Joshua Tree National Park

(Note: I am posting twice today so use the "Older Post" link at the bottom of this page to see my first one if you missed it)

From Bakersfield we moved on to Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree National Park

This is a Joshua Tree and is the defining vegetative feature in the Park.  

And here are some fascinating granite rock formations. This particular one is called skull rock.

Mary calls the formation on the left the "clenched fist". It even has a fingernail in the index finger.

Now, the next photo shows one tough life.

A juniper bush eeking out an existence on what (?) -- one marvels at the life force this represents.

Finally, here I am with my version of "ET call home"

As you may notice -- the clouds are forming and it is getting cold.

Our campsite is above 4500 ft and last night it got down to 39 and ( get ready ) it RAINed buckets -- all night.  We are in the Mohave Desert -- we are from Washington State and we come here in winter to avoid the rain -- so today we've driven back to town to visit a Starbucks, get warm and stock up.