We made several hikes in Joshua Tree. The most unique, to me, was hiking into this fan palm oasis. We travelled through some hot dry country, up and over a ridge, then dropped down into the valley containing the oasis. Temperature's dropped. There was water on the surface. Shade. Almost enough to make a guy never want to leave! We met a fellow who was hiking in when we were heading out. He had his easel with him, planning to draw at the oasis. He wondered if they had chairs and tables there. At first I told him sure, and there's a little black haired guy in a white suit taking drink orders, too, but he's run out of rum. After seeing the look on his face I told him, really, there are no tables and chairs. I'm not sure he knew just what to think ...
Wildlife was scarce. We heard some coyotes, but didn't see any. Birds and lizards were common.
This small buzz worm crossed the trail in front of us at mid-day, then took a defensive posture. We didn't get a positive ID on this snake. I think it's either a juvenile Mohave rattler or, perhaps, a pygmy rattlesnake. We talked with a National Park Service Ranger at Cottonwood Springs on the way out of the park on the south end, have his email address and will send him a full resolution image, perhaps they can ID the snake. This LEO Ranger was wearing a bullet proof vest and side arm, accompanied by an assault rifle and a shotgun in his vehicle. Don't want to be outgunned when help is a long ways off! I feel good seeing him out here.
Earlier in the day, at the oasis, when we crossed some downed palm fronds, I teased Joanie that she should look out for tarantulas. We hadn't seen any yet. But, sure enough, on the hike out, this one crossed the trail not 100 yards from where we saw the rattlesnake shown above. For some reason neither one wanted their picture taken. Overall, Joshua Tree is one of the most photogenic parks we've seen.
No comments:
Post a Comment