Some highlights from my California vacation:

* Breakfast at Peabody's Coffee Bar. While we were waiting for our order of omelets, we were treated to some local police action. A motorcycle cop pulled over a Hummer right next to our sidewalk table, and Jonas seized the opportunity to take a picture.

* Walked the short Oasis of Mara loop at Joshua Tree National Park's west entrance, and saw a California quail, a roadrunner and the goofy-looking desert spider beetle seen to the right.

* Made the chilly, windy, strenuous hike up Ryan Mountain. It was only 1.5 miles to the top, but it was all uphill! Totally worth it, though. The cacti were in bloom with gorgeous cactus flowers, and the views of the valley below were stunning.

* Hiked the much less strenuous Hidden Valley trail, which sort of felt like being in lost world where there was no sign of humans and Joshua Trees are the dominant life forms. Saw more beautiful cacti and a real, live chuckwalla!

* Drove the Geology Tour loop. Again, this time of year and this time of day, it was like we were the only humans in existence, driving through an alien landscape feeling humble and insignificant.

* Our last stop in the park was touring the Cholla Gardens. No cholla jumped on us, though! JTNP was incredible. I'd definitely come back to explore trails we didn't have time for.

* Yummy dinner at Shame on the Moon (after showering, of course!).

Day 7 photos begin here.