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| Strawberry Pitaya Cactus and Prickly Pears |
As soon as Becca and I got out of the car near the Sunset Parking area I knew my jacket would not be needed. It has been unseasonably warm lately, hot enough to trick some Ocotillos into blooming a second time. We ran into Jimmy on the loop road, and he also commented on the heat and the Ocotillos. The weather is supposed to change tomorrow, though, a cold front bringing in a significant change. We're going to High Rolls this weekend, so it's liable to be downright cold up there.
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| Becca taking a break from the heat |
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| Leafless Ocotillos on Tortugas's west side |
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| Torrey Yucca in a vast expanse of desert |
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| Ocotillos in bloom |
3 comments:
The sun illuminating the strawberry pitaya cactus is gorgeous, Packrat. You often find interesting and beautiful things to photograph in a sere landscape.
The nor'easter storm didn't affect us much--not like it did southern New England, which got up to 8" of snow; we just got a crusty dusting. It's been chilly here in the eastern Mid-Atlantic, but is supposed to get into the low 70s next Tuesday before the next arctic blast on Wednesday.
With regard to the blue staining in the tree my staff and I cut down last week, I contacted one of my board members who is a forester. Here is his comment:
"Bluestain fungus (certain species of Ceratocystis) infect the wood, causing the blue discoloration. While often found in sapwood, it can be found in older heartwood. Also, it might be chain oil or low-carbon steel embedded for a long time. While there may be other possibilities, more info might be gathered from additional cuts of the log.
Also, it might be connected to a root rot fungus, but further examination of the log and stump could reveal more."
I can't believe it's low-carbon steel or chain oil. It's located at about the 75-year-old level of the tree, so chain oil is highly unlikely.
Wow--that is fascinating information about the blue stain, Scott. Many thanks for filling me in. I'd have to agree with you that chain oil doesn't seem a likely explanation. What a curious phenomenon. And thanks for the compliment on the photo.
Scott, I'm glad the storm didn't affect you much.
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