Jeanmarie and I will be attending also, per my p.m. to Gary.

I am thinking of (loosely) organizing an expedition to Joshua Tree NP, which is about 50 miles from Indio, on either Saturday or Sunday. This huge desert park has beautiful scenery, much of which is visible merely by driving the main road, but is better seen from one of the many hiking trails. Just driving from the south to north entrances takes a couple of hours, so this would be pretty much a whole day outing. Photographers will want to be in the park for the typically beautiful sunset, which probably makes Sunday the best day. (Potluck already scheduled for Saturday night.)

Hiking and rock climbing are the probably the main attractions. Depending on weather and the relative fitness of the group, we will have lots of options.

Off road driving is prohibited in the park but there are dirt roads to some remote and beautiful spots for those who need to eat some dust.

Click here for park info: http://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm

Please let me know if interested.

Bryan