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Boondocking Near Joshua Tree National Park

So after our  Yeah, you should fit.  The Cul De Sac of Hell.  experience (click the title to read that post), we were scrambling to find a new location to set up camp for the next few days.  All we had to do now was travel outside Joshua Tree National Park, to get some cell phone service and we would be all set.   Well, I swear Joshua Tree is the size of Connecticut.Joshua Tree National Park Good thing we had a full tank of gas headed into it.

After about 45 minutes of driving we beganto get signal and could start our search.  No sooner than a few minutes after that, we exited the National Park, and noticed just outside the gates were some RVers set up down a fire road.  Could this be a location?  There were no signs for BLM land or No Trespassing etc, so we took the chance.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Our little oasis in the desert.   This perfect location had a huge turnaround clearing and open space for the big RV. 
Joshua Tree National Park
Finally, we got situated in our first location camping in California.  We had plenty of water and fuel to last a few days unplugged, and looked forward to our adventure in the park the next morning. 
Joshua Tree National Park
If you look ALL the way to the left you can see the RV of The Wynns from Gone with the Wynns.  
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park
Everyone was up bright and early the next morning and ready for a huge adventure day.  First things first however; Jen was going to head into town and stock up on some groceries and fresh fruit.  We were told that in California they have agricultural inspection stations entering the state and you aren’t allowed to transport fruits and veggies across the state line.  Whatever.  We just shopped once we got there.  (We were asked if we had any BTW) 
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
While Jen shopped we the girls found some time to read, Shayla practiced tying her sneakers, and of course I took some photos. 
Joshua Tree National Park
Even though we couldn’t camp in Jumbo Rock section of Joshua Tree; it impressed us so much that we planned to drive into the park and do some hiking there nonetheless.  We packed a lunch backpack and camera gear and headed in.  
Joshua Tree National Park
It was surreal to see these Cholla Cactus for miles and miles.    There were a few photo opportunities for tourists to pull off the highway and take some pictures.  
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Eventually we made it to Skull Rock in Jumbo Rock and searched out a location to have lunch. 
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
This rock seemed perfectly suited for us and also shielded us from the chilly wind. 
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Let the hiking, rock climbing adventure begin.  
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park looks SO much like a scene from a movie about mars or a distant planet.  
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
At one point we were able show the girls a real life example of something we were learning in science about weathering.  About 5 feet down the path we found the missing section of the weathered rock.  Placing it back in it’s location surprised the girls and from there they were building puzzles down every path.  
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park  One of Leighton’s photos above.  
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park as captured by Leighton.  She nailed it. 
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
The nearly hour ride back to our RV brought us down the same road we took the day before, but without the anxiety of trying to figure out where we were going to sleep for the night.  As we drove, the sunset began to perform a gorgeous light show for us.  
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Upon arriving at our RV we notice we had about 10 neighbors all around us.  I guess our secret was out!  lol  For the most part each person really only stayed that one night and took off.   

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