Teutonia Peak

Descending from our hill top campsite (where, we saw a kangaroo rat!!), we decide to tackle the three mile hike up to Teutonia Peak which wanders through the world's largest Joshua Tree forest and promises views of the Cima Dome and the Preserve.

It's hot (surprise, surprise) and we're on the lookout again for rattlers and scorps as we walk. Indeed, as promised, the Joshua Trees surround us.




The last part of the hike is a huff and puff 750 ft ascent up to the peak. We are pretty much soaked through by the time we reach the rocky outlook. The views are fabulous and we can even see out to the I15 (a.k.a "the road to Vegas").







Speaking of Las Vegas, we have been trying to get in touch with our friend Dan who may be able to show us around and provide us with a place to stay should we make the detour to see what the big show in the desert is all about. We haven't been able to make contact yet (no internet in the desert and ripoff phone cards don't help the cause!), so after a short and joyous time in the never stimulating desert town of Baker, we push on into Death Valley. Vegas will have to wait, baby.

Cue the scary music for DEATH VALLEY — dum de duummmm!