is a 'bang for your buck' kind of hike. No big up-hill climbs, just a nice, easy loping kind of hike, through 'hill and dale' with nice views and lots of interesting vegetation all around. You start at the 'Desert Queen Mine' parking lot and head out about a mile and a half, where you come upon some dynamic rock formations in which you can find a nice spot to have lunch and take a nap. When you're done, head back to the trail and it will lead you out to the end of the canyon overlook where you can explore further. Check it out next time you're here and don't forget the wine and cheese.






Sunday, November 15, 2015

Early Morning Light at the Cliffs of Dover

I got up early and parked at the Quail Springs Picnic Area and took a walk out to the hills known as the 'Cliffs of Dover'. This is what the climbers have named it. There is a part that sweeps up the hill and does remind you of the cliffs, now that you mention it. I got there just as the light was sweeping along the front of the rocks. I walked along the base for a while and then turned back to see what was happening on the other side. The sun was just hitting the tips of the rocks in the side canyon, so I climbed up and around to take some shots and then headed up to the top, where you get a nice view of the valley. Then I went down the other side and back around through the valley to where I started. I was really pooped when I got home as I had done quite a bit of clambering up and over the rocks, all before breakfast. Great fun though. You can really do a lot of exploring in the one area. Worth a visit.












Sunday, November 8, 2015

An Early Morning Walk Near Lost Horse Road

I got up early, 5:30 the other day and went in to Joshua Tree National Park. On the way in, I noticed the temperature was 33 degrees, ouch. Luckily, I dressed warmly so it wasn't a problem. I'd seen this area near Lost Horse Road that had these interesting rock formations, so I had to check it out. When I got there, the light hadn't come over the mountain yet, so I wandered out to the far valley and then began to work my way back as the light came up. I just love exploring new terrain, taking my time, checking out every nook and cranny. You never know what you're going to find. There were some pretty unusual rock formations and some mixed vegetation (Junipers, Pinyon Pines, Joshua Trees) all in this one small area. Here's some shots I liked.