Of course, some scenic photographs from this Joshua Tree adventure. The Keys View overlook of Coachella is hazy because of pollution, sadly. And I actually photographed the Big Dipper, although I’m not sure if you can see it clearly here (bottom left of the last photo).

The park glamour shots.

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This was my mantra for the trip.

I headed off to LA, but not for the trendy city and tasty sweets, although I was extremely happy to see my friends! No, I headed out for another four-hour drive (damn traffic) to Joshua Tree National Park like a crazy woman for a desert hike. Oh, but it was worth it.

Joshua Trees (Yucca brevifolia) are actually part of the yucca genus and are endemic to this southwest area. The second picture is of Parry’s Nolina (Nolina parryi) and it’s flower stalk can go up over six feet tall.

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I thought I’d share some news about Wall Arch collapsing earlier this month at Arches National Park, one of my favorite parks, in case you didn’t know.

I’m looking at this issue of Time magazine, and I’m thinking, you know when I look at Obama, I don’t think he is a black man, I just see a man for change. But when I saw Hilary, I did see a woman. Is this an issue of identity? All in all I don’t see that race or gender necessarily makes a difference in a leader. And I don’t know about you, but I’ve been googling Joe Biden like crazy.

Other than that, today is the closing ceremony of the Olympics, and while it’s been exciting to watch, I’m sure we all need to get our lives back from the TV.

I’m, of course, working with O to get my MacBook Pro up in order before I head up for school.