Posted April 22, 2013 

Joshua Tree National Park, March 8-13, 2013

Once the solar panels were installed, we drove to the nearby Salton Sea, the largest lake in California. It was formed in 1905, when a natural dam broke and water flowed in from the Colorado River, flooding an area roughly 15 x 35 miles--and eventually submerging two small towns. Not only is it the largest lake, it's also the lowest in elevation, at about 220 ft below sea level. Since it has no outlet to the sea and is fed by rivers carrying agricultural runoff, its salinity increases each year, killing fish and causing algae blooms and boosting bacterial counts. It apparently often smells, but when we were there, it did not. There were, however, many abandoned buildings along the shore, and, like nearby Niland, the supply town for the Slabs, the road along the Salton Sea shore had seen better economic times.

Abandoned building along Salton Sea shore, with mountains of Joshua Tree National Park in background

Another abandoned structure along the Salton Sea shore

Abandoned bathing station, Salton Sea.

We wanted to camp somewhere along the Sea, but couldn't find anywhere suitable, so we kept going to Joshua Tree National Park. We toured the campground there, but it was too small, and everyone was right on top of everyone else. However, the ranger told us we could camp just outside the park entrance on BLM land...so that's what we did. Much nicer! And no one around.

After a quick walk-around, Leah approves of site selection. 

Photos of our site from all sides:

 Leah talks with Mark or one the kids in front the trailer 

 View out one side (playing with HDR)

 View out the back...

 View out the other side...

 Another view from out the other side from a different window ...

All by ourselves, as Jazzy takes in the new digs

We stayed here for about a week, exploring Joshua Tree National Park and visiting friends Cindy and Michael in Palm Springs, CA. They are staying at her brother's lovely second home, along with her parents. Had a great visit with all of them--so inspiring to see 90-year old people so vibrant and well. 

Those solar panels really work well. In combination with the 4 golf cart batteries and the abundant desert sun, we can run our toaster, microwave, TV--really anything we want, except the air conditioning. They give us the best of both worlds: isolation, quiet, and pristine views along with all the comforts of home--and no generator sound or smell.

Actually, it would have been handy to be able to run the air conditioning, as the temps were unseasonably warm: Palm Springs--just down the road--registered 99 degrees F! That's during the day, though; nighttime temps were much cooler, nice for sleeping.

Stay well...