Heading west from the Grand Canyon we passed a spectacular vista called the Vermillion Cliffs.  These crimson cliffs continued for miles and are well worth visiting in their own right. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermilion_Cliffs_National_Monument

     We then stopped for the night at Needles, Ca.  The Colorado River runs through Needles and Susan decided that she and Eleanor just had to get their feet wet in the River.  Me, I sat in my beach chair and sipped a cold beer.
     Joshua Tree National Park was our next stop.  It is said the name was bestowed upon these trees (which by the way are a member of the Lily family) because of the way their limbs reach up to heaven.  The early Mormons gave them this name.  They are slowly dying due to pollution and climate change so we thought we should see them before either they or us become extinct.  From here we are on our way to San Diego to see the kids and old friends.   More to follow.