Joshua Tree National Tree National Park.
It was on my bucket list of things to do and see while I was out here in LA.
Camping was also on my “to-do-in-life” bucket list, but never did I think I’d kill two birds with one stone. Camping in the desert? Boom.
Another travel nurse I met here while on assignment hikes, backpacks, and camps on a regular basis by herself and with her family. She has all. the. gear. bro. We got to talking about what we wanted to accomplish in our spare time and she mentioned wanting to go to Joshua Tree. I told her that was on my list as well and she invited me out.
I literally didn’t have to do anything but contribute gas money, breakfast and lunch options. Which, if you know me on a personal level, I love being in charge of the food choices.
We went to brunch the Sunday before our 3-day/2-night journey and had a mini meeting. We basically talked about ideas versus reality on what this trip would be like–mainly for my sake.
The day came (Wednesday morning) and my black ass was not ready. I had just finished a tough shift at work (I work the nightshift in a pediatric cardio-thoracic ICU) and now I had to rush home, enjoy my last hot shower/running toilet, and act like I had energy to live outside for a couple days.
Joshua Tree is about 2.5 hours from LA. We made the trek, I napped, and were there in no time. Our first stop was at this little diner, the Country Kitchen (visited by Anthony Bourdain). [We] I experienced some discrimination, smashed a cheeseburger with extra pickles, and continued the course.
We get to campsite #66.
We unload the vehicle and she tells me to pitch the tent. LOL. Girl, what? Okay, but then I do it because what else am I here for than to learn, gain some new skills, and enjoy nature? She coached me through it. Done!
“Start this fire,” she says. Girl, what? Okay, but then I do it because what else am I here for…? Now, I wasn’t rubbing sticks together and callousing my girlish hands or nothin’ like that, but ya girl can start a fire.
“We’re going to make s’mores. It’s an old Hollywood myth that the chocolate melts between the graham cracker and marshmallow–the marshmallow never gets that hot that it can melt the chocolate,” she informs me.
Of course I don’t believe her until the damn thing really didn’t melt…
Y’all, out-houses are literally trash and baby wipes really are the best invention known to man.
Little known, newly learned, facts: Joshua Tree is comprised of both the Mojave and Colorado desert ecosystems (the two merge). The trees supposedly symbolize the beauty and strength that can arise from dysfunction. Some group of Mormon settlers crossed this desert back in the mid-19th century and decided the tree’s shape reminded them of the Bible story in which Joshua was lifting his hands to the sky in prayer. Joshua Tree, Tuh! Okay.
Plan your visit today: Joshua Tree National Park
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