The annual Perseid Meteor Shower takes place tonight with the best viewing time between midnight & 5 am. A couple of years ago we drove out to Joshua Tree National Park with some friends overnight hoping for the best possible observationof the light show. We arrived after a 3 hour drive in the early evening sweltering heat to join a large group who convene there every year for the event. We were able to stake out a spot nearby to set up a tent and haul out food for open coal coo
king while it was still light. Joshua Tree is situated in the Mojave desert nor-east of Palm Springs near 29 Palms and is a harsh and unpredictable terrain. Beautiful rock formations dot the landscape as do the protected cactus cr
eating dramatic vistas from atop one of these granite monoliths. We summited one adjacent to our camp that was probably 60 feet high where we watched the sunset over the distant valley. After dinner and little partier we settled in on our chaise loungers with our eyes toward the sky. The fireworks didn't really get rockin' and rollin' until well after midnight with the most consistent part of the showers darting across the sky very near sun up. What a spectacular sight! It was one of the greatest nights in memory. As soon as it was light enough to roll up our belongings we were on the road again for home. We all had to go to work that day but it was well worth the time and effort. Highly recommended if the clouds clear away. I will be setting my alarm for 3 am with the hope of catching a glimpse.
king while it was still light. Joshua Tree is situated in the Mojave desert nor-east of Palm Springs near 29 Palms and is a harsh and unpredictable terrain. Beautiful rock formations dot the landscape as do the protected cactus cr
eating dramatic vistas from atop one of these granite monoliths. We summited one adjacent to our camp that was probably 60 feet high where we watched the sunset over the distant valley. After dinner and little partier we settled in on our chaise loungers with our eyes toward the sky. The fireworks didn't really get rockin' and rollin' until well after midnight with the most consistent part of the showers darting across the sky very near sun up. What a spectacular sight! It was one of the greatest nights in memory. As soon as it was light enough to roll up our belongings we were on the road again for home. We all had to go to work that day but it was well worth the time and effort. Highly recommended if the clouds clear away. I will be setting my alarm for 3 am with the hope of catching a glimpse.
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