Joshua Tree

These pictures are from a trip earlier this year to visit our good friends Jessica and Joe Earl in Joshua Tree, CA.  We got to experience a desert storm, a rare treat.

Picking blackberries with the Howe women :)

Just missing Petra :(  Wish you guys were here!

Alison Falls and Lemon Lillies

The San Bernardino mountains have tons of incredible scenery that can't be accessed by trail.  Barry and I have enjoyed learning from the locals some of the best areas to explore.  One of these places is Alison Falls, accessed only by a steep cross-country trek.  The area is also home to the rare lemon lilly, found only in Southern California and parts of Arizona.  They smell heavenly!

 From above

Lately

Backyard peaches, fresh mint, a hammock hung over a bubbling creek, dam building, fresh peach pie...  Simple joys that have been our friends these past few days.

Plus, a bonus - the newlyweds!

Sabbath Morning at Death Valley

Barry and I rose early and had worship on a bluff overlooking our campsite.  The morning light set off the distant mountains in such a tranquil way.

Sleepy bunnies :)

Barry taking a walk.

Spring green in the desert!

After everyone awoke and a grand breakfast was had by all (our meals were spectacular!), we headed to Badwater basin, the lowest point in the U.S.

Salt flats at Badwater Basin.

The guys in a canyon we hiked up.

Barry going for a climb.

Salt flats in Death Valley.

Death Valley National Park - Day 1

As mentioned earlier, we spent a good deal of our Spring Break studying and working.  But the second weekend we took a break from studies, work, and upset stomachs and headed to Death Valley National Park with some friends.  While there weren't many flowers, we got to see some beautiful scenery.  I was most impressed with the expansive skies and beautiful blue/brown contrasts.  Here is Day 1 of our trip.

Death Valley through my sun glasses!

Willard Froggle remains our ever-faithful road trip mascot!

The Painter's Canvas - beautiful hues of teal, purple, pink, and orange.

Just love the browns in these next few pictures.

Sabbath's Arrival.