Civilization

Although it used to be called the "Wild Animal Park," the San Diego Zoo Safari Park near Escondido, California is a pretty tame affair compared with the canyons and badlands of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, our last camping stop on this trip. I liked the condors, lions and gorillas the best. The massive herds of humans were a little bit much for me, though. Most of all, I like camping out in real nature. Much more to come in 2016. Stay tuned...

Oasis

The desert is pretty dry without very much shade. But here and there water comes up to the surface and forms an oasis that all life forms, including humans, flock to. The Cottonwood Springs oasis in Joshua Tree National Park is one such place. I'm standing in front of some giant California fan palms (Washingtonia filifera).

If you travel in this area, you can get the best date-flavored milkshakes in America over at the Chiriaco Summit café on Interstate 10. The Ice Cream Goddess has given them her stamp of approval.

Joshua Tree National Park

Sorry I didn't manage to fit any actual Joshua Trees into the photo, but they were all over the place in this area. The rocks are really cool, too. Climbers enjoy them as much as I do, but all those ropes and equipment look very confusing to me. I'll just climb with my eyes and imagination.

On The Road Again

On the road again
I just can't wait to get on the road again
My fine love is makin' music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again

Willie Nelson said it best. It's now time for the first camping trip of the 2016 season and we're heading out to the Southern California desert. First stop: Cesar E. Chavez National Monument in Keene, CA. Mr. Chavez is buried here and there's a small museum in his honor. We always stop here for a picnic lunch on the first day. The staff remembered us from last summer.