March 13-15 Joshua Tree (2)

The next day we took a hike to Cottonwood Spring Oasis. The spring is the result of earthquake activity which was used for centuries by the Cahuilla Indians, who left bedrock mortars and clay pots in the area. This place was also a important water stop for prospectors, miners, and teamsters traveling from Mecca to mines in the north. This is one of the best birding spots in the park you can see and hear the birds in the palm and cottonwood trees. Native Americans ate the palm fruit and used the fronds to build waterproof dwellings.

The Cahuillas also planted palm seeds in promising locations.