But let me back up a bit in this story:
The place? Joshua Tree National Park
The people? Hunter, Nancy, Jacob, Stacia
The time? morning of May 31st
The plan? to hike a four mile plus loop to a desert oasis
After a light breakfast of Cheerios and cinnamon bread the four don sunblock, shorts, sunglasses, and thankfully courtesy of Jacob and the Coast Guard-camelbacks of water. Nancy also ties my laces knowing I am her faithful hiking "companion" proving my worth in previous hikes. The crew drives to Canyon Road, parks, and begins their exhilarating climb. This desert scenery has its own beauty of red cactus, tiny lizards, an iguana or two, and fascinating rock formations. A cloudless, ice-blue sky combine with a blazing sun to produce temps between 90 and 100 yet the lack of moisture and a slight breeze create a rather pleasant day perfect for this trek on one of the parks many trails. After about an hour of walking and talking Stacia and Nancy hear from the men in the lead the ominous question-where's the trail? (If anyone would have asked me I could have told them they took the wrong "fork" in the road at the previous overlook, where they were admiring the view.) The four look at each other and realize the trail is gone but no one wants to retreat so on they forage over some fairly rough terrain. I dig in where necessary and keep Nancy from skidding over loose rock or tumbling into spiky cactus. After climbing up and over a steep hill then traversing down the other side they finally spot the "real" trail. Following it the "going" is much easier and they arrive at the stunning oasis in short order. Rewarded with cool shade its time to rest and enjoy the desert's silence. Vowing to keep a careful eye on the trail the four walk back through the desert terrain savouring the morning's events. Lesson to learn? Don't go hiking without your trusty Vasque hiking boots!
Nancy has the following pictures to share.
4 comments:
OOOh We are envious - we would have loved to go on a hike with you all. What great family photos too!
Super fun blog... right at first I was like who is Vasque? I obviously finally figured it out. :) I will blog one day too, but for now I'm just having a great time in N. Carolina.
Looks like fun. My fave thing ..to hike out West! Thanks for sending blog.
Cute grandchildren but you hardly seem like retired folks ..you are way too young to be typical elderly grandparents. I have a feeling you will be very active for many many years. Congrats on the two new little boys. What a blessing.
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