Apparently I came to San Diego at the perfect time for New England weather to follow me. No, not snow, but cold[er than usual, which is still a tolerable 52 degrees] and rainy which means Californians are afraid to leave their home without pants and a parka. And for those who do, they'll more than likely be backed up by an accident because of people who freak out driving in anything but sun.
Okay I'm exaggerating but it's just funny going on a run in a t-shirt and shorts while seeing everyone else in long sleeves and leggings. It started sprinkling and a woman stopped to ask if I wanted a ride home. Miss, I'm okay, I won't melt running in the rain for a bit.
The weather on Ben and my's trip to Joshua Tree national park, however, was crisp and clear. Two and a half hours from Carlsbad, we blasted the obligatory "Life is a Highway" (not to mention we were actually pretty close to where Route 66 used to run).
Joshua trees were named by the Mormons for the branches reaching up like Joshua's arms to pray. They're kind of like a cross between a yucca plant and a palm tree (well, they are a type of yucca). The guess is they can live up to 300 years but no one really knows because they don't have growth rings. They're special because they only grow in the Mojave desert and are threatened by global warming.. and because they look like something out of Dr. Seuss book, which is always important.
It's a great park for young kids because I'd say the hikes are pretty beginner level, most being more of desert walks. There is a much different beauty in the desert and I can see why people are proud of the ecosystem if that's where they grew up. Anything still living there, you can be sure it's hardy and adaptable. But nothing really compares to Vermont, not even Norwegian fjords, New Zealand mountains, or Greek islands.
I can also see why anyone would fall in love with California as well. There are so many levels of the American dream in this state, such a mosh of cultures, and so many content people (I think?) because, who doesn't love sunny weather practically all year round. I might uncover something different if I lived here longer (materialism, overconsumerism, etc..) but I'm happy with a week long visit for now.
San Diego is a fun city; lively, rather young (from my observation?), active.. Ben lives three minutes from his workplace, which has a slide connecting different floors, and unlimited free K-cups, Chex mix, and Annie's bunny grahams. How much better could it get?
