And where to now ...? Always go up in life, editor.
A glimpse of Palm Springs and golden ponds through the telephoto lens. (Early morning hike, different day).
We could not believe our eyes when we saw the 'golden water'. The sun reflects off the mountain.
After returning from Joshua Tree National Park, we undertook a climb to Murray Peak, one of the great
hikes in the area. In fact, this could stand anywhere in the world as a day hike, in our opinion. We did this
trail two years ago but from a different starting point which made a big difference. The Gastin Trail made it
a very enjoyable day by providing an immediate steep and sharp climb with views into the city.
Getting back to the previous day, we should have mentioned a bit more information about the national park.
It comprises two deserts, the famous Mojave in which Joshua Trees grow and the Colorado that has more cactus
type of flora. Okay! That’s all the education you’re going to get from us.
After 700 feet, the sight of the development and mountains are awe inspiring. Our car can be seen
towards the bottom of the screen...any offers?
A view of Murray Peak, at the half-way stage, another 2 or so miles to go plus a 'few' feet elevation.
Jenni peaks on Murray, a fabulous experience. Note picnic table at rear but no umbrella.
There is such a contrast between the urban on the one side and the mountains on the other in the
various desert cities. The developments are modern, well cared for and in most places, lush. The mountains
are harsh, dry and rough. It makes one think of water and power, two essentials in life and even more so
in a desert. Firstly, without air conditioning, the summers would be impossible to survive for many. As for
water, one wonders how the population growth can continue expanding at the current rate without an additional
water supply. Furthermore, it seems that each time a new development is built it comes with a golf course.
We used to love playing golf and still probably do but have to question the wisdom of flooding the greens
and fairways with water each day. This is from moderates on environmental issues although lovers of the
natural world.
'Hey, where do you think you're going? We ain't finished yet.'
At last, our 'boy hero' makes a guest appearance some 2,200 feet from the desert 'floor'.
Talking of water, we have the greatest regard for the founders of the concept of bottled water.
Without doubt, the marketing of water is in our opinion the greatest con…um marketing concept. Imagine
competing with the convenience of opening a faucet in the home as opposed to ordering and having
delivered bottles of water at a multiple of the price. Talk about sales prowess. By the way, we drink
water all over the world and the taste is almost, always good. Naturally, we cannot guarantee that we are
not ingesting some poison or other, but can the bottled water drinkers say anything different. Are we becoming
controversial, difficult or just ‘intellectualizing’? We hear the mountains calling…thank goodness.
Now we can't get rid of him as he also has to show he peaked. Congratulations! Now get out the way.
A harsh environment with the most attractive San Jacinto Range always prominent.
Talking of mountains, the trail length is anywhere between 8-10 miles and cumulative elevation gain
of over 2,500 feet or more. Of course, if you ask our thighs and calves, it's a lot further and higher.
We intend to get in another early morning hike before we depart as the trails on the mountaintops are superb.
The San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains as backdrops make for spectacular viewing.
A favorite shot of a favorite subject at the peak.
One last push to the peak so we can sit on the benches. Would have been nice had the editor carried the
beach umbrella with her.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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