I have given myself the gift of a road trip to one of my favorite places on earth: Joshua Tree National Monument. It's about 225 miles from Santa Barbara, but driving through the park, you might think you were on Jupiter.
Coasting the winding two-lane highway of Joshua Tree, and seeing the fantastic and out of this world rock formations—set in a landscape of endless space—transports me to a different realm. And then, there are the Joshua trees with their contorted branches twisting skyward. And the air too is extraordinary, light, pure and free of pollution.
As I walk across the pristine soil of the park, and hear the sun-washed sand crunching beneath my feet, I realize my words have disappeared. I seem to have left them at some lower elevation. And I miss them not one whit as I bask in the fullness of this open and wonderous terrain.
* Click (or double click) on the first two photos below to enlarge them and find the rock climbers :)
Excellent photos - your camera work is very good. I always loved Joshua. These bring back good memories for me... Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! So glad they reached you :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures Anitra. The desert can be quite an inspiring place, can't it?
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Joseph
Hi Joseph, thank you. And the desert, yes, absolutely captivating.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Aneet,
ReplyDeleteI see what you mean about how this place takes your breath away. Although I never had the pleasure of visiting Joshua Tree National Monument,I can certainly see the beauty from your photos. I found the rock climbers. (Reminds me of the Mountain Climbers game on TPIR)
Back in '94, I visited Sedona,Ariz. The red rocks were really incredible. Have you ever been to Sedona?
Best to you as always, Jonathan
Hi Jonathan,
ReplyDeleteYour comparison to the mountain climbers on "Price" takes me back once again and makes me smile. As to Sedona: oh yes, I've been there. I love it! Sedona is another magical place.
My good wishes to you, Jonathan, ~ Aneet
Thanks for sharing shots from one of your favorite spots.
ReplyDeleteHi Chris,
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you! And you're welcome. ~ A
Oh darn, someone beat me to the punch with a TPIR comparison, LOL. Anitra have you ever been to Red Rock Canyon, just outside Las Vegas? I went there once as a kid and to me it was the most beautiful desert landscape I've ever seen. I highly recommend it.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Joseph
Hi Joseph,
ReplyDeleteAh, yes, those "Price" comparisons are fun. As far as Red Rock Canyon is concerned, I've heard so much about it, but never been there. I know I would find it to be as wonderful as everyone says it is. Maybe one day.... The thing is, when I have the chance, I tend to come back here.
So nice to hear from you, Joseph, ~ Aneet
WOW!! The top photo looks like a painting. Absolutely beautiful, as always Anitra!!
ReplyDeleteMark
Mark, thank you. So glad you like it. Good to hear from you, ~ Aneet
ReplyDelete