We enjoyed a great drive through much of the Joshua Tree National Park, and discovered an interesting ‘flat’ hike with our family ~ the Wall Street Mill Trail (adjacent to the Barker Dam Trail). The trail (approx. 4200 elevation and about 2 miles round trip) houses a historic gold ore crushing mill and stamp mill. The mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Wall Street Trail is home to many Joshua trees! Walking the trail was a bit sandy in places (the sand in our shoes had to be emptied after our hike). We saw authentic relics like rusty old cars, a windmill and the stamp mill.
Oh, I almost forgot, there’s a grave marker acknowledging a 1943 violent land dispute, where land owner Bill Keys shot and killed Worth Bagley who wanted access to the water. Bill Keys wound up in San Quentin prison for several years, but was pardoned due to self-defense!
The memorial states:
‘Here is where Worth Bagley bit the dust at the hand of W.F.Keys. May 11, 1943’.
Our family spent a few wonderful hours hiking at Tahquitz Canyon ~ part of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation in Palm Springs.
Take a look at our short video below with photos by Susan J Farese, SJF Communications and music by Ah Nee Mah: ‘Native Visions: A Native American Music Journey’.
We saw a variety of beautiful wildflowers, rock formations and boulders, crossed over two streams, and ultimately reached the gorgeous 60 foot waterfall at the end of the trail. The land was spectacular. The views magnificent. It was a bit steep, but well worth the climbing!
This morning I enjoyed a wonderful hike with my friend Ninon at Torrey Pines State Reserve. We walked up the hill from the parking lot. (Usually $12/day, but for locals like us, it pays to buy a “California Explorer” Annual Pass which gives access to California State Parks).
Looking North West from Torrey Pines State Reserve
A lone Torrey Pines tree at Torrey PInes State Reserve
Susan admiring Rock Formations at Torrey Pines State Reserve
And savored the gorgeous ocean views from atop the cliffs
Cliffs Overlooking the Beautiful Pacific Ocean
We finally made it to the view of Flat Rock!
Flat Rock at Torrey Pines State Reserve
We took the beach trail and observed several wild yellow, and orange flowers blooming.
The trail led us to gorgeous majestic views of the blue-green hued Pacific Ocean. Then we took the steps down to Torrey Pines State Beach below.
View of Flat Rock & La Jolla in the Distance at Torrey Pines State Reserve
Then lo and behold…all of a sudden, as we ventured down the steps to Torrey Pines State Beach, we spotted a DRONE in the sky!
JIm Gleason’s Drone in the Sky at Torrey Pines State Beach
Here’s a short video of the drone landing!
Which led us to meet “Droner” Jim Gleason, a freelance videographer, originally from San Diego but visiting from Austria with his wife Camille, who is a Scientist with Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
Jim Gleason with his Drone at Torrey Pines State Beach
Jim told us about his drone, a DJI Phantom 2 H3-3d combo which costs approximately $1000, along with his Go-Pro (approximately $300),
plus an installed video downlink system all through Aerial Media Pros.
Jim Gleason with his Drone at Torrey Pines State Beach
Jim and Camille Gleason
Jim and Camille Gleason at Torrey Pines State Beach
All in all, a fun morning hiking at Torrey Pines State Reserve and Torrey PInes State Beach!
Here’s a gallery of more photos from today!
Wildflowers at Torrey Pines State Reserve
View of La Jolla at Torrey PInes State Reserve
Man Fishing at Torrey Pines State Beach
Cactus at Torrey Pines State Reserve
Zoomed in Birds at Torrey Pines State Beach
Cliffs Overlooking the Beautiful Pacific Ocean
Heat Map of Wildflowers and Cactus at Torrey PInes State Reserve
Heat Map of Rock Formations and Flat Rock at Torrey Pines State Beach
Ninon Reflecting & looking for Sea Glass at Torrey PInes State Beach
Umbrella at Torrey Pines State Beach
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