JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

I once heard Joshua Tree described as a bunch of rocks and cactus. And it is. Wouldn't I like to have one of these spectacular rock formations in my back yard to wake up to each morning?  The rocks gradually turned from grayish brown to golden as the sun rose around the bowl of rocks we settled in. We arrived at night and the stars were set crystals.  Obviously a special place, before we ever ventured out to see cactus in bloom and the desert wildflowers. 

 Once fully lit, the rocks were a child's playground, and since we just happened to have children with us, know that this was a "mountain climbing" adventure of great beauty and adventure. We big kids enjoyed the easy climbs on giant granite too.

 Above, young adults who may want to challenge a mountain some day, find friendly, shear rock faces a great place to practice with mountain climbing equipment. They were having a great time and we watched them get over the top. Safe to say, this is a rock climbing heaven.

Joshua trees live in a narrow band and are forever protected from development where housing is mowing them down on private lands. Not a true tree, they wait for a wet year, like their cactus cousins, to bloom. This was one of those years where the odd looking fibrous "tree" gave quite a show of football sized blooms.

We drove to areas of the park that had stands of Joshua, Cholla and other desert beauties also in bloom with the unusually wet weather. And, we hiked to an oasis created by a fissure in the rocks. We weren't disappointed. On the way home we made a distant stop near Antelope Valley to see the poppy preserve. More on the hike, and desert wildflowers tomorrow. If you're going, the parks website link follows.
www.nps.gov/jotr

For my web album of pictures click the link below:
  http://picasaweb.google.com/1579penn/40810JoshaTreeNatPkl#

SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTER AND ETNIES

The cube is the clue that you are about to enter a very different place, the Science Discovery Center in Irvine. Kids and adults of all ages were challenged and entertained by the hands on exhibits, be it computerized earthquakes, radio broadcasting, playing virtual hockey or the science of flowing water. With three adults and three kids we each took a kid and went separate ways.

Theo practiced on the climbing wall. He attached appendages that represent ailerons to his arms and experienced the forces of wind in a wind tunnel. He lived through 3 major earthquakes in a shaking machine while watching video of Kobe, Japan, Lomo Prieta, California, and another major quake from Santiago, Chili.

His favorite activity was making a short movie with three plastic animals as the participants. I didn't count, but I'd guesstimate there were 80 to 100 hands-on encounters on two floors. What you didn't know amazes.
In the afternoon  a Science of Bubbles show, fascinating and entertaining, resembled magic. Who would have thought bubbles are studied for their scientific properties of value?

Later in the day, Owen was quite impressed that his younger cousin uses a skate board park. Austin is 7 and Owen is 10, a good reason to think he could try it.The beauty of this Etnie's Park is the management. Lessons are given, kids are watched and coached. They must wear protective gear and so on. Nicely done.

His lessons show to good advantage, back foot in maneuverable position, wide, strongly balanced stance. He is undaunted by deep bowls and up-hill runs and small jumps. He knows how to go over the side of a deep bowl.

  Owen, without ever a lesson, tackled hills and bowls as well, and learned gobs. Nicely done.

Theo enjoyed rolling down the grassy hill and playing about the grounds while we adults played Bananagrams at a table.
Montana parents told us that this Portola Hills Etnie's is considered the best skate board park in the world and folks come from all over to use it, which is why they brought their son. Quite an accolade.

TANAKA ORGANIC FARM APPEALED TO THE KIDS

Aunt Kristanne thought the cousins would enjoy a visit to the only organic farm left in Orange county, Tanaka Gardens. Watermelon season, Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Tree events are very popular here, but strawberries and spring? Lets see...

It was hot and our boys, Theo, Austin and Owen don't look overly enthused as they waited for the farm wagon.

Kristanne was undaunted and we loaded into the wagon.

This scarecrow, one of many, was a hit. The fields so beautiful, one could consider them growing art in action.

Carrots, snap peas and spinach freshly picked and handed to them for tasting by the tractor driver were the best any of us had ever tasted. They were a little dubious about raw bok choy and fresh maui onion sets, though but were willing to try anything at this point.

Strawberries were a definite hit. Each of us were allowed to pick a one pound plastic container full of strawberries to bring home and to eat all we wanted while in the field. Yup! They loved it.  And, so did the adults.  Later in the day, we cooled off in the pool.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN

Leaving the 73 degree heat in Louisiana on March 30th to return to Murphys in snow was a shock. I worked on taxes and arranged ceiling repairs and paint for my rental until April 4th, when daughter Virginia arrived in her Prius, packed to the hinges for she and I and her two boys. Our goal? A visit with daughter/sister Kristanne and cousins from Trabuco and points south.

 Auto travel with children, ages eight and ten can be challenging. Its one of the only times you are grateful for those electronic mesmerizers.  Brother Owen helped his younger brother Theo with strategy in his electronic battle. It was good for a couple of hours. Then, Virginia hauled out new, never before read, comics. A snack of fruit, books and scenery, and word games filled some time.  Then a rest stop.

We chose a spot close to coffee, cool drinks, gas, restrooms and grass. The kids were able to practice karate moves and use up some energy while we watched and stretched our legs. Highway 99 has no state rest stops. They've all been moved to Highway 5, but the services are good and handy, making it easy to stop frequently if needed.

Later in the day, we had a leisurely lunch and met this cute baby being showed to everyone by a proud grandma.

At a stop for groceries and goodies before arriving at Portola Hills in Trabuco, we met this little cutie helping her mother shop.

American marketing talent is truly amazing. Comfort at every mile along the way makes traveling with kids a cinch. The drive was nine hours including stops and no blood was drawn. Pretty smart mother, too.

A bouquet for the hostess and we were eating, drinking, and playing Quiddler before you could say, "antidisestablishmentarianism" which is one of Owen's favorite words. He also has a another favorite. Things are no longer awesome, they are "epic"!  Oh, its wild to learn things from your grand kids. Tomorrow, science and vegetables.

FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ME

One...I cheat at pool. (The woman above, Jan Stewart, taught me.)

Two...I can milk a goat.

Three...I adore kids.  (This is Stella the gorgeous.)

Four...I'm a scratch cook.

Five...I can't wear pretty shoes.



I've turned into a blogamatic and just HAD to let you know.
I've lined up people to deal with my fractured ceiling, a rental paint job, and worked on my taxes. Preparations are in the works to leave town Easter Sunday for a short week get-together with my youngest three grandkids, Owen, Theo and Austin. (Of course, I have to drag their mothers along, too. )

A SPRINGTIME SNOW

This was the scene at the edge of town when I drove into Murphys. Its spring, the daffodils have come and gone? The fruit trees are blooming? What's even worse,  my partner is sitting in Louisiana in 73 degree weather. He isn't called the weather wimp for nothing.
I'm only pretending to complain about the snow. Its pretty stuff and it melted in about two hours. The very best kind of snow in my opinion.

The inside of the house was frigid, as you might imagine when you see my living room ceiling with sheet rock missing. Pounding rains, while I was on the road,  leaked through a faulty flashing and soaked the ceiling until it turned to mush and gave way. My neighbor came in with the mail and luckily discovered it before the damaged ceiling hurt my furniture and flooring. Now, any attempt at heating the house sends heat up through the attic vents. 

 To deaden the shock, my neighbor brought me a bouquet of roses.

An old friend of mine used to say "I can fix anything but the break of day or a broken heart." I have a sweet neighbor and a  pretty smart friend.

THE LAST HURRAH!

When you know you have to go, when you know you must face life's little realities like taxes and a leak in the roof...the vacation is over.  Home for five weeks and then back to the motor home in a whole new state I've only whisked through before, North Carolina.
Yesterday was the last hurrah, a pass through N'awlins, some  good food and beer; a last little gander at the balconies, the beautiful iron work,  the signs...oh nostalgia.
The oyster shuckers, Ebony and Ivory, their nicknames, neither were working. No oysters until late in the day.
Instead we had a great beer at Crescent City on the balcony and enjoyed the view,  moved on to the Masparro Cafe. A salad so loaded with fresh grated cheese, I thought it was pizza. A jambalaya so loaded with shrimp, I couldn't take a mouthful without a shrimp in every bite. Washed down with a turbo dog. Ahhh! N'awlins  is a great city. ( (I learned the correct pronunciation at the Jean LaFitte National Historic Museum.)

Getting into town was a difficult; several closed streets and parking taken up by Hollywood Trucks. We ran into a movie set. We didn't want to watch and moved on. And, they wouldn't let us park on the sidewalk, can you imagine?

But on our return walk to the parking meter, the Hollywood Trucks were everywhere with snacks for the workers, a honey-wagon, light boxes and equipment literally by the ton. Big picture show stufff.

We asked, what movie and who? Reds the name, with Morgan Freeman and Bruce Willis. Didn't figure we'd see them anyway, but now we can look for the scene in the movie when it comes out. The camera crews were still doing side shots and the gawkers were fun to watch.

This Jean LaFitte National Park was the smallest of the six cultural centers they have in Louisiana. With this one, we've seen them all. I wasn't in  museum mood.  The day was sunny and  beautiful; the streets normal instead of a mob, except, for the crowds around the movie set. Peeked into the souvenir shops, and art galleries, enjoyed the ironwork.

The last thing I heard as we were climbing back into the Bronco was the clip-clop of horses hooves and the driver of the carriage admonishing his horse gently, "Now, you know you can't beat that car," as he reined him in before crossing the street. Such good memories.
I hope all of you have enjoyed this trek with me. I expect I'll be absent from these pages for a bit as I get back into the home groove, but not for long.

THE GREAT STATE OF LOUISIANA

I've always enjoyed watching the political conventions when the speaker would introduce the state representative, and he would identify himself as being from "...the Great State of Louisiana." Or the great state of Iowa, with that fun bit of fanfare and pride.
As I get ready to leave for home tomorrow to take care of business, that voice is speaking in my head and reminding me of what I now know from "...the Great State of Louisiana."
Folks along the way have asked me, what was your favorite place? What did you like most? Some places we visited are more or less interesting than others, but it is the whole experience, of slipping through small towns that seem to move you back in time about 40 years, or dallying along the many River Roads lined with bowers of giant oaks and stately mansions, or quaint subsistence shacks and  rusty swamp water. The hundreds of bridges and canals and waterways and  boats you can't get away from if you wanted to. Watching the season change in the swamps from no leaves, to feathery greens. Pulling into town and seeing another Washington St., another Main St., another Iberia St. Enjoying the background sounds of Cajun music from a nearby campsite as people play with their kids and roast marshmallows. The many unbelievably beautiful sunsets that traveling in a motor home allows you. From parish to parish, the difference in how they care for their roads, whether they keep things neat an clean, the signage, do they recycle.  The cities all offer something different, all tout their special appeal, their food, and attractions. Each unique.

Then I thought to find a picture from each town we went through. Too difficult, too many to choose from.  Suffice it to say I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to spend almost 8 weeks in one state and do and see whatever popped into view and I feel I know why each speaker says with such pride, its real, "...from the Great State of Louisiana!"

LAURA: A CREOLE PLANTATION

The Laura Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana, is a must see of the many plantation tours for its real tools, furnishings, records and heirlooms of a working Creole Plantation.
Creole is a culture not a race.  Creole people are a mixture of French, West African, Indian, Spanish and German cultures influences. French speaking, they were business like and not interested in showing off their wealth as the new "Americans". And, like the Spanish, women could inherit, own property, and handle business affairs. Thus, Elizabeth Duparc's father chose her over her two brothers to be his successor and run the family enterprise which she did  for 47 years. She chose her  Great Granddaughter, Laura, to be her successor when her own daughter quit the business. The 1/2 mile wide by 7 mile deep sugar plantation was one of the largest and most successful  in Louisiana. Laura now sits on a working farm of 1,200 acres.

 The unique structure, built off the ground on a subsurface pyramid,  was designed to sustain hurricanes and floods. The entrance above has no main door. Six sets of french doors opened to allow breezes into the family quarters/offices. The women did business in their bedrooms as a compliment of trust, and a business man had to learn which door belonged to the President, Elizabeth, who was a ruthless leader. This house was a business establishment, used during harvest. The family repaired to fancier quarters in New Orleans for the "carnival" season. The Creoles were practical and their house was functional.

Here is a life sized effigy of Elizabeth standing in front of precious refrigerator jars. They arrived from Europe filled with olive oil. When empty, they were buried in the soil up to their neck. The cold, damp soil kept cold the butter, milk and other perishables the family used. The slave cooks made 200 breakfasts and lunches each day, thus many of these jars of different sizes were used.  Slaves fixed their own dinners and were allowed their own gardens and livestock.

The men of this family were not chosen leaders for good reason. Besides no business sense, two of them were mean with fiery tempers and committed murder. The sword above belonged to one of Elizabeth's brothers which he used to kill a man. He was sent to France and after five years, the authorities were bought off and he returned. His daughter had acne and was sent to France for a cure, which killed her. He abandoned his wife and she enclosed herself in this room and never left, a self punishment for her daughter's death. She died in this room after 20 years.  Laura, who resisted taking over the family business, but did for ten years, wrote memoirs for her own children because her great grandmother branded a slave with her initials, and she wanted her children to know the truth about life on a Creole Plantation. Her memoirs told a fascinating saga of  their lives.

 Equally fascinating is the slave document above with cryptic comments on the working habits and value of each one listed for sale in current U.S. dollars. Women and skilled men were the most worthy slaves. (To read it, click on it to enlarge it.)

Slave quarter's porch with bench and carved wooden tub, above. By law a slave house had to be 16 X 16 feet. These were built like duplexes. Two 16 foot units with one communal wall saved money. These slave houses were expanded and rented up until 1977 to workers.

Simply built with little furnishings, the slaves spent most of their time out of doors. Descendants of slaves worked the plantation until entrance in the armed services gave many of the men a new trade. Pictures of former workers hang on the wall of this preserved historic building.

This fascinating tour provided a lot of information about the strong structure of the building, its post and beam and brick with plaster inside. Its strength, without nails in great detail. Also, several documents of slave law provided by King Louis for his colonies treatment of slaves of which I took readable photos. All are visible in an album below:

http://picasaweb.google.com/1579penn/32710LauraPlantation#