Hiking at City of Rocks

I went on a hike yesterday with my good friend Christina. It was a cool, cloudy day here in the desert because it's been cloudy and raining the last few days. I don't think the temperatures hit 90 degrees at all. :) This was my first hiking trip since I broke my camera, and I was very excited to try some of the features of the new one.

 A yucca plant in bloom. The flowers are edible if you ever get stranded in the desert. I've never tried them, though.

 This little bird was putting up quite a fuss. I had to zoom in to get his photo, but his coloring was amazing.

 Me, grinning before the sunburn. :P

 This was a nice little place to rest. We stopped for snacks, and I got to try out the panoramic function on my camera. The only things you could hear were the birds, the wind, and the crickets.

 These rock formations that give City of Rocks its name were created by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. The native Americans would use this as a community, as it offered shelter from the desert winds. There are also cliff dwellings nearby.

 Some lichen on a rock.

 Christina having a rest.

Overall, this was a fun, relaxing day. The hike is only 3.75 miles, no elevation gain. There are many campsites among the rocks, and there are potable water stations, restrooms, and showers on site. Christina and I are planning on going back next week to do a two-night camping trip. :)