Joshua Tree, CA
11.24.10 - 11.29.10
Emiko and I spent six days in Joshua Tree, California. Although this is the season for climbing in Joshua Tree (with average temperatures in the mid 60 degree range), Joshua Tree can, nevertheless, get cold. Hitting upon an ideal weather window is hit or miss—it’s safe to say that Emiko and I missed. While the days were gorgeous with intensely blue skies, the temperatures during our visit were unseasonably cold. The three nights we spent camping within Joshua Tree National Park were brutally cold—temperatures each night dropped to around 24 degrees Fahrenheit; daily temperatures averaged right around freezing (these averages are exclusive of wind-chill, which, with almost constant 25 to 30 MPH winds, was significant) . Although we’d hoped to climb around ten routes per day, due to the cold, we only averaged three. Interestingly, there was one afternoon were it warmed up to the point where we both climbed comfortably in t-shirts; however, this reprieve from the cold didn’t last long—shortly after noon we were again donning down jackets.
Each night as the sun dipped behind the horizon and the temperatures dropped precipitously, life outside our down sleeping bags was made tolerable (possible?) only by sitting within close proximity of a campfire that we tended continuously and with much diligence.
A requisite part of camping is roasting marshmallows. The first night as we broke into our marshmallow stash, we encountered an interesting problem—the desert flora yielded no sticks or twigs suitable for roasting marshmallows. What to do? I had an idea: Yucca leaves! Yucca leaves proved ideal marshmallow roasting implements!
In the end, chilled to the bone and facing another 24 degree night, we relented and spent our last night is a motel in the town of 29 Palms. I think Emiko and I both took nearly 30 minute long showers, reveling the novelty of having access to continuously hot water.
All in all, a fantastic, albeit cold, trip!
Our rental car left something to be desired.
Emiko near the entrance to the park with Joshua Tree Saloon behind.
We made camp at the beautiful Ryan Campground.
Emiko at camp.
A Joshua Tree.
Eric leading a climb at Hidden Valley.
Emiko following "The Flake"—our first Joshua Tree climb.
Hidden Valley from the top of Intersection Rock.
Emiko rappelling off of Intersection Rock.
Eric doing more leading at Hidden Valley.
Eric leading a climb in Ryan Campground. The start of this climb actually began from our campsite.
Emiko at the top of our campsite climb.
Emiko fixing lunch for the day .
Eric leading the climb "Dandelion."
Emiko following Dandelion.
Emiko on top of the climb “Dandelion” on “The Old Woman” rock.
Rock formation in “The Real Hidden Valley.”
A cactus and Emiko (Emiko on the right).
Emiko in the Real Hidden Valley.
Climbers on top of "Sport Challenge Rock."
Eric leading “Sphincter Quits” on Sport Challenge Rock.
Emiko on top of Sport Challenge Rock.
More Joshua Tree rock formations.
Eric leading on "Hidden Tower."
Joshua Tree at dusk.
Eric leading the mega classic “Double Cross” on The Old Woman.
Emiko following Double Cross.
Eric leading the heinous off-width “Damper” on Chimney Rock.
Eric leading on Intersection Rock—this was the last climb of our trip.
Emiko following on Intersection Rock—as you might be able to tell, it was extremely cold!
Eric leading the final pitch on Intersection Rock.
During some hiking we can across this very interesting rock formation. From this angle I think it looks like a whale.
From the other side the same formation looks to me like a Sabertooth tiger.
More interesting rock.
Emiko with Palm Springs, Mt. San Jacinto, and the San Andreas Fault behind. This picture was taken from the top of Key’s View.
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