Joshua Tree National Park Trip

We wanted to take a ride to Joshua Tree and we did make it but didn't have time to really tour the park so we will do it in a day or two. Not sure if we are going to move our camp to Joshua which is only 19 miles away, or just stay where we are.
So, we got a late start (10:00) and on the way to Joshua Tree, we had to pass through an area on Box Canyon Road that offered off road trails. We can't resist a chance for off roading with the Jeep.

The road started off as a fairly smooth dirt road that could be negotiated with the family car but after a short time it was obvious that 4-wheel drive was in order. The road was fun to travel in the Jeep, and probably took us 45 minutes to complete.
We passed this old tree along to off road trail and I had to get a picture of the knotted growth.

The flowers are starting to bloom in the desert.

After our little off road Jaunt, it was lunch time so we checked the GPS for the closest restaurant. To our surprise, the General Patton Museum was at the same exit so after lunch, we did the Museum.

This area was used by Patton for the training of US Tank Troops.

General Patton Museum

Plaque by the Museum
There was mix of displays in the museum that gave information for each of the wars, starting with WWI
Radios, copiers, etc.
A replica of Patton's pearl handle revolver.

This display was very interesting, it is called "Trench Art". Soldiers would pass there time away doing sculptures on the spent shell casings.

A close-up on some of the casings.

After doing the indoor tour of the Museum, we ventured out for the tanks. Joyce liked the sign.
This is a Patton M-60 Medium Tank. The hull is casted and it weighs 48 tons. It is powered by an air cooled diesel engine, mated to an automatic transmission. Top speed is 30 MPH. This tank was used in the middle east.

This is a Patton M-47 Medium Tank. The hull is casted and it weighs 44 tons. It is powered by an Continental air cooled V12 engine, mated to an Allison cross drive transmission. Top speed is 35 MPH. This tank was used in Korea.

This is a Pershing M-26 Heavy Tank. The hull is casted and it weighs 46 tons. It is powered by a Ford V-8 engine, mated to an automatic transmission. Top speed is 20 MPH. This tank was used during WWII.

This is a Sherman M-4 HVSS Medium Tank. The hull is cast/welded and it weighs 36 tons. It is powered by a Wright 9 cylinder radial air cooled engine, mated to a manual transmission. Top speed is 24 MPH. This tank was used during WWII, and Korea.

These Tanks in the field out back of the museum. May have been used for parts?

A dedication monument.

After doing the Museum, it was time to return to camp so Mac could have his dinner. Another good day!!!!