Welcome to Joshua Tree National Park- a vast landscape, sand and dust expanding from one horizon to the next, cactus of all shapes and sizes sticking out against the desert tapestry, a pointed reminder of the harsh struggle to survive in a desert and a sharp contrast to my routine, comfortable, urban existence. For Earth day this past weekend I spent the time camping, hiking, and bouldering in Joshua Tree. By definition, a national park preserves an ecosystem worthy for posterity and Joshua Tree is no exception. Granted, it takes a minute to become accustom to and appreciate the beauty of a desert.
Camping was a great time being with friends and enjoying the wilderness. One of the elements I like most about camping is the feeling of self reliance. For a weekend one is reminded that it is possible to live simply, to survive with only what you have carried and brought with you. Creativity and absence are the only reliable tools to deal with unexpected obstacles. Sunday, surrounded only by the vastness of the desert, I was hiking back from the lost oasis (palm trees and all) and my thoughts wandered to my recent trip to NYC. New York City is a fascinating city: a sea of humanity built on a concept foreign to Joshua Tree – density. I fell in love with NYC- skyscrapers seemingly as high as the desert is wide, roads paved in yellow taxis, the people watching, the subways, Broadway, art, and history. Destinations- Ellis Island, Empire State Building, Times Square, WTC memorial, the United Nations. NYC emphasizes our co-dependence and connection to one another-in the moment and in the past.
Earth Day weekend left me with stiff legs, scenic photos, and an appreciation of the complex interactions we have with each other and our environment. A relationship grounded on self-reliance and co-dependence a balance of Joshua Tree and Manhattan. We truly live on a diverse and amazing planet.
Camping was a great time being with friends and enjoying the wilderness. One of the elements I like most about camping is the feeling of self reliance. For a weekend one is reminded that it is possible to live simply, to survive with only what you have carried and brought with you. Creativity and absence are the only reliable tools to deal with unexpected obstacles. Sunday, surrounded only by the vastness of the desert, I was hiking back from the lost oasis (palm trees and all) and my thoughts wandered to my recent trip to NYC. New York City is a fascinating city: a sea of humanity built on a concept foreign to Joshua Tree – density. I fell in love with NYC- skyscrapers seemingly as high as the desert is wide, roads paved in yellow taxis, the people watching, the subways, Broadway, art, and history. Destinations- Ellis Island, Empire State Building, Times Square, WTC memorial, the United Nations. NYC emphasizes our co-dependence and connection to one another-in the moment and in the past.
Earth Day weekend left me with stiff legs, scenic photos, and an appreciation of the complex interactions we have with each other and our environment. A relationship grounded on self-reliance and co-dependence a balance of Joshua Tree and Manhattan. We truly live on a diverse and amazing planet.
I have come to the realization that I have been spending more time blogging than I have studying anatomy. In an effort to provide more balance, I am including Anatomy trivia in my upcoming posts. My flashcards start with the skeletal system so so will I.
Humerus- 1. me using a blog as a study aid. 2. A long bone in the upper extremity commonly called the upper arm bone. Lots more about the Humerus- http://www.pediatric-orthopedics.com/Topics/Bones/Humerus/humerus.html
1 comment:
Glad to see you included some pictures.
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