Cactus Tree

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Ah, the Sonoran Desert in the Spring. I really enjoyed this spot in southern Arizona. The cactus is in bloom and the pollen is in the air. We took a morning drive and hike to a canyon with a natural arch. Along the way we met some folks who were dealing with a flat tire of their own. We stuck around to make sure they had water and a spare in the trunk. This thing seems to be going around.

Later we drove to Tucson and went out to dinner with our friends Chelsea and Zack. It was great to see them but sadly we missed the rest of the family (Lilly and Mike). Come out to see us in California anytime, you guys.

In God’s Country

On the road at last! We made it to Mojave National Preserve for our first actual camping night. Unfortunately, it was windy and very cold. We bundled up and made the best of it. The next morning was calm and warm. (It’s funny how if you wait long enough, sooner or later the weather will be nice.) We started our day with a backroads drive through the Preserve. We saw desert mountains and a vast Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) forest.

I do love the desert in the Spring.

Duck Day Afternoon

We’re still in Davis getting a new tire for Dad’s car. We’re having a great day so far, though. Going out to lunch followed by another walk on the UC Davis Arboretum trail. At the big pond there were lots of signs asking people not to feed the ducks (and explaining why). There was a guy doing it anyway and the ducks loved him.

I guess some people just don’t pay attention.

It’s Easy Because It’s Flat

 As the song says, I like to ride around Davis in part because it’s flat. What I don’t like at all, however, is getting a flat tire on the first day of our Spring Break road trip. Dad’s front tire was attacked by a rogue tree branch in a parking lot of all places. Luckily, we were close to home.

The day was not a total loss because Dad and I went on lots of walks and spent some quality time together. I guess that’s the whole point of a road trip even if you’re stuck in the same place.