Oasis (n): 1. a fertile or green spot in a desert made so by the presence of water
The desert can be brutal without water. When I am in the midst of its beauty, the very idea of death lurking around the corner doesn't enter my mind. Maybe it's because I go prepared with friends, lots of water and my cell phone, and I hike in areas accessible to civilization. Then again, if one can drown in a couple of inches of water, I guess I'm fooling myself to think that I'm totally protected hiking in the desert on a 100+ degree day. But I digress.
I am very aware of the visual respite I get when I come upon an oasis. My eyes rest on the promise of refreshment. My skin anticipates the cooling effects of water.
There is water at Joshua Tree. Every living thing is a guest in this environment thanks to this life-giving water. It is a little startling, however, to come across free-standing or flowing water. That happens more in the Spring which is why it's one of my favorite times to visit.
Between Queen Valley and the Wonderland Rocks, is the Barker Dam Nature Trail, which leads to a water-storage reservoir that was built in the early 1900's by ranchers. It's an easy hike but it's still surprising to come across such a large body of water amidst sand, boulders and cacti.
Located in upper Joshua Tree, Barker Dam is home to birds, animals and high school kids who like to jump off the rocks into the water. Lower Joshua Tree is at a much lower elevation and therefore is hotter and drier, but it, too, has an oasis thanks to earthquake activity.
Cottonwood Spring Oasis was used for centuries by the Cahuilla Indians, and was an important water stop for teamsters, prospectors and miners on their way to the gold mines up north. Remnants of bedrock mortars, clay pots and even a primitive type of gold mill can still be found near the spring. The big beautiful cottonwood trees and palms were planted years ago to provide much needed shade.
I camped once at Cottonwood in 100+ heat. Was I ever thankful for the water coming out of the tap at the campgrounds! I was also thankful for the small Lost Palm oasis that was the goal of my 8 mile round trip hike in the same area. The bees, birds and small animals were thankful, too.
There was another oasis that my friends and I enjoyed on our trip. At the end of a day hiking, exploring, photographing and just generally wearing ourselves out, the pool at our resort complex in Palm Desert was a welcomed sight. We gladly drew our wagons around this concrete mecca to soak in its cool waters and take a nice long sip of our refreshing margaritas. With temps in the 90's, it fit nicely the second definition of oasis.
Oasis (n): 2. a small place preserved from surrounding unpleasantness.
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