"Desert Sun... Desert Summits..."

We have made quite a number of southern journeys now to bask under the desert sun, to wander among the canyons, and to enjoy the desert summits too. There seems to be much geomancy out there especially during the glow of each time of the day... The colors of the rock evolve from red to cream, to greys and black, and yet it is amazing how each changes form depending upon sunrise & sunset, and even at high noon. There is an inconsistency in the rock that is so different; some allows a sense of sureness in scrambling, while others demand climbing with so close attention. I took a moment to reflect on our past experiences too within Joshua Tree as we hope to return there soon to that unique clime. I do so love the mirages that are created out there... The elements mix with our mind and we begin to see, even to become, more than what was before... It will never cease to amaze me about the differences and uniqueness of desert terrain; the actual feel of the rock; the variations in temperature - what a contrast to hiking and climbing in our Northern Rockies. The desert asks different things of us, in the way we move, what we need, the timings we choose, how a route is planned, among so many other spicy variations... This wild place's uniqueness allows us to seek out deep canyons, bike slickrock, climb upon ages old rock, and hike among the towers out there as well. That nature of variety itself in our adventures can be important for us... For when we discover new places and different experiences, then new ways of seeing and being in the wild places are created too... There exists such amazingly different combinations of the elements out in the desert: Moisture where you wouldn't expect it; the unique mix of dust, earth, and stone; the feel and reflections of the sun; the taste of the water; the heated air and how it moves in unexpected ways; and the the hidden surprises are many too... There were all those unknown tracks in the sand; unexpected vibrant green in deep canyons; dark openings into the earth that look never before travelled; and just a few small painted stones, appropriately placed gently on those desert summits with the registers created there so long before... We all need to embrace such diversity of adventure moments... Those that will leave us longing and dreaming of yet other days of desert sun... desert summits.....DSD