Wildflowers carpet the sandy soil along the Bajada trail.  Poppies dance in the breeze, humming birds flit among the brilliant red trumpet shaped flowers of the Chuparosa, and the buzz of bees is everywhere.  I could sit here all day.

We find our way to the north side of the park where the Joshua tree forest rules.  Many are about ready to bloom.  The rolling terrain is dotted with piles of huge boulders; eroded remnants of the most recent volcanic activity and the work of 1000s of years of wind and water.  From Key View overlook snowcapped peaks rise above the haze blown in from LA.  It is not as clear a day up here as we hoped but still worth the drive.

We go on to Barker Dam trail where a mile-long walk loops past a lake in the desert.  A natural tank has been enlarged by dams built by cattle ranchers who have long ago moved on.  It is mid day and there are lots of people around so not much wildlife.  A covey of 4 quail makes an appearance as do the regular desert birds.  I am still looking for the big horn sheep.  Even so, it is a beautiful cool oasis among huge boulders.