Fall has made its presence in our deserts. The weather has allowed us to start layering our clothes as the mornings are crisp and yet the afternoons are still warm. What better time is there to take a class that includes camping? Below are some November classes and two offer a camping option at the reserved Lost Horse campground in Joshua Tree National Park.
November 6 Photographing the Hi-Desert
Grab your camera and put on your hiking boots for this intensive all-day photo shoot in Joshua Tree National Park! Craig Fucile will guide the class in seeing the natural beauty of the park through the camera lens. The class will begin with early morning light at the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve followed by a mid-morning instructional program at Black Rock Canyon Visitor Center. The afternoon session will relocate to a special “photographers only” session at Keys Ranch, focusing on how to capture the buildings and historic remnants at this remarkable homestead. Fucile will share tips on how to record unique rock formations and vast views of the park. Participants are encouraged to bring a tripod with their camera(s). Class size is limited to 12 participants, so sign up early!
More InformationNovember 6 Women's "Get Away" Weekend
Spend a weekend with the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park where you can go to unplug, get away, learn new skills, and enjoy the company of other course participants. Trade in your computer, cell phone, Instagrams, clocks, schedules, and work-jargon for an off-the-grid weekend with the girls – two days of pure unadulterated fun and education! Join Pam and Robin learning about camping, camp cooking, hiking, and enjoying Joshua Tree National Park. This weekend of classes will be held at the Lost Horse Campsite, a beautiful location that is perfect for this program! Camping is optional but highly recommended.
Friday, November 5 Zoom lecture and Saturday, November 6 Geology: Creation of the Joshua Tree Landscape
Investigate the natural architecture and origin of Joshua Tree National Park’s landscape with Tor Lacy, Professor of Earth Sciences. Starting on a Zoom lecture on Friday, November 5, participants will be introduced to basic geologic principles including major rock groups, plate tectonics, mountain building, and the impact of weathering and erosion. Tor will discuss how these processes worked together to form the fantastic desert landscape of the park. The class will venture into the field on Saturday, November 6 to observe and identify monzogranite, gneiss, veins, and basaltic rocks as well as inselbergs, alluvial fans, and pediments. For those new to geology or experienced geologists, Tor will make learning about the complex and unique landscape of Joshua Tree National Park comprehensible and fun.
November 19 - 21 Blaze Your Own Trail To Self Love: Tell Your Inner Critic To Take A Hike Join author and founder of Hiking My Feelings, Sydney Williams, to learn how to start a meaningful gratitude practice and how doing so can enrich all aspects of your life, increase resiliency, and aid in processing complex emotions and situations. Over the course of the retreat, you’ll learn about limiting beliefs and discover how to develop a healthy relationship with your Inner Critic to overcome adversity and bring your whole self to life, love, and work. When we take time to disconnect from the distractions, we can reconnect with ourselves. With Hiking My Feelings, every hike is an opportunity to come home to yourself, release the stories that are no longer serving you, and stand tall in your truth. Join us for a judgment-free weekend where transformational healing is possible. We introduce participants to mindfulness and the healing power of nature, and the results are lasting improvements to mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Friday, November 12 Old Schoolhouse Lecture
Join Dr. Clifford Trafzer, Distinguished Professor of History, when he presents his latest book. "Once again, Cliff Trafzer has written a compelling historical narrative, offering an exciting, colorful, and authentic narrative about Southern California Indians. His take on Willie Boy and the posse that chased him is based on sound Indian accounts by Willie's family and those of William Mike--the man Willie Boy murdered. Jason Momoa adds to the drama by writing an insightful Foreword to introduce this thrilling and tragic adventure story and filming a full-length motion picture that will correct the interpretation of the murder, manhunt, and spiritual redemption of the Chemehuevi outlaw." Larry Myers (Pomo), Executive Director of the California Native American Heritage Commission, Emeritus This is an in-person lecture at 7 pm. Admission is $5.00
This tribute to Daniel McCarthy was created by Desert Institute volunteer Bob Grubbs and the images were provided by another Desert Institute volunteer, Pam Kersey. The program was shown at Archaeopalooza on Saturday, October 2. Thank you to Michael and Peggy Kennedy for their very generous donation to fund future archaeology programs through the Desert Institute in Daniel McCarthy's name. If you wish to participate in this fundraising campaign, please let me know. Celebrating and continuing Daniel's work is very important to each of us as well as protecting and recording the many Native American rock art sites that he loved! Kevin Wong, Director, Desert Institute 760-819-4714 kevinwong@joshuatree.org