Finding Solitude at Joshua Tree National Park, California

18 March 20253 May 2025

My last visit to Joshua Tree National Park was last November, a perfect time of the year for a hike. The weather had begun to cool down in comparison to the summer heat and I was ready to set out for an amazing adventure. There are so many fabulous parks in southern California where you can feel like you are the only one in the world. This is one of them. The surroundings are just as unique as its unpredictable environment that each visit can bring about a whole new experience.

The whimsical Joshua Tree, for which the park is named, is an indigenous plant that reminds me of a furry cactus with starburst pompoms. These plants were used by the American Indians for food (their seeds and flower buds), household items and clothing (baskets and sandals).

The ground cover was scarce in most parts with clumps of brush, predominantly creosote bush. Colorful ocotillo and cactus were intermittently scattered throughout the vast expanse of the desert.

In addition to the Joshua Tree, what I found so fascinating about this park were the endless rock formations and twisted boulders shaped by geologic forces. According to the national park, these rocks rose from the ground beneath as a result of volcanic activity. As the boulders were pushed up from the earth, they cooled down and crystallized. Over time, the water from the ground rounded the edges and widened the cracks, resulting in heaps of monzogranite that look similar to toy blocks in a stack.

During the scenic drive, I took the time to find images in the rocks. If there was a large pile of them, I would pull over to see what shapes and figures appeared out of the monoliths. I had imagined a variety of objects from eagles, rabbits, horses and even people.

About halfway to Barker Dam, I met up with a rock climber to see if I could make the climb. I felt safe with the guide I hired, knowing that he would be there in the chance that I slipped and fell. We met in a safe location and one that was not too difficult for a first try. I was surprised that the rocks, for the most part, were fairly stable. It was exhilarating to reach the top and look out into the distance of the park. I wished I would have done this sooner.

Many people come to Joshua Tree National Park for a variety of outdoor activities. During my scenic drive I noticed bikers, hikers and the occasional rock climber. This is a perfect location for rock climbing and there are a few outfitters available to take out the adventurous for an adrenaline-filled afternoon. I hired an excellent guide from Joshua Tree Outfitters, who was specialized in working with novice climbers.

I had also set aside some time for a hike, so I decided on the Barker Dam Nature Loop, just over a mile long. This trail took me through parts of the desert where cattlemen built dams as a water source for their livestock back in the 1800s. Later, miners arrived in search of gold until the 1930’s when the land was parceled out to homesteaders.

I enjoyed the vast diversity of hiking the trail with rock formations that took on a wide variety of shapes. The dried out flora and fauna were at the mercy of the hot sun. and trees provided a brief solace from the scorching heat.

12 Wide Angle Landscape on the Barker Dam Trail

The landscape was extremely spacious with small rocks and boulders, while hills in the distance were low lying and desolate. The hike remained unsteady with stones until I finally reached the dam. I tried to look down into the wall but there was not a way for me to approach it any closer without falling over the edge.

14 Petroglyphs on the Barker Dam Trail

I was nearing the end of the trail when a boulder appeared in the middle of nowhere. As I closed in on the site, I noticed there were petroglyphs painted in red and black. I learned that there were actual Indian markings in the rocks, but they had been painted over and were not authentic.

15 Chipmunk at the Park

My day at Joshua Tree had come to a close and as I was crossing the parking lot, I saw a little chipmunk dart out from one underneath a car. There is nothing better than seeing animals in their natural habitat. Such a highlight of my day.

An area slightly larger than the state of Rhode Island, Joshua Tree National Park begs to be explored. Offering activities for all types of outdoorsmen, this is a wonderful way to explore the deserts of California.

Have you visited Joshua Tree National Park? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for following my journey through Joshua Tree National Park! Wishing you many Happy Travels!!

What to See and What to Do:

Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Drive
Twentynine Palms, CA 74485
Telephone: 760 367 5500

Admission Fee: $30 for a 7 day vehicle permit, admitting the passengers of a single, non-commercial vehicle on the day of purchase and for the next six days. Motorcycles: $25 for a 7-day entrance permit, per motorcycle; Individual Entrance Fee: $15 7-day entrance fee, per person on foot or bike; Non-commercial groups: $15 per person charged to non-commercial groups entering in a vehicle with a capacity of 16 passengers or more. Joshua Tree Annual Pass is $55 valid for 12 months from the month of purchase.
Hours: Open all year
Amenities: Campsites are available for camping and overnight backpacking, rock climbing, birding, mountain biking, horseback riding. There are tours offered such as a Geology Motor Tour or a tour of Keys Ranch.
Scenic View: Views throughout the desert are incredible, but are amazing from the top of the rocks after a great climb. Stargazing is another spectacular opportunity for outstanding scenic views.
Length of Visit: To visit the full park would take at least a couple of days, but even a day visit is well worth the trip.
Tips for Your Visit: There is no cellular service throughout the park. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen as the desert can become quite hot during the day. In the evening, temperatures can drop, so it is also recommended to bring along a jacket. There are limited gas stations as well, so ensure that you have fueled up your vehicle. Refer to the park’s website ahead of time to note any closures and stop by the visitor’s center for any updates regarding the park.

Where to Stay:

Hilton San Diego Bayfront
1 Park Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101
Telephone: 619 564 3333

Where to Eat:

Parq Restaurant
615 Broadway
San Diego, CA
Telephone: 619 727 6789

There were so many amazing items on the menu such as oysters, gnocchi, mussels and my favorite, the Charcuterie Board! Since I was taking clients out for dinner, we ordered each one and shared…perfect for four.

What to Eat:

Mexican cuisine, especially tamales
California wood-fired pizza
Southeast Asian foods
Sushi
Seafood
Local Wines

What to Read:

The Land of Little Rain, by Mary Hunter Austin
Wonder Valley, by Ivy Pochada
Twentynine Palms: A True Story of Murder, Marines and the Mojave, by Deanne Stillman

Photo Guide for San Diego:

Arch Rock at White Tank Campground
Skull Rock a few dozen yards from Park Boulevard
Cholla Cactus Garden along Pinto Basin Road
Barker Dam
Indian Cove at Indian Cove Campground
The Joshua Trees
Rock Climbers

16 Blue Skies and Boulders

One of my favorite photos of Joshua Tree National Park

17 121112, Petroglyphs at JTSP

More Petroglyphs

Making Friends with the Early Ohio Settlers at Sauder Village, Part 3

7 November 202314 May 2025

What a spectacular morning visiting the historical buildings of Sauder Village. On the Village Green, I explored the 1920’s Grime Homestead, admired the adorable farm animals, rode the free express train and explored the Natives and Newcomers exhibit. The remaining sites to explore are the Pioneer Settlement, the Little Pioneers Homestead, the Historic Community and the places in between.

I hope you have had the opportunity to read Parts 1 and 2 of my Sauder Village blog to put this amazing complex in perspective and to understand Sauder Village’s extraordinary beginnings.

Celebrating forty years as Ohio’s Largest Living History Destination, Sauder Village is an amazing replica of a small town dating back from 1803 to the 1920s. From the Natives and Newcomers Exhibit to the Pioneer Settlement there are close to forty buildings that will transport you to another place and time. I hope you enjoy the second part of my fun adventure at this attraction that ranks high on my list of places to see in Ohio.

When the Lauder family settled in northwestern Ohio, the area was considered a Black Swamp. Due to the conditions of the land, logs were laid side by side to accommodate carts and wagons, despite the bumpy ride.

It was also dangerous for the horses as their legs could be trapped between the logs. Regardless of the difficulties in crossing through the swamp, it seemed to have made transportation a little easier.

Inside of the early settlement of the Lauber family, they lived in temporary lean to structures until their homes are completed.

The log school is a recreation of a one-room schoolhouse that would have existed in the 1840s. Because the lighting inside was limited, the desks would face the walls where greased paper took the place of windows. The fireplace would keep the teacher and children warm, but overall, the schoolhouse was quite primitive.

During my visit to the Witmer-Roth home, it was already closed for the day. When open, there is a costumed guide that prepares a meal on either the stone hearth indoors or the outdoor bake oven. This is the original home of Anna Sauder Witmer-Roth, where she gave birth to ten of her 15 children. It is here where visitors can learn more about the woman’s role during the days of the early settlers.

Inside of the Etcher Cabin, a guide is making homemade noodles. She explains to me that this home was once owned by Jacob and Barbara Etcher who arrived in this area sometime in the 1850s.

The community jail on the premises was built in the late 1860s to house criminals in Edgerton, Ohio. Interestingly, there are only two cells as this was a temporary facility until the criminal stood trial.

The Peter Stuckey Farm includes the home, garden, summer kitchen, barn and wagon shop. Built in the 1870s, it was home to both him and his wife Catherine (Yoder). As a result of the drainage of the swamp, their farm became prosperous. Peter was also a successful wagon maker as well.

Building number 34 is the depot where the train stops to pick up passengers and drop them off to explore the Pioneer Settlement.

The next building is the Holdeman Church which was originally a Menonite Church from the local town of Pettisville and was once known as the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. It is here where the horse and buggy ride originates and requires a small additional fee.

The Little Pioneers Homestead is specifically geared towards young children and their families. There is a small cabin, Mary-Anne’s cabin and Miller barn where they can milk the cow.

One of my favorite parts of the day was finding a baby bunny in the Discovery Garden!

The Blacksmith Shop was temporarily closed.

The Harvesting Building is another special event space and location for group lunches and picnic space.

The Tiffin River Woodworks is a workshop where wooden products, including toys, are made and Cider Mill is only used in the month of September during Sauder Village’s Apple Week.

It has taken me the full day to explore Sauder Village and I have had such an awesome day exploring this gem of northwest Ohio!

I have reentered the welcome center where I find the Greenburg Gallery exhibit that provides more detail about Erie Sauder, Sauder Village and the making of this spectacular attraction.

In addition to the village, there is a campground, the Barn Restaurant, Doughbox Bakery and Sauder Store and Outlet within walking distance. With so much to experience, one could really spend a long weekend here.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Sauder Village? What was your favorite sight or activity while you were here? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sauder Village Living History and Farm
221611 OH-2
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 419 446 2541

Admission Fee: Adults: $24; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $18; Children, Ages 3 and under: Free; Seniors 60 and over: $22. person is permitted. 2-day Admission: Adults, $38; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $26; Valid for 2 consecutive days, non-transferable. AAA Discount: $2
Hours: Spring (May 3 – 27): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 3:30PM; Saturday 10AM to 4PM; Summer (May 31 – September 2): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 5PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Fall Hours (September 6 – October 8); Open Wednesday to Friday from 10AM to 3:30PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Length of the Tour: From 2 hours to 2 days.
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes as you walk through time visiting historical buildings. Download the map ahead of time and plan your day. There are several classes and demonstrations that you won’t want to miss. While there are several small shops to visit, make plans to eat at the Barn Restaurant for down-home cooking.

Where to Stay:

Sauder Heritage Inn
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

If you are traveling by RV, make reservations at the Sauder Village Campground.

Where to Eat:

The Barn Restaurant
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

Select the buffet or order from the menu loaded with down-home recipes.

What to Eat:

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
Soups and Salads
Fried Chicken
Roast Beef Dinners

What to Read:

Heritage of the Black Swamp, by Cynthia Covert Harger

Photo Guide to Sauder Village

Visit Sauder Village in the spring for newborn baby animals

Making Friends with the Early Ohio Settlers at Sauder Village, Part 2

31 October 202314 May 2025

I spent the morning visiting the historical buildings located on the Village Green and those in the outer perimeter. The structures built in the early 20th century include the 1920’s Grime Homestead, Building 19 on the Complex Map. This has been such a fabulous, educational experience learning about the history of each of the buildings as well as exploring the items that are inside relating to the type of building, shop or museum. I hope you have had the opportunity to read Part 1 of my Sauder Village blog to put this amazing complex in perspective and to understand Sauder Village’s beginnings.

Celebrating forty years as Ohio’s Largest Living History Destination, the Village is an amazing replica of a small town dating between the years 1803 to the 1920s. From the Natives and Newcomers Exhibit to the Pioneer Settlement there are close to forty buildings that will give you a glimpse of a time in US history with abundant growth and change.

The 1920s Grime Homestead looks practically like any other farm house that one would see in Ohio. A beautiful representation of our country’s “Modern Era”, this home is very similar to those we would see today without many of the technological advancements.

Friendly costumed guides are staged throughout the structures, replicating the activities of daily life at this time. Inventions, such as the gas range reduced the amount of time to prepare family meals. Our guide explained the process of gathering the ingredients of the meal using items the farm such as flour and eggs. Using the appliances and kitchen gadgets from that era, she explained the steps to ready her meal and offered samples of the pie she had prepared in advance.

The dining room, located off of the kitchen also served as a casual family room. Furniture included a table and chairs, a couch, phonograph and radio as well as wall decorations. Unlike the prevous rooms, this floor was carpeted. I learned that carpeting symbolized the wealth of a family, able to afford some of the nicer things in life and were considered well-off financially.

Entering the parlor, I was immediately drawn to the upright player piano reminiscent of the one I had as a child. This space in the house was set aside for entertaining guests and housed the more delicate possessions of the family, such as expensive furniture and family heirlooms.

The master bedroom, typical of one that you would find in the 1920s, was simple yet functional. The women loved vanities and dressing tables with benches. During this era, it was not uncommon to find furniture made out of veneer to help reduce the cost.

Downstairs, the large cellar served as a pantry and cooler for storing meat and milk. Because grocery stores were not as readily accessible in the 1920s, the lady of the house would can fruits and vegetables then place them on shelves until she was ready to use them.

The cellar also housed the laundry for cleaning of the clothes, hanging them out to dry and then ironing them on a regular basis.

Exiting the cellar into the outdoors was a garden, storage shed and outhouse. A garden’s size was based on the number of family members in the home as the produce was used to feed the family.

Before reaching the festival barn, I passed the garage that held the tractor. This was the first motorized vehicle on the property. I was so excited to see all of the farm animals and spent most of my time in this part of the village.

There are horses….

Cows….

Pigs…

Turkeys…

and chickens…but my favorite of all of the animals was…..

the baby lambs!

The Festival Barn is used strictly for entertainment purposes only holding special events, picnics and group lunches for visitors.

Over the bridge I arrived at Brush Creek Pottery where I found Mark Nafziger, the resident potter creating a bowl. With so many types of pottery on display, I browsed through the flower pots, vases, plates and decorative items exploring all of their designs and shapes.

Building 22 is a storage shed for employees only, but I can’t wait to visit the next building…the Ice Cream Parlor. A perfect time for a break, I ordered a single, hand-dipped ice cream in cookie dough on a sugar cone, super creamy and delicious.

Barbara’s Weaving Shop was closed, but on days that it is open, weavers use the barn’s frame loom to create beautiful items out of both threads and rags.

The water-powered grist mill at Sauder Village is one of the few that remain in the state of Ohio today. The process for producing corn meal is actually quite interesting. As the water is released from its source, it rushes over the wheel, turning the millstones inside to produce corn meal.

What fascinates me about this exhibit is that there are so many products that can be turned into flour or meal. An in-depth information sheet outlines how the mill works and the interactive display describes what is needed to ensure the mill runs smoothly.

I purchased a bag of fresh corn meal to compare the fresh meal with a box for making homemade cornbread.

About a minute walk from the Grist Mil is the Erie Express. I decided to board the 15 minute train ride along the north end of the park where I will see glimpses of the Natives and Newcomers as well as the Pioneer Settlement. The train ride costs $2 for the multiple rides throughout the day.

Once I disembarked the train and walked the short trip to the Natives and Newcomers exhibit. Covering the period between 1803 and 1839, I learn more about the pioneers who settled this region known as the Black Swamp area.

The Native American’s housing is surprisingly different than the teepee structures that I have seen in reading materials and during some of my travels out west. It seems so large and more rectangular in shape.

The wigwam was much larger than I had anticipated, but it was used to house two families here. In the center there was a partition that separatee each family, providing a little privacy.

During the time that these structures were built, the settlers and the natives were already developing a trading relationship in places that were called trading posts.

One of the more important items that settlers needed during the cold weather were animal pelts. Other items important for trade included pottery, guns, tobacco, whiskey and other items that were of interest to the trading parties.

From here, the walking path leads to the Pioneer Settlement that covers the years 1834 – 1890 when the Lauber family first arrived to this area. I am looking forward to reading more about the early settlers of the Black Swamp and to explore more of the personal lives of the residents of Fulton County. This part of my tour will be covered in Part 3 of my blog.

What to See and What to Do:

Sauder Village Living History and Farm
221611 OH-2
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 419 446 2541

Admission Fee: Adults: $24; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $18; Children, Ages 3 and under: Free; Seniors 60 and over: $22. person is permitted. 2-day Admission: Adults, $38; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $26; Valid for 2 consecutive days, non-transferable. AAA Discount: $2
Hours: Spring (May 3 – 27): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 3:30PM; Saturday 10AM to 4PM; Summer (May 31 – September 2): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 5PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Fall Hours (September 6 – October 8); Open Wednesday to Friday from 10AM to 3:30PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Length of the Tour: From 2 hours to 2 days.
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes as you walk through time visiting historical buildings. Download the map ahead of time and plan your day. There are several classes and demonstrations that you won’t want to miss. While there are several small shops to visit, make plans to eat at the Barn Restaurant for down-home cooking.

Where to Stay:

Sauder Heritage Inn
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

If you are traveling by RV, make reservations at the Sauder Village Campground.

Where to Eat:

The Barn Restaurant
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

Select the buffet or order from the menu loaded with down-home recipes.

What to Eat:

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
Soups and Salads
Fried Chicken
Roat Beef Dinners

What to Read:

Heritage of the Black Swamp, by Cynthia Covert Harger

Photo Guide to Sauder Village

Visit Sauder Village in the spring for newborn baby animals

Ashville Viking Festival in Ohio

1 September 201716 September 2024

Searching for local festivals to attend in Ohio this year, I added the Ashville Viking Festival to my list. I mean, who doesn’t want to watch grown men joust and eat turkey legs for the afternoon?

Nearly an hour’s drive from Columbus, I arrived in the afternoon, just in time for a joust. Mesmerized by the costumes and incredibly large horses, I watched two men prepare to battle it out in their suits of armor and shields.

With the help of step stools, they mounted their horses and made their way to opposite ends of a long fence until given the signal to begin. A loud whistle sounded and their horses rushed towards each other as the men positioned their jousts using their shields for protection.

As each rider approached each other, there was a loud sound as their jousts made contact with one another’s shields. Luckily, they managed to stay on their horses reaching the opposite end of the fence. They continued on with their duel for a few more runs and were ready to dismount and remove their armor. I was happy to see that no one was hurt and went in search for lunch.

Several tents were set up with medieval merchandise and various food stalls as well. From costumes for adults and children to commemorative items, it was the children that were having the most fun dressing up as knights.

The craftsmanship of the costumes was absolutely beautiful. With clothing made from leather and chains to t-shirts and kirtles and gowns, the items were exquisitely designed. Since shopping works up my appetite, it was time to go in search of lunch and with a cafeteria around the corner, I was looking forward to looking over the menu.

Luckily, I needn’t look much further for the turkey leg I had been craving since my arrival. Bon Appetit!

Have you visited the Ashville Viking Festival? What was your experience? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my afternoon at one of Ohio’s many festivals and wishing you many Happy Travels!

You can find more information about the Ashville Viking Festival by contacting their website at https://ashvilleohvikingfestival.com/.