Joshua Tree National Park CA - "Get your inner desert on"

 

So the night before I met a couple and was talking about heading towards Joshua Tree in the morning and asked what I should be sure to take in.  She just suggested I just "get my inner desert on" and take it all in.  

It was definately a much bigger adventure and experience than I had expected.  The map directed me to the East Entrance as a strating point - turned out to be the perfect way to start.   Joshua Tree is where the Colorado Desert meets the Mojave Desert - who knew.  

I started in the Colorado Desert and worked my way to higher elevations where the two met.  And finished the day in the Mojave Desert.  z

 

Palm Springs/Cathedral City CA - Morning in the desert

 

Palm Springs/Cathedral City CA - Made it to the desert - sunset over the mountain

 

 

 

San Deigo - Balboa Park stop and then on the road again

 

Just a couple blocks in the other direction of my acommodation was Balboa Park.  Drove by it on my way in and saw a few things that had my attention and had to make sure to check it out.  

Wow, I found so much more than I even imagined.  A site that got developed in hope of a World Fair Event back in 2015.  Building after building is over the top in style and architecture.  And most importantly they are all alive and well doing something wonderful for the world today.  

And then I hopped in the car and started off to another destination.  Since the 6 lane road was mostly stopped my phone suggested another route - I said what the heck and off I went.  Not sure it was any faster but it sure was interesting.  Saw lots of great mountain and rock formations that I wish there was a place to stop and take it in - and maybe catch a photo.  

And I got to see some new beautiful towns/cities and other spots on the map that continue to struggle.  Great views for sure in so many ways all along the way.  Exactly what I hoped for with this unexpected adventure.