As I write this, I’m sitting at the “White Tanks” campsite I paid for this morning. I’ve been diligently watching the German family of 5 next to me attempt to erect two tents. Tent #1, which is a simple 2 person tent, took exactly 40 minutes to put up. It probably took longer than needed due to the fact only the dad was working on it. The mom and 3 kids are scattered about climbing rocks and taking pictures. The youngest, who looks to be about 2-3 years old, keeps wandering into the road while screaming its tits off for no reason. Its moments like these I feel especially thankful that Cas does not want kids.
So tent #2 was started, and then quickly abandoned. Are they planning on all sleeping in one small tent? Are the kids going to sleep in the car? Will they just climb under the table and pass out like animals? It’s too soon to tell. Another interesting perk of this campsite is that people will use your site as a parking lot! The first time it happened, they weren’t English speaking, so I didn’t worry about it. But the 8th time it happened, I started asking people if they wanted to join my camp! I got some very confused looks from older ladies. I would not choose this camp area again. Mostly because people are complete idiots, and secondly because people are complete fucking idiots. Ok, edit here. One person did actually ask to park in front of me. She was awesome, and came and checked out the truck before leaving. So, not all idiots. But majority rules…
Thinking back on happier times, this morning and afternoon were spectacular. Hiking yesterday did not produce any Joshua Trees, but today, the harvest was bountiful. There were areas where Joshua trees were the main vegetation on the landscape. Mixed with perfect weather, and breathtaking views, all of the hiking out here seems to be a crazy Dr. Seuss mix of quirky yet rugged. I loved it. It felt less like a desert and more like a “Believe it or not” tourist trap. The rocks and oddly angled trees looked almost fake, like they were meticulously placed to make you wonder if it’s real or not. I did one 6 mile trail to Lost Horse Mine, which was the most productive gold mine on the property until the 1920s. Rumor has it that a cowboy type named Johnny was looking for a lost horse when he stumbled upon the vein of gold in the ground. The mine itself was under renovation construction when I was there, so I didn’t get to close, but the hike overall was perfect. Even saw two coyotes booking it on a mountain ridge while hiking back to the car. Two college aged kids (that looked like they should not be hiking) walked right under them. Some people seriously lack situational awareness.
Joshua Trees 
Sweet blooms
Next up I did a short nature hike to learn about some of the Mojave desert plants, then did a trail taking you to the summit of Mt. Ryan. Honestly, I didn’t do the summit hike for the views. I’ve made a pact with myself to hike at least 10 miles everyday. And this hike fulfilled my mileage. It was beautiful, but crowded. The conclusion of that trail brings me back to my camp spot/parking lot. There is a cool rock arch here, which is why so may people are trying to park in a campground. I decide to check it out, and see what’s around the white tank site. It’s called that because early ranchers damned up a low spot to keep a vat of water for cattle. No water in there today unfortunately, or I would have shoved all the old ladies in that parked in front of my truck.
So, as I get ready for bed, I will keep an eye out on my neighbors to see how they end up with the tent erection crisis. It’s almost 7PM now, and isn’t looking promising. On the plus side, they’ve opened a bottle of wine, so maybe it’ll soon be more entertaining….
Update…. The got the other tent up. And a random dude not associated with them just came up around 10PM and set up his tent right next to theirs. This place is weird….
