Joshua Tree Trip- Volume 2... You got it- we are going back for more!

HIKING, CLIMBING, CAMPING...in my all-time favorite park- I can't wait!- and yes, you saw that right... we will be climbing this time-- Master Climber Stephen will be with us! :-)

"Joshua Tree is peaceful, crazy, crowded, empty, freezing, sweltering, and a million other contradictions rolled into one. Some people think it's a wasteland. Others love it at first sight. Joshua Tree is a land of desert adventure packed into a landsacpe fit for Dr. Seuss- twisted trees and balanced boulders speckling the spectacular scenery."

I was able to get 3 campsite reservations at Indian Cove for January 31st.

Stephen will be in charge of climbing and I will head out with the hikers...we can certainly interchange.

Please note in your rsvp if you are a climber, hiker, or both. If you have a rope, other equipment that you will bring, if you paid the "climbing gear fee" yet, if you are willing to share a tent (as space will be limited), if you already have a tent buddy.

Arrive by 9am @ Indian Cove Campground.
(the drive is about 2.5 hours, we will meet at the Ranger station on the street leading to the campground, but before entering the campground)

Agenda:
(nothing set yet- it is YOUR trip- so feel free to make suggestions!)
- Climbing with Stephen: 8 climbers at most - must have personal gear, helmet recommended and must be belay checked. This is not a class. Possible climb sites: The thin wall and echo cove!

http://www.rockclimbi...
http://www.rockclimbi...

- Hiking with Katja (will post hike suggestions later)... would love to do Gunsight loop again on Sunday!

Suggested hike for Saturday:
Boy Scout Trail (one way/ starting @ Park Blvd)
Hiking time: 4 hours
Distance: 8 miles (one-way)
Elevation change: 1,345 ft
Difficulty: Moderate

This popular trail, which connects Park Blvd to Indian Cove is often done as a one-way hike, with a car left at the start and a car left at the finish. If you start from the Keys West Backcountry Board, the trail runs almost entirely downhill, skirting the western edge of the Wonderland of Rocks before tucking into a series of narrow canyons, then emerging at Indian Cove.

- Stargazing (anyone with a telescope?)

- Hang out by the campfire, BBQ... good times...

After a full weekend of exploring Joshua Tree I suggest refueling in Pioneer Town (4 miles off the highway) at Pappy & Harriets Palace (http://www.pappyandha.... the atmosphere is killer!

Suggestions, comments- please let me know!

Please note that the 3 campsites only allow 12 people in total, 6 cars total. I don't mind sharing a tent with someone- so please specify in your rsvp if you are buddies with someone or if you can share a tent with someone as space will be limited. I would think 6 tents would be the maximum all together.

The $12.00 will cover the campsite (not the park entry fee) and depending on how many people will sign up I will buy some food with the rest of the money.

**If you want to climb and haven't paid the one-time gear fee yet, please submit $10.00 via paypal to [masked] ***

Park entrance fee: $15 per car (valid for 7 days)

Gear To Bring:
- Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag etc)
- WARM clothes (temperatures range from 40-60F)
- Rain gear (will update weather report closer to date)
- Hiking shoes
- Climbing gear (if applicable)
- Personal items

Will cover the food topic the week before we are heading out there!

**We had an AMAZING time last time...check out the comments from our November trip: http://www.meetup.com... **

Disclaimer: Kindly note that every person participates at their own risk and is responsible for their own actions. The organizers are simply your "adventure buddies" bringing same minded people together to enjoy outdoor activities.