Salton Sea to Joshua Tree

We select our route based upon the green dotted line that indicates scenic route.  Our goal is the campground (California State Recreational Area) along the least populated eastern shore of Salton Sea.  In the 1950s it was all about turning this engineering faux pas + natural geographic feature into a posh little resort area.  It didn't work out so well, but the salty lake is now lovely in a number of ways.  Fisher people find that huge Corvina will hit artificials like crazy and fight like crazy.  It is also one of the few remaining places for pupfish.  And it supports a diverse population of birds, migrating and permanent residents.  Lovely for us too, as we find $10 camp site with big lake view over which to watch the sunset while the chicken cooks on the grill.

In the morning the prize for our determination to get out and keep on exploring without regard for cold and rain is rewarded with a rainbow.  

Our destination is north to Joshua Tree National Park.  Entrance fee with senior pass is zero.  We consider exploring the park and then finding a campsite outside the park as we've heard that the campgrounds fill early.  Maybe it isn't so true when it is rainy and cold.  

It is the The Arch that draws us in to White Tank campground.  We hike the entire trail without finding an arch, but the campground is amazingly well situated for views all around and has campsites tucked in and around monzo-granite boulders.  After we reserve the most charming site #10, we head for the geology drive.  It is a 4WD-only guided loop of 18 miles.  The photos don't do it justice, of course.