This Ain’t The Sierras
As we grow accustomed to the ways and means of the desert, one thing is glaringly certain; the apparent absence of the presence of Life-giving water. Wherever the magical substance makes it’s appearance, every kind of Life form is sure to flock to it in vast numbers. It is the rarity of water in these arid regions, that when finding it, makes it even all the more magical. One cannot help but sit in appreciation for the vital fluid that makes up most of our body mass.
I come from an area in the Sierra Foothills, on the West side of the slopes. I am used to hiking trails whereby one comes across lake after lake, stream after stream, to jump and swim in, fish or what have you; i.e., an abundance of water.
Down in the desert, one quickly comes to realize how precious and rare it really is. As a matter of fact, in the wild, it is rarely seen, though one tell-tale sign, points out to the observer, its existence; the miraculous Oasis.
The same old story...Click to Enlarge!
Hunting The Semi-Wild Oasis
We decided to take advantage of our present position at Indian Cove Campground, to explore the two Oasis’s on this side of Joshua Tree National Park, the first of which we stopped at the, appropriately named, Oasis Visitor Center in 29 Palms, California.
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A typical visitor center, a small nature trail takes one out into the remnants of a once, thriving Oasis, that had served as a hub to the Serrano tribe and others, as well as later to the infiltration of white gold miners, and cattle ranchers.
Apparently, an earthquake changed the water flow that once seeped out of the Earth, so BLM has resorted to artificially piping in water to keep the water-dependent species alive including the huge Fan Palms, a typical recognizable sign of an abundance of water in desert areas.
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Though a bit-lackluster in the “awe” factor, it was fun imagining the Natives Americans using this as a base camp, for further exploration for food and game, into the Joshua National Park area. There was also a wealth of Native info both on the mild trail, as well as in the visitor center.
The REAL Wild Oasis
Our second stop was at the trailhead to 49 Palms Oasis. A beautiful drive up massive, boulder-lined, red rock canyons, wound up to our destination in a remote parking lot. The hike is 1.5 miles one way, but on a typical, hot day like today, it can seem much longer.
Click Me!
Lot’s of climbing up and over rock-strewn mountains, finally climaxing in a hilltop view of the distant Oasis. Seriously, it looked like a mirage, so completely out of place in the surrounding, desolate landscape.
Me Too!
We scrambled down the trail towards our destination, finally arriving at the prize, a real, Fan Palm desert Oasis, in the middle of nowhere.
Closer inspection revealed running water at the bases of the mighty Fan Palms. We broke the rule, (again), and went skinny dipping in the cold, refreshing waters, a welcome treat on a hot, sunny day. The water made us feel extremely A/Live!
Water, in the Palm Grove!
Being in the shade of the Palms was like being in another world. This was a typical stopping area for Indian Tribes of course, and ALL wildlife in the surrounding desolate mountains.
Looking Up Into The Large Palms
Back to Indian Cove Campground for the night, sweet dreams…
Sunset out the back van window.
There’s Water In Them Thar Hills
This Ain’t The Sierras
As we grow accustomed to the ways and means of the desert, one thing is glaringly certain; the apparent absence of the presence of Life-giving water. Wherever the magical substance makes it’s appearance, every kind of Life form is sure to flock to it in vast numbers. It is the rarity of water in these arid regions, that when finding it, makes it even all the more magical. One cannot help but sit in appreciation for the vital fluid that makes up most of our body mass.
I come from an area in the Sierra Foothills, on the West side of the slopes. I am used to hiking trails whereby one comes across lake after lake, stream after stream, to jump and swim in, fish or what have you; i.e., an abundance of water.
Down in the desert, one quickly comes to realize how precious and rare it really is. As a matter of fact, in the wild, it is rarely seen, though one tell-tale sign, points out to the observer, its existence; the miraculous Oasis.
Though a bit-lackluster in the “awe” factor, it was fun imagining the Natives Americans using this as a base camp, for further exploration for food and game, into the Joshua National Park area. There was also a wealth of Native info both on the mild trail, as well as in the visitor center.
Hunting The Semi-Wild Oasis
We decided to take advantage of our present position at Indian Cove Campground, to explore the two Oasis’s on this side of Joshua Tree National Park, the first of which we stopped at the, appropriately named, Oasis Visitor Center in 29 Palms, California.
A typical visitor center, a small nature trail takes one out into the remnants of a once, thriving Oasis, that had served as a hub to the Serrano tribe and others, as well as later to the infiltration of white gold miners, and cattle ranchers.
Apparently, an earthquake changed the water flow that once seeped out of the Earth, so BLM has resorted to artificially piping in water to keep the water-dependent species alive including the huge Fan Palms, a typical recognizable sign of an abundance of water in desert areas.
The Real Wild Oasis
Our second stop was at the trailhead to 49 Palms Oasis. A beautiful drive up massive, boulder-lined, red rock canyons, wound up to our destination in a remote parking lot. The hike is 1.5 miles one way, but on a typical, hot day like today, it can seem much longer.
Lot’s of climbing up and over rock-strewn mountains, finally climaxing in a hilltop view of the distant Oasis. Seriously, it looked like a mirage, so completely out of place in the surrounding, desolate landscape.
We scrambled down the trail towards our destination, finally arriving at the prize, a real, Fan Palm desert Oasis, in the middle of nowhere.
Closer inspection revealed running water at the bases of the mighty Fan Palms. We broke the rule, (again), and went skinny dipping in the cold, refreshing waters, a welcome treat on a hot, sunny day. The water made us feel extremely A/Live!
Being in the shade of the Palms was like being in another world. This was a typical stopping area for Indian Tribes of course, and ALL wildlife in the surrounding desolate mountains.
Back to Indian Cove Campground for the night, sweet dreams…
