Joshua Tree

Went to Joshua Tree today. It is really quite an interesting place. Apparently (at least, according to the video I saw when I stopped by the Visitor Center), the characteristic pile of rocks look is caused by volcanic activity deep underground that forms granite blocks, which the San Andreas Fault then pushes to the surface, where sand and wind erosion cause it to round into globs of rock.

The place is covered with these hairy (that's right, hairy!) trees that have spiky blades fanning out in ...