We spent last weekend catching up with old friends in a cute Airbnb called the "Aloha Ranch," a fitting name for a group with Hawaii roots and a dog with a Hawaiian name. We explored Joshua Tree National Park, threw burgers and brats on the BBQ, played horseshoes, listened to old vinyl records, and sat around the fire pit laughing about past shenanigans, all as the sky transitioned from dusty desert pinks and purples to a dark canvas of stars with the Big Dipper straight overhead. Is there anything more lovely than the desert at dusk? It's my favorite kind of sunset.
(Anyone know where can I find a floor lamp like that by the way? It's awesome.)
Hoku enjoyed the serenades of Elton John's greatest hits album spinning on the record player...
"And I think it's gonna be a long long time
'Till touch down brings me round again to find
I'm not the man they think I am at home
Oh no no no I'm a rocket man
Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone"
We recently discovered that Keys Point (the highest point at Joshua Tree National Park) is actually dog friendly, which was a nice surprise as most of the park is off limits to furry friends. Even at just 5300 ft above sea level, the panoramic lookout offers perfect views of the Salton Sea, as well as two of the highest peaks in Southern California, Mt. San Jacinto and Mt. San Gorgonio (which we summited 2 years ago!)
It was one of the hotter days we've ever experienced in the park and the shade offered by the boulders was a welcome and surprisingly cool retreat. (After a quick check for rattlesnakes hiding in the cracks, that is.)
Back at our Airbnb, which had a strict no pets on furniture policy, this cinderblock + wooden platform in our closet provided the perfect pup perch for resting weary paws.
Thanks Joshua Tree for more excellent desert memories. We'll be back when the weather cools.