Joshua Tree: Day One

Last weekend was the first overnight outing with the WTC class. We went to Joshua tree for two days jam-packed with hiking, navigating, bonding, and eating. :)


We left on a bus from Glendale at 5:30 am Saturday. With a 2.5 hour journey each way, I decided to settle in and listen to a book during the ride. I decided on Fahrenheit 451. It was great watching the sun rise as we headed out of civilization into the harsh and rugged beauty of the desert.

We arrived and hit the ground running, We had a short time to grab our stuff, set up camp, and report for the day's activities. With some help from my tent buddy, we were set up and on our way in no time.

We started the day with a bit of rock scrambling, basically scaling to the top of large rocks. With guidance and leaders spotting us, everyone did well.

Heading to the rocks.

 The next few hours were all about navigation. Students were given locations, and then required to use a map and compass to guide leaders there. My partner and I did well. I'm able to plot a bearing and get to a location, but I could use work on other mapping skills.  More on that later.

 We had lunch in the shade after that, and then it was off to climb Mount Mel. It was a literal climb, scrambling up rocks the entire way.

The climb up to Mount Mel.

 The view from the top was amazing.

The view from Mount Mel

We climbed down and headed to camp. Then it was happy hour/feast time. It was an amazing spread. Everyone brought something to share. I brought a pot of vegan gumbo.

Nighttime in the desert is beautiful. The sky was inky black peppered with bright stars that can't be seen within city limits. I settled in after a wonderful meal and slept well.

And that was day one. Our class really bonded during this great adventure.

Day two coming up.