Favourite Hikes – Favourite Landscapes

Posted bySagittarius VikingPosted inCalifornia, camping, Environment, Hiking, Mindful Living, Mojave National PreserveTags:, ,
A forest of Joshua Tress in Mojave National Preserve (CA)

My daughter doesn’t see her dad very often, but when she does I usually go hiking and camping solo. I love it, it clears my mind and I feel like a new person afterwards.

One of my favourite places to go hiking alone, meditate, and sleep under the stars is Mojave National Preserve in California. My daughter usually see her dad in California or Nevada (he is always on the road,) and I’ve hiked all the National Parks and State Parks in both States. Of course I’ve only just scratched the surface in most places, but Mojave National Preserve is a favourite and I have explored this place more than some of the others. Maybe it’s because of how wild it is, the different type of geography throughout the park, and all the fascinating wild cacti that grows here that brings me back again and again.

There is plenty of Joshua Trees within the preserve, of all sizes. Maybe the biggest ones are closer to the Nevada border, this photo is taken close to the California border.

The last light for the day. This was a warm December evening three years ago, and I spent the night under the stars not very far from where I took this photo. Camping alone is an understated experience. Have you tried? If not I can highly recommend giving it a try. This post is part of Terri’s Sunday Stills; Favourite Landscapes. I hope you enjoyed the vistas.

Love,

Maria

Published by Sagittarius Viking

It’s all about experiences, and the healing power of nature. Life is about choosing happiness. I entered the magic world of photography when I was five years old. My gypsy soul have taken me to many different countries, and definitely taught me to be more humble. I believe that you are what you eat, body and soul. I enjoy growing my own food, and spending time outdoors. A Sagittarius loves to travel, have an open mind and, and a philosophical view. It motivates them to wander around the world in search of the meaning of life. Sagittarius is extrovert, optimistic and enthusiastic, and likes changes. A lot of that perfectly describes me. The fact that my ancestors, on both parents sides, were vikings, doesn’t exactly lessen my desire to explore. Maybe a slightly more mindful exploring, compared to the average viking. My blog, and my art prints is a results of my (inner and outer) explorations. Love, Maria

27 thoughts on “Favourite Hikes – Favourite Landscapes”

  1. What an amazing looking place, Maria. I imagine there are fantastic shadow and light plays, what with all the Joshua trees and horizons, as the sun goes down?

    I agree that solo camping can be a real battery recharge. I have missed any camps this last year, but, being in Northumbria, I have enjoyed camps out toward Hadrian’s Wall and also in the woods west of here. My tarp and my gear is rolled in a cupboard under the stairs with the vacuum cleaner and every time I put my head in there is a little reminder of the past…and, hopefully, the future.

    Take care, Nick

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  3. How lovely to see your gorgeous desert photos for Sunday Stills, Maria! I bet you miss those days a little. That would have been the time you lived in Las Vegas and we met for lunch! The desert is a cleansing landscape. My brother loves it so much, he moved to Scottsdale after living in San Diego for years.

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    1. I sometimes miss the look of the landscapes, but never the heat, and the polluted air. The cacti is fascinating and feeds my imagination 🙂 I do miss that part sometimes. It was great that we actually got to enjoy some time together 🙂

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  4. The beauty of the Mojave is undeniable, a unique desert landscape and those craggy mountains as a backdrop are icing on the cake. I used to solo camp in my 20s, mostly on Cape Cod Nat’l Seashore. I would try to get as close to the ocean as allowed, so I could fall asleep to the sound of the surf. ❤

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    1. It is Eliza. That sounds fabulous, camping so close to the ocean. I just talked to my kids over dinner that I would like to take them on a roadtrip along the shores of the East side of Sweden, along the Baltic Sea/Gulf of Bothnia. I hope you are enjoying a great weekend ❤

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  5. The Mojave Preserve is definitely a quiet place. I’m currently working on a post from a trip I took through there about ten years ago on our way to Death Valley. Fascinating landscape!

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  6. I just love the character of these trees such personality in their shape on such a grand landscape. I love camping haven’t been in a long time. My daughter recently went on a camping trip on her own, a lot of people freaked out but I encouraged it, she’s young very independent & sensible. I think it’s a great lesson in problem solving & it’s important to learn to be on your own. Such beautiful photos it was great trip down your memory lane, as always my friend.

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    1. The Joshua Trees look like they are dancing in the evening, when the shadows starts to play, that is one of the best things with camping in the Mojave I think. As long as you are sensible and prepared I believe camping solo is empowering. I hope your daughter had a fabulous trip! ❤

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  9. I always love your beautiful photos Maria! I have never been camping alone, to me you are very brave. I’m not sure if I would enjoy it? I will say the thought of camping alone is waaayyyy out of my comfort zone. Just seems so scary to me! You have an amazing eye for photography! ❤️

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