The Flintstones Would Love This Place

March 18 – 19, 2015

We made it back into California with a short stop in Twentynine Palms so we could enjoy a day of hiking in Joshua Tree National Park again.

 

We spent the day enjoying the diversity of the rock formations and vegetation. In reading about the rock formations where we hiked, we learned the granite 85 million years of time and it is called monzogranite. It is one of two prominent rock types found in the park. The other one is called Pinto gneiss (pronounced “nice”). We found both types fun to wander around and hike on.

 

 

What do you see?

Rock Path

Rock Tooth?

Rock Mountain

Such a Cutie, the rock is pretty awesome too

Rock Waterfall

 

The following pictures truly don’t do justice to what we saw in person, but I hope you enjoy them and can visualize you being there!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do You See Two Profiles?

Maybe This Will Help

 

There are two deserts within the national park so you are treated to a lot of differing vegetation and rock formations. The eastern half of the park lies within the Colorado Desert. This habitat of the lower Colorado River valley is art of the much larger Sonoran Desert. The western half of the park is Mojave Desert. We found such beauty in both halves and a person could truly spend many days discovering unique areas and formations.

Enjoying the hike

What do you see?

Rocks within rocks

Layering

Leaning just a bit

Pretty in Pink

Support

A Touch of Red

Rock Headstones

Still Growing

Silkworm Habitat

Almost Blooming

Picture Postcard

Wild Thing

 

Our next stop as we beat feet toward home is Banning California so we can catch up with family and friends. We just might be able to play a round of golf too!

 

 

 

Where’s Ol’ Moe?

March 15 – 17, 2015

When we left the Phoenix area we knew we wanted to go through Parker Arizona again with one primary goal, to try and catch Ol’ Moe in the Colorado River.

Some of you may remember the story from two years ago when we spent some time along the river in late March. We had gone fishing one evening and my fishing rod bent over, line reeling out at a rapid pace setting off the drag, and eventually flying through the air landing in the river. Needless to say we didn’t get the fish or the pole back.

So why not stop on our travels home and try and find him??  We knew that we wouldn’t but we did enjoy a couple of days on the river. Izzy certainly doesn’t mind the cold water and had fun swimming and chasing her floating stick. Funny how Steve didn’t go in any further!

 

I'm Ready Daddy

Go Swimming with me Daddy?

Throw it again please?

 

We did spend one evening fishing for catfish. It was pretty slow so I was able to get a picture of the sunset. About two hours into fishing I finally had a nibble and was successful in landing the fish this time. Kept the pole too! He wasn’t quite Ol’ Moe but it was fun to get one. We hung onto him as we continued to fish for a while longer but didn’t get any more bites. Mini-Moe got to swim away!

Our Sunset

Success

 

We enjoyed the river once again but continued on our path home via Joshua Tree National Park! As always, more to come from SIT.

Family and Friends Along The Road

March 1 – March 14, 2015

Last time I shared what was happening with SIT, we were heading out of Florida and working our way across country heading home.

We spent a few days in Lake Charles Louisiana to wait out some storms. Our next holding pattern spot happened to be Palmetto State Park in Gonzales Texas. We stayed there a few days but were able to take advantage of the hiking trails throughout the park between the rainstorms and the cold temperatures.

There is an original building that was built by the CCC in 1935. It is quite the accomplishment and gets used today. The view from behind the building is of the San Marcos River which was pretty popular with locals.

Built in 1935

Concession Building Built by 74 CCC "Boys"

San Marcos River 

Our next destination for a few days was Tucson Arizona. We stopped there so we could visit family and friends. The RV Park we stayed at had hiking trails leaving from the park and going into the Saguaro National Park. We were able to take advantage!

 

We were able to see Steve’s Aunt Carol and Uncle Bill. We even talked Uncle Bill into playing golf with us. We were glad he did as we teamed up on the course and collectively didn’t do too badly. Regardless of how we played, we had a great time visiting with them.

 

Uncle Bill has Success

 

Steve Hoping He Misses the Water

Enjoying Aunt Carol and Uncle Bill's Company

 

I also finally got to play a round of golf with Jennifer. We have known each other for over thirty years and she started playing golf a couple of years ago. We were treated to great views, a beautiful and challenging course, and great company.

Jennie and Tory

 

Afterwards we spent time at her house and more friends that I worked with came over for dinner. It was fun and made it a mini-Malheur National Forest Reunion. Steve was our photographer since I haven't quite taught Izzy how to take pictures.

From Tucson we ventured to the Phoenix area. No sense stressing over driving long distances in one shot! We actually had ulterior motives for going here too, more family and friends to see.

We enjoyed catching up with more folks that I worked with on the forest and visiting with my cousins. We also got to see Jon and Janette again who just happened to come see us when we were hanging out close to the Grand Canyon in 2013!

 

Peggy, Nicole and Matt

 Overall, the time in the desert was much fun and it is always wonderful to see great friends and family. Next stop is Parker Arizona. I just have to try and catch Ol' Mole – you remember the one that got away with my rod and reel!