2nd Annual Trip to Joshua Tree for Thanksgiving...

I am absolutely loving the new tradition that Pat and I started. It's just such a perfect time to get away and re-connect with the magic of the desert. We were a bit inhibited this time as well. Pat is still trying to get over this ankle issue he's been having, so hiking was out. And the original bnb we booked canceled on us in August forcing us to get a place that wasn't as ideal/remote as we wanted. But it worked out since Pat couldn't hike, we really just did fun silly shit this trip and it was glorious. The highlight was finding my Papa's desert house!!

We headed on out Thanksgiving morning. We needed to grab a bite for brunch since we couldn't check into our bnb for while. Obvi, not much was open, but we found a golf course restaurant. Roost Cafe. The woman said they had a limited menu because she let some of her staff off for the holiday. Well - she let all the staff and this poor woman was running the place by herself! She was so sweet, and we told her we had nowhere to go, so to take her time. She so appreciated it and even gave Pat a free beer as a thank you! Food was actually pretty good! We split a Breakfast Burrito, had morning beers and mimosas and just relaxed into vacation mode!

After this we did some geoaching! Couldn't find the 1st one, but there was one I wanted to find last time because it had so many likes, but we never got there, but did this time! And it was so cute!

How cute is that!

Pat trying to find the geocache we never did find dammit

We then went on the search for my Papa's desert house AND FOUND IT! We had this little map he had drawn, we matched it up with Google Maps and figured it out. It was all looking so familiar as we approached and my heart burst when we found it! We drove by a few times taking video and pictures (hoping the current tenants didn't think we were nuts). It's super run down, but it's still there. All my memories came flooding back and I swear I could feel my Papa!

 

 

After this we settled into our bnb and Pat made the most delicious Cranberry Short Ribs for our Thanksgiving Dinner! I found a yummy Pecan/Cranberry/Feta Salad that paired perfectly with it. Watched a lovely sunset, did some start gazing in the hot tub and had a great 1st day!

I also made a super fun Thanksgiving Cocktail for us! It was delish!

Backyard view

To the side

Gawd I love desert sunsets! The 2nd night wasn't as pretty, but this one was spectacular 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Not as much stargazing this trip due to a very bright moon both nights and not as remote as we'd like but none the less - gorgeous!

 

The next day we headed out to the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum. Noah was a found objects artist and the place was huge! Such cool stuff!!

Morning Sunrise

 

 

We then grabbed lunch at Tiny Pony. Food was pretty good, but the place is more kitchy fun I think.

Espresso Martini

 After this we headed over to check out Desert Christ Park. It was pretty unique!

One of the donors is apparently a Cubbies Fan!

I found this somewhat creepy...

Next up was PioneerTown. The only bummer about this was it was really crowded. I guess the desert does draw alot of people for the holiday weekend. I think it would be fun to come back and check out when it's not such a busy time.

A gal took a bunch of pictures of us trying to get a good family photo, and here's some of the succession:

Started with just Pat

Here we go....

Come on Rascal!

Just look at the nice lady!

No, not that...

YES! The best one!

Yes, good boy!

We then decided to do a little geocaching!

This was in the California Welcome Center!

This one was rad. The cache was down a pipe and the TOTT was a few feet away, once we figured out how to use it we got it out!

We ended the day with a couple of cocktails at Mas O Menos. This place was so great! So chill and just lovely. We'll def plan a re-visit to this place often when we're out here.
 

Someone is becoming a lap dog

 

Then back to the bnb for another delicious meal by Pat. Butternut Squash Casserole! So yummy!

I got these wine glasses and was so excited, but the wording came off! Lame!!!  

So yummy!

Trying to star gaze

 Our last day ended up being shorter than we wanted. Mr. Rascal had an eye infection it seemed, so we wanted to get him to the vet. But we did stop and have an amazing brunch at Kitchen in the Desert! So good! Then on our way out we hit up Rainbowland.

 

Bought a presie for Libby and met the artist

Yes. Another Espresso Martini

The food was so good!!

 

We are loving our new Thanksgiving Tradition! This time of year is a time to reflect on what we are grateful for, and what a better place to do it then in the magic of the desert. We can reset, reflect and spend this holiday with each other. Until next year!