We’ve hit our 1-year mark on our last grand adventure (including a small trip to Joshua Tree), and COVID shows no sign of stopping, yet my heart aches for a change of scenery.
Don’t worry, you won’t catch us hopping a plane or taking a cruise ship anytime soon, but we are at that point of balancing mental health and COVID safety. So yes, time for an in-state, social distance road trip!
I’m thankful we love somewhere close to many nature options with less than a 3-hour drive. We’ve managed to stayca at the beach, and early into hide out in a cabin in Idyllwild, but we’re thinking next to returning to our special place. Sigh, how I’ve missed Joshua Tree.
Joshua Tree has always been such a special spot for my partner and me. It was our first getaway trip. His first time seeing me at my hardest-lowest part of my disabilities (more on that story for another day) and it kind of became that spot where we both knew it wasn’t just a “fling” kind of deal. But, our kiddo has never been and I can’t wait to remedy that!
Another highlight worth fixing with this whole “lack of” road trip is also the kid will finally get to see the Cabazon Dinosaurs! I’m a sucker for kitschy roadside stops, plus they are making it extra tempting lately with all their holiday theme switch-ups.
I mean can we talk just about how these two things alone are such a thing in Pop-Culture History!?! Pee-Wee Herman’s little dino moment at the Cabazon Dinosaur Exhibit. And who doesn’t think of the U2’s album cover shot by Anton Corbijn when first imaging that place. It’s just legendary.
I also just can’t wait to go say “hi” to the giant skull (Skull Rock).
Maybe this is all the quarantine stir-crazy speaking, but really I just miss everything about there. The space, the skies, the unique plant life, really there is nothing like that National Park. Nothing compares.
Is there like one national park you would return to over and over and still be in love? Or you more a city hotels kind of traveler? No judgment here, just love hearing of different places, especially now, when I can’t exactly travel to them. Always adding to my travel bucket list. π
Jen Dodrill
We live near Nashville (and have family there) so occasionally we go there and stay in a hotel, wear masks, practice social distancing, just to “get away.” It can be challenging right now, but if you’re careful and smart you can do it!
Felicia
Glad you figured out a way. I think we are attempting ourselves soon enough. {fingers crossed} Stay safe & healthy out there!
Ashley
I absolutely love Joshua Tree! I also love how close it is to Palm Springs and Pioneertown. There’s so much to explore right in our backyard!
Felicia
Ya, I think the next round may have a little Palm Springs action. Some were saying Pioneer Town was a bit busy, so I’ll have to wait till it calms down there, but man, I miss it all!
Marlo
We did Joshua Tree for my birthday in 2019, and we pretty much had the whole campsite to ourselves LOL It was UBER hot in October, so no wonder. Have so much fun taking in the outdoors! Camping is such a great escape from the state of the world <3
Felicia
I’m hopeful for the space factor if we try. But wow, Oct is definitely a weather gamble. I’m pretty sure I’ve only been in the Spring window. Though I know our May trip a few years ago was about as hot as I could handle.
Kirsten
Would love to visit one day! Weβve been locked down since December 20 so I know the ache for a change of scenery too!
Felicia
You will have to! And ya, this lockdown stuff! Blah!
Praju
Wow!! Would really love to visit once!! This may sound overwhelming but a thing I would genuinely like to tell you that you have narrated it amazingly!!! I was truly imagining like I were thereπ
Catherine
I live on the east coast but Joshua Tree has been on my bucket list! It looks beautiful and Iβm glad that you are getting to travel.
Celeste
Sounds super fun! I’ve never seen the skull rock before or Joshua tree despite living in California my whole life. I definitely have to visit soon
Felicia
You definitely have to go! We actually just came back and there was soooo much room! It was just what I needed. Nature and Space.