Tanks and Lizards

Julie and I are traveling from Napa to Scottsdale, taking our usual sweet time. First night in Bakersfield, second night just outside of Joshua Tree National Park.

Julie hiking in Joshua Tree

We are again skirting the southern border of Joshua Tree after passing through the Coachella Valley. The heat is approaching but temps are still pretty comfortable.

Outside the Patton museum

Our first stop was the Patton Memorial Museum at Chiriaco Summit. The museum was just ok - a mix of general WWII info and Patton specific displays. The tank static displays were disappointing - just a single Sherman tank from WWII and the rest were modern tanks like the M60 or random unarmored vehicles. Showing a Sherman next to a Panther or Tiger (or T-34) would give a lot more perspective.

Common chuckwalla sunbathing

Julie and I shuttled over to the Cottonwood Visitor Center in Joshua Tree then hiked the Mastodon Peak loop, an enjoyable easy loop with dramatic desert flora and some interesting wildlife. Birds included Costa’s hummingbird, black-throated sparrow, and phainopepla. And of course the magnificent chuckwalla lizard! I first spotted one across a wash high up on the rocks and we identified via a photo taken through binocs. Shortly after we were greeted by one sunning just off the trail.

Today we move on to Scottsdale. Jeff Tweedy concert tonight!