Joshua Tree

Did you know that the largest and most dense Joshua Tree forest in the world is not at Joshua Tree National Park but rather the Mojave National Preserve? Neither did we until we decided to go for a hike on our way to a recent trip to Cali. As you can see it is a strange place, kind of like being in the middle of a Dr. Suess story...except not as colorful.


I must admit, the only reason I know what a Joshua Tree is was not from intellectual curiosity but rather the U2 album. Pop culture, who would've thought? But I did learn somewhere that the Joshua Tree was named by Mormon Pioneers who thought it resembled the Old Testament prophet Joshua lifting his arms in the air. I don't see the resemblance.

It was actually a big deal getting the little guy on this rock. Myla was pretty jealous.

The kid thought he was pretty cool wearing these sun glasses. Pretty big for Yucca plant, right?

Bentley wanted to be in the photo too but this was about the best he could do.

At the top of the 1.5 mile hike. You can't see it but we're actually facing the Cima Dome, one of the largest (in diameter) dome shaped mountains in the nation.

For being the middle of the desert there wasn't too many cacti like this one which I guess made Henry a little sad.

We didn't see this on our hike but ff you are like us and you have always wondered what the Pope looks like in a sombrero here you go. I guess it goes to show, when a Roman is in Mexico...