Chas and I recently spent a few days in SoCal visiting friends, relatives, and hiking in Joshua Tree Nat'l Park. First we went to the House of Hunt and spent time with those rare orchids of west coast beauty, Wendy, Elizabeth, Alex, and Helen. It's always a treat to see them. They give off good vibrations. The girls are pursuing their studies whilst Wendy gives encouragement and keeps the ship moving forward.

We then spent a day with an old friend Doug Eaton and his wife Joy Lacho. Dougie is well and preaching a brand of right wing bullshit I find somewhat distasteful. But we go back a long way so our friendship weathers the political differences. Joy made us a delicious dinner and listened politely to our rantings.

We ended up at Joshua Tree Nat'l Park for a few days hiking. High desert country with vast vistas that vibrate with a veritable - never mind. It was a great spot.

I have a few subpar photos. But Chucky has some good ones. Perhaps he'll post a few.