Its been a long time since we’ve been in California! We honeymooned in California way back in 1972 – 50 years ago! (Just a side note – we are arriving upon our 50th year of marriage, so we’re planning a cross country trip from the bottom left corner of the US to the top right corner this year – stay tuned!) Currently California has some different regulations and significant cost differences – but we’re here to enjoy the United States however it looks! “This land is your land, this land is my land, from California – to the New York Island…this land was made for you and me!”
Yikes – whew boy! We thought we were paying the high price of 3.89 to 4.29 for gas in Arizona – but now we crossed the border! A full tank of gas for our truck will now cost approximately $200.00. Crazy!!! When we saw a sign for 5.49 we got excited!!??!!
Palm Springs, CA Lots of action and high living!
We stayed at a KOA just outside of Palm Springs. We made a trip into the city for a walk around, a bite to eat, and some ice cream! It was fun to see all the hollywood stars imbedded into the sidewalk and various statues along the way. We’re learning that 60+ partying is way different than 20+ partying – but we had a very fun adventure!
Our next adventure was to the Joshua Tree National Park – a very unique place to see!
What is a Joshua Tree?
The Joshua Tree is Not a Tree. Legend has it that Morman pioneers named the “tree” after the biblical figure, Joshua, seeing the limbs of the tree as outstretched in supplication, guiding the travelers westward. Some evidence suggests that the biblical figure Joshua, and the Joshua trees, represented the Mormon conquest of the desert. Instead of the branches resembling outstretched arms in prayer, perhaps the tree’s sharp, blade-like leaves brought to mind the arrayed forces of Joshua’s army. Overtime the name stuck and these yucca family plants, famous for its grotesque appearance, are now called “Joshua Trees”
…and there were these amazing bold gigantic rock formations in the Joshua Tree National Park! These were as captivating as the the trees – we hiked through the park and enjoyed all of the sights!
Amazing huge rock formations! It was fun to scramble up to this arch in the rocks.
So this is posted – as “science”. We laughed at the absurdity (but also sadened at the thought this is what is being taught). Wish we could have a few more “giant ground sloths” to keep the Joshua Trees thriving, but alas … no more Joshua trees for the future!
Yes! …we relaxed by the natural heated mineral hot pool provided by the KOA we stayed at. Wow – what a great way to spend a day – so refreshing!
Now we’re ready for our next SOWER project – Ironwood Camp. It’s in the middle of the Mohave Desert, what will that be like?!