Life Survives in the Desert

Joshua Tree National Monument

Life survives and thrives even in the harsh environment of the desert. Joshua Tree National Monument is a desert park about 2 hours drive east of Los Angeles. Fortunately the American government saw fit to make a permanent park and wilderness area in this wild, harsh location. In the summer temperatures exceed 40 degrees C (105 F) and in the winter temperatures drop below freezing. Rain occurs occasionally, but never in heavy quantities.


I love desert terrain. There is a mystery here. The rocks speak of ancient stories held secret for thousands of years ...or longer. I wander through the rocks and cactus, lured to see what is around the next corner, beyond the next rock, over the next hill. It would be easy to keep walking and never return. The siren call of adventure is always beckoning and asking me to follow....