Return to Joshua Tree National Park
We have been under quarantine since March and from a creative standpoint it has been a challenge to get back into the groove. The nation has slowly been opening back up and this week our local park, Joshua Tree National Park, reopened with restrictions in place. Kat and I, eager to get outside, packed our backpacks, grabbed our cameras and hopped in our car.
The 2+ hour drive was really therapeutic. Seeing familiar roadside scenes like buildings and malls to wind turbines and dessert cacti was a refreshing change. When we arrived at the ranger station there was a long line of cars awaiting to get inside the park. After 30 minutes, we were once again driving amongst the giant rock formations and mysterious Joshua Trees.
We visited many familiar trails and some new ones taking in the scenery we’ve missed for so long. There’s something special about scrambling up and around these large rock formations. It felt like we were kids again. It’s a feeling that I hope to never lose sight of.
After a few hours of exploring, we ended the evening at the Chollas Cactus Garden. Each time I come to the park, I try to make it here visit these beautiful cacti. I highly recommend it for anyone visiting for here for the first time. But be careful, these amazing cacti have quill with tiny hooks on the end that will stick you good if you’re not careful. I have had them go through my boot before, not fun. After I finished shooting some detail shots, I dropped my left hand and swiped one of the cacti. I looked down in pain at my hand and noticed a large chunk stuck to me. Luckily, I had my utility knife and was able to get the chunk and all the quills out of my hand with the pliers. What a pain in the ass.
From a creative standpoint, it was nice to be back outside making images. The air felt fresher and the sun warmer. My soul felt more at ease overall. Time in nature has a special way of healing. It was nice to be back revisiting an old friend.
Below are a some of the images from our day in Joshua Tree. I am looking forward to getting back to more of our national parks in the months to come.
Thanks for reading. Hope you are all well and safe. - Marco
