A Winter Morning at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

I've walked these familiar trails so many times over the course of a year and each time it's different. Whether it's Winter, Spring, Fall or Summer, I always see something new that sparks my eye. In winter, the Cottonwoods are shorn of their leaves and they stand bright white and black against the deep, blue sky. The mornings are crisp and cold, the light sharp, the birds in the trees just waking up to song. Soon, the green leaves will appear with the warmer days, and the same trail will be different and new once again.

Willow Hole Trail - A Lot of Bang for Your Buck

We hadn't been on this trail for a couple of years and had forgotten what a great hike this is. You head out on The Boy Scout Trail for a mile and a quarter, then branch right another two miles to Willow Hole. In the beginning, there are expansive views of the countryside, then the trail leads in to a wash through a canyon of rocks on both sides, with a great variety of vegetation: Pinyon Pine, Joshua Trees, Scrub Oaks, Yucca, Cholla... you name it, it's got everything. Eventually, you come around a turn in to a wide wash with large rock formations on either side. At the end, is a giant Willow Tree, which makes  for a nice, shady spot to have lunch. Don't forget the 'vittles' and a bottle of vino. A little nap in the shade after lunch, and you're ready for the hike back. Another wonderful day in Joshua Tree National Park.

A Moonlit Morning in Joshua Tree National Park.

I like to head in to the Park early, when the full moon is setting to see if I can get some interesting shots. As I was coming in this particular day, the light was beautiful, soft pinks and blues, everything very 'atmospheric'. A real treasure trove for the senses.

Noah Purifoy's Outdoor Desert Art Museum - A Fascinating Visit

Whenever we have friends in town we always take them to see Noah Purifoy's Outdoor Desert Art Museum. It's an inspiring collection of 'found objects' which he had turned into amazing sculptures and installations. You're free to wander the seven acres of property and take in breadth of his work. Make sure you go next time you're visiting.

A New Year's Snowfall!

And thankfully, it only lasted a couple of days, but it was great for the Park and particularly the Joshua Trees, which need that combination of winter snow and gentle rains to 'do their thing'. We took a little drive through the Park and stopped at the Hidden Valley Nature Trail where we walked around the canyon and enjoyed the snow up close. Then, back home for some hot toddys and a nap.

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.