Sunday "Seens" in Joshua Tree National Park

A brief post this morning:  again, we have to take off early with hopes to maneuver our way through the Monday morning traffic back to LAX.  

Our long trip back to the snow and to our beloveds begins in early afternoon.  We'll have a long layover in Seattle, which will involve an attempt to climb aboard an earlier flight back to Spokane.  

If that doesn't work, we'll find some place to watch tonight's ZAGS' game vs. San Francisco.

With luck, we'll greet the dogs at midnight and crash for the night. Thank you, Elisabeth for watching the Lovestead.

This entire weekend getaway has been a special gift, specifically from our daughter and, in general terms because of the fascinating experiences we've enjoyed in Joshua Tree National Park and the many wonderful people we have met in our travels.

Another gift:  an enjoyable visit with a friend who's been associated with our family for so long she probably knows more about us than we do.  

Thanks, Mow.  It's always a special treat to spend time with you. 

Of course, during our Sunday afternoon in the park, I met a phenomenal family.  Though we saw lots of folks along the hiking trails, I was especially drawn to this family because of their enthusiastic and collective interest in photography.

Jim, Susana, Gavin and Eva from Pennsylvania were taking quality time capturing some interesting images along the trail through Hidden Valley where cattle rustlers once hid their stolen stock. 

We struck up a conversation and quickly a friendship. That experience led to even more fun with our cameras snapping photos of each other. 

Hope to see them again some day.  In the meantime, it was a pleasure for me, the people lover.  

Thanks to all who played a role in a very special weekend g for Mom and Dad Love, including the fascinating Joshua Tree National Park itself.

Truly a meaningful and memorable gift and much appreciated. 

Happy Monday to all.  GO, ZAGS!

Off in the distance beyond the Coachella Valley:  the Salton Sea.

The Coachella Valley with the San Andreas Fault from Keys Vista in Joshua Tree National Park.

Plenty of huge boulders in Joshua Tree, hence lots of rock climbing.

Dad was telling his young son about the bear ahead in the trail.

 "Go see the bear," Dad told his son.

 So, the little guy came my way, scooped up some sand and flung it "at the bear." 

To Jim, Eva, Susana and Gavin:  Peace," 'til we meet again!