Fall in the Desert

Today is the first full day of Autumn, and one might legitimately ask whether the desert displays Fall colors. Absolutely. Here's an example.

And another.

Obviously these colors aren't as spectacular as in other places in the country, but if you're in the desert mountains--the "sky islands"--you'll definitely see colors that will rival those of any place on Earth.

Research Associate Becca and I were struck by the round, plate-like appearance of this Prickly Pear pad.

Here's a wide mat of purple flowers, with a yellow flower or two thrown in for good measure.

On the NMSU grounds there is a lineman school, where students learn about telephone pole-ism.