Description

I own no land, instead I have wheelestate. I’ve been a full time RVer since 1997. Working summers as a Park Ranger takes me to many beautiful places and playing during the winter takes me to many more. This blog is simply the story of my life's adventures.

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Sunday, November 15, 2009

Scenic Sunday - Joshua Tree Highway


Driving along a section of Highway 164 in southern Nevada I found a forest of Joshua trees.

Joshua trees, Yucca Brevifolia, are fast growers for the desert. New seedlings may grow at an average rate of 3 inches (7.6 cm) per year in their first 10 years, and then only grow about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) per year thereafter. It can live for hundreds of years.

The trunk of the tree is made of thousands of small fibers. The flower and fruit are edible and Native Americans used the leaves to weave sandals and baskets. Early Mormon settlers named the Joshua tree because it reminded them of Joshua reaching his arms up in prayer.

To see more beautiful scenes, or to share your own, go to Scenic Sunday by clicking here.

27 comments:

Linnea said...

Interesting. I always wondered about those trees. Now is a good time to visit...not too hot!

eileeninmd said...

Interesting place and nice photos. The sky in the second shot is so blue.

Les Barr said...

Again, I learn. Thanks for your informative Post. I've heard of the Joshua Tree, but never knew why it was called that and where it was.

Les

Loran said...

I learned something new from your Scenic post!

Martha Z said...

That lone Joshua tree is a beautiful shot. I guess I never paid attention to the downed ones, I didn't realized they were so biberous. I enjoy seeing them in bloom.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

I saw these in Arizona for the first time when I visited there. They are amazing.

Elaine said...

Lovely! The joshua tree really is an interesting tree. Amazing that they live so long. You always think of the sequoias when you think of trees living that long. Maybe the joshuas need a better PR person.

Anonymous said...

They say that when birds or insects interact with the tree at key points, new branches will develop.

Joe Todd said...

Love your photos

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Hi Gaelyn. great pictures. Joshua Tree National Park is one of our favorite places and these scrappy, adaptable trees are very special to us. Lots of people have told us they really don't understand or "get" the unique beauty. I can see that you do!

Many thanks for sharing.

Barb said...

Well, live and learn...I never knew this, Gaelyn. I'm going to start looking for these trees now - I want to see the bark for myself.

Rambling Woods said...

What an interesting tree and not one I am familiar with...

Jenn Jilks said...

I agree, how interesting! Thank you for sharing it with us!

Bill S. said...

Great post. I remember the first time I saw a Joshua Tree on my way to California. It is a beautiful tree. Thanks.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Gaelyn: Your photo of the tree are neat. I love the color in your new header.

Diane AZ said...

I like the scenic first photo showing the forest of Joshua trees. Also the close up is interesting, I never saw the inside of one before.

Janie said...

It's such a cool looking tree. I didn't realize they lived that long!

Small City Scenes said...

Hey, very interesting. I didn't know the Joshua Tree was in the Yucca family. Never would have thought it. good shots. MB

Garry Hayes said...

Love those Joshua Trees. Loved growing up in SoCal where we could visit Joshua Tree National Park (it was a monument back then). Of course, I find the rocks wonderful too! Nice post

Lee Spangler said...

Gosh you are one heck of a traveler. I love the energy and sense of adventure. I hope to see and read more of you.

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

We have so many indigenous trees here in South Africa, all with their own stories. It is always interesting to learn more about the plants in other countries. In this case I have heard the name before, but didn't know anything about the tree.

Pat said...

Another 'want to drive through my screen' image... I never knew the story of how Joshua trees were named.

Kcalpesh said...

I loved these compositions! Great subjects and great shots!

- Pixellicious Photos

RuthieJ said...

Good info about the Joshua Tree Gaelyn. Do you know if there are any birds and/or wildlife that depend on those trees for food or living space?

Anonymous said...

I came to really enjoy the Joshua Trees this summer. They really are beautiful plants!

Quiet Paths said...

Thanks for the trip through the Joshua trees. I remember this journey as a child and your post has solidified my intent to go back and see the desert again soon!

The Giraffe Head Tree said...

Lovely post. I remember the first time I saw a Joshua Tree. My immediate thoughts were of U2 before snapping out of it. They are so beautiful in an unearthly sort of way. Beautiful and informative, Gaelyn, as always!

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