Disciplined Indulgence : Joshua Tree Winter Adventure December 1st and 2nd 2010

Thank goodness for this man
for agreeing to be at the mercy
of my random plans to take off in the middle of the night.
: )

I love to get away!
I love to go where there is no noise, plenty of fresh air, amazing sunsets, huge stars in clear evening skies, and amazing sunrises.

I crave views, where I can see forever
where there is no sign city life

This is at the Keyes View Overlook in Joshua Tree National Park

On the evening of December 1st, 2010

I baked a quiche; packed some quinoa, berries, and some water; grabbed all of our down bedding and cozy clothing, and around 8pm, I dragged Andrew to Joshua Tree for his first time.

I love it out there!

Options for trails are endless

and I couldn’t wait to share this special place with my wonderful man.

If you can handle the cold nights, the days are spectacular

There is almost no one out there at this time of year

so you get the world to yourself.

We arrived around midnight

I did all the driving that evening so I could let Andrew sleep.

The sky was clear, the stars were bright, it was beautiful.

It was about 30 degrees

when we finally snuggled up to sleep in the back of the 4Runner.

I couldn’t wait to see the sunrise.

This was our little nest for the night

Uh, kinda messy, but boy was it cozy!
It didn't look like this while we were sleeping

Andrew enjoying the super-cold sunrise

About 34 degrees...brrrr!

Good Morning Andrew!

Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley Campground.

I LOVE the mornings in Joshua Tree!

Had to strike a pose

: )

After watching the sunrise

I couldn't wait to drive Andrew through the park

to see some of the best views, and trail options.

I guess he wants to go that way...

...or he's practicing his best disco moves...

or, it's just...

Andrew, being Andrew...making me smile at

At Hidden Valley Campground.

: )

Andrew's first view

from one of the highest points in Joshua Tree

This is Andrew's "I'm at the Keyes View Overlook" pose

hahaha! I look like I'm in my PJs

wait, I am in my PJs...that's what I slept in : )

This is also at the Keyes View Overlook

Look closely at the trail

there I am

Near Mt Ryan Trail Head by the Indian Caves

Doing what I do

: )

One thing I will never do
is eat crappy food when in the outdoors
My motto:
if it goes good with champagne, it goes perfectly in a back pack!
: )

About to unpack our morning treats

Caught!

Couldn't resist the raspberries

: )

BREAKFAST!
at Jumbo Rocks in Joshua Tree

On the Menu
Quiche;
Quinoa with lentils, cashews, and dried cherries;
Quinoa with heirloom tomatoes, red onions, and green onions;
Raspberries.
Strawberries.
Shell Beans with red onions.
Baguette for Andrew.
: )