Our next stop was Joshua Tree National Park in southern Cali for some camping. After a winter of cold rain, we were ITCHING to sleep under the sky again. So we explored any place we could that would be warm enough to camp and decided on Joshua Tree. Honestly I hadn't really heard of this park before this year. But wow, what a crazy place. As you drive into the park, the pebbles on the side of the road become rocks, the rocks become boulders, and the boulders turn in to massive structures that make you feel like you just landed on another planet. Again, we hit this place off season, so we were able to claim a camp site at the prized Jumbo Rocks Campground. We found a site nestled amongst 30 foot boulders- probably the craziest place I've ever camped. The fire threw shadows onto the rock walls that made us feel like cavemen. And scaling the boulders with beers in hand to catch the sunset was literally perfect. It was a much needed break from people, work, and schedules. Just us. On Mars.
Joshua Tree is known for its dark skies. So obviously Caleb was all over that- wanting to shoot his first milky way of the season. However, it was a full moon when we were there. Not the best for Caleb-- but I enjoyed the moonlight hiking. Our middle-of-the-night star sessions are some of my favorite times of vacation. We set our alarms for around 3am and begruddingly abandon our warm sleeping bags to step into the crisp night. Some nights, I brew a quick pour over coffee as Caleb gets his gear ready. Then, bundled up, head-lights donned- we start to walk. We walk and walk and walk. Basically until Caleb says stop. Caleb takes a series of test shots, then adjusts, then shoots, then adjusts for what seems like eternity. I've stopped trying to understand it-- I've found my own enjoyment-- While he tinkers, I find a rock/grass/car roof/etc and lie on my back- perfectly still. It's the quietest night I've ever heard. Nothing moves. Behind me I can hear a subtle click of the camera followed by buttons clicking to find the perfect settings. While he works hard at getting the perfect shot- I work hard to stay still and remember the moment. Every once in a while, he asks me to stand in a shot with my head light. I can't move a muscle to enable to the slow shutter speed. But I don't mind. I'm addicted to this Stillness....
Until next time, Mars...