A home base at Hidden Valley campground set us up for great access to surrounding climbs, hiking and biking. It was a treat to visit the park together for the first time. We had both been years before and had a blast reminiscing...especially Graham. It seemed every crag we passed had a good story. While the wind picked up pretty good by mid-morning each day, the sun kept it warm enough to enjoy getting on the rock. By evening we retreated to the bus to shelter from the wind as the temperatures dropped each night (low of 25 degrees Wednesday morning - Yow!), made some fun food discoveries (pizza on our grill!), and talked about the next leg.
During our first climb on Echo Rock (Stichter Quits) we met this great family from New York on a week-long vacation to J. Tree. The dad, hadn't been climbing in 15 years since the birth of his daughter and was really excited to have the opportunity to share his passion with his two kids for the first time in his old climbing stomping grounds.
By the end of the week we had run into them three times at various places around the park. At our last random meeting in the Wonderland they generously invited us to their vacation rental just outside the park to enjoy their showers and hot tub. How could we resist! I think they took pity on us! Did we really smell that bad!?
We took them up on their offer and planned a meeting time at their vacation rental later that evening.
After a very short time we realized we were in great company with two professors from Ithaca and their two great kids. We learned the dad had spent quite some time in J. Tree in the 80s and had also climbed extensively throughout the Sierra - climbs like Clyde Minaret...WOW! He had even brush elbows with Gaylen Rowell. Over a game of Trivial Pursuit (try playing with a history and literature professors!) we made some great connections realizing he had taught a friend of mine who attended Deep Springs College. We enjoyed sharing our travel plans with them. and REALLY enjoyed a good soak in the hot tub!
The generosity and great positive interaction with strangers amazes us!
As we left the park and thought about that great family we had met, visions of future climbing trips to Joshua Tree with our friends and their families definitely crossed our minds. Just have to wait until those twins get a little older! What a fantastic playland it will be!
Today we're on the road to the Mojave Preserve after camping on BLM land outside of Joshua Tree to weather the last little storm before moving on. Rather than our initial plan to head for Carrizo Plain, we've decided to stick to the desert for a few more day. It actually snowed last night! Though I guess we can't say much after talking to my folks in Meadow Valley who are still digging out after the last dumps of nice February Sierran Snow. Skiing here we come! First, a little more sun and warmth!
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