Our First Rain Of The Season!

Last year we didn't get any substantial rain until January, so we're all happy with the early rains. Hopefully, this will mean a banner year for flowers as well. I was able to get out early in the morning before the rain and then later, after the rains, to catch some wonderful clouds. Now, if it would clear up so we can bike!

Take The Keys Ranch Tour While You're Here.

"The ranger-guided tour of the ranch includes the colorful story of the 60 years Bill and Frances spent working together to make a life and raise their five children in this remote location. The ranch house, school house, store, and workshop still stand; the orchard has been replanted; and the grounds are full of the cars, trucks, mining equipment, and spare parts that are a part of the Desert Queen Ranch story." There you have it in a nutshell. We always take friends on the tour and they love it. It really gives you a sense of what life used to be like in these 'here' parts. Call 760-367-5555 for information. The Ranger led tours are held from October to May at 10 and 1 p.m. The cost is 5.00 per person. Don't miss it!

Spin and Margie Take a 'Spin' in the Park on Their New Bikes

We love getting up early and riding in the Park before breakfast, it's a great way to start the day. The air is cool and there's very little traffic and the scenery can't be beat. The Park has recently been re-paved so it's smooth riding all the way, so grab your bikes and come take a ride. A few of us took a ride during the full moon the other night, what a fun way to see the Park with friends. We recently traded in our Trek Navigator 2's for something a little more racy, the Trek FX 7.3's so now we can keep up with the road bikes.

How Did We Spend Our Summer? Renovating!

This summer we replaced all the old casement windows on the north side of the inn with glass brick. This makes the rooms quieter and adds beneficial insulation qualities, warmer in winter and cooler in summer. We also added a privacy wall with glass brick in Suite 2 and gave it a new paint job, soothing tones of cocoa and mocha with a warm golden color in the ante-room and kitchen. It's our new favorite suite. We think you'll like it too. With the Inn all spiffed up, we're ready for the new season and look forward to your visit!

Come See The New 'Pinhole Series' at JTAG for September

This is a new series I have been working on since last winter. Using my LX3 in 'pinhole' mode, I've been looking more at the 'details' rather than the 'big picture', finding shadings, mysterious light and rhythms in the 'elements' at my feet and around me as I walk in the morning or evening.

A morning walk at Jumbo Rocks

The light in the morning is so special, everything seems magical. I meandered about, discovering one beautiful scene after another. I even stumbled upon a labyrinth made by campers. A magical place indeed.

What a Sky!

Riding our bikes in the park this morning we were treated to a fantastic cloud display. It's easy to love the summer when you get up early. The nap comes later...

Mojave Desert Land Trust Needs You!

The Mojave Desert Land Trust is only 80,000 dollars away from purchasing 955 acres (Quail Mountain) of pristine desert habitat adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park. When purchased, this land will be conveyed into the park for future generations to enjoy. Please help by joining or donating to the Mojave Desert Land Trust. www.mojavedesertlandtrust.org

Spin and Margie's thank you!

The Warm Weather is Here-It's Still Great For Hiking-In the Early Morning and Evening.

Your 'Recipe For Success': Get up early, about 6 a.m. and head into the Park and hike for a couple of hours before breakfast (We get up early and ride our bikes for 2 hours before breakfast. There's no one around, it's like having the Park all to yourself!). During the heat of the day take it easy in our 'cooled' suites and cabin. Watch a movie, read a book, take a nap. Then, around five in the evening, head out for another hike before dinner. You could call this being on 'mediterranean time', it really stretches your day and you get to experience the desert at the best times of day. Remember, the Park is open all night, so go in for a night bike ride or simply a drive through the Park and look at the stars from the parking area at Ryan Mountain. Have fun and don't let the heat keep you from experiencing the beauty of Joshua Tree National Park.

Spin's New Show at JTAG Gallery

This group of work is called 'Abstractions in Nature' taken in Joshua Tree National Park. In this series I was trying to 'see' the park in a more intimate and abstract manner. I would simply pick an area and meander, focusing on rocks, plants, pieces of wood. On my computer, I would alter the original digital photo to create a more painterly or abstract image, which would engender a richer story than the original  photo document. I will be at the gallery June 5 and 6 from 10 to 3 each day.

New Hawk Babies at the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

I went over this morning and caught these two babies. There are apparently three this year. I could hear the other in the distance and the mother was close by. Also, there are supposed to be four new Great Horned Owl babies as well. Hopefully, I'll see them at some time in the future. The BMCP is a great place to bird watch while you're visiting. They have 'Bird Walks' every Saturday at 7 a.m. during the warm weather months and 8 a.m. in the fall.

Abstractions in Nature on the '955'

Took an early morning walk on the '955' following the 'Jim Barry Trail' and saw these 'abstractions in nature' using the pinhole camera. A piece of land well worth saving for posterity. An incredible resource.

The Rare Mariposa Lily Makes An Appearance

We were walking the '955' (a piece of land the Mojave Desert Land Trust is trying to save) the other day and found quite a few of these gems on our hike. Apparently there was enough rain in January for them to spring forth in all their glory, quite a treat.

Flowers, Flowers Everywhere.

It's a nice spring after all. We were afraid all that rain in January was too late, but looky' here, nature in all it's splendor. Get out and take a walk in the park.

I'm Seeing Red

It seems everywhere you look, there's red. This time it's Indian paint brush, always a treat.

I'm seeing red

The claret cups are out in full force.

Taking a Walk in a Wash by Cottonwood

Three tree studies with the pinhole camera. A beautiful day in the park.