Moonlight Mesa Retreats

Southern California Rain…

2010-12-31T09:34:00.000-08:00

We just finished our most rainy week we have had in years! I had forgotten what it was like to have rain and cloud cover for days on end- it was a reminder as to why we eventually moved from Seattle. Too much of those gray days just got to us after awhile! The great thing about having rain in the desert is that you know eventually the sun will come out.

We decided to hike up Rattlesnake Canyon yesterday which is our favorite place to go after a nice rainfall. Located at the Indian Cove entrance, it is a beautiful place to be at any time of the year. It is always a wonderous sight to hike through the cactus and rock and turn the corner to find the mini waterfalls flowing down the canyon creating pools of water in the boulder outcrops. In the summer time when the monsoon season hits and its 100 degrees out, you can soak in these pools after a rain fall.

Because we don’t get much moisture here in the Mojave, the rain is always appreciated. Unlike the rainy days in the northwest where you want to crawl back into bed because there is yet another day of rain, as soon as we feel the rain coming here, we dance around with smiles on our faces. The barrel cactus turn a vibrant red, the creosote bush let off a smell of aged wood, and the ground comes alive with moss and grass- yes, it does grow here in the desert!

Living in the desert makes you appreciate every tiny detail of life. Because it can be such a barren place, you notice the tiny yellow flowers when they bloom, or a small patch of moss growing on the shaded underbelly of a rock, even the weeds are appreciated- we call a lot of them spring flowers!

This rain also means that we should have a wonderful Spring Flower Season this year…we can’t wait!

Below is a snapshot of what our MotionX iphone app recorded. Click here to see a more detailed version on Google Maps.

December Vacation Specials!

2010-12-01T19:47:00.001-08:00

Joshua Tree Vacation Specials!

We invite you to rejuvenate your spirit at
Moonlight Mesa Retreats
in one of our three vacation homes

December 1- December 17 only

Book two nights between Dec 1- Dec 17 and receive 10% off!
Book three nights between Dec 1- Dec 17 and get the fourth night free!

Choose from:

The Sunset Terrace- a personal favorite for our guests. 3 bedroom/ 2 bath on 5 acres with hot tub
The Rio House- our largest rental with modern furnishings. 3 bedroom/2 bath on 5 acres with hot tub
The Desert Casa- a newly built modern home. 2 bedroom/2 bath on 2 acres with pool and hot tub

Please check our on-line calendar for available dates.
Call or e-mail us, we would love to hear from you!
760-366-8392
info@moonlightmesaretreats.com

Rising up with UpRising

2010-11-10T20:17:00.000-08:00

Joshua Tree is a world-class climbing destination. A lot of our friends live here in the winter months as professional rock climbing guides and once the warmer weather hits, they head north to do the same. Although we are pretty active, Mark and I had never climbed before coming here 5 years ago. Once we got settled in the community we quickly met many people who make their living from this sport; from owning rock climbing schools/guiding services or being guides themselves to selling rock climbing equipment and supplies.

Once we got a taste of climbing up the rocks, we knew we were hooked. It was one of the best “highs” I have ever had. Natural endorphins just race through your body and you feel exhilarated at every step- it’s no wonder that many people battling additions use this sport to feel this natural high in place of the unhealthy ones they once experienced. Every time I go, I feel an awakening deep inside…a stirring of pent up emotions, a blockage that is finally flowing free, a source of power from deep in my core rising as I slowly climb to the top. It’s odd that I feel so much clarity about everything in my life afterwards because I think of absolutely nothing while I am climbing. It is definitely a moving meditation for me.

Last week, we went climbing with our long time friend Sue Cram, owner of Uprising Adventures (a rock climbing school/guide service) and her partner Mike. Sue has been climbing for 18 years all over the world until she came to Joshua Tree in 2004 and now owns Uprising. Sue is my mentor. I have been climbing with this power house for 3 years now and she challenges me in ways that I never thought possible. No ego, just the dance. Sue:“Yeah, that climb is rated a 5.10c, but why don’t you just see how you do on it” Somehow, every time… I follow her lead. When you find a good guide- one that you feel safe with, one that challenges you without ego, one that has patience and grace, you can do anything.

Want to give rock climbing a try? Go to UpRising.Com for more info

October is here!

2010-10-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

Cooler weather and a bit of rain has finally come our way! This is a wonderful time of the year to be in Joshua Tree. The days are a warm 80 degrees and the nights are cool enough for us to soak in our salt water hot tub while taking in the desert night sky. Sometimes if we get out to the tub early enough, during the twilight hours, we hear the bats chirping above us or their wings fluttering by. The other night I counted 5 meteors that I was lucky enough to see during a 30 minute soak… it is all so magical and glorious every time I see one.

Today, we are off to the Joshua Tree Music Festival. I should have posted this weeks back in hopes that some of you would read it and want to come- it is great fun! During all the years we travelled we attended countless music festivals and the JT music festival is one of our favorites because it is small yet the music is fantastic and the vibe is contagious. Whether you are a local or not, you will meet some lovely people if you are open to it, or find a chair and be in your own little bubble for the time you are there. It is a great time to be had by all and we love our dear friend Barnett English for putting it on twice a year!

Also, this month is the Art Tours, a free event in Joshua Tree. October 23-24 and 30-31, 62 locations to view more than 100 artists, music and more! HWY62ArtTours.com

Blooms and Bees

2010-07-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

It takes a special kind of person to want to live in the desert year round. Everyone wants to visit in the winter months and then as the temperatures rise, people slowly start making their way north for the summer. Then there are those of us who stay, determined to stick it out. The beauty of the desert heat is that it slows you down...you have no choice but to walk slower, talk slower, drink more water, sit and visit with friends, and take naps. All of these things bring you to a place of balance in your life- they center you and make you a more peaceful person.

I was out watering the cactus yesterday morning when I noticed a huge cactus bloom. It was slowly opening as I gave it a drink of water. In the dry heat of the summer, this bloom stood out like an oasis in the Mojave Desert- it made me smile to think about the simple beauty that nature can create. This is my version of therapy, to sit and look at the bloom of a cactus- better than any book I could read or therapist I could talk to. It's simple, yet so beautiful. The bees quickly noticed the flower and entered into its exposed insides. I watched as they rolled around in ecstasy while their bodies were quickly covered in pollen. They would roll around, fly outside for a second and then like an addict, went back for more.

I guess we are hooked. Every season brings its beauty here and we can't seem to get enough of it. I'm off to check up on the baby bunnies and birds in our backyard...then maybe a nap.

Spring has arrived here in the Mojave Desert

2010-04-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

What a great time to visit the Mojave Desert! Here we have some pictures of our last hike to Willow Hole. Willow Hole is a 3.5 mile trek (one way) past the popular climbing area called Outer Mongolia and the main path into the Wonderland of Rocks. The hike starts at the Boy Scout Trail parking area. If you are planing a trip to the desert check out our Joshua Tree National Park Vacation Rentals for accommodations.

If you would like more info on Joshua Tree National Park go to our Joshua Tree National Park information page.

The Mojave Desert Land Trust Eco Hikes

2010-02-10T18:24:00.000-08:00

The Mojave Desert Land Trust is hosting Eco Hikes. Come and enjoy the Mojave Desert and support the Land Trust. Click on the picture for more info or go here to sign up.

Visit Joshua Tree, CA

2009-10-23T18:40:00.000-07:00

Fall has finally arrived here in the desert! It is a wonderful time to visit with the mild temperatures and clear desert night skies. This is a huge month for us here in Joshua Tree with the Morongo Basin Studio Art Tours. If you enjoy art, this is a wonderful opportunity to see more than 100 artists in 2 full weekends. It is the Morongo Basin's largest art event. Tour Dates: Oct 24 & 25, Oct 31-Nov. 1.

Come to the desert to rejuvenate...connect with nature...breathe fresh air....hike....relax....be inspired....star gaze....love.

Moonlight Mesa Retreats is excited to offer two new vacation rentals along with new pricing so that you can afford to get away!

The Sunset Terrace - Please click here for more information
The Rio House - 7 person hot tub and a newly landscaped yard!
The Desert Casa - an architectural beauty with a swimming pool/hot tub

Please visit our website: http://www.moonlightmesaretreats.com or call 760-401-3289. We hope to hear from you!

Jim McBride's and Tracy Tynan's Desert Casa

2009-10-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

This amazing new home was built by Tracy Tynan, a Hollywood costume designer and her husband Jim McBride, a well known Hollywood director. Designed to fit the landscape of the desert while bringing in a modern flair, the clean lines and vibrant colors are sure to entice your curiosity. Located on the edge of Joshua Tree Village just minutes from the National Park this 2 bedroom, 2 bath home is a perfect location to feel the beauty of the desert and still be able to walk to restaurants, art galleries and shopping.
The Desert Casa’s beautifully designed structure boasts a full size swimming pool with a built in hot tub, an outdoor fire pit and lots of seating. A two minute walk takes you back in history to Coyote Hole where ancient Native American Petroglyphs can be found. The home is an amazing blend of modern design and architecture nestled conveniently in the wild Mojave. Just outside the backdoor are hundreds of acres of protected BLM land where you may find live Coyote, Bobcat and Mountain Lion.

New Lower Pricing For The Sunset Terrace House

2009-10-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

To meet challenges of this volatile economy we have adjusted the pricing for The Sunset Terrace House.
This new pricing structure has been devised to accommodate the traveler that is looking to balance budget and comfort. Please go to Joshua Tree pricing page for more information.

Jim McBride and Tracy Tynan to open their Joshua Tree Home up for Vacationers

2009-09-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

Tracy Tynan a Hollywood costume designer and her husband Jim McBride have agreed to list their 1200sqft custom home with Moonlight Mesa Retreats. Jim McBride directed "The Big Easy" and "Great Balls of Fire" (Tracy Tynan designed the costumes for both).

Article by Susan Morgan

“This is the story of a couple who moved to California from the East Coast and then, one day, built a home in the desert,” said Tracy Tynan. Her voice slipped playfully

into the earnest, dulcet tones of a museum docent, as if Jacqueline Kennedy’s tour of the White House were being played as screwball comedy. Read the full article here.

Official Google Blog: Got blog? Will ping.

2009-09-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

http://joshuatreevacationrentals.blogspot.com/

William Henry and Whitley Strieber

2009-09-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

William Henry and Whitley Strieber

DREAMLAND STARGATE EXPERIENCE
October 16-18, 2009
Joshua Tree, CA

Join Whitley Strieber and William Henry at the "Dreamland Stargate Experience" in Joshua Tree, CA October 16-18. For details visit:
www.nexternal.com

We still have a vacancies for October 16-18, call for our special DREAMLAND STARGATE EXPERIENCE pricing. You can also visit our website moonlightmesartreats.com
to view our rentals and get pricing. You must call for the event pricing as it is not listed on our website.

Bonnie Raitt & Taj Mahal

2009-09-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

While staying in Joshua Tree check the Agua Caliente Casino live performances.

Bonnie Raitt & Taj Mahal
performing Alone and Together

September 25th

Vacation Rentals

2009-09-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

Vacation rentals are an excellent alternative to small hotel rooms which have limited amenities and minimal privacy. Vacation rental is a term in the travel industry meaning renting out a furnished apartment or house on a temporary basis to tourists as an alternative to a hotel. Rental home rates start as low as $165 to $250 per home, per night. Travelers can find great deals and great amenities with vacation rentals, from New York to Joshua Tree.

Perceived cons of vacation rentals can include having to communicate directly with the property owner, being unfamiliar with the property, lack of on-site staff, and concerns about quality or cleanliness -- however, these are most often mitigated by dealing with villa or vacation rental agencies that manage vacation properties for owners and they offer many of the same services hotels offer to their guests. Companies like Moonlight Mesa Retreats contract with property owners to manage their properties and can manage numerous vacation homes within a region.

Our Southern California vacation rentals range from rustic cabins to spacious modern homes, located in close proximity to hiking areas, rock climbing, and the village. We are confident you will find the vacation home rental to make your trip both memorable and affordable. One family, on a recent trip, decided to do some bonding by hiking to the top of Ryan Mountain in Joshua Tree National Park located just minutes from any one of our vacation rentals. Visitors routinely choose Joshua Tree for the absence of glitz and glamour and the preponderance of tranquility.

Take your next vacation without spending a penny more than you have to on lodging. Professionally managed vacation home rentals are becoming one of North America's fastest-growing lodging categories. The benefits generally outweigh the potential negatives, with many vacation rentals offering more space (multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, separate living areas), more amenities (fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, private hot tubs), convenient locations (on the beach, ski-in/ski-out, in rural settings with no neighbors) and greater privacy than a hotel. Families and groups, in particular, are attracted to vacation rentals for the privacy, flexibility, and comfort they provide. By renting a house, it becomes as little as $60 per person and you get so many benefits that come with this price tag. Thinking of a vacation on a budget, come to Joshua Tree and experience the Mojave Desert and the Joshua Tree National Park.

Mark Cranston

Owner/webmaster

Moonlight Mesa Retreats Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park Pictures

2009-07-30T21:33:00.000-07:00

Joshua Tree National Park

This is a photo of Barker Dam a couple of months ago, notice how low the water is. I was told that there's a leak in the dam. I hope it gets fixed before winter. This a great place to spot the Big Horn Sheep in the morning.

Perseid Meteor Shower Star Party

2009-07-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

Event Information

Don’t miss this opportunity to see the meteor showers and deep space projections at this historic landmark! This event is a benefit for Mojave Desert Land Trust whose mission protects and saves the desert’s ecosystems, scenic and cultural resources, and quality of life for residents, visitors and future generations. Our beautiful desert night skies are an increasingly rare and precious resource. Your attendance supports Land Trust programs for conservation, stewardship, and education. A portion of your ticket price is tax-deductible as a donation to the Land Trust, a 501(c)(3) public charity. Everyone is welcome!

What:
Witness the Perseid Meteor Showers and enjoy star-gazing with friends and family on the grounds of the mysterious Integratron, while taking part in the effort to save our beautiful desert night skies

When:
Saturday, August 15, 2009. Time – 8:00pm to midnight (optional overnight camping)

Where:
The Integratron, 2477 Belfield Blvd., Landers, CA 92285 (for directions: www.integratron.com)

Price:
$35/person (kids 12 & under FREE). Overnight camping is an additional $25/person and includes continental breakfast.

What to bring: Comfy star-gazing chairs, blankets, travel mug (for coffee/tea), water bottle (refill from Integratron delish well-water on site), and camping gear if staying overnight.

Pre-registration is required and space is limited. For more info call 760-366-5440 or get tickets here.

Get your tickets here...

Joshua Tree National Park

2009-07-16T21:28:00.000-07:00

Joshua Tree National Park welcomes over a million visitors every year. The park offers rock climbing, hiking, sight seeing, biking, camping, bird watching, star gazing, and exploring. This amazing park looks simple at first glance but its surreal geologic features will have a lasting impression. Want something different? Within a few minutes are hot springs, horse back riding, gambling, outlet stores, tram rides, atv riding, and more.

Joshua Tree National Park Vacation Rentals

Joshua Tree Roots Music Festival

2009-06-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

The 4th Annual joshua tree roots music festival is coming up
Early bird ticket s on sale now. A locally owned and produced high desert event.

About: The festivals are produced by a family of friends and funsters convinced that music is the soul of life, and that art enriches and saves lives. That the experience is enhanced when embraced in the great outdoors amongst fellow music lovers. Better still in an intimate setting, where the distinction between artist and audience is blurred, and a passionate performance can be truly relished in close proximity to the stage. Add FREE water to patrons, no service charges on reasonably priced tickets, and well.....let the games begin. To meet the folks behind the mission, click on the following link: About the JTMF People

Our Joshua Tree Vacation Rental

2009-06-28T16:41:00.000-07:00

Unlike a lot of homes here in Joshua Tree, the Sunset Terrace has a rustic looking but has all of the modern benefits: fully insulated, central heat and air, full modern kitchen and a fenced back yard. We just recently added a hot tub this past year so that our guests can soak while viewing the desert night skies...something that you will want to keep coming back for! The home also sits on 5 acres, giving you space to roam, yet it is close enough to the village of Joshua Tree that you could walk to the Farmers Market, or to breakfast. Our home is just 5 minutes away (not in another city) so we are always available for questions, etc.

We are also getting a list of local businesses together to help make your stay here more interesting. This page is just getting started so check back for updates.

Please feel free to sign up and post comments on our rentals, website or your stay.
View our Joshua Tree Vacation Rentals
The above picture is sunset at The Sunset Terrace House

Moonlight Mesa Retreats

Southern California Rain…

December Vacation Specials!

Rising up with UpRising

October is here!

Blooms and Bees

Spring has arrived here in the Mojave Desert

The Mojave Desert Land Trust Eco Hikes

Visit Joshua Tree, CA

Jim McBride's and Tracy Tynan's Desert Casa

New Lower Pricing For The Sunset Terrace House

Jim McBride and Tracy Tynan to open their Joshua Tree Home up for Vacationers

Official Google Blog: Got blog? Will ping.

William Henry and Whitley Strieber

Bonnie Raitt & Taj Mahal

Bonnie Raitt & Taj Mahalperforming Alone and Together

September 25th

Vacation Rentals

Joshua Tree National Park Pictures

Perseid Meteor Shower Star Party

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree Roots Music Festival

Our Joshua Tree Vacation Rental

Bonnie Raitt & Taj Mahal
performing Alone and Together