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Sunset in Joshua Tree National Park
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Organ Pipe Cactus
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
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The temperature here fell into the single digits last night. The groundhog may be right about six more weeks of Winter. Let me warm you up a bit with a reminiscence of a desert trip my husband and I took in December.
Two weeks before Christmas we visited three parks in the Southwest. First up was Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument on the Arizona border. We were required to pass through five security checkpoints while visiting but it was worth the extra scrutiny. While in Ajo, Arizona, we tried to visit Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, a favorite of Edward Abby and his final resting place, but it wasn't to be. We will be going back.
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Joshua Tree Yucca
Joshua Tree National Park |
Not afraid of a road trip, we drove to Joshua Tree National Park in California with a stop to check out the Salton Sea. While visiting the park we stayed at the Harmony Hotel made famous by U2 when it was featured on their album, Joshua Tree.
Midweek we made our way to Death Valley National Park. Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America, with a depth of 282 ft. below sea level. However, this large park offers much more. Crowds and temperatures were low for this popular destination. Hiking was not a problem in the 70 degree temperatures. We were also lucky that a meteor shower coincided with our visit and was on full display.
Every park was unique and offered surprises. We just scratched the surface of what they have to offer. America is beautiful. Get out and see it if you can.
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| Harmony Hotel sign,
Twentynine Palms, CA |
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| Bombay Beach, Salton Sea |
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| Badwater Basin, Death Valley NP |
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| Artist's Palette on Artist's Drive, Death Valley NP |
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| Ubehebe Crater, Death Valley NP |
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| Mosaic Canyon Hike,
Death Valley NP |
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| Rhyolite, NV Ghost Town |
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| Rhyolite, NV Cemetery |
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| Beatty, NV Tire Shop
We required their help. |
