Joshua Tree 5.23.09

Who says photographing a wedding is the end of the relationship with our bride and grooms? We try to keep in touch with all of our past clients as best we can (photographing their families, building photo albums, or sometimes even hanging out). Leanne and I knew we would stay tight with and see more of Sayeh and Esmo, but who would have thought only a a week after their 3 week honeymoon in Turkey (!!!).

We actually had a Saturday free so we decided to brave the heat and head out to Joshua Tree for some hiking, climbing, and lounging. Surprisingly, it wasn't crowded at all. We had no problem finding a campsite and didn't have to wait for any of the popular climbs. Sayeh and Esmo met us in the early afternoon for some hair-raising climbs and a drink at Pappy and Harriet's in Pioneer Town.

*click on the photos for a larger view*

For the wild, Paul

Leanne avoiding the heat under our makeshift shade structure. It wasn't too hot, but high 80's low 90's can beat you up when you're in it for 10 hours a day.
Beautiful Beavertail Cactus we found blooming in a few secluded spots. I love the color of the flower
Sunset, facing east
Notice the rattlesnake creeping by the native american pictograph. Yeah, I almost stepped on him (her?) until I heard the rattle and dodged it narrowly.
Me leading a climb called Southwest Corner near Ryan Campground. The winds were really moving on Saturday, I was pretty sketched out leading it (I imagine Leanne and Sayeh were a bit nervous about it cause they don't climb as often. They climbed amazingly well despite the conditions :)
Leanne half way up and coming down the backside. No walk off this one ... rappel or belay only
Sayeh and Esmo prepping the climb
Sayeh on the left looking like spiderwoman and Esmo at the dihedral on the right
More climbing

Leaving Pappy and Harriet's around 10PM. That place was a trip. If you ever find yourself in Yucca Valley and you want to see an eclectic group of honkytonks gathering at a time-warped roadhouse bar, this is your place :)