National Parks of USA

[Ewelina Wajgert]

Leaving Las Vegas we take the road to South trough Mojave Desert. We go very long along freight train and attempt to pass it, so not to wait on the crossing. It isn't difficult because it move with 30 miles per hour. Sand dunes are in the distance.

[Ewelina Wajgert]

Then we begin to go along the salt lake. Unfortunately it is dry but in horizon emerge beautiful mountain range. We look for water ("it should be here" - assure our guide).   Finally we discover strange ditch, decide to soak foots - probably it's healthy but later I clean long my shoes and mine from salt.

[Ewelina Wajgert]

We visit briefly Joshua Tree NP. The trees aren't so nice as in Joshua Forrest that we have seen earlier. From here we head towards the southest place of our trip - Palm Springs, where enjoy mineral bath.

[Ewelina Wajgert]

After briefly visit on the beach in Santa Monica, we begin to drive in the north. Pacific is unfortunately unfriendly for us. The water is very agitated and must be a good swimmer. I have given up...

[Susan Band]

That is some trip you have been on Ewelina. It has taken us 10 years to do all the things you have done. You must have a lot of energy. Great see all the places again.
susan

[Ewelina Wajgert]

I don't lack energy to travel, Susan. If I hadn't to work, I would have traveled  I count the time to next trip.

[Lori S.]

What was the name of the "salt lake" you were at, Ewelina?  Was it around the Salton Sea?  It looks like it has been trenched out!

[Ewelina Wajgert]

No name, it's by the way from Saltus to Twentynine Palms. Look at the map attached.

From lake remained only characteristic pattern. The trench is looking as digged up, because around are embankments, it has collected all the surrounding water. In the middle is very deep. The edges are very soft, the person can sink.

[cohan]

No name, it's by the way from Saltus to Twentynine Palms. Look at the map attached.

From lake remained only characteristic pattern. The trench is looking as digged up, because around are embankments, it has collected all the surrounding water. In the middle is very deep. The edges are very soft, the person can sink.

very odd, yet beautiful..
your pink flower above looks like one of those foreign aizoaceae plants, like mesembryanthemum or lampranthus..lovely but invasive..

[Lori S.]

I believe the pink succulent may be Carpobrotus edulis, a very invasive pest along the California coast.

Thanks for the map, Ewelina.  I don't recall that we went north of 29 Palms... new territory for me.

[ranunculus]

I believe the pink succulent may be Carpobrotus edulis, a very invasive pest along the California coast.

Please see Monterey View 4 & Monterey View 5 on the following link:-

http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=611.msg14719#msg14719

[cohan]

yes, these invasive mesembs can be lovely in flower, but not good for local plants!
but it is 'edulis' so perhaps people should be eating it to control it! probably folks not worried about native flora are happy for the flowers and likely erosion control..

[Ewelina Wajgert]

So, from this place we begin to come back.

Before entering to Giant Forest we stay for a moment by lake Kaweah. On the lake you can practice water sports.

[Ewelina Wajgert]

1. By the entrance to Sequioa NP greet us sculpture of Indian's head.
2. Picturesque valley of Kern river
3. Natural Bridge and old road
4. From Moro Rock spread beutiful view of Sierra Nevada
5. Inhabitants of park are bears

[Ewelina Wajgert]

The trunks of sequoias make impression

1. By Visitors Center
2. Buttress Tree
    

    Length - 272 ft.
    Base diameter - 20 ft.
    Estimated age - 2300 years

    Fell - June 3, 1959

3. Giants
4. Parker Group