Joshua Tree: Palm Springs & Pinto Basin

It was our final day in Joshua Tree. Our friends Tom and Bethany live in Palm Springs. Audrey, the kids, and I drove over to spend the afternoon with them. It was refreshing to be around water after spending time on desert trails for a couple of days. The kids were anxious to swim.
Bryan had a large chunk of the day to search for herps in Joshua Tree......

Isaac couldn't swim yet with his cast, but he found ways to keep cool and stay entertained.....

Late afternoon we did one final hike in Joshua Tree. We noticed on the map a place called Pinto Basin which had small sand dunes. There was no trail which meant no people. There was just a sign at Turkey Flat where we would start our hike from interpreting the desert landscape and animals who lived here.  It was only a little over a mile to the actual dunes. Which was fine because this time of day was pretty hot. We hydrated, and headed out......

Ava has had her science fair project on her mind. She's been working hard on it.......

When climbed up the hill (which is an extra challenge in sand) we immediately searched for shade.....

This bush would do! Haha 

Once we took a breather, we played and meandered around the sand. I chose to do so with naked feet. I was aware of every step, hoping for no creatures popping out of the sand suddenly. I like critters, but not the element of surprise.... haha

There were plenty of signs of critters, like this lizard with its tiny toes and tail drag......

Here's a not-so-tiny one.....
Leopard Lizard: 

After an hour, the temperature was perfect. The moment was perfect. These are the times I cherish.
Being in nature. Feet planted in mother earth. Self awareness. Being present in the moment.
Engaged with people I love.

Guess who's tracks are these?!

A tortoise! Although we didn't see it, Bryan and Ava followed the trail of tracks to a burrow.
They were fresh tracks. Apparently we didn't move fast enough.... Haha!

Ava wanted to have a tortoise drawing contest. She's quite the artist, but I excepted the challenge.
As we sat in the sand watching the sun go down, I was aware that our trip was nearing an end.
It was going to be hard throwing ourselves back into the daily grind. But, we surely made the most of our time here.....

The kids love their crazy aunt Audrey. It was great to be here with her......

It was going to be a fun hike in the dark returning to the truck :)

Another sunset in Joshua Tree.......

The following day we departed and stopped in the Mojave Preserve at Kelso Sand Dunes again.
Yes, we are drawn to this place. We got out to walk, stretch, find critters, and play.
My little nature girl Willow was drawn to the flowers.......

Fringe-toed Lizard: 

One of the neatest sand racers that literally dives in the sand like it's water. Fast too! 

This large desert critter is also fast....... Haha! 

Our spring break 2016 came to a close. Spring weather in the Mojave Desert is different from spring weather in the Great Basin Desert. The next day there would be inches of snow at our doorstep.