Desert and Dessert - A California Backyard Adventure
*If using a cell phone, hold phone horizontally for better view of photos
Finally, after seven months of being grounded, we boarded a plane and flew out of state. With all the fears and concerns that accompanied the decision making, we did not just survive the flight but enjoyed it and lived to tell about it. And while it is not our backyard, we felt it is important to share travel experience during confusing times.
But first, a full disclosure. My cousin Carrie has been flying for Jet Blue over eighteen years. Last week, JetBlue flew into Long Beach, California for the last time. Carrie, who was based in Long Beach and lives in Signal Hill, wanted to commemorate the years of service with her colleagues. She chose Hilltop Park in Signal Hill. The park sits on top of a hill and has magnificent views of Long Beach Airport.
She invited us to join her celebrations and assist her in baking and decorating cookies and pastries with JetBlue themes. We certainly accepted the invitation, and the journey began (Picture #1). JetBlue leaves the middle seat vacant and expanded the space between rows. With my 5’10” I could completely stretch my legs and not touch the seat in front of me. The crew mandated masks and offered assistance with other flying arrangements should anyone refuse to put one on. Prepackaged snacks and bottled water were distributed at the beginning of the flight and no coffee or cocktails were served to avoid unnecessary contact. Five hours later we arrived safely in Los Angeles. As a result of the current travel slowdown, lines to concession stands, and other airport services were negligible and within less than thirty minutes we were in our rental car on the way to Long Beach.
The event was not until Tuesday morning, and knowing how addicted to nature Smadar and I are, Carrie and wife Crisi took us on a wonderful nature hike early Monday Morning. We drove to San Pedro and parked the car right outside of Palos Verdes Shores Mobile Home and Golf Community. A surprisingly well-situated mobile home and RV community above the cliffs with stunning views as far as Catalina Island. We bypassed the community through a narrow path and followed a trail along the cliffs. There are numerous trails to choose from. We continued along the top of the cliff for a little less than a mile and then descended to the beach right under Trump National Golf Club of Los Angeles. We promised to behave, discuss no politics, and focused our thoughts on the southern California scents, breaking waves, and their sound receding. Perfect spot to rest, picnic or meditate. The round-trip hike was easy, refreshing and took less than two hours. We turned back under the Golf Club, but the trails continue further north to Abalone Cove Beach. (See video and pictures 2-4). Carrie, Crisi and Smadar spent the rest of the day baking and decorating cookies with JetBlue Theme.
JetBlue 231 landed in Long Beach for the last time shortly after 11am on Tuesday, October 6th to the cheering crowd of current team members and alumni. It was so loud that it seemed like the pilots heard their colleagues and turned left at the end of the runway to waive goodbye. (see video) The park tables were covered with picnic food. High elbowing and shouts were the most popular greetings maintaining social distancing. Not one single JetBlue cookie or cake pop was left. (See pictures 5-6)
Long Beach is a fun city with four miles of beaches, ocean front board walks and parks. The city experienced major renaissance in the last two decades. It is home to many fun, inexpensive eateries. We dined at Flaming Curry, a fast-food Indian restaurant where the four of us ate and drank (nonalcoholic) for less than $40.
Spectacular view and sound of the ocean
JetBlue 231 last landing in Long Beach Airport
Driving to Joshua Tree National Park
We had one day left at leisure in southern California and wanted to hike a national park. California is home to nine national parks, more than any other state in the nation. Our years of listening to U2 and the band America, the artwork on the Eagles debut album and our recent watching of the movie “Ingrid Goes West” helped with the decision to drive to Joshua Tree National Park. Only two and a half hours from Long Beach with wonderful scenery, especially as one gets closer to the park. We blasted the car stereo system with America A Horse with No Name and U2 Joshua Tree as we approached the entrance. There is something powerful in riding through the desert surrounded by Joshua trees and loud music.
We entered the park from the western entrance. The park includes parts of both Mojave and Colorado Deserts. The Mojave, on the western side of the park is higher, cooler, and home to the Joshua Trees. The Colorado desert is on the eastern more arid part of the park, lower and hotter. We chose to hike the Echo T /Barker Dam trail, 1.1 miles in each direction. Magnificent views, plenty of interesting desert vegetation, White-tailed Antelope Squirrels, and cotton tail rabbits running around. While the water reservoir created by the dam was dry, the hike was certainly worth it. On the way back we stopped at the Disney Petroglyphs as recommended by the park ranger. The original petroglyphs were carved in the rock by Native Americans wondering through the area in search of food and water. It is believed that when Disney filmed a made for TV movie “Chico the Misunderstood Coyote” in 1961 they painted over existing petroglyphs to make it look better on screen. I could not confirm it on any official park or Disney site, but plenty of blogs mention it. The plaque briefly mentions that” This type of vandalism prevents others from seeing petroglyphs in its original form”. We drove along Park Blvd for approximately 22 miles, exited from the Twentynine Palms entrance and continued to the town of Joshua Tree. This is a quaint town on California 62 with an old western feel to it. The town attracts artists, spiritualists, hikers, nature lovers or anyone seeking a desert getaway. For a small desert town, it offers an eclectic array of dining options, art galleries, spiritual activities and obviously, access to one of the most exciting national parks in the nation. (see pictures 7-12) *
We had a very late lunch at Joshua Tree Saloon and enjoyed the friendly service, the crowd and the simple, yet good food. We would love to return for a longer stay, rent an AirBNB for three or four nights, hike the national park in the morning, experience the towns culture in the evening, stare at the dessert mountains and relax.
Stay tuned for our next episode as we discover Florida one backyard at a time.