The Hidden Valley and Ivy Pochoda's, "The Wonder Valley"

by Jiarui Ye (United States of America)

Making a local connection USA

Amid the harsh desert sun, there is a dry spell in the air: the kind that has a particular mystery behind it. As a celebration of the newfound high temperatures that signify the beginning of spring, we look towards the flowers, trees, and other domestic plants for the new sign of life. All around Pasadena, students pass the blooming cherry blossom trees while others sneeze away from the surging pollen. However, a few hours away, we see the revival of life in the form of spikey, rough figures of Yucca brevifolia, or more commonly known as Joshua trees. On a sunny Saturday morning, I take an unexpected turn to the 210 freeway to avoid the morning travel traffic. As I pass the mountains of Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Duarte, and Glendora, I shift south to the 57, and then the 71, heading deeper and deeper into the center of California. This dehydrated landscape and its ever-menacing aura remind me of a depiction of the contrast between congested city life and uninhabited utopia. While entering through the city of Twentynine Palms, I am greeted with a throwback to the past century. The reminisce of old townhomes, and the country charm allows me to step back into a world that was less convoluted than the present. Driving in, I pass the mini oasis that holds little-to-no protection from the harsh sun. The beauty continues down the route as I pass the lands filled with Joshua trees, prickly cacti, and bushes filled with spines. I reach the first tourist attraction, where I can see children shouting as they climb on the smooth bouldered rocks, quite in contrast to the rough terrain just nearby. This was Jumbo Rocks, one of the most popular campgrounds where the enormity of sediments encased the surroundings. If perhaps you choose to spend the night, and if the sky is kind, you will be treated to the most spectacular view of the stars. Thirty minutes in, I arrive at the center of all the action where tour buses and family cars are parked as far as the eye can see. This is the attractive area of Hidden Valley, where its name alone shows an indication of what mystery lies within. Its unorthodox setting is the perfect location for misfits of all kinds and acts like a commune of all personalities of the world. It is the ideal location to connect where the sun-bleached canvas of nothingness overshadows the desperation of hope and love. It is the perfect seclusion from the hectic populous city of Los Angeles. As I look around the dry yet alive landscape, I am amazed by the simplest and warmed tone allure. Even in such a hot-tempered location, life still grows- wildflowers bud and fruit sprout. This beauty in the middle of nowhere is extraordinary. The disconnect from life's daily on-the-go style is welcome here. All personalities live in this desolate yet alive land, just like the search for connection in "Wonder Valley." There is much to do in this dangerous and enchanting park. In the morning, I suggest you take a hike around and search for the plentiful water at the Barker Dam hiking trail. A darker turn can lead you to the mystery of Skull Rock and its many climbing locations. Reminisce with a blast from the past as you walk a few miles and return to the olden days of wooden homes, cattle ranching, mining, and homesteading at Keys Ranch. At night, remember to look up- the heavens light up the sky with millions of stars that are unlike anything you have ever seen. The mystery of the desert brightens each minute once the sun falls. Suddenly, you find that you are encased in the dark sphere with stars glittering about. This is why you have traveled this far - to witness the beauty, the smell the sunflowers, to hike the travels, to find yourself in the middle of nowhere, and soak in everything it has to offer. The dark secret that the wondrous valley possesses is a vision that is both inspiring and daunting. This is the place of mystery- this is the Wonder Valley.