Joshua Tree - Day 39

I left the Treason's today after a two-and-a-half week stay. Granted, I went walkabout for 4 days, but for the most part, I recuperated, reorganized and reinvigorated myself for the next legs of the trip. I could write about how the Tresons were great hosts, or how needed it was that I stopped over in AZ with them, but they know it, and most people don't care. Thanks Treasons!

So let's get back to the Road Trip. I picked Seismic up at PHX this morning and we went back to the Treason's for lunch and a meet and greet. Then Seismic and I put the Prius back into action and headed for the left coast. Desert driving on Route 10.

Any interstate highway running East to West that is evenly divisible by 10, is not a good way to see the country. But, sometimes there is a farm state or in this case a desert to cross, and you just have to get it behind you as quick as possible.

After about four straight hours of scattered towns or no towns crossing from AZ to CA, we were at the main entrance to the Joshua Tree National Park. Because it was late in the day, our pass through this park was relatively quick, but we were able to take in the vast array of flora. The "garden" of cholla (pronounced choya) cacti was remarkable, but the Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees in all their variety and peculiar angels are a vegetation unto themselves. We we were able to admire the scenery in the middle of the road for about 10 minutes saying nothing; and hearing nothing.


We arrived just before sunset at UncleLarry's. It's actually CuzJoe's uncle that is the gracious owner of the peaceful place we are occupying. CuzBeth, thanks so much for helping as the go-between. The house is tucked up against the hills of the town of Yucca Valley, CA and is just on the outskirts of the park. This house is far enough from the coast that it has the feel of sanctuary, yet is also close enough that you don't have to waste half the day getting here (unless you're coming from Phoenix). We wandered west down a trail for the last moments of the sunset.

We had dinner at an Italian joint called Steffano's. Seismic had coaxed this place out of a local after we snickered at two separate recommendations of "Applebee's". The parking lot was full and we only got a spot when another car pulled out. The place wasn't as full as the parking lot indicated; but, the food was as good as the parking lot indicated.

We ordered a carafe of the house Chianti and we were instructed (by Steffano himself I think) to take in the aromas. It was excellent After a beautifully presented, but so-so tasting prosciutto-wrapped melon appetizer, the main courses came out and were superb. I had tortellini in a white cream sauce that I would be raving about were in not for the fact that Seismic's meal was so much better. She ordered "the next to last" special of the day and was rewarded with something that though it looked like thick ravioli in red sauce, was actually delicate pasta wrapping a buttery, cheesy filling that was so well made I can't remember a better Italian dish in years. Total bill with a 20% tip: $65. It's always nice to be reminded you are out of the New York City price ranges.

For the first time on this trip, it was a GREAT star night. We are far enough from L.A. that it's light doesn't interfere, and the moon must be on the other side of the Earth. There are hundreds, nay thousands, of stars up there shining as brilliant as I have seen this year. I'll be bothering UncleLarry again later this summer, if not for more of this place, then at least for a night out in the city of angels. Thank you UncleLarry!!!