Day 5 Joshua Tree to LA

Atomic Trailer Ranch our BnB

Woke at 6:45 to the hot sun streaming through my bedroom blinds. I spent some time checking yesterday’s photos, before getting up to make breakfast. We cleaned up and waited for Oscar to finish getting ready, before getting into the two cars for our return home, via the park again for one last walk, to Barker Dam, in the screaming heat. It was “only” 102F (32C) at 10 am.

The rocks in the park were different colours tour last visits. This time the slight wind had blown away some of the upper smog from the distant mountains and we had a much better view of them. The colours today were reminiscent of the Flinders Ranges in Australia.

Out of the cars with water bottles ready for action and along the walking track to the Dam, past the ancient pictographs cut into the under face of a large overhang. Again some lovely views and great rock formations, but when we got to the dam- nothing. There was one old watering trough made out of wood and one concrete one. But not one drop of water anywhere, even after Thursday’s deluge. However we did see a chipmunk filling himself up on seeds.

Back into the two cars for the journey home. Troy with Susan and I went in Oscar’s car with Teagan. We travelled on major highways, down some very long steep hills, past hundreds of graceful wind turbines turning in the moderate wind in the Coachella Valley. The traffic intensified very quickly once we were past Morongo. Our only stops were for petrol and donuts at “The Donut Man” in Glendora. (No GF’s)

We left the Park at 11 and pulled up outside just after 2 to an outside temperature of 108 F (42 C) It was only a week ago that I was thinking that 18 C was a pretty good day. Everything out of the car, I cleaned out the cat box, patted Shadow, began to eat my lunch at 3pm and Susan and Troy arrived.

A strawberry donut

It was time to get back online and read my emails. Not much, except a phone bill, which was good because I have a secure online connection here. After checking today’s photos I had a shower to get rid of today’s walk in the heat. Susan went shopping with Teagan to get her school supplies and groceries. At dinner outside, we were entertained by squirrels chasing each other along the fence and up the trees. One returned to pick a pear off the tree and sat there eating it.

Then
I spent time organising files and photos. Emails and blog are up to date, tomorrow the photos. Be ready for a "few" rock formations.

10:30 pm. Fingers crossed that despite the heat, with a quiet air con going I will finally get a full night's sleep.