Windy and Bone Dry

Hedgehog Cactus buds

I read recently that New Mexico is one of seven U.S. states running out of water.  We are in a prolonged drought, and it's taking its toll on desert flora.  Even some of the native plants on our property, which we water frequently with drip irrigation, are struggling.  So it's quite astonishing--though not surprising--to see desert plants blooming more or less on schedule. The weather was rather strange this morning:  overcast, windy, but warm enough to hike from start to finish in a short-sleeve shirt.

Something in the air

These Prickly Pear Cactus pads are truly dinner-plate size

Still locked on a scent

Flowers in bloom

These are Claret Cup Cactus flowers, though they're mostly orange

Claret Cup bouquet

One opening up, one opened up

Discarded bike chain

Down the road from Tortugas

Mountain biker

Mountain biking in the great Chihuahuan Desert

Becca and Ocotillo buds on the end of new growth