Camping in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a vast protected area in southern California. It's characterized by rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes. Named for the region’s twisted, bristled Joshua trees, the park straddles the cactus-dotted Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert, which is higher and cooler.

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Desert Tortoise

The desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii and Gopherus morafkai) are two species of tortoise native to the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico and the Sinaloan thornscrub of northwestern Mexico.

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The desert tortoises live about 50 to 80 years; they grow slowly and generally have low reproductive rates. They spend most of their time in burrows, rock shelters, and pallets to regulate body temperature and reduce water loss. They are most active after seasonal rains and are inactive during most of the year. This inactivity helps reduce water loss during hot periods, whereas winter hibernation facilitates survival during freezing temperatures and low food availability. Desert tortoises can tolerate water, salt, and energy imbalances on a daily basis, which increases their lifespans.

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According to the U.S. Department of the Interior:

While driving on desert roads, DO keep an eye out for tortoises crossing the road. If you encounter one and have plenty of room to pass, drive slowly and carefully around it. If the tortoise is in immediate danger, pull your car over and stop in a safe place. Carefully place your fingers under and thumbs on top of the tortoise's shell, grasping it on the sides. Keep your hands away from its head. Lift the tortoise slowly and gently, keeping it level and close to the ground, as if it is in a walking position. Move it to a safe place no more than 100 yards away and in the same direction that it was traveling. Carefully set it down, preferably in the shade of a shrub.

And then on our way again in the Mojave Desert after ensuring safe turtle passage…

Seaside, Oregon

Seaside, located only 80 miles from Portland, has historically been one of the Oregon Coast’s most visited and popular oceanfront resorts.

Early morning biking along the 1.5 mile promenade.

Warming up by the fire at the end of the day.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach is recognized by its well-known landmark, Haystack Rock.

Beach fire and BBQ

"The Needles" which are adjacent to Haystack Rock

Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is a waterfall on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon.

Costa Maya, Mexico

Costa Maya is a small tourist region in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, the only state bounded by the Caribbean Sea to its east. This municipality is close to Chetumal (capital of the state) on the border with Belize.

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Street signs

Space debris sitting on the beach

Jenga