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

Wandering Walden Pond

22 December 201716 September 2024

Concord is a charming literary village established in 1635. It is most known as the town that incited the American Revolution with the “shot that was heard round the world.” With its steeped history in combat, Concord’s Walden Pond is the antithesis of war. A muse of Henry David Thoreau, the lake stands to represent the simple life of the author who spent over two years here living off the land. Building a cabin close to the lake, Thoreau was drawn to the simple things in life and immersed himself in the surrounding nature.

Strolling the trail that followed the perimeter of the pond, I stopped to enjoy the playful chipmunks and rabbits scurrying along the path and chasing each other among the forest of maples and pine.

I could hear the crunching of dried leaves and the crackling of slender branches beneath me as I explored Thoreau’s solitary refuge. Walden Pond was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962 and a replica of Henry David’s cabin was reconstructed at a location near the current parking lot of this 335 acre state park and recreation area.

In addition to hiking the pond, visitors can swim, canoe, fish and cross country ski during the winter months. Walden Pond would soon become a popular vacation destination after Henry David Thoreau’s book was published. This area had previously served as an excursion park in the late 1860s. Visitors would be able to swim, swing, boat, play baseball, bike and run. Concession stands, dining halls, bathhouses and a baseball diamond stood on this site until it burned in 1902.

Henry David Thoreau was born in Concord in 1817. After graduating from Concord Academy, he went on to pursue his education at Harvard. Interested in ornithology, the study of birds, it is no wonder that Thoreau pursued the natural beauty of Walden Pond. While he was also interested in Greek mythology and British ballads, he returned to his hometown of Concord to teach school. Influenced by writers such as Hawthorne, Alcott, Fuller, Thoreau wanted to become a writer as well. His friendship with Emerson and death of his brother would lead Henry David to Walden Pond to journal about his experience and later publish his famous manuscript.

About a quarter of a way along the hike, there were a series of stones that marked the original site of Thoreau’s one bedroom cabin. Several quotes from the author are on display as well as a marker which identifies the site of his original home.

Much like many of the other famous writer’s of his time, Thoreau became involved in many political manners and had even helped runaway slaves cross into the border of Canada. This led Thoreau to write the essay Fit, which brought him international fame.

Prior to Thoreau’s stay at Walden Pond, the Fitchburg Railroad was built to bring hundreds of visitors to the site. I had wandered off of the well-hiked trail to check out the train tracks that seemed to expand endlessly into infinity. I had expected a train or two to pass by yet there was no activity along the tracks. I imagined the incoming of visitors loading and unloading in a nearby spot and was disappointed that I did not see a single train.

By the time I had reached the end of the trail, I knew exactly how Thoreau could fall in love with this place. From the abundance of wildlife to the time of solace, a side trip to Walden Pond was well worth the visit.

Have you visited Walden Pond State Reservation? Did you experience Thoreau’s love for the area? I would love to hear about your time at the park if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for checking out my post about Walden Pond and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Walden Pond State Reservation
915 Walden Street
Concord, MA 07142
Telephone: 978 369 3254

Where to Stay:

Concord’s Colonial Inn
48 Monument Square
Concord, MA 01742
Telephone: 978 369 9200

Where to Eat:

The Liberty at Concord’s Colonial Inn
48 Monument Square
Concord, MA 01742
Telephone: 978 369 9200

I couldn’t help myself and decided to make it a seafood night. I started with the clam chowder and then ordered the Lobster Roll which was overloaded with delicious Maine lobster and served with Truffle fries. There was so much food that I did not have room for dessert, but if I had the chance, I would have ordered the Flourless Chocolate Cake.

What to Eat:

Boston Baked Beans
Cape Cod Potato Chips
Chop Suey Sandwich at Salem Lowe Restaurant
Clam Chowder
Fluffernutters – sandwiches made of peanut butter and marshmallow fluff
Fried Clams
Griddled Blueberry Muffins
Hoodsie Cups – cups of vanilla ice cream with a paper lid
Lobster Rolls
Necco Wafers
Roast Beef Sandwiches at Kelly’s Roast Beef

What to Read:

Walden, by Henry David Thoreau
Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
The Things We Cannot Say, by Kelly Rimmer
In the Heart of the Sea, by Nathaniel Philbrock
The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail, by Jerome Lawrence

Browsing the shores of Walden Pond

Cute Lifeguard On Walden Pond

Walden Pond Beach

The forests of Walden Pond

More Glimpses of Walden Pond

Fairytales at Ohio Village…See Your Favorite Characters

11 June 201716 September 2024

I was excited to visit Ohio Village after reading about it in my latest issue of Ohio Magazine. It was a gorgeous, summer afternoon filled with blue skies and after a ten minute drive from home, I approached the gate house and quickly entered to park.

I immediately learned that there was a special event taking place, celebrating the 150th birthday of Beatrix Potter. I couldn’t resist revisiting my childhood and hoped for a glimpse of Peter Rabbit.

I received a booklet providing me with a schedule of events that would take place at each of the historical buildings as well as the characters that would be assigned to each site. Taking my ticket, I looked further through the booklet which included a map and puzzles.

Ohio Village opened its doors in 1974 as an Ohio settlement during the Civil War.

The buildings are a representation of life in Ohio during the 1890s. I began my tour at the schoolhouse where a teacher, standing in front of a large chalk board, was reading nursery rhymes to a large audience of children. Children sat quietly at antique school desks politely listening and recited some of the stories that they knew by memory.

Across the street from the school is the Burton House on Main Street. Depicting the Ohio way of life in the late 1800s, this beautiful home was built in the Greek Revival style. Many Ohioans, arriving from the Northeast, built homes in the same manner as the homes they left. Known as Upwright and Wing, it is very similar to Greek architecture including its columns, pediments and pilasters. They chose this style of home as it represented the country of Greece, the founder of democracy.

Today the home was transformed into the home of the Gingerbread Man. The baker and his wife were seated at a table on the first floor asking for the children to help them find their son, the Gingerbread Man. They explained to the children how he escaped from the home, all they while making gingerbread cookies. It was fun to watch the children interact with the story and help make yummy treats.

Before reaching Murphy’s Lodging Home, the Princess from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” stood outside wearing her beautiful purple dress. A line of children waited to have their photos taken with her so I quickly stepped inside of the Barrington Bicycles shop.

The two-story Barrymore Funeral Parlor was one of the last structures on Ohio Village’s Main Street. A very interesting structure, the Parlor has “clapboard siding with corner boards, six-over-six windows, six panel doors and a standing-seam metal roof.”

For the festivities, the funeral parlor represents the home of the Evil Queen in the story of Snow White. The Evil Queen, seated inside is facing her large, magical mirror. Holding a red apple, the Queen asks of her Magic Mirror, “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, who is the fairest of them all?” When the Magic Mirror responds by telling the Evil Queen that Snow White is the fairest, she enlists the help of the children to find Snow White and offer her the apple. The children were too smart for the queen and would not help. The look on their faces was priceless.

The Old Woman in the Shoe was my next stop. While she sat inside of the Taylor House, her “children” were outside doing their chores. She explained to those who entered that some of her children were misbehaving and had run away. She told us to look for children that did not have any parents because they were probably hers and that we should bring them back to her as soon as possible.

According to the Ohio Village, the Taylor House was one of the earliest homes built on the site with a “simple door and transom window, six-panel door, a six-over-six window, lapped siding and a wood shingle roof.” It was designed in the style of a saltbox house with two stories having a pitched roof with unequal sides, the rear long and low compared to the front.

Outside the Taylor House, sitting down with her puppet goose, was Mother Goose telling stories to the children. While some were resting on blankets reading books to her, others were playing with her stuffed goose. It was precious to see the children’s faces light up as they showed off their reading skills and I stayed for a while to enjoy their excitement.

I passed the Freight & Livery building where children were planting bean stalks and found the Village Church. Inside there were representatives from Columbus Speech and Hearing who were offering free hearing tests. The church was absolutely elegant with its stained glass windows and is available to rent for weddings and special events.

The nearby Schmidt House was also one of the earlier structures at The Village. At the time it was built, it would have had a large fireplace for cooking. These fireplaces were replaced with cast-iron stoves by the mid-1800s.

For the Potter celebration, the Schmidt House was invaded by the Wolf of Little Red Riding Hood. Little Red herself greeted us in the adjoining room of her grandmother’s house and encouraged us to visit her as she lay in bed. I enjoyed hearing the children’s laughter as soon as they caught sight of Red Riding Hood’s hairy grandmother. Of course we all know how THAT story goes.

Just around the corner from the Schmidt House was a pen with little chickens, a goat and some rabbits. A calf and a baby alpaca were in another pen just a few feet away. There was a small pony tied up nearby and a cute little pygmy goat that visitors could pet and photograph.

A small detour led me down a side street with a few more buildings which included the H&P Women’s Study Club. Inside, there was a booth promoting autism awareness. The photographer’s building next door allowed children the opportunity to play dress up and have their photograph taken in an assortment of costumes.

The H&P is described by Ohio Village as a “brick building with stone lintels with stepped bagles, a standing-seam metal roof and flat-topped six-over-six windows.”

Representing the architectural styles from Italy include both the American House Hotel and Tavern as well as the Emporium. Based on the simple Italian country houses and elegant palaces, this style of buildings were the fashion for the periods between 1840 and 1880. Many of the structures from this period still remain in Ohio today exhibited in many downtown storefronts. Their features include “tall, narrow windows that are flat-topped, round-arched or segmental-arched” (similar to an arc). The roof is a hipped roof having a very wide overhang. “The room atop the American House is called a cupola or belvedere, another Italianate feature, though not every Italianate building has one.”

I entered the lower level to explore the lobby, dining room and administrative offices. Upon entering was a room set up as an office or hotel check in offering telephone and telegraphy services. As I exited, I noticed Rapunzel, leaning out of the second story, letting down her golden hair.

I realized it had been a couple of hours since I had arrived and as the noonday sun was heating up, I stopped at P. Wylie’s Emporium for something to drink. I loved looking through all of the vintage drinks and selected a grape soda. In addition to other snacks and drinks, the store sold gifts made in Ohio as well as bottles of wine from the Buckeye state.

Also built in the Italianate style, the Emporium was built very much like the American House Hotel with a few minor differences. At the top of its windows are cornices, very wide bands, just below the roof with scrolled brackets.

It was the perfect day for exploring the Ohio Village and I decided to return at a later date to visit the Ohio History Center. While I didn’t meet Potter’s famous Peter Rabbit, I couldn’t resist a few moments with the Berenstein Bears. First introduced in 1962. these bears were popular when I was growing up. In later years I would also read their stories to my younger brother and sister. The Bears, along with the children who attended the park, reminded me of all the happy moments that I had in my childhood. Many thanks to you as well Beatrix Potter.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Ohio Village? Did it coincide with the Storybook Village celebration? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a comment below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

The Ohio Village
800 E 17th Street
Columbus, Ohio 43221
Telephone: 800 686 6124

Admission Fee: Admission for adults is $12, for youth $6 (ages 4 – 12) and children 3 and under are free.
Hours: Ohio Village is open seasonally and is closed during the winter months with the exception of special events such as Halloween and Christmas celebrations. During the summer, the Village is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM
Amenities: store, restrooms, historical buildings, chapel
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: This a great place to bring children as it provides a great historical education of the 1800s. Country Living Magazine hosts an annual fair here, which is fantastic.

Where to Stay:

Comfort Suites
1690 Clara Street
I-71, Exit 111
Columbus, OH 43211
Telephone: 614 586 1001

Where to Eat:

Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant
240 E. Kossuth Street
Columbus, OH 43206
Telephone: 614 444 6808

In addition to ordering the German Autobahn Buffet (which includes their amazing Jumbo Cream Puffs!), I couldn’t resist placing an order for the Schmidt’s Famous Pretzel Nuggets and of course, I had to include the beer cheese.

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream: Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
North Market: A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
The Thurman Cafe: The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village. There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.

What to Read:

Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus:

Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
Columbus Museum of Art: the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
Everal Barn and Homestead: landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
Frank Fetch Park: gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
Franklin Park Conservatory: beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
Gantz Park: barn, beautiful trees,
German Village: brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
Grove City: brick roads, small town, shopping area
Hayden Falls: wooden walking path, waterfall
Historical Village of Hilliard: a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
Inniswood Metro Gardens: gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
Ohio State University: campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
Park of Roses in Clintonville: various types of rose gardens
Riverfront Park: city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Schiller Park: gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
Scioto Mile: city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Scioto Park in Dublin: statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
Short North: restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
Topiary Park: depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

Daniel the Tiger

Cinderella and her Glass Slipper