in Jr. High I sported a jean jacket with a patch displaying this exact image sewn onto the back. it was cool then, it’s still cool now. I loved The Joshua Tree then, I love it more now. the boy inside me recalls with a tender trance the awe of experiencing that album.

about once a year I travel to L.A., but have yet to visit Joshua Tree National Park. this year the plan coalesced. hours of googling later, I begrudgingly admit I cannot visit THE Joshua Tree. it lies 250 miles north of the park by the same name. even if I did reach it, it fell down 8 years ago. next best - Bodie, CA, where U2 shot the famous ghost town stills. I own the poster, also from my Jr. High coolness, and display it with delight in my office. Bodie sits 150 miles beyond THE tree.

but…I will see Joshua trees. and I will see the Harmoy Motel. and I will listen to the album and image that continues defining this man.