A stormy Sunday

Strong winds shook the window panes during the night and tousled the crown of the palm tree in front of the motel Sunday morning. We had decided to hike in the Black Canyon area, accessible from the northeastern entrance to Joshua Tree Park, then to take the road through the park and exit on the south side.

A veil of dust and sand obscured part of the valley to the north, but the mountains were outlined clearly against the deep blue sky. We would need to find a hiking trail protected from the full force of the wind if this was to be enjoyable. The ranger suggested West View Loop, a bit further down than the rim walk we had taken from the same starting point last year, and it proved to be a good choice.

The trail climbed and dipped along the side of the hill, accompanied by piñon pine and Joshua trees, here, too, just a few days away from blooming. For the first part of the trail we were well protected, but once we got out into the open that changed, and we put on jackets and sweaters we had discarded earlier. The view to the west was spectacular, and far in the distance we could see snow covered peaks.

After a good couple of hours we arrived back at the parking lot. A picnic out in the open was not very tempting with the wind, and it was cool, too, so high up. Maybe we'd find a better spot further down. Once again we marvelled at the tan rocks and the Joshua trees. To our delight we found the first fuchsia blossoms of the beavertail cactus among the trees. Once more we braved the brunt of the wind to enjoy the amazing view of the fertile valley to the south from the view point. Most days Palm Beach is visible from there, but today here, too, the whole valley was veiled in dust. This is the kind of weather that can carry disease for people in the valley.

Glad to be back in the car after this last short excursion we said goodbye to Joshua Tree Park and headed south into the valley, then entered the ever increasing flow of traffic on the I 10 heading for Los Angeles. The wind had lost none of its force. On the contrary, it seemed to increase the further west we got, caught in the funnel formed by hills to the north and south of us. Huge fields of wind mills, stretching for mile after mile, gave witness to the fact that days like this are no rarity here. It made me feel uncomfortable, the presence of all these rigid white posts standing like soldiers at attention, and the wind itself did nothing to ease the oppressive feeling. We finally stopped at a rest stop to have our lunch, huddled against a west facing wall to garner what protection we could find. I'd be glad to leave this area behind.

Sunday night our friends would enjoy the atmosphere of a big luxury ship, staying on the Queen Mary anchored in Long Beach just south of Los Angeles. Johann and I had opted to stay in a motel close to the harbour instead. 

                  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Friday morning, March 11, Fresno

 

All this seems far away already. We have seen a lot in the four days that passed since then. I'll try to catch up with my blog before too much more time has passed, but since we are travelling in a group of six it is a bit more difficult to make time for it than when we're just the two of us. 

After three days on the coast we drove through the fertile San Joaquin valley yesterday and spent the night in Fresno. After breakfast we'll head for Sequoia National Park, hoping that the weather will hold. The forecast promises rain for this afternoon. 

I'll try to update the blog before too much t