Joshua Tree: Scenic Stops & Covington Flat

Audrey had to work our first day in Joshua Tree. We went to her office to visit her and to gather information about hiking in the park. She looked sharp in her uniform! She would reunite with us later after work. For now, we were heading towards the Cottonwood Spring area.

Willow attaches herself to Ava a lot. Big sisters are cool. So, she insisted that Ava carry her in the pack for part of the hike. It didn't last too long. Willow doesn't realize how heavy she is....

Fence Lizard: 

Willow is a great little hiker. She can go 2 miles without a problem. She's so independent and makes sure she voices that. She even won't hold our hands much anymore. She thinks we're "helping" if we take her hand..... haha

Zebra-tailed Lizard:

Flowers were everywhere (could have posted a whole blog about it)! The yuccas and Joshua Trees were in full bloom. The desert was filled with color and essential pollinators......

Spiny Lizard: 

(Blooming) Ocotillo Patch: 

Cholla Cacti Garden: 

That evening, Audrey joined us for a picnic at a less-known area of the park. We only saw one other car up at Covington Flat. It was nice to find solitude, eat food, and watch the sunset.....

Ava and Bryan seeking reptiles.....

It was a beautiful day in the Joshua Tree neighborhood.......

We got a little creative with the camera and I wanted to take some silhouette snapshots.
I call them "movement in nature" photos......

Updated photo of my terrific trio:

Darkness reminded us that another day had passed on our fast-moving spring break. We had one more full day in California.