Thanks Bill. You could be right. It looks very similar to the rabbit brush we see elsewhere that has yellow flowers instead of white.

Not 100% positive, but that might be coyote brush.

https://thenaturecollective.org/plant-guide/details/coyote-brush/

Just don't leave any food out! They are nearly bad as 'coons...

Thanks for the ID Bill! Interesting fact that it's a ground squirrel. There are these large burrows near our campsite and I wondered what critter had dug them until I saw one of these squirrels pop down into one.

California ground squirrel. Almost looks like you stole the picture from wikipedia! Obviously different boulder though.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_ground_squirrel

Yes, it is called petrichor.

https://www.azfamily.com/desert-rain-what-gives-it-that-sweet-smell/article_3f417ca0-63e7-5d64-8834-8d08af6e6ead.html

Thanks Scott. We've done a couple of easy rides here in Borrego Springs and are enjoying the area. Those sculptures are amazing!

Thanks Maureen. I was really bummed when I twisted my ankle but it's improving every day. I'm hoping that I'll be able to dance on it in a week because we'll be camping at the Lake Havasu Elks lodge and they have live music a couple of days a week. So far, I've been able to bike some. Hope you have a fun Halloween dance tonight and say hi to the gang from us!

Thanks Bill, that's what I thought too! I understand that after a rain, you can really smell them.

So sorry to hear of your ankle sprain. Hope it is feeling better by now! Loved the pictures. Camping with chicken! That's a new one. Beautiful scenery, but wind is not so fun.

Creosote bush. One of my favorite plants! Pinch a leaf and sniff the interesting aroma. Wood so dense it will not float. Considered by some to be the oldest living organism, even older than the famous bristlecone pines!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larrea_tridentata

This is really a stunningly beautiful area and one we might return to. But the only biking where we camped is on a highway. Maybe nearer to the national park there would be more roads to ride. This is a place your friend should boondock. My ankle is improving everyday and at least I can walk. We're going to try riding in Borrego Springs.

We have a coworker who moved to Joshua Tree and built a glamping Airbnb, complete with a big swimming pool. Rebecca says it is busy enough to hire two ladies to help her out. She loves the area.

I’m sorry to hear about your ankle, but happy you are looking forward.

That ride west of St. George down the Virgin River gorge is amazing, alright. We rode it for the first time last autumn p, going the other direction, and we’re astonished by it.

I’m so sorry about your ankle! Good luck on. Quick recovery. Borrego Springs has some wonderful cycling.

I think 4 had have been a record, but then again I have a short memory of flats. I do recall when we rode Route 66 we had to be on the interstate for many miles. I know we had a lot of flats on those days. Don has ordered 2 new tires - Schwalbes this time and also new tubes to be shipped to our campground. That should help somewhat.