| Prickly Pear Cactus.
One of the joys of springtime travel in the deserts is the cactus bloom. Extending from
about March to June (depending on location and cactus species), the desert earthtones are
augmented by a riot of colour. This is a type of Prickly Pear, commonly known as Beavertail
(Opuntia Basilaris).
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| Ditto...
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| Flowery Meadows.
Its always such a joy to come across these meadows just awash with colour. In this case,
its mostly Mexican Poppies, Desert Lupines, and Owl's Clover.
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| Ditto...
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| Yet Another Sunset.
I've been to Organ Pipe four or five times. On this trip, I decided to escape the comforts
of the campground, hiked for several hours and spent a night tenting in the desert. I spent
a delightful night being serenaded by Owls, and other night birds. When in the desert, I
always arise well before sunrise - its such a pleasure to just sit and watch the desert
come alive as the sun comes up.
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| Early Morning Visitor.
I haven't seen a large amount of wildlife in the desert. I think most of it tries to stay
hidden from predators and the hot sun. Early morning seems to be the best time for wildlife
viewing. I've seen coyotes, deer, havelinas, and various lizards. I'm still hoping to see a
desert tortoise and the bighorn sheep.
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| Mother Nature Violates Warner Bros Copyright.
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| Northern Mockingbird.
This is one of my favourite birds to observe. Most active in early morning or late afternoon,
I am entertained for hours by their vocal imitations. According to the textbook, they can
faithfully imitate the sounds of dozens of other birds, as well as crickets, frogs, barking
dogs, pianos and rusty gates. I have no reason to doubt this.
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| Keeping a Safe Dstance.
I came across this Diamond Back Rattlesnake, while hiking a short distance from the road.
I stayed back about ten feet just to be on the safe side. Although their bites are not
normally fatal, there's no need to take unecessary risks. He rattled at me, just to show me
that he meant business.
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| Another One.
I found this fellow right in the middle of the trail just a short distance from the main
campground. I spent ten minutes observing and photographing. During that time several other
people came by along the trail. If I hadn't alerted them, they probably would have stepped
on the snake. Not a good idea.
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| Windpower.
A short distance from the campground is this old settler's site. It must have been a harsh
life - with temperatures over 100 degrees for several summer months.
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