In my college days and after, we went to the rocks in Joshua Tree often. The climbing is great and it was easy for us to get in dangerous situations without even thinking. Lots of traction.
We were stupid but lucky. I understand the park is crowded these days.
Yes, in my younger days we would trek out to JT to camp overnight or for weekends. It was never very hard to find a great campsite. Nowadays you have to get a reservation and the place is always chock full.
Sigh..
I don’t quite understand why the person on belay stopped holding the line. Why wouldn’t he/she belay the climber during their rappel down?