Barker Dam - Joshua Tree National Park

Claret Cup Cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus)
Claret cups are a species of hedgehog cactus. Gardeners and landscapers sing its praises, using it as a hummingbird plant.


Old Man Prickly Pear Cactus - Opuntie erinacea
I love this...


I see M I C K E Y...


Ready set go...


I see another heart... shape.





Beauty of nature is everywhere...


I could wonder here for hours...


I love spring time at Joshua Tree National Park.


The dam... North side of Barker Dam.


The dam constructed by early cattlemen, including C.O. Barker in 1900.
The lowest nine feet of the dam, the original portion, was constructed of concrete surfaced with stone on the downstream side. The height of dam was raised an additional six feet of concrete in 1949-1950.


The inscription reads: "Big Horn Dam Built by Willis Keys, W.F. Keyes, Phyllis M. Keys, 1949-1950.


An old concrete watering trough.


Old wood feed trough.


Next time we are here... I will definitely climb these stairs and explore...


Beaver tail cactus.


Barker Dam, also known as the Big Horn Dam








Joshua Trees


Pondering...

*More pictures coming soon from Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground

Since all the campgrounds at Joshua Tree National Park were all full, we ended up camping here.
Bonus, here they had showers at no extra charge!


Sunset at Joshua Tree Lake.
Watching the sunset is still one of my all time favorite things to do... especially with my Hunny/Steve.

*We camped here for 2 night and 3 days.

Picture taken of Sarah while she watches "Lilo & Stitch" movie by Disney. She loves "Lilo & Stitch" so much that she tries to sings & dance to all their songs.


Mom! Do you mind... I'm trying to watch the movie!


As today on April 8, 2010... Sarah is 2 years, 4 months, 23 days.

Mother of Pearl

Picture taken from our backyard on 3-24-2010.

Pascali

Picture taken from our backyard on 3-23-2010.

Picture taken 3-16-2010 from our garden "Lovestruck" Florabunda rose.

I'm back... Sorry for being MIA here on Blog world.
For the longest time I couldn't remember my pass word, etc... how embarrassing.

Picture taken of Sarah 2-2-2010 at Disneyland.
Sarah at 2 years, 2 months, 15 days old.

Home grown with lots of TLC

French Lace, Floribunda Rose.
Picture taken 1-13-2010

Our sweet Wally on 1-12-2010.

Leonidas

Picture taken 1-4-2010 This is the Leonidas rose is the true color. The color for this rose will vary depending on temperature, etc...
2 years ago I almost didn't purchase this rose after hearing all the horror stories how difficult this rose can be to grow. But, you know me... I prefer to look for the positive and not dwell so much on the negative.
I have to admit this rose bush does require a little more TLC (tender loving care) compare to my other rose bushes but, it is so worth it! No regrets what so ever.

Henninger Flats Trail at Eaton Canyon

Picture taken January 1, 2010.
Built by The Pasadena and Mount Wilson Toll Road Company 1891, Replaced by the Nat'l Forrest Service, Date unknown
Concrete stringer bridge over Eaton Canyon Wash on Mt. Wilson Toll Road in Angeles National Forrest.
Closed to public traffic.


As we were hiking up the trail we came across this...
hmm, makes you wonder...


Taking a brief rest to admire the view, then we continue with our hike up.
John was amazed just how far up we hiked...

Happy New Year! 2010

H appiness depends upon your outlook on life.
A ttitude is just as important as ability.
P assion find yours this year!
P ositive thoughts make everything easier.
Y ou are unique, with special gifts, use them.

N ew beginnings with a new year.
E nthusiasm a true secret of success.
W ishes may they turn into goals.

Y ears go by to quickly, enjoy them.
E nergy may you have lots of it.
A ppreciation of life, don't take it for granted.
R elax take the time to relax in this coming year.

by Catherine Pulsifer

is propagating roses from their rose garden, while listening to Vivaldi - "The Four Seasons" performed by the Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Ho

It's hard to believe that today is New Year Eve...
And spending the last day of 2009... propagating roses from our rose garden, while listening to Vivaldi - "The Four Seasons" performed by the Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood.

Devils Gate Dam

Pictures taken 12-26-2009.

Rhoades Christmas 2009 from Steve Rhoades on Vimeo.

Picture taken Friday, December 4, 2009.

Coming real soon family photos...

Angeles Crest Fall 2009

The Angeles National Forest has been closed since the August 26th Station Fire, which burned over 166,000 acres. That's over 250 square miles.

It's hard to imagine just how big an area that really is - The area from above La Canada Flintridge all the way over to Chilao Flats was mostly burned.

Some of these are our favorite hiking areas...


Pictures taken 12-4-2009.
The Chilao Caltrans maintenance yard's mailboxes. Several of the Caltrans workers live up here.





















Coming soon more photos...

Friday, December 4, 2009 - Angeles National Forest.