Desert Hot Springs

Have I mentioned yet that I love the desert in winter? I really do. This evening the winds finally did turn cold and I've decided not to go for another swim, evening though the waters are wonderfully warm. I went into four of the different jacuzzi pools today and swam in the lap pool for half a mile. It's a nice size lap pool. Most gym/high school lap pools are 25 yards in length. This one is 30 yards so you don't have to turn as often. You can just swim! It's more tiring but that's not a bad thing.


This afternoon Frances and I drove up into the high desert where surprisingly it was much less windy. We went into the towns of Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree. I visited the Hi-Desert Museum in Yucca Valley where they have exhibits of local plant life, wildlife and minerals.

Then I went to a place called Desert Christ Park, also in Yucca Valley. I've been there twice before. It's quite a unique place. In the 1950s, an artist created large white concrete statues of Jesus and his disciples in various scenes from the New Testament. The statues are large, about 10-12 feet tall.
The display is right against the desert mountains in the town of Yucca Valley. He made them out of concrete because he hoped they would survive a nuclear war. There is a large statue of Jesus on the hillside praying at the Garden of Gethsemane. There is a scene where Jesus is preaching to the 12 disciples. There is a scene with Jesus at the well, and another scene where he is welcoming the children. There is a scene were his empty tomb is carved into the hillside. And there is a tiny chapel made entirely of stone that seats about 12 people. I will post some photos maybe tomorrow.

I was going to a take a picture of Frances lying down next to one of the largest statues. But then I noticed a sign next to the statue saying "Warning. Beehive under statue." Well - maybe not then. We were the only ones there. I always enjoy having a place to myself!

Then Frances and I headed to the town of Joshua Tree where we went into a couple of thrift shops and art stores, and stopped for refreshment. We did not go into Joshua Tree National Park because there wasn't time. I sure wanted to though - I've been there twice before also and LOVE it. I was wishing I had another day here in the area so that I could go into the park.

Well my wish has been granted! Yay! Betsy pushed hard today and is happy to have a break. So tomorrow I'll go to Joshua Tree National Park (or is it National Monument?) I'll look into buying an annual pass for National Parks because I hope to visit other National Parks in the next 12 months - hopefully the Channel Islands and Yosemite. And of course I never give up on the possibility that some day I will see the Grand Canyon. It just never seems to work out. Anyway, while Betsy catches up tomorrow I'll go to into Joshua Tree and take more pictures. I never tire of that place.

I had another enjoyable dinner with Jenifer tonight while waiting for Betsy. Frances just finished munching down her dinner and is snoozing. My friend Joe informs me that tomorrow (Saturday) is National Love Your pet Day. Lucky Frances gets to go to Joshua Tree! Lucky me too!