Well Spring is upon us and each week in April and May brings a new splash of color to the desert. It is truly remarkable what 11 inches of rain can create. Last week we went on a walk in Gates Pass just west of Tucson and were greeted with fantastic blue skies and many spring blooms.
A classic shot
Fairy Duster
New pads forming on a Santa Rita Prickly Pear
A Teddy Bear Cholla in Bloom
Fallen Ocotillo buds
An Engelmanns Prickly Pear
Looking West across Saguaro National Monument
The always green Palo Verde
The fruits of last year on a fishhook Barrel Cactus
A hedgehog cactus, one of the first spring bloomers
Lou enjoying a short nap under the shade of a Palo Verde
After a year of lushness and moisture, we are enjoying the familiarity of the desert's many blessing - cool nights, warm (nearly hot) dry days, endlessly blue skies and a rugged but uniquely beautiful landscape. The day after our hike we left the saguaro stands and mesquite trees behind and made the 200 mile drive north to Snowflake, Arizona and Lou's parents. Along the way we passed the vibrant San Pedro River valley, slanting granite mountains, juniper, cyprus and ponderosa pine forests, the spectacular Salt River canyon and finally reached our destination in the high desert of the Mogollon Rim. More to follow soon!
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