Merry Xmas from Palm Springs, California

Sure, this little desert adventure includes long car rides at high speed in the middle of the night (what road trip doesn’t?) but the week’s been more PG than Gonzo, and generally unfit for a rant of angst and confusion. The big deal is chill time with family. This trip is holiday jazz from shoutcast and fiber-optic Christmas trees, sun-screened walks through national parks and scenic drives at 35 mph.

And a reminder that I love terra desicata. ..

Yes, terra desicata. I need to get myself out to the desert more often.

This photo was taken at Baker’s Damn in Joshua Tree NP. Settlers built up the natural depression was into a reservoir to support cattle operations and homesteading in the late 1800s. The rings on the rocks are recent high-water marks.