What a Good Soaking Does for the Desert

Looking south from the west side of Tortoise Mountain

We had an all-day rain event yesterday, a slow, steady drenching that was much appreciated by the parched desert.  Of course, it won't put much of a dent in the severe drought we're having in New Mexico, which has been labeled the state with the worst conditions.  But our local desert certainly responded to the precipitation.  Ocotillos were greener--some flowering--cacti were plumper, insects and animals were abundant.  Oh, and there were more outdoor enthusiasts, too, people taking advantage of the cooler weather.

Ocotillo in bloom

Red Spider Mite

The road encircling the mountain

Small rock arch

Cloudy desert scene

Not a volcano

Rain-sated Hedgehog Cactus

Behind Tortugas

Even the Spanish Bayonet has more color now

Devil's Head plump from rain

Devil's Head (aka Turk's Head) swollen with rain

Blue vortex

The newer observatory atop Tortugas

A particularly verdant Ocotillo

Cumulus clouds building again