Hi, how was your week? Did your weekend get off to a great start?
We made a daytrip to California today, to Mojave National Preserve. Maybe you remember my posts from December about this fabulous 1.6 million acres preserve? I suggest we have our coffee right here today. It’s one of those beautiful, sunny and 75 degrees California days. Perfect, just like a country song.
Are you feeling adventurous? My two girls sure felt very adventurous today. There was no end on the exploring. There’s so much to see!
Those are huge lava rocks. Our goal with today’s adventure was to explore some lava tubes.
I’ve spent time in Mojave National Preserve before (it’s actually quickly becoming one of my favorite go-to-spots,) but it was the first time for my daughter. She was thrilled.
There’s lots of Yucca’s growing in the middle of the rocks. It looks like something from another planet.
Life in the desert fascinates me.
Did you notice the beautiful wild flowers at our feet? I don’t know what kind it is? Do you know what kind it is? I need to read up on some desert flora and fauna!
Are you up for an adventure?
The stairs down to the lava tubes are kind of steep, but well worth the effort. Watch your step!
A big adventure! I love doing this sort of things. ..and yes Gretchen came with us down to the cave, I knew you were wondering about that.
Inside the lava tube.
Do you need a refill on your coffee? Or maybe an extra flashlight? (There’s extra flashlights in the little pocket, on the outside of my backpack.)
It always takes some time for my eyes to adjust to the darkness of a cave. I did not go as deep inside as my daughter did, but it was still spectacular.
I hope you enjoyed our coffee in the desert. I sure enjoyed your company. I can’t wait to hear about your week! Please tell me about the things that made you wake up with a smile this week 🙂
Love,
Ms Zen
I loved going on this tour with you two!! Thank you for taking us all along.. What an amazing day.. My heart aches for out west…
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I’m so happy that you came Kathleen! It was truly amazing ❤
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Hehe, how did you know that I was wondering if your dog followed you down there? 😉 Our bestia would not do it, I’m afraid. He has fear of such see-through steps. I’m glad you had a great day in the desert and that your daughter loved it too.
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I can read your mind..LOL. She did tread very carefully on the steps. She will do anything, but if she’s unsure she needs reaffirming “good girls”. Thank you for having coffee with me 🙂
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Such a beautiful and wild place! On my recent trip to CA, we went to Joshua Tree, which was equally amazing in flora and fauna. We even saw jack rabbits. 🙂 The desert is an interesting habitat, isn’t it? I was glad that the rattlesnakes were still hibernating – I wouldn’t have wanted to run into one of those! Have you ever seen one out there?
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Joshua Tree is very close to Mojave National Preserve, and pretty similar. I believe there’s more wildflowers in Joshua Tree. I’m planning on going there sometime within the next few week to find out 🙂 I have not seen rattle snakes here in this area. On the other hand I haven’t spent so much time here when it’s been really hot. I did see many snakes in northern Nevada, and northern California when I lived there. I love hearing about your good times 🙂
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Such BEAUTIFUL photos! The desert is amazing, I never knew about those caves. The wild flowers are beautiful. I ENJOYED coffee with you in the desert today! ❤️🥰😁❤️
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Thank you my friend! Coffee with you is always a pleasure. I love seeing your photos on your blog and on Instagram. spring is indeed a beautiful time. I hope your new week is amazing ❤
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Beautiful pictures. Have a great week.
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Thank you Antoinette! I hope your new week is fantastic. Are you enjoying spring weather? It was a very busy weekend last weekend, with a trip to CA on Saturday, and AZ on Sunday. I’m afraid that I’m a little behind with all my favorite coffee shares, but I will work on that today and tomorrow. I hope everything is well with you.
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Hi Maria, Lovely photos. I’ve done lots of lava tubes around Shasta and Lava Beds in NE Calif. your photos look like they could have been from the same spot with only the plant life near the entrances giveng away where you really are. I hope your daughter comes to love caving. Make sure you get her into some of the more traditional caves so she can see the various formations that are common and spectacular. You are such a grea mom for taking her to things like this.
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Thank you Gary! Lava tubes are fun 🙂 I took my daughter to Subway caves, outside Lassen last winter. She loved that one! I think that is one of my personal favorites when it comes to caves. I’m a little behind with the coffee shares from last weekend, I’m working on that today. I hope you had a spectacular weekend, and that your new week continues in the same way. Hopefully you are enjoying some beautiful spring weather.
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Oh, your photos are gorgeous and that trip looks like so much fun and yes, perfect weather, Maria! So interesting to see lava tubes in the desert, I bet they are ancient. We’re in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, so what a contrast to the desert. I’m scheduled to meet up with Graham from Graham’s Island blog tomorrow at the Hawaii Botanical Gardens. Have a fab week!
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That is so exciting Terri!! I saw one of your photos this morning on Instagram! Have a fabulous time in the Botanical Garden! Can’t wait to see the photos 😊
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Wonderful pics! Love exploring caves, didn’t even know there were any in MNP. Will have to check them out next time! Thanks for sharing 🙂 My all time favorite place to explore caves has been the ones at Lava Beds.
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Thank you! Exploring cave can be so much fun! I still haven’t been to the Lava Beds (CA,) I’ve been on my way many times, and I’ve seen other lava tubes in California, but not all the way to the Lava Beds. There was several chapters about them in a Zane Grey book that I read last year. It made me even more determined to go there.one day. Hank you for having coffee with me.
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Thank YOU
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The lava tube is fabulous! We went into one in Hawaii. There are also some close to the ocean that fill up at high tide… very cool!
I am so glad you enjoy an adventure!
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Thank you Nancy, it was a fabulous day. I bet the one on Hawaii was very special. Hawaii is special 🙂 I went there with my grandma a couple times and have wonderful memories of it. Last Sunday we visited your state. I haven’t written about that yet. I love seeing your photos of the flowering desert.
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