Keys View Joshua Tree NP

I remember back in 1982 sometime, while stationed in 29 Palms CA, I was out in the little town off base called TWENTYNINE PALMS. It was a weekend, and I got off base to go piddle around. I was in this place having coffee or something when this Marine came inside. I asked him some question and he came over my table where we began to chat. He had a helmet with him. A motorcycle helmet. I forgot exactly the conversation we had but he was PERMANENTLY stationed in 29 Palms as I was stationed there attending my MOS training for 3 months. I was attending Field Radio Operator course there. He later asked me if I wanted to take a ride with him on his bike around Joshua Tree National Park. I had been to the outskirts of the Park before, but never really checked it out inside where all the neat stuff was. We rode into this desert in the park and came upon huge boulders that people were climbing. It was out of this world. He later took a spin up to Keys View where they had some signs labeling what you were viewing. You could see in all directions including INDIO, PALM SPRINGS, some other areas in other directions, and on a clear day, you could see some mountain in Mexico. I had forgotten the name of this place for many years but after reading up on Joshua Tree National Park recently, and viewing some things on Youtube, I know I was up there.

I don't remember this Marine's name, nor can I even put a face to it since its been 31 years ago since we took that ride on his bike to some pretty scenic spots in Joshua Tree NP that I really cherished and appreciated for so many years. It's one of those things you can't put a price on it. About the main thing I remember about this guy is that he had some Marine issue bags he used to strap onto his motorcycle to carry things along with goggles and I remember him saying he hated being in the Marine Corps but that they had some pretty good shit. Yes, he was a pretty cool guy to show me around his neck of the woods. Never saw the guy again, but if I could, I would like to thank him for making my stay in 29 Palms more bearable, for taking the time to show a fellow Marine and share his bike ride with me. It was a very unselfish and most considerate act. He dropped me back off at the town of 29 Palms and when I got back to base later that night, I told my buddies about the day I had. I bet none of those guys ever saw as much as I did for that one day. It was very cool indeed. I never saw that guy again.

I hope to revisit the park with my wife soon and turn her on to some cool scenes.