Joshua Tree National Park --- San Diego

March 28 --- April 6

After leaving palm desert we were back to van life, cruising into the high desert. We reached Joshua Tree just before sunset and went into the park to see if we could snag a camping spot for the night.

PSA: If you are trying to stay at a National Park MAKE RESERVATIONS!!

Every single camping spot in the park was filled (a trend that will continue on my journey east) so we were left to find a spot to sleep outside of the park. After stocking up on food and water we parked at the California rest stop just outside of the park. This is a great place to car camp if you ever find yourself in our situation! Even though we were camped outside of the park, I still wanted to take photos of the night sky in the park. I set my alarm for 4 am the next morning with a plan to drive into the park to catch the end of the galactic center visibility and a sunrise!

The sky was impossibly dark, illuminated only by stars. It was a wonderful way to start our day exploring Joshua Tree! Joshua Tree National Park is a vast, otherworldly landscape of granite boulders, twisted Joshua trees, and wide-open desert skies. The weather was a lovely 65 degrees which was just perfect for all of the hiking that we did! I will stop talking for a bit and let you enjoy the view :)

The massive granite deposits, some the size of small buildings, are scattered throughout the park, creating a surreal and otherworldly environment that is unlike anything I have seen before. Some of these deposits seemed to go on forever and they all offered beautiful views of the landscape below.

While climbing the granite deposits was the main activity, we couldn't forget what park we were in and not enjoy the Joshua Trees! These unusual trees are actually a type of yucca, which is a plant family that is meant to resemble the behavior of trees. With their spiky leaves and twisted, spindly branches that resemble outstretched arms, Joshua Trees are an iconic symbol for the Southwest. Joshua trees are found only in the Mojave Desert because of the unique blend of the hot climate and high elevations. These beautiful yuccas seem to defy the harsh desert climate and there is something otherworldly about the way they twist and turn up to the sky. Joshua Trees are definitely my new favorite type of yucca!

After a long day of hiking, we were pooped and ready to move on to LA, our next destination. Thank you Joshua Tree for your inspiring landscapes and we will be back!!

Welcome to SoCal!

Our first stop in the LA area was Porto's Bakery and Cafe for delicious Cuban sandwiches and treats. If you are in the LA area and need a good place for any meal breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Porto's has you covered! Sam and I would end up getting Porto's on 3 separate occasions in the next 3 days:)

After fueling up we went for a hike to see the Hollywood sign followed by a walk down Hollywood Boulevard to get the true LA experience.

Having close to 4 million people living in the same city creates a unique atmosphere and very long drives. I don't think that I could handle the congestion and I give major props to everyone living in LA! The next few days we spent with Sam's cousin Alex hiking in Topanga, eating in Venice Beach, and having the best sushi I have ever had. Sugarfish you know how to make some damn good sushi. If you are on the fence about liking sushi I would recommend a trip to either LA or New York to introduce your taste buds, it will be life-changing I promise.

Our time in LA was short and before we knew it we were coming up on the last few days of Sam's time in the van. For these last few days, we explored San Diego which apparently includes Carlsbad and La Jolla. The coastal views were stunning and we got to enjoy a few more sunsets over the ocean.

I dropped Sam off at the airport after many failed attempts at finding the correct door (sorry Sam!!) and once again I was alone in the van.

Next time on the blog...

Get a glimpse into my daily routine and see what it's like to spend a day in the Van! Also a trip through the lowest point in Northern America, Death Valley.