The Mohave Desert is the driest desert in North America. It covers almost 50,000 square miles of land, most of which falls in California. We stopped here on the way home from Lake Havasu, driving off the main highway onto a dirt road somewhere between Joshua Tree and the Old Woman Mountains Wilderness, about two hours into our drive home. We picnicked at the car and then set off to walk the washes, looking for snakes, scorpions and lizards. We found a few lizards, but the highlight of the day was ants! A1 was intrigued by watching ants busily entering and exiting their underground nests. Our pitstop quickly turned into an hour. Nature at work is mesmerizing.
This is true excitement. 
That photo with A1 and her fists all balled up in excitement. PRECIOUS. What a great pit stop. I love the desert. There really isn’t anything like it, is there? Glad you had such an amazing birthday adventure. You did a phenomenal job documenting it all. I miss you guys.
I love that A1 is so interested in animals, of all kinds. She isn’t just into the big ones. And she especially loves BUGS!
The desert is incredible. So deserted and full of hidden treasures.