rod mclaughlinJoshua Tree (28 jan 09)
Joshua Tree National Park is known as 'J Tree' to rock climbers because they are too busy to pronounce a three-syllable word when an acronym will serve. Got there on my recumbent bike a few days ago, but it's been so cold and windy so I've only done one climb. The rangers are a bit more laid back than they were eight years ago when I was last here, when they had a young chick in plain clothes trying to entice climbers into offering her a smoke, then pulling out her badge. Aside from that, it's the same as any famous climbing area. Great scenery, fun conversations around campfires, stargazing and wildlife watching, and the chance to meet some of the world's greatest climbers. For example, in Yosemite a few years ago I met some Norwegians who'd been on K2 - but they weren't above showing me some basic holds on an easy climb. It's like meeting Lebron James and finding he's a modest charming person (which for all I know he is), and he shows you a few basketball tricks. Latest plan - through Mojave National Park to Las Vegas, then straight north to Zion National Park, then in April, if weather permits, Twin Falls - Klamath Falls - Portland. Pictures later. Back
|
