In the desert during a heat wave

We took a extra day to finalize our path to our next stop, San Antonio, TX. Since our next game is not until next Friday, we figured we would take our time getting there.

We have been camping, as you may know. Camping fits us perfectly because it is inexpensive, casual, and quite relaxing after being in cities like LA. Recently though, our path, the southwest, has had a drought and a severe weather warning for heat.

For our first stop we went back to joshua tree national park for one night because, as the ranger had said, once you get in the park the elevation results in about a 10 degree difference. Since it was 110-115 in the desert that meant that the park was 100-105. It was somewhat uncomfortable but we made due because we had lots of water and a breeze.

We learned our lesson to stay out of the heat, and stayed at a KOA outside of Tucson, AZ, which we made sure had a pool.

The camp also had a 9 hole mini put course. After a good swim to cool off, as members of the Dav 312 Mini Putt Club, we played the course. Ben beat me with a late comeback 27 to 28. Par 18. We were a little rusty to say the least.

KOA also had it's own unofficial mascot, who we named Thumper. He was this bunny that hung out in our site, digging holes to lay in and cool off. I even threw him a leaf and he ate it.

All in all the desert isn't so bad if we drive during the hottest part of the day. If you find yourself ever in a similar situation, swimming and wildlife watching, combined with some friendly competition is an excellent break from the heat. It's worked great for us.

Mile:10,563.0

PS - in case you wondered if a Toyota Tacoma trip mileage meter can go over 10,000 miles.... It can't. We had a scare that we lost track because of it.