Hillside Statues, Joshua Trees and Pioneers

One morning we headed west on Dillon Road - it had snowed in the higher elevations and the clouds, windmills and mountains just screamed to be photographed.

Looking west...
Looking east...
After a donut stop in Yucca Valley, we visited a hillside spot where stories from the Bible are depicted with cement statues that were all created by the same man.

Although some of the statues are in need of repair, it is still a spiritual place.

At the donut shop, we talked to a fellow from the area whose brother was married in this simple chapel on the hill.

Our next stop was Joshua Tree National Park. Although we have been there several times in the last few years, it is always new - each tree is so different from the other, just like people.

The cloudy day just added to the beauty of the park.

Then, of course, there are the rock formations. We ran out of time to do a lot of walking but did get out for a short jaunt.

Doug could not resist his pose on the mount... thank Heavens we were spared a sermon!

Praying hands?

Skull Rock
Pioneer Town, indeed coming west, had an amazing impact on Mel.

Once he left the plow behind,

packed his suitcase and headed west,

he underwent an amazing tranformation

which didn't end well...
Word is that Louise has turned her back on him...

And with Doug "preaching" much of the time, Lael has picked up her old profession...
only now the students are desert rats... and this classroom is really open!

We look forward to several more "outings" in the next week.