I knew about Joshua Tree thanks to U2's album “The Joshua Tree”. I had no idea this magical place they referred to was only 3 hours away from San Diego and it's also great for rock climbing.

My friend invited me to go camping with her and two climber friends of her. I obviously said yes before she was done with her question.

We got to Joshua Tree National Park, paid like $35 to get in and found the perfect spot for camping. We set up the camp and we went climbing until there was no light left. Then we had a bonfire, ate some steak, and a lot of junk food (including s’mores of course) and after bonding we went to bed.

We were at -1ºC / 30ºF and I didn't have the appropriate clothing or gear to survive. Thankfully my friend Josie brought like 4 super warm sleeping bags and let me borrow one. So I had two sleeping bags and 4 layers of clothes. I think I was warm enough.

I woke up at 5AM, I drank some water, looked up at the sky and a marvelous amount of stars was lighting the sky. I had no option….

I got out of my warm sleeping bags, took my heavy camera bag and went on a walk looking for some cool spots to take photos not far from the camp or I'd get lost. I have the worst sense of direction…

My hands were freezing even with gloves on but I was out there taking photos, light-painting Joshua Trees and rocks these are the photos I took:

(Click to enlarge)

J-Tree took our hearts and our skin (rock climbing).

Gear Used:

• Canon 70D

• EF 24-70 f/2.8L II USM

• EF-S 10-18 f/4.5 - 5.6 IS STM

• Slik AMT Tripod

• Joby Gorilla Pod

• Flashlights

Adrian The Photographer.