Not Out of the Woods Yet

Already into the lower desert

Our chances of rain are diminished today, but pretty high--in the 30% to 40% range.  It's still incredibly humid, but a constant breeze kept it feeling plenty cool out there.   We ran into three mountain bikers who were parked while palavering right at the intersection where we usually descend into the lower desert.  Becca was on her best behavior during the encounter.  She also behaved extremely well when we ran into a man and woman who were hiking down into the desert while we were ascending on another trail.  High point of the hike:  spotting Rain Lillies all over the sandy desert.

Rain Lily starting to bloom

Skies are still threatening

This Ocotillo's leaves are paler green than the others

Nobody has walked through this arroyo since the heavy rains

Looking the other way up the arroyo

Headed back toward Tortugas

Rain Lilies were flowering all over

Where I always find them is in sandy, well-draining soil

The kind of soil where Rain Lilies thrive

Dispersing seeds and blooming at the same time

Getting close to the mountain