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Desert Travel

Joshua Tree Journey

Joshua Tree Silhouettes Photo © Alice Joyce

Joshua Tree National Park: 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.

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7 comments - (Comments are closed)   Desert Travel, National Parks, Nature, Southern California   , , ,  
Desert Travel

Majestic Vistas .. Anza-Borrego Interlude

Anza-Borrego: Font's Point 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.

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Hotels & Inns

Serra Retreat Labyrinth Overlooking the Pacific Ocean

Serra Retreat Labyrinth Santa Monica Mountains Photo © Alice Joyce

Perched atop a knoll in the Santa Monica Mountains, Serra Retreat Center is a Catholic retreat operated by the Franciscan Friars. The 23-acre property features lovely landscaped flower gardens, countless terraces for contemplation in blissfully peaceful settings, and a Santa Rosa labyrinth created by Lea Goode-Harris. The center’s hilltop site offers 360 degree views, taking in sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean & mountains.

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3 comments - (Comments are closed)   Hotels & Inns, Los Angeles, Nature, Southern California   , ,  
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