Joshua Tree Park Picnic

One morning as I was starting to make breakfast, Natalie came around, eager to help, hoping to bake something. I told her that today we were in a bit of a hurry because we were planning on going on a hike! Getting a rather blank stare - maybe I used the wrong word, because - 

she then wondered about the apple juice box drinks sitting on the counter.

 I told her they were for the picnic we were going on. 

Well . . . the whole world changed with just one word. 

Did I say picnic? Now I was talking!

We had breakfast . . . pancakes I think . . . and then hurriedly packed a lunch to go. 

I've written about Joshua Tree Park before, but this is the first time we visited this park with any of our family. I think some were a bit hesitant about exactly what kind of place we had sought out . . . 

The drive into the park is interesting but does not give justice to the hidden paths and views.

We drove right up to the parking lot . . . past the serious rock climbers . . . past the campers . . . to a path that leads to an old dam. It starts off with a sandy level path with wildflowers and tumbleweed like plants spread out on either side.

Soon the the sandy path winds past large rock piles

leading through narrow, almost tunnel like, sections between boulders.

Desert growth, such as the beaver tail cactus, appear to thrive on nothing.

And looking up at the rocky mountains surrounding us, there are all kinds of wildflowers and interesting plants growing out of the rugged rock face.

We found a spot to lay out our lunch and had a party on the rocks.

I had grabbed a handful of thin paper plates. . . counted them out at the site and there were exactly sixteen!

And this is how simple a picnic can be!

Grab some crackers, cheese, salami, veggies, chips and something to drink . . .

The young boys were looking out over the beautiful view.

And the older boys too! 

After lunch, while some were exploring places under a boulder, I found beauty in the open.

It was a place that begged to be climbed on - so Chris and Julene followed their kids.

Turned out, Koen was not a happy boy, feeling left out. He knew he could do it too! 

Papa and two dads decided to give the rest of the kids the chance to reach for that top. 

Teddy was the only one who was content to stay below with mom.

We watched as they made their way up, guiding little feet . . . showing them where to hold and step . . . right there to catch them, should they fall. I see, having zoomed in, that one was carried when he could not step.

I would have joined them . .. but just got too caught up with watching.

Kristal also would have joined them, but she had her own special reason to stay put. 

I'll confirm any guesses on the next post.

Back to the climb, we see them nearing the top.

And they made it!

At the bottom I was waiting for them . . . for a proper photo line up.

A picnic or a hike? 

Not sure what won out in the end to be the best part.

I think it was pretty even.