Photo © Alice Joyce

On a day-trip detour from my immersion in Paso Robles Wine Country

I drove from Paso to Highway 41, following its path SouthWest to the Pacific Ocean.

Morro Rock - Photo © Alice Joyce

Continuing south along Coast Highway One, passing through Cayucos, Morro Bay emerges as a city with the casual ambiance of a small beach town enlivened by tourism.

Morro Bay Photo © Alice Joyce

The Morro Bay State Park is a relaxing spot to enjoy ocean vistas, people watching, and a bit of beachcombing, while the bay offers a commanding approach to Morro Rock and numerous photo ops of the iconic form. Check out Google maps for intriguing satellite views of the park and the rock.

Quieter still and beautifully serene is the lagoon area’s saltwater marsh, a place where nature buffs will want to spend time identifying the many shorebirds. Just past the marina you’ll find the parkland’s Museum of Natural History.

Morro Rock Marina Photo © Alice Joyce

Morro Rock may have been named by a Portuguese explorer because of its similarity to the turban of a Moor: El Moro. Another theory is based upon the Spanish word – morro – meaning pebble, or used in reference to similar mountain formations. The town has a rich history, reaching back in time to the Chumash Indians. If you’re planning a trip, visit morrobay.org to find news and special event listings.

A Listing of State Parks on California’s Central Coast

More on my Paso Robles Wine & Food Sojourn on Alice’s Garden Travel Buzz

Galerie Deleuze-Rochetin: 'D'apres Nature'

For readers of this site, you may recognize the name of land artist and tree sculptor, Marc Nucera.

The art of Marc Nucera has been one of the most popular features to appear on Alice’s Garden Travel Buzz.

Marc Nucera .. 'Listening To Trees'

Look for updates on Marc’s work to follow.

Mt. Hood (Photo: Alice Joyce)

As in the crags and commanding waterfalls of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, the lure of rushing water produces a compelling, profound effect on our sensibilities. Explore Portland and you won’t be disappointed. The city itself is a vibrant hub for adventures of all kinds, from wine and foodie fun to street festivals, markets, and proximity to rejuvenating outdoor activities.

Eco-friendly in every way, the city boasts convenient public transportation, a haven for cycling, and a wealth of green spaces – scroll the link — And stay tuned for additional features on the parks, gardens and scenic wonders of Portland and environs.

Columbia River Gorge (Photo: Alice Joyce)

Palm Springs Sunset (Photo: Alice Joyce)

The drive along Hwy. 86 runs nearly parallel to the western edge of the Salton Sea in the Imperial Valley, past Desert Shores and Salton Sea Beach; desolate towns that time seems to have passed by. A State Recreation Area, the Salton Sea SRA Parks web site lists budget constraints as the reason for the closing until further notice of Bombay Beach and other areas located on the opposite side, where Hwy. 111 runs along a stretch of parkland. A unique inland body of water some 200 feet below sea level, the strangely eerie Salton Sea resulted from massive flooding of the Colorado River more than 100 years ago.

My photos show what I believe to be the Chocolate Mountains in the distance. I chose not to photograph the wasteland where we parked to car to walk down to the shore — decrepit buildings at the end of the road in a landscape strewn with trash.  A setting as surreal as the sea itself.

For a history of the Salton Sea, visit the Salton Sea Museum web site.

Joshua Tree National Park (Photo: Alice Joyce)

One’s senses are heightened when taking in the powerful juxtaposition of wondrous rock formations and the oddly entrancing forms of Joshua Trees marching across the desert’s hills and flatlands.

Joshua Tree Landscape (Photo: Alice Joyce)

I had vowed to return to the park after an all-too-brief foray a few years ago; managing but one hike on a perfect winter’s day in bright sunshine. Checking into our hotel after driving from Borrego Springs, we set out immediately for Joshua Tree, knowing that a rainstorm was predicted for the following day: A day when I had planned to spend long hours exploring the park.

Yucca brevifolia – Joshua Tree

By the time we arrived in mid-afternoon, the weather system at Joshua Tree had rapidly shifted. The sky threatened rain, and the strength of the bitterly cold wind at the Keys View overlook nearly toppled me as I stood facing a vista of the Little San Bernardino Mountains.

Joshua Tree - Keys View Overlook (Photo: Alice Joyce)

Despite knowing I would not be returning the following day for another hike in the sun, I felt thankful to have caught a ‘window’ before the storm hit. Although too early in the season to see the Joshua trees in bloom, their presence was a stirring sight. (The park’s succulent species generally flower in April or May.)

Joshua Tree Panicle: Wikipedia

The parkland spans diverse ecosystems; taking in a section of the Colorado Desert – part of the vast Sonoran Desert, the Mojave, and an area of the Little San Bernardino Mountain range. The flora encompasses Palo verde (Cercidium) and pencil cholla (Cylindropuntia), smoketree, ocotillo (Fouqueria), and chuparosa (Justicia). It’s the north part of the park that is, in fact, the southern boundary of the Mojave Desert: the special habitat where you’ll see the Joshua tree – Yucca brevifolia, looking palm-like to some eyes.

Created by age-old volcanic activity, the parkland’s ‘rockpiles’

- stunning geologic formations – are breathtaking and mesmerizing.

More to see in Borrego Springs… & Southern California

]]> http://www.alicesgardentravelbuzz.com/2011/04/06/joshua-tree-journey/feed/ 7 http://www.alicesgardentravelbuzz.com/2011/04/01/majestic-vistas-anza-borrego/ http://www.alicesgardentravelbuzz.com/2011/04/01/majestic-vistas-anza-borrego/#comments Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:53:37 +0000 Alice Joyce http://www.alicesgardentravelbuzz.com/?p=3350 Continue reading Majestic Vistas .. Anza-Borrego Interlude

Font’s Point

Anza-Borrego State Park (Photo: Alice Joyce)

One of the most compelling aspects to emerge when exploring Anza-Borrego is the striking contrast between the State Park’s sweeping vistas and the diminutive flora and fauna of the desert floor and rugged overlooks. I must confess: I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon. Any expectations I’d formed about Font’s Point were greatly exceeded, as I found myself swept away by the magnificence of the breathtaking canyonland that is one aspect of the vast topography of Anza-Borrego.

Desert Five-Spot - Photo: Alice Joyce

In their own way, the wildflowers – their diminutive delicacy and beauty – were equally delightful to behold: Desert Five-Spot (Eremalche rotundifolia) and Brown-eyed Primrose were among the wee blooms that transported me. I’d thought about upgrading my camera before the journey in expectation of such macro shots. I may finally make the move to upgrade in celebration of the first anniversary of this web site, which passed without fanfare.

Camissonia claviformis (Photo: Alice Joyce)

This sub-species of Camissonia which grows in the western United States – a member of Onagraceae family, brown-eyed primrose tugs at your heart. Or is it that I have a soft spot for the sight of primroses associated with the awakening of Springtime.

Anza Borrego - Clark Dry Lake (Photo: Alice Joyce)

Equally compelling, albeit, in a quieter way, the landscape of Clark Dry Lake adjacent to the Santa Rosa Mountains provokes an eerie yet magical mood. Not, in fact, a dry lake bed, the sandy expanse abuts an alluvial fan which can be seen at the base of the mountains.  The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association is a fine source for information on the park’s topography and habitats, historical sites and activities.            

Font’s Point – Lizard (Photo: Alice Joyce)

Lizard’s coloration blends in with the rocky soil: It appeared to be taking in the view from the cliff’s edge.

My compact, lightweight car would never be fit for this type of exploration, not to mention, my camping days are long past: these days I’m much too high-maintenance. In order to take in a good sweep of Anza-Borrego’S highlights approached along unpaved roads for the most part: Hawk Canyon, the Badlands and South End, Font’s Point, Clark Dry Lake…

Photo Courtesy Kathryn Chandler: California Overland

I decided to experience the park’s wonderous settings by booking with California Overland excursions. Based in the midst of the park in the town of Borrego Springs, the company put together a small group comprised of excellent companions for a tour that proved to be enjoyable in every way. I can’t wait to return.

Read more about desert travel,

Anza-Borrego, and Borrego Springs on Alice’s Garden Travel Buzz

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