December 2019 Photo of the Month: JT145

My December 2019 Photo of the Month is JT145, a black and white looking East as the Christmas storm that brought snow to Joshua Tree was coming in.

JT145 Background

I said I wouldn’t do it.  After last year’s incredible debacle at Joshua Tree National Park, I seriously questioned spending another Christmas in Joshua Tree.  In fact, recently there was the threat of another government shutdown before a spending bill was signed.

Another factor was staying to the South, where it is less popular and more quiet.  This area, around Cottonwood Springs, hosts a large campground but it feels much more calm.  It is a great place to reflect.  This ridge looking East has always been one of my favorite views in Joshua Tree National Park.

I also drove up and down Highway 177, getting a good sunset of the Coxcomb Mountains.  I have gotten bored with standard sunsets.  I felt this image was a better candidate for the Photo of the Month, though.

The final drive was out to the “ghost town” of Rice, which I remember distinctly as a kid.  Time and looting has changed what I remembered, and now it is basically a shoe memorial.  Strange outposts in the desert often meet that fate.

Christmas in Joshua Tree wasn’t too bad this year.  I had to leave early on the 25th with a storm coming in and going to work on the 26th.  But I have seen snow in Joshua Tree before, so I don’t think I missed out.

And this concludes 2019.  This was a difficult and trying year for me.  Stress from the demands of life, career, and even my trivial pursuits added up.  I spent more time feeling beat up and sick than ever before.  Here’s to a better, more prosperous, less stressful, and more fruitful 2020 (if I can manage to tune out the election coverage).

As always, thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy the image.

Further Viewing

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tmschultze

T.M. Schultze is a San Diego-based photographer, traveller, and writer. He writes, photographs, and draws things of the outdoors that have inspired humans for thousands of years. He co-authored the Photographer’s Guide to Joshua Tree Park which can be purchased here.