We spent the night in a rest area between Bakersfield and Barstow. It wasn't as cramped in the back as that first night, but I still didn't like shimmying in and out of my clothes. Otherwise it was fine.
I didn't even know what a Joshua Tree was; all I knew was it was on the map along the way and I didn't want to pass it up. To repeat my uncle's critique of Joshua Tree National Park:
"There's nothing there!"
I was surprised to see so many cars in April. I drove around the loop once and saw an open spot yet completed the loop in case there was something better, but I didn't see any more. The bathrooms were close by, too. I zipped back around and backed in; then started walking to the Pay Station with BC.
A young couple pulled up, pointed and asked if that was my truck. Yes, I answered hesitantly, afraid I'd done something wrong already, but no. They were camped at a different spot but were hoping for a better one, and they'd been driving around periodically to see if one became available.
I assumed these huge rocks were everywhere in the park, but apparently not. Again I lucked out, because I enjoy look at rocks more than trees, which are pretty cool, too, don't get me wrong.
As usual, I couldn't stay awake to watch the meteor shower, but I had a hard time in Puerto Rico, too. Unfortunately, I didn't have someone to nudge me awake and kick me outside, but as is my nature I woke up really early, still in time to see quite a few meteors in the dawn's early light.
"There's nothing there!"
I figured I'd see for myself. I stopped at the first campground I came across: Hidden Valley, I think it was; a first-come, first-served campground. It was shortly after 2pm and the sign read, "Campground Full" but I went in anyway. They possibly didn't get around to taking it down from the previous night's campers.
A young couple pulled up, pointed and asked if that was my truck. Yes, I answered hesitantly, afraid I'd done something wrong already, but no. They were camped at a different spot but were hoping for a better one, and they'd been driving around periodically to see if one became available.
"Boy, it sure is crowded," I observed.
"Because of the meteor shower tonight," April 21st. At my blank expression he continued, "The Perseid Meteor Shower. Star gazers have come from all over the country, and finding a camp site has been next to impossible, you're really lucky."
Guiltily-pleased with our dumb-kinda luck, I spent the afternoon setting up my first campsite. I'd brought a piece of awning from my festival canopy; supported by some PVC pieces fit together and attached to the truck's rear doors. I'd packed a piece of fake grass, which came in handy in the sandy spot. BC was comfy but I kept looking for snakes.
"Look at this view," I told myself; willing myself to enjoy camping, it's not really my nature. Sure, I lived on a boat, but the Captain was there to hold my hand as I learned the ropes, pun intended.
Walking around, I was envious of the people climbing the rocks. I loved doing that as a kid, either on rock jetties or the boulders in Central Park. I'd love the sights that rock-climbing affords, but I've always had a harder time getting down than up, ahhh...to be nimble again.
Even though I missed most of the show, I could not have planned that stop any better. I didn't want to hang around another day, so after more photos we headed out to cross the desert before it got too hot.
Next up: Phoenix Bound.
To read from the start: Oregon to California.
Sign up to receive new posts as they're written, on the top right side of the page. No obligation; no advertising; no kidding, thanks for reading and sharing.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Add a comment