The Start of the Adventure
Last weekend was a blast, even though it started a bit rough. I woke up feeling sluggish – maybe it was the wine from the night before. I got up, prepped the dogs, and dropped them off at Rachel's. Milly loves playing with the other dogs there, and Marvin, my old buddy, tags along too.
On the Road to Joshua Tree
Huck showed up at my place around 9 AM. We were set for our overnight backpacking trip in Joshua Tree National Park. We made a quick pit stop at 7-Eleven for some water since there's none out in the desert. Grabbed some breakfast at Jack in the Box, and we were on our way.
We arrived at the trailhead, which was packed as usual. But we found a parking spot and started our hike. A quarter-mile in, we veered off from the Arch Rock Trail, and suddenly, it was like we had the whole desert to ourselves. Just us, the stunning landscape, and the wide-open sky.
The desert has its own kind of beauty. Unique plants, quiet, solitude – it’s all so different from anywhere else. We hiked west on the trail and soon found ourselves deep into the Pinto Basin. Every visit offers something new to see and experience.
Setting Up Camp
Setting up camp in the desert is always a highlight. Huck and I found a great spot, got our gear set, and then just soaked in the view. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we pulled out a little treat – a liter of wine I’d packed. There's something about having a drink under the stars in the middle of nowhere that makes everything feel just right.
Stargazing and Conversations
We talked about everything and nothing, from our love of the outdoors to the latest gadgets we're using in our photography. My camera got quite the workout. Joshua Tree's landscape is a photographer's dream – the stark contrast of the rugged rocks against the smooth sky, the silhouette of Joshua trees at sunset, all of it just begging to be captured.
The night was calm and clear, perfect for stargazing. Out there, far from city lights, the sky is a canvas of stars. It’s moments like these that make you feel connected to something bigger.
Wrapping Up the Trip
The next morning, we packed up and hiked back, taking our time to enjoy the scenery. There’s always a bittersweet feeling at the end of a trip – satisfaction from the adventure but a bit of sadness that it’s over. But hey, that just means there’s another trip to look forward to.
Driving back, we chatted about our next adventure and shared some laughs about the trip. By the time we got home, I was ready to see Milly and Marvin again. They’re always a sight for sore eyes after a trip.
Joshua Tree never disappoints, and neither does Huck’s company. Here’s to many more adventures and countless memories made under the desert sky.
Images by Matt Dunn