Photo Blog with Waterfalls, Hiking, Outdoors, and other Adventures
While my first day at Joshua Tree National Park was mostly driving and setting up camp, my first night I spent at Pinto Basin pullout trying to capture the stars. A park suggested by a ranger at the visitor center because it’s the darkest part of the park. I spent several hours sitting and waiting … Read more
December 2018. Government shutdown looming. Geminid meteor shower coming. Vacation days left that need to be used. Booked some quick tickets into Las Vegas with no firm plans other than seeking adventure. The universe guided me down to Joshua Tree National Park. Pitched my tent at the Belle campground (which I was lucky to get, … Read more
Against my best efforts today was a bit of a bust. Yesterday I got caught in a speed trap in Carlsbad which requires a mandatory court appearance (seriously?!). Delayed my morning and ruined any chance of a decent hike. I’m not a fan of this town and don’t plan to return. Back on the road … Read more
After a quick stop in Roswell I continued down the road to Carlsbad, New Mexico. Couldn’t find any good camping but was able to score a surprisingly affordable AirBnB. Word to the wise – DO NOT rely on getting any cheap accommodations here, it’s oil country and they price gouge for everything! After driving all … Read more
After leaving Devils Golf Course, I had time for one last hike before having to make my way back towards Vegas (in case the funeral calls for an early flight). Took a quick look at the map and continued my sampling of the Badwater Road destinations by checking out the Golden Canyon hike. Temperatures were … Read more
Heading north away from Natural Bridge, the next stop at Devils Golf Course offers no hiking but does offer some spectacular views. Why is it called the Devils Golf Course? The jagged surface made of halite salt crystals are so rough, a historical NPS guide book stated “Only the devil could play golf” on its surface. … Read more
Just a short drive from Badwater Basin is the Natural Bridge rock formation. The canyon was created by water flowing the path of least resistance down the mountain ultimately creating a natural archway in the stone. From the trailhead it doesn’t take long for the canyon walls to rise up around you. Temperatures today were … Read more
I didn’t sleep much due to high winds nearly blowing my tent over and temps rising 20 degrees after midnight making me sweat under my down quilt. News of my grandma passing gave uncertainty on how long my trip would last but I was here at it was time to DO IT NOW. Figured the services … Read more
Back at Texas Springs campground for one more night. Tomorrow I had planned to check out a backcountry campsite but as usual plans change (more on that later). Tent held up well until around midnight when the winds kicked up an started gusting to 40mph. I was only able to pound 6 stakes and my … Read more
One last stop today at Harmony Borax Works before getting back to the campground. This short interpretive trail led through ruins of what was once a famous borax mining operation in the late 19th century. Remnants of the large boiler and refining building stood atop a small hill. The Dial Corporation sold borax as a … Read more