Continuing the story of Joshua Tree National Park. The Bajada Nature Trail was our first stop.

I should mention here a couple things. The park has NO services. At least not many. There's no gas, no food and limited water. You can find water at Cottonwood Camp and Black Rock Camp. Also at the entrances there are water fountains. But don't expect to be driving along and get hungry/thirsty and think you'll find something right away. You won't.

Also, fees. $10.00 per car or $25.00 for annual pass. We finally got smart and bought (the following weekend) a Golden Eagle Passport which gets us in practically everywhere. There are camping fees - regardless of pass you have. They range in $5.00 to $10.00 per night depending on camp.

Ok, back to Bajada trail. :) It's a quarter mile loop on packed sand. At first I was just excited to finally be there. But after a little while I began to realize the fragilities of the desert. All these plants depending on one another. The soil, the plants, the bugs, the birds and lizards, the dead matter, the wash - it all is dependent on each other. While we saw a seemingly dead land - these all patiently wait for the conditions that send it all into a growing and blooming pattern. Furiously they grow and reproduce before conditions once again send them into a patient waiting.

Incidentally, it was about 100 degrees when we arrived. It lowered slightly (about 95) during the day - but overall about the same. It was pleasant though due to a nice breeze and your body adjusts well to the dryness. I used LOTS of sunscreen though.

We left to go on our way. We didn't get far. We stopped at another little walk in a wash which showed how alive the seemingly dead desert really is.

Couple pics :)